Best Free Online CAD Software in 2026: 10 Free CAD Tools Compared

Looking for the best free online CAD software can be harder than it sounds.

There are dozens of CAD programs available today, but "free" can mean very different things. Some CAD software is completely free and open source. Some has a free plan but limits commercial use. Others offer a free trial for a few weeks. Some run in a browser, while others require a Windows, Mac, or Linux installation.

Then there is another important question:

Do you actually need 2D CAD or 3D CAD?

If you're creating engineering drawings, site plans, floor plans, fabrication drawings, layouts, schematics, or technical documentation, you may not need a full 3D modelling platform.

You may simply need good 2D CAD software that lets you draw accurately, edit quickly, collaborate with other people, and keep track of revisions.

That's what this guide is about.

We've compared some of the most useful free and low-cost CAD options, including LibreCAD, QCAD, AutoCAD Web, Onshape, and BranchCAD.

We'll look at:

• The best free CAD software for 2D drafting
• The best online CAD software
• Free CAD software for engineering
• Free CAD software for commercial work
• Open-source CAD vs browser-based CAD
• Desktop CAD vs online CAD
• AutoCAD alternatives
• CAD collaboration and version control
• What to look for before choosing free CAD software

The goal isn't to claim that one CAD program is best for everyone.

It's to help you find the best free CAD software for the way you actually work.

Quick answer: What is the best free online CAD software?

If you specifically want free online 2D CAD software, the answer depends on what matters most to you.

BranchCAD is designed for browser-based 2D drafting, with collaboration and version history built into the workflow.

LibreCAD is one of the strongest choices if you want completely free, open-source 2D CAD that runs locally on Windows, macOS, or Linux.

QCAD Community Edition is another established open-source 2D CAD option for desktop users.

AutoCAD Web is useful if you're already working in the Autodesk ecosystem and want browser access to AutoCAD, but it is a commercial product with a free trial rather than a permanently free CAD application.

Onshape is one of the better-known browser-based CAD platforms, particularly for collaborative 3D design, but its free plan is intended for non-commercial use and documents are public.

So there isn't one universal winner.

The right choice depends on whether you need 2D or 3D CAD, offline access, commercial use, collaboration, version control, or browser access.

Best free CAD software at a glance

Here's a quick comparison of several popular options.

• Always check the current software licence and terms for your specific use.

This table gives you the short version.

The rest of this guide explains why you might choose one option over another.

What does "free CAD software" actually mean?

The first thing to understand is that free CAD software doesn't necessarily mean the same thing across different products.

You may encounter:

• Completely free and open-source CAD
• Free CAD software for personal use
• Free CAD software for students
• Free plans with limited features
• Free plans that make projects public
• Free trials
• Free viewers but paid editors
• Commercial CAD software with a limited free version
• Software that requires a paid licence for specific file formats

These differences matter.

For example, LibreCAD describes itself as completely free and open source, with no trial period or expiry.

QCAD has a free open-source Community Edition, while QCAD Professional adds proprietary functionality such as DWG support.

Onshape's free plan is different again: it provides browser-based CAD and collaboration, but the free plan is for non-commercial use and its documents are public.

AutoCAD Web is a commercial product with a free trial rather than a permanently free CAD package.

So before choosing a CAD application, don't just ask:

"Is it free?"

Ask:

"What exactly is included in the free version, and can I use it for the work I need to do?"

2D CAD vs 3D CAD: Which one do you need?

This is probably the most important decision to make before choosing CAD software.

2D CAD

2D CAD is used for creating drawings made primarily from lines, arcs, circles, polylines, dimensions, text, blocks, layers, and other drafting elements.

Common applications include:

• Engineering drawings
• Architectural floor plans
• Site plans
• Survey drawings
• Construction drawings
• Civil engineering layouts
• Utility plans
• Fabrication drawings
• Electrical schematics
• Mechanical drafting
• General technical drawings

If you're producing technical drawings rather than designing a complex 3D object, 2D CAD software is usually the more appropriate choice.

3D CAD

3D CAD is designed around three-dimensional models.

Typical applications include:

• Mechanical parts
• Product design
• Assemblies
• Manufacturing
• 3D printing
• Industrial design
• Simulation
• Parametric modelling

Platforms such as Onshape are built primarily around this type of workflow.

The important point is that more features don't necessarily make a CAD program better for your particular job.

If all you need is a site plan, adding a sophisticated 3D modelling system may make the workflow more complicated rather than better.

Best free 2D CAD software

If you're specifically looking for free 2D CAD software, there are several strong options.

1. LibreCAD

LibreCAD is one of the best-known open-source 2D CAD applications.

It is completely free and available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The project describes itself as a mature 2D CAD application and distributes it under an open-source licence.

LibreCAD is a particularly good option if you:

• Only need 2D drafting
• Want open-source software
• Work primarily offline
• Don't need built-in collaboration
• Don't want a subscription
• Want to install CAD locally

For an individual who simply wants a free 2D drafting program, LibreCAD is difficult to ignore.

Its limitation is not really its drafting capability.

It's the workflow around the drawing.

Your project is still fundamentally a file on your computer. If several people need to work on the same drawing, you need another system for sharing and managing revisions.

2. QCAD Community Edition

QCAD is another established name in 2D CAD.

The QCAD Community Edition is open source and released under GPLv3, while QCAD Professional adds proprietary extensions and additional capabilities.

QCAD is worth considering if you want:

• Traditional 2D CAD
• A desktop application
• Open-source software
• Windows, macOS, or Linux support
• A familiar technical drafting workflow

One important detail is that the free Community Edition and QCAD Professional are not identical.

For example, QCAD states that Professional includes proprietary plugins for DWG support and other enhanced functionality.

If DWG compatibility is important to your workflow, check exactly which edition and capabilities you need before choosing QCAD.

3. BranchCAD

BranchCAD takes a different approach.

Rather than building another traditional desktop CAD application, BranchCAD is designed as browser-based 2D CAD.

The idea is simple:

Open the browser.

Open the project.

Start drawing.

But the bigger difference is what happens around the drawing.

BranchCAD is being built around collaboration and version control, rather than treating every revision as another file.

That means the workflow can include:

• Browser-based 2D drafting
• Real-time collaboration
• Version history
• Visual comparison of changes
• Branching drawings
• Restoring previous versions
• Sharing projects without installing desktop CAD

This is particularly useful for teams that are tired of dealing with files such as:

SitePlan.dwg
SitePlan_v2.dwg
SitePlan_Final.dwg
SitePlan_Final2.dwg
SitePlan_Final_Approved.dwg
SitePlan_Final_Approved_Really_Final.dwg

If you work alone and want a mature offline application, LibreCAD or QCAD may be the better choice.

If collaboration and browser access are important, BranchCAD is designed for a different kind of workflow.

Best online CAD software

Online CAD has become increasingly useful because you don't necessarily need to install a large desktop application anymore.

But "online CAD" covers several very different products.

AutoCAD Web

AutoCAD Web provides browser-based access to core AutoCAD functionality and allows users to work with drawings online. Autodesk currently offers AutoCAD Web as a subscription product with a free trial.

This makes it particularly useful for people already working with AutoCAD.

The advantages are obvious:

• No traditional desktop installation for the web workflow
• Access from supported browsers
• DWG-based workflow
• Familiar AutoCAD environment
• Useful for reviewing and editing drawings remotely

The downside is also straightforward:

AutoCAD Web isn't a permanently free CAD program.

Autodesk currently lists a 30-day free trial for AutoCAD Web.

So if you're searching specifically for free online CAD software, AutoCAD Web is better described as a commercial online CAD option with a free trial.

Onshape

Onshape is a major example of cloud-based CAD.

Unlike BranchCAD, which focuses specifically on 2D CAD, Onshape is primarily a 3D CAD platform with strong collaboration and version-control capabilities.

Its free plan includes CAD tools, real-time collaboration and version control, but it is intended for non-commercial use and documents on the free plan are public.

That makes Onshape interesting for:

• Students
• Makers
• Hobbyists
• Personal projects
• Open-source projects
• People learning cloud CAD

For confidential commercial engineering work, however, the free plan isn't appropriate because of its public-document limitation.

BranchCAD

BranchCAD is focused on a narrower problem:

online 2D CAD.

Instead of trying to become a complete 3D product-design platform, the focus is on making technical 2D drawings easier to create, access, share, and manage.

That makes it particularly relevant for people working with:

• Engineering drawings
• Site plans
• Survey drawings
• Architectural plans
• Construction drawings
• Fabrication drawings
• Technical layouts
• Collaborative drafting

The browser-based approach means there's no traditional CAD installation to manage.

More importantly, version history and collaboration are part of the product rather than something you have to build around the CAD software with folders and external tools.

Desktop CAD vs browser-based CAD

So which is better?

There isn't a universal answer.

Desktop CAD

Traditional desktop CAD still has some significant advantages.

Pros:

• Works offline
• Mature toolsets
• Local files
• Strong performance
• Established workflows
• Large communities
• Often better for specialised workflows

Cons:

• Installation required
• Updates need to be managed
• Different computers may have different configurations
• Collaboration often relies on external tools
• Revision management can become complicated
• Sharing files can create duplicate versions

Desktop CAD remains the right choice for many professional users.

There is no reason to move to browser CAD simply because it is newer.

Browser-based CAD

Browser-based CAD approaches the problem differently.

Pros:

• No installation
• Easy access from multiple computers
• Easier sharing
• Automatic software updates
• Better suited to distributed teams
• Collaboration can happen inside the application
• Projects can be accessed from anywhere with a supported browser

Cons:

• Internet access may be required
• Browser performance matters
• Some advanced workflows still favour desktop applications
• Large or complex projects may require more consideration

The important question isn't:

"Is browser CAD better?"

It's:

"Would browser access and collaboration make my particular CAD workflow easier?"

If the answer is yes, online CAD is worth considering.

Open-source CAD vs online CAD

These two terms are often confused.

They shouldn't be.

What is open-source CAD?

Open-source CAD software makes its source code available under an open-source licence.

LibreCAD is a good example. Its source code and development model are openly available.

QCAD Community Edition is another example, distributed under GPLv3 with specific exceptions.

Open-source software can be attractive because:

• You can inspect the source
• The community can contribute
• There is no dependence on a proprietary binary in the same way
• It can be modified or extended according to its licence
• It can often be used without subscription fees

What is online CAD?

Online CAD means that the application is accessed through the internet, usually through a browser.

It doesn't automatically mean the software is open source.

For example:

• LibreCAD = open source + desktop
• QCAD Community Edition = open source + desktop
• Onshape = browser-based + proprietary
• AutoCAD Web = browser-based + proprietary
• BranchCAD = browser-based + proprietary

So open source and online are not competing categories.

They describe different aspects of the software.

Free CAD software for commercial use

This is one of the most important questions for professional users.

A CAD program can be free to download without necessarily being suitable for commercial work.

Before using free CAD software for a business, check:

1. The software licence
2. Whether commercial use is allowed
3. Whether projects must be public
4. Whether exported files have restrictions
5. Whether important features are limited to a paid version
6. Whether the software can be used for client projects
7. Whether your organisation has additional licensing requirements

LibreCAD is distributed as free and open-source software.

QCAD Community Edition is distributed under GPLv3, while QCAD Professional is a commercial product with proprietary extensions.

Onshape Free is explicitly for non-commercial use and its documents are publicly accessible.

AutoCAD Web is a commercial subscription product with a free trial.

The lesson is simple:

Never assume "free" means "free for commercial use."

Best free CAD software for engineering

Engineers use CAD for very different purposes, so the best software depends on the type of engineering work.

For 2D engineering drawings

If your work is primarily 2D drafting, look at:

• LibreCAD
• QCAD
• BranchCAD
• AutoCAD Web

Your choice will depend heavily on file-format requirements, collaboration, offline access, and whether you need a browser-based workflow.

For 3D mechanical engineering

If you need:

• 3D parts
• Assemblies
• Parametric modelling
• Manufacturing workflows
• Product design

then a 3D CAD platform such as Onshape is much more appropriate than a dedicated 2D CAD application.

For civil and site drawings

Civil and engineering workflows often involve:

• Site plans
• Property boundaries
• Survey information
• Utility layouts
• Existing-condition drawings
• Construction details
• Cross-sections

For these workflows, a fast 2D drafting environment can be more useful than a full 3D modelling platform.

Best free CAD software for architects

Architectural CAD requirements vary significantly.

If you're producing straightforward floor plans, elevations, layouts, and technical drawings, 2D CAD can be enough.

For more advanced building design, BIM, 3D modelling, rendering, and documentation, you'll need a more specialised platform.

For straightforward 2D architectural drafting, the key questions are:

• Can I create accurate geometry?
• Can I use layers?
• Can I add dimensions and annotations?
• Can I print or export drawings?
• Can I share projects easily?
• Can multiple people review the same drawing?
• Can I recover previous versions?

The last two questions are often overlooked.

As a project grows, managing revisions can become just as important as drawing the geometry itself.

The biggest problem with traditional CAD software

Most CAD software is very good at creating drawings.

The problem often starts after the drawing has been created.

Consider a typical project.

Someone creates a drawing.

They save it.

A colleague makes a change.

A copy is sent to another person.

Someone else makes another change.

A week later, the project folder contains:

House.dwg
House_RevA.dwg
House_RevB.dwg
House_RevB_new.dwg
House_RevC.dwg
House_RevC_FINAL.dwg
House_RevC_FINAL2.dwg
House_RevC_FINAL_APPROVED.dwg

This isn't really a CAD problem.

It's a version-control problem.

And traditional file-based workflows don't solve it particularly well.

You can use:

• Shared folders
• OneDrive
• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• SharePoint
• Email
• Manual revision numbering
• Document management systems

But the CAD application itself often doesn't know the complete history of what happened to the drawing.

Why we built BranchCAD

This is the problem that led us to build BranchCAD.

Modern software development has already solved many of these problems.

Developers don't normally create:

website_final.zip
website_final2.zip
website_final_really_final.zip

They use version control.

They can see changes.

They can create branches.

They can experiment without destroying the main version.

They can merge work.

They can go back to an earlier version.

We wanted to explore what those ideas could look like in 2D CAD.

That's why BranchCAD treats drawings differently.

Instead of making every revision another file, the project can maintain its history.

You can:

• Restore previous versions
• Review changes
• Compare revisions visually
• Create branches
• Experiment without changing the main drawing
• Collaborate with other people
• Keep project history in one place
• Work directly in a browser

The goal isn't to claim that version control makes every CAD workflow better.

If you work alone on a simple drawing once a month, you probably don't need it.

But when several people are constantly creating, reviewing, and changing drawings, version history can become extremely useful.

What should you look for in free CAD software?

Before choosing a CAD application, make a checklist based on your actual work.

1. Does it support 2D or 3D?

Don't choose a 3D platform if all you need is simple 2D drafting.

Likewise, don't choose a 2D application if you need parametric 3D modelling.

2. Does it run online?

If you work across different computers or with a remote team, browser access can make a significant difference.

3. Can you use it commercially?

Check the licence rather than assuming.

4. What file formats does it support?

If your workflow depends on DWG, DXF, PDF, SVG, or another format, check exactly what the software can import and export.

File-format compatibility can be more important than the number of drawing commands.

5. Does it support collaboration?

Can two people work on the same drawing?

Can someone review a drawing without creating another copy?

Can you share a project easily?

6. Does it have version history?

This is increasingly important for teams.

Being able to restore an earlier revision can save significant time.

7. Does it work offline?

If you regularly work without internet access, desktop CAD may still be the better choice.

8. Is it actually free?

Check whether "free" means:

• Free forever
• Free trial
• Free for personal use
• Free for education
• Free with public projects
• Free with limited features

Those are very different offers.

Free CAD software vs free AutoCAD alternatives

Many people searching for free CAD software are really searching for a free AutoCAD alternative.

That's understandable.

AutoCAD has been one of the dominant CAD platforms for decades, and many engineers and designers have learned their workflows around it.

But you don't necessarily need an AutoCAD replacement with exactly the same feature set.

If you primarily need 2D drafting, alternatives such as LibreCAD, QCAD, and browser-based tools such as BranchCAD may be worth evaluating.

The right choice depends on what you actually use AutoCAD for.

If you need advanced AutoCAD-specific workflows, DWG compatibility, specialised toolsets, or an established corporate environment, a commercial Autodesk product may still make sense.

If you mainly draw lines, arcs, dimensions, layouts, and technical drawings, a simpler 2D CAD application may be enough.

Is BranchCAD the best free online CAD software?

It depends on what you mean by "best."

If you need a mature desktop CAD application that works offline, LibreCAD or QCAD may be a better choice.

If you're already heavily invested in Autodesk, AutoCAD Web may fit your existing workflow better.

If you need collaborative 3D CAD, Onshape is a much more appropriate tool.

But if you're looking for free online 2D CAD software with collaboration and version history at the centre of the workflow, BranchCAD is designed specifically for that use case.

BranchCAD isn't trying to replace every CAD application.

It's focused on making 2D technical drawing in the browser easier to access, share, collaborate on, and manage.

That means BranchCAD may be particularly useful if you:

• Work on engineering drawings
• Work with remote colleagues
• Move between computers
• Need browser access
• Regularly exchange drawings with other people
• Have problems managing drawing revisions
• Want collaboration built into the CAD workflow
• Prefer not to install desktop CAD software

Frequently asked questions about free CAD software

What is the best free online CAD software?

There isn't one best option for everyone. For free desktop 2D CAD, LibreCAD is one of the strongest open-source choices. For browser-based collaborative 2D CAD, BranchCAD takes a more focused approach. Onshape is a strong browser-based option for collaborative 3D CAD, although its free plan is non-commercial and public.

What is the best free 2D CAD software?

LibreCAD, QCAD Community Edition, and BranchCAD are all worth considering. LibreCAD and QCAD are desktop applications, while BranchCAD is designed around browser-based 2D CAD. The best choice depends on whether you prioritise open source, offline access, collaboration, or browser access.

Is there a completely free alternative to AutoCAD?

Yes. LibreCAD is completely free and open source, and QCAD Community Edition is another open-source 2D CAD option. Browser-based alternatives also exist, although their features and licensing models differ.

Is there free CAD software for commercial use?

Some free CAD applications can be used commercially, but the answer depends on the software licence and the specific product edition. Always check the current licence before using CAD software for client or commercial work.

Is LibreCAD really free?

Yes. LibreCAD describes itself as completely free and open source, with no trial period or expiry. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Is QCAD free?

QCAD has a free open-source Community Edition. QCAD also offers a Professional edition with additional proprietary functionality.

Is AutoCAD free?

The full commercial AutoCAD product is not permanently free. Autodesk offers free trials, including a 15-day trial for the full AutoCAD product and a 30-day trial for AutoCAD Web according to its current product pages.

Can I use CAD software without installing it?

Yes. Browser-based CAD applications allow you to create or edit drawings through a web browser. AutoCAD Web, Onshape, and BranchCAD are examples of browser-based CAD approaches.

Is online CAD better than desktop CAD?

Not necessarily. Desktop CAD remains useful for offline work, specialised tools, and established professional workflows. Online CAD is particularly attractive when browser access, sharing, and collaboration are important.

What is the best free CAD software for engineering?

For 2D engineering drawings, applications such as LibreCAD, QCAD, and BranchCAD are worth considering. For 3D mechanical engineering, a dedicated 3D CAD platform such as Onshape may be more appropriate.

What is the best free CAD software for architecture?

For simple 2D architectural drafting, a dedicated 2D CAD application can be sufficient. For advanced 3D building design and BIM, you'll need a more specialised architectural platform.

What is the best free CAD software for students?

The answer depends on what you're studying. For learning 2D drafting, LibreCAD is a straightforward free option. For 3D CAD education, platforms such as Onshape offer dedicated education plans.

What is the best free CAD software for collaboration?

For collaborative 3D CAD, Onshape is a strong option. For collaborative 2D drafting, BranchCAD is designed specifically around browser-based drawings, collaboration, and version history.

Can I edit CAD drawings online?

Yes. Browser-based CAD applications allow users to create and edit CAD drawings without relying on a traditional desktop installation. AutoCAD Web provides browser-based access to AutoCAD, while BranchCAD focuses on online 2D drafting.

What is browser-based CAD?

Browser-based CAD is CAD software that you access through a web browser rather than installing the main application locally. It can make sharing, collaboration, and accessing projects from different computers easier.

What is the difference between open-source CAD and online CAD?

Open-source refers to how the software's source code is licensed and developed. Online CAD refers to how the software is accessed. A CAD program can be open source and desktop-based, or proprietary and browser-based.

Final verdict: Which free CAD software should you choose?

The best free CAD software depends on the work you're doing.

Choose LibreCAD if you want completely free, open-source 2D CAD that runs locally on your computer.

Choose QCAD Community Edition if you want an established open-source desktop drafting application.

Choose AutoCAD Web if you're already working with Autodesk and want browser-based access to AutoCAD.

Choose Onshape if you want collaborative cloud-based 3D CAD and the free-plan limitations work for you.

Choose BranchCAD if you want browser-based 2D CAD with collaboration and version history built into the workflow.

There is no reason to use a complicated CAD system simply because it has more features.

For many people, the best CAD software is simply the one that makes their everyday work easier.

And that's ultimately what we think the next generation of CAD should focus on.

Not just drawing faster.

Working better together.

If you'd like to try BranchCAD, you can start designing for free without installing traditional desktop CAD software.

You can also read our guide on what you can do with browser-based CAD or compare the available BranchCAD plans.