QCAD
UnclaimedOpen-source 2D CAD software for technical drawings and computer-aided manufacturing.
Visit WebsiteTL;DR - QCAD
- Free and open-source 2D CAD software for Windows, Linux, and Mac.
- Supports technical drawings, including architectural, mechanical, and schematics.
- QCAD/CAM extends functionality to generate G-Code for CNC manufacturing.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
4.3/5 across review platforms
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open-source for basic 2D CAD functionality.
- Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Intuitive user interface, easy for beginners to learn.
- Extensible with a powerful ECMAScript scripting interface.
- QCAD/CAM offers advanced G-Code generation for CNC machines.
Cons
- Advanced CAM features are part of a paid professional version.
- Primarily focused on 2D, not suitable for 3D design.
Ratings Across the Web
4.3(20 reviews)
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Key Features
LayersBlocks (grouping)35 CAD fonts and TrueType font supportDXF and DWG input and outputPrinting to scale and on multiple pagesOver 40 construction toolsOver 20 modification toolsConstruction and modification of points, lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, splines, polylines, texts, dimensions, hatches, fills, raster images
Pricing Plans
Free
Free
- Layers
- Blocks (grouping)
- 35 CAD fonts included
- Support for TrueType fonts
- Various Metrical and Imperial units
- DXF and DWG input and output
- Printing to scale
- Printing on multiple pages
- Over 40 construction tools
- Over 20 modification tools
- Construction and modification of points, lines, arcs, circles, ellipses, splines, polylines, texts, dimensions, hatches, fills, raster images
- Various powerful entity selection tools
- Object snaps
- Measuring tools
- Part library with over 4800 CAD parts
- Very complete and extremely powerful ECMAScript (JavaScript) scripting interface
- Command line tools (dwg2pdf, dwg2svg, dwg2bmp, etc.)
- QCAD/CAM: G-Code export
- Nesting
About QCAD
By Toolradar Team·
QCAD is a free and open-source 2D CAD (Computer-Aided Drafting) application designed for creating various technical drawings such as architectural plans, mechanical parts, schematics, and diagrams. It offers an intuitive user interface, making it accessible even for users without prior CAD experience. QCAD runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, providing a cross-platform solution for drafting needs.
Beyond basic drafting, QCAD also offers a professional version, QCAD Professional, which includes support for DXF and DWG formats. For manufacturing applications, QCAD/CAM extends QCAD Professional with Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) capabilities. This allows users to generate toolpaths from CAD drawings and export G-Code for controlling CNC machines like milling, engraving, and laser cutting machines. The CAM module is highly configurable through an ECMAScript-based output configuration, enabling the generation of various machine-readable formats.
QCAD is ideal for engineers, designers, hobbyists, and anyone needing to create precise 2D technical drawings or prepare designs for CNC manufacturing. Its modular, extensible, and portable design, combined with a rich feature set, makes it a powerful yet user-friendly tool for both drafting and CAM processes.
How we evaluate tools →Source: qcad.org
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QCAD FAQ
What is QCAD?
QCAD is a free and open-source 2D CAD (Computer-Aided Drafting) application used for creating technical drawings such as building plans, mechanical parts, and schematics. It also offers a professional version with advanced features and a CAM module for generating G-Code for CNC machines.
How much does QCAD cost?
The base QCAD application is free and open-source. QCAD Professional and QCAD/CAM are paid products. Pricing details for these versions can be found in their online shop.
Is QCAD free?
Yes, the core QCAD application is free and open-source. There are also paid versions, QCAD Professional and QCAD/CAM, which offer additional features like DXF/DWG support and CAM capabilities. A free trial version of QCAD/CAM is available for download.
Who is QCAD for?
QCAD is for anyone who needs to create 2D technical drawings, including architects, engineers, designers, students, and hobbyists. QCAD/CAM is specifically for users who need to prepare their CAD designs for computer-aided manufacturing with CNC machines.
Source: qcad.org