QCAD

Name: QCAD
Brand: QCAD
Rating: 4.3 (20 reviews)

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Open-source 2D CAD software for technical drawings and computer-aided manufacturing.

CAD & Simulation Blueprint & Drawings Developer Tools

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4.3(20 across the web)

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Reviews onG2Capterra

20 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Free and open-source for basic 2D CAD functionality.

Biggest con

Advanced CAM features are part of a paid professional version.

TL;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

What is QCAD?

Editorial review

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.

Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated Jul 20, 2026 · how we evaluateSourceqcad.org ↗

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)

What people say

“Quick and easy to draw things. Decent keyboard shortcuts to avoid to much mouse work. Very stable, it's never crashed on me.”via Capterra

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

Pricing checked Jul 29, 2026

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

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Is QCAD worth the price?

95/100

QCAD's pricing is extremely generous, offering a fully functional 2D CAD software with CAM and nesting capabilities completely for free.

This makes it an exceptional value, especially for individuals or small businesses needing robust CAD without a budget. It's best for hobbyists, students, and small workshops looking for a powerful, no-cost CAD solution.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

No paid support options mentioned

Potential learning curve for new users

No cloud collaboration features

How QCAD Compares to Competitors

Compared to commercial alternatives like AutoCAD LT (starting around $60/month or $485/year), QCAD offers a phenomenal value by being completely free. Even against other open-source options, its inclusion of CAM and nesting without cost is a significant differentiator, as many open-source CAD tools require separate CAM plugins or have fewer features.

Reviews

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4.3/5

Across 20 verified user reviews on G2, Capterra

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Best QCAD Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

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BluebeamPaid

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Rhino 3DPaid

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

QCAD vs SketchUpHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins QCAD vs Bizagi ModelerHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins QCAD vs BluebeamHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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QCAD FAQ

How does QCAD support manufacturing workflows?

QCAD supports manufacturing workflows through its QCAD/CAM extension, which is part of the professional version. This module enables users to generate toolpaths directly from 2D CAD drawings and export G-Code for controlling CNC machines such as milling, engraving, and laser cutters.

Which teams would benefit most from using QCAD?

QCAD is well-suited for engineers, designers, and hobbyists who require precise 2D technical drawings. It also benefits teams involved in CNC manufacturing due to its CAM capabilities for generating G-Code.

How does QCAD's 2D focus compare to a tool like Rhino 3D?

QCAD is primarily focused on 2D technical drafting and manufacturing preparation, offering an intuitive interface for creating precise two-dimensional drawings. In contrast, Rhino 3D is known for its robust 3D modeling capabilities, making it suitable for different design requirements.

What kind of limitations should users be aware of with QCAD?

Users should note that QCAD is primarily designed for 2D drafting and is not suitable for 3D design tasks. Additionally, its advanced CAM features, including G-Code generation, are part of a paid professional version rather than the free open-source offering.

Does QCAD include a free tier?

Yes, QCAD offers a free and open-source version that provides basic 2D CAD functionality without requiring a paid plan. Advanced features, such as CAM capabilities and support for DXF/DWG formats, are available in the professional version.

Can QCAD be used on different operating systems?

Yes, QCAD offers cross-platform compatibility, allowing it to run on Windows, macOS, and Linux. This provides a versatile solution for users across various computing environments.

How does QCAD allow for customization and extension?

QCAD is designed to be extensible, featuring a powerful ECMAScript scripting interface. This allows users to customize and extend its functionality, particularly for configuring output in the CAM module to generate various machine-readable formats.

Source: qcad.org

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