3D design has become a trend in different industrial and artistic sectors. In just over a decade, it has managed to position itself as one of the best-valued jobs in the world. One of the programs that has become a reference for professionals in this new technique; AutoCAD.
AutoCAD is a highly versatile 2D and 3D digital design program, which allows you to do things with a level of detail much higher than what other software of the same type offer. Also, since he was born in 1982, has been considerably innovating in design, giving designers tools to create unique things. However, its price is a bit high at the moment, which limits the learning of those who are just starting out and do not generate enough to pay for it.
In this article, We present you 8 cheap or free alternatives that you can use to take your first steps in digital design without AutoCAD. In addition, we will tell you everything you need to know when choosing a good 3D modeling program.
What is it, what is it for and how does AutoCAD work?
AutoCAD is a Computer Assisted Design program created by Autodesk. at the beginning of the 80’s. At first it was very archaic and limited, not much better than Windows Paint, but over the years it developed new tools to become a powerful design engine one of the most versatile in the world.
Like other editing programs, this one incorporates the ability to create vector images, bitmaps (like Photoshop), and more, with exquisite precision and a high level of detail. This has elevated it to the pinnacle of 2D and 3D Design above its main competitors in the market..
It is currently the most widely used computer-aided design software for engineers, architects, industrial designers, and other professionals. No engineering or architecture studio can afford to have a computer without AutoCAD.
This is a software that is used in the creation and planning phases. With it you can create plans for civil works from scratch, as well as model parts for industrial machines or for new vehicles in the automotive industry. with 3D printingsimpler objects such as watches, bracelets and even clothing can be designed, and it is not ruled out that organs of living beings can also be designed in the future.
Advantage
The advantages that a professional gains using it are evident. Not for nothing has it become an indispensable program for anyone who works designing and creating things.
- It allows complete creative freedom to design any object from scratch.
- Powerful and versatile tools.
- Great quality of details in anything that is designed.
Disadvantages
Like everything in the world, nothing is perfect, and in some moles can be found that may seem like a disadvantage to many.
- The price of its license is high.
- A very powerful computer is needed for it to work properly.
- It is very complicated to use. If you are not familiar with it, you will have to learn from another professional.
List of the 8 best 2D and 3D design programs similar or alternatives to AutoCAD for Windows and Mac
Now that you know everything you need to know about the program, it’s time to introduce you to the 8 best alternatives to AutoCAD for Windows and MacOS from Apple, so you can start with a simpler and cheaper one.
AutoCAD LT
Autodesk is aware that its software is quite expensive, so it has developed a cheaper version of it so that the less wealthy can start in the world of 2D design and 3D modeling. However, it should be noted that this is less versatile and does not have the most powerful tools than the full version.
One of the biggest blemishes in this version is that you can’t do 3D design in it, but just draw in two dimensions. In addition, with this you cannot control the CAD parameters, nor extract data from objects to the tables. That without forgetting that the license is unique and not multi-user.
MicroStation
This is one of the most powerful editing software, with a variety of tools that make it one of the most versatile on the market today. It is especially used by architects since the quality it offers in drawing up plans is as good as that of the Autodesk program, with a cheaper license.
MicroStation can read BIM, IFC, DGN, and i-models, and even other things like point clouds and raster images. It also offers tools for 3D modeling that are very good and don’t require as much mastery to get good work done.
VectorWorks
This is one of the most powerful alternatives you have on the list. When it comes to 2D design, it is undoubtedly one of the best in the industry, combining Illustrator and Photoshop tools, but with a better quality of detail. This is a cheaper alternative for architects who can’t afford the Autodesk program. However, it is also less powerful when it comes to three-dimensional design.
Revit
This is an alternative launched by Autodesk itself that allows you to work on BIM files for three-dimensional design. This is used especially by architects and engineers to make simple plans, but without the option of giving them depth in three dimensions. Its license is cheap, although it must also be said that Some of its tools require advanced knowledge to understand and apply correctly.
sketchup
This is a excellent ally for 3D designers. It’s cheap and the functions it has are not that complex to use, so it could be said that it is an entry-level software, ideal for taking the first steps before purchasing a more powerful option.
Of course, the quality of details is not top level, but with ingenuity interesting works can be carried out. Although the most interesting thing is that you can also edit and design online, without having to download anything.
ArchiCAD
A good reader and editor of BIM files for 3D modeling. It is cheaper than others on the list, although its features are not the best available either. One of its greatest advantages is that it allows you to certify yourself as an expertwhich gives you a very good wild card to get a job, without forgetting that they offer you training so that you learn what is necessary to carry out high-flying works at a professional level.
SolidWorks
One of the best for Windows today. This software was created in 1995 with the intention of making 3D design available to everyone, offering a quality program at a much lower price than the competition.
It has powerful features that are relatively easy to use.Although it must be said that it is still a bit far from what you can achieve with Autodesk software, but it is undoubtedly a good option to start designing.
bricscad
We close with one of the best on the market, considered one of the strongest competitions it currently has. This software has some of the most powerful features you will find for vector design.
In addition, it has an excellent support team that will help you answer any questions, and even an ideal course program for you to learn all the secrets until you become an expert. However, its license is by no means cheap, although it is still below Autodesk software..
In the market you can find other pretty good options like IntelligentCad either Solid Edges that will also allow you to do good jobs, but we consider that the 8 that we have currently presented to you are the best. So take note and start downloading the one you like the most.
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