Best Free CAD & Architecture Software
For free cad & architecture software, FreeCAD leads our ranking: Fully free and open source with no sign-up or paywall; includes a dedicated BIM/architecture workbench plus general 3D parametric modeling. FreeCAD, LibreCAD and SolveSpace are compared in full below — each with its real free-tier limits, platforms, and export formats spelled out before you sign up.
8 tools ranked · free tiers & pricing last verified Jun 23, 2026
How they compare
Ordered by overall fit — free-tier value, output quality, platforms, and ease.
FreeCAD
Truly freeFully free and open source with no sign-up or paywall; includes a dedicated BIM/architecture workbench plus general 3D parametric modeling.
LibreCAD
Truly freeCompletely free and GPLv2 open source with full 2D drafting; it is 2D-only with no 3D modeling.
SolveSpace
Truly freeFully free and GPLv3 open source with no install required on Windows; geared to mechanical/geometric parts rather than full BIM.
Autodesk Fusion
Free, with limitsFree for hobbyists with limited functionality, restricted to personal non-commercial projects; commercial use requires a paid subscription.
DesignSpark Mechanical
Free, with limitsThe Explorer plan is permanently free with no hidden fees, importing STEP/IGES/STL and exporting; advanced tools require paid Creator/Engineer plans.
Onshape
Free, with limitsFree plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone.
QCAD
Free, with limitsThe open-source Community Edition is free forever for 2D drafting; the Professional add-on runs only 15 minutes at a time in trial mode until purchased.
Roomle
Free, with limitsFree, sign-up-based 2D/3D room planner for drawing floor plans and furnishing rooms (including AR), with cloud-synced plans; advanced/white-label features are commercial.
FreeCAD
Truly freeFully free and open source with no sign-up or paywall; includes a dedicated BIM/architecture workbench plus general 3D parametric modeling.
LibreCAD
Truly freeCompletely free and GPLv2 open source with full 2D drafting; it is 2D-only with no 3D modeling.
SolveSpace
Truly freeFully free and GPLv3 open source with no install required on Windows; geared to mechanical/geometric parts rather than full BIM.
Autodesk Fusion
Free, with limitsFree for hobbyists with limited functionality, restricted to personal non-commercial projects; commercial use requires a paid subscription.
DesignSpark Mechanical
Free, with limitsThe Explorer plan is permanently free with no hidden fees, importing STEP/IGES/STL and exporting; advanced tools require paid Creator/Engineer plans.
Onshape
Free, with limitsFree plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone.
QCAD
Free, with limitsThe open-source Community Edition is free forever for 2D drafting; the Professional add-on runs only 15 minutes at a time in trial mode until purchased.
Roomle
Free, with limitsFree, sign-up-based 2D/3D room planner for drawing floor plans and furnishing rooms (including AR), with cloud-synced plans; advanced/white-label features are commercial.
How we picked
Every pick here is chosen on real-world fit — free-tier value, platforms, 3D quality, and export options. Read the full method on our how we rate page.