LibreCAD vs QCAD: Which Should You Use?
The verdict
LibreCAD and QCAD are both home & construction design tools, compared here side by side. LibreCAD is truly free (Free) and is a desktop install with no browser version; QCAD is free, with limits (Paid) and is a desktop install with no browser version. The biggest difference is cost: LibreCAD is truly free, while QCAD is free, with limits (from Paid).
Free tiers & pricing last verified Jun 23, 2026.
Pick LibreCAD if…
Truly freeFree 2D drafting and floor plans
Pick QCAD if…
Free, with limitsFree 2D drafting with optional pro upgrade
Side by side
LibreCAD
Truly freeCompletely free and GPLv2 open source with full 2D drafting; it is 2D-only with no 3D modeling.
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.
Read the full reviews
LibreCAD
Completely free and GPLv2 open source with full 2D drafting; it is 2D-only with no 3D modeling.
QCAD
The 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.
LibreCAD vs QCAD: questions, answered
What is the main difference between LibreCAD and QCAD?
The biggest difference is cost: LibreCAD is truly free, while QCAD is free, with limits (from Paid).
Is LibreCAD or QCAD free?
LibreCAD is truly free and QCAD is free, with limits. LibreCAD: Completely free and GPLv2 open source with full 2D drafting; it is 2D-only with no 3D modeling. QCAD: The 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.
Can you export CAD files from LibreCAD or QCAD?
LibreCAD exports DXF, SVG, PDF; QCAD exports DXF, DWG, PDF. Both can produce CAD (DWG/DXF) files.