Paid version is relatively low cost for the feature set provided.Free version allows limited commercial use for hobbyists and small businesses.Built in manufacturing tools (even in the free version) for generating cutting toolpaths.Huge online community from 3D printing enthusiasts to machinists with resources available to help new users.A great choice for professional users and beginners. Fusion 360 has the advantage of allowing users of its free version to use it in a limited commercial capacity. Fusion 360 (3D, Parametric, Feature Rich, Free Version)Īnother favorite, Fusion 360 is similar to Onshape in that its free version is feature rich and it has a very large community full of resources. Keep in mind software is constantly being updated, so features may change. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best free CAD software for beginners. Or it may just be more popular and have a larger user base, in which case there may be community created plugins, content and third party support. This might be from the company that makes the software in the form of documentation, tutorials, public forums, etc. Community SupportĪn often overlooked area of choosing CAD software is how much community support exists. Sometimes the free version gets a more limited set of features. In some cases it’s restricted to personal use only, or maybe a limit on the income you’re allowed to generate using the free version. It’s not uncommon for a company to offer a free version of their CAD software, but restrict its use in some way. Some software exports SVG format which can be easily converted to DXF, but that does require an additional step. If you intend to do any 3D printing you’re going to want a 3D modeling software that can export in STL format. For laser cutting you’ll need software that can export DXF, DWG, AI or EPS formats. Which file formats the software can export may be important when it comes time to have your digital files turned into physical parts. To design moving assemblies you’ll want 3D CAD capable of that. If you’re working on simple flat parts like custom made signs, a simpler 2D CAD software might be great. The types of parts you make could help you decide on the best CAD software for you. If you intend to create 2D drawings from your design, look for software with 2D drafting capability. Some CAD software have features that make it easy to collaborate with other users. You may find it useful to be able to import CAD parts or even entire libraries of parts into your project from third part vendors like McMaster-Carr or 80/20. Is 2D enough or would you prefer to model your parts in 3D CAD software? Is parametric modeling important? If you’re planning to bend your flat parts, many CAD packages offer sheet metal tools. Nearly all CAD applications have a basic feature set available, but you don’t need to look far to find useful features that are absent from certain software options. More experienced users will have an easier time using different CAD softwares. Are you familiar with CAD or is it completely new to you? Are you looking to be cranking out parts today, or are you okay with investing some time to learn how to do more complex tasks. Your Own Skill LevelĪny new software will have some learning curve. Let’s look at a few things you might consider. Even for the same user, the best CAD software for one project may not be the best for the next project. Like so many things, “best” can mean many things to many people. How to Choose the Best CAD Software for You Even SendCutSends own Parts Builder is a form of CAD software. Some manufacturers can make parts from a verbal description or a napkin sketch, but that’s hardly the most efficient way to communicate your ideas. Even low cost prototype materials can’t beat the speed and cost of iterating your design in CAD.Īnother benefit to using CAD design software is to manufacture your parts. Checking visuals, part interactions, clearances, fitment, are all faster and easier to change while the part is virtual on the screen than when you’re holding a pile of physical parts. One of the biggest reasons to use CAD softwares is to be able to work out details of your product design in real-time before they become physical parts. Keep reading and we’ll do our best to help break down many of the currently available options including free CAD programs and paid CAD softwares. Both beginners and advanced users can struggle to find the right CAD software for their projects, which is why we offer a variety of CAD tutorials. For a lot of users, CAD can be more intimidating than it should. CAD, or Computer Aided Design, is an essential tool you can use to bring your designs to life.
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