Alternatives to autocad in Ubuntu

One of the problems that many professionals have when switching to Ubuntu is the use of certain programs that are not found in Gnu / Linux, the most famous example is Photoshop, but there are also other important programs that seem not to have alternative like the famous Autodesk Autocad.

Here we are going to present you a series of alternatives to Autocad to install and use in our Ubuntu. Some alternatives that are free and others paid but that are capable of doing the same as Autocad. After this, many of you will tell us that it is fine but that you have many project files in Autocad formats, so what to do? Well, how will you see in each alternative we talk about dwg and dxf formats, formats that Autocad uses and that it is interesting to know if we can work with them or not in the alternatives. Below we show you alternatives that are paid and others are free, but they all have a version for Ubuntu, some are even in the official Ubuntu repositories, so pay attention.

FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a free CAD program. FreeCAD is aimed at all audiences, from which you want to use a CAD program to do something like print through a 3D printer or something as complex as programming functions and special modules under the Python language. FreeCAD is a multiplatform program, that is, not only will we find it in Ubuntu but we also have a version for Windows and another for Mac OS. FreeCAD is capable of reading step files, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE, and many other file formats.

Like other CAD programs, FreeCAD can use plugins or modules that enhance the functionality of FreeCAD. In this case the plugins are written in Python language. FreeCAD is located in the official Ubuntu repositories so we just need to write this in the terminal:

sudo apt-get install freecad

FreeCAD

LibreCAD is a CAD program that was based on QCAD and that later derived in the program that we see now to compete among other things with the famous Autocad. LibreCAD is built with Qt libraries And like other programs it is multiplatform, this means that in addition to installing it in Ubuntu we can install it in Windows, Mac OS and the rest of the Gnu / Linux distributions. LibreCAD can read many file formats such as DWG, DXF, SVG, JPG, PNG, regarding writing it can read the formats mentioned above except for the DWG format. In this case LibreCAD does not have modules in Python language but uses Qt libraries, something negative for many but the truth is that it has a complete Wiki where it explains how to develop modules or configure the environment to our liking.

LibreCAD is a CAD program found in the official Ubuntu repositories, so for its installation we just have to open the terminal and write the following:

sudo apt-get install librecad

QCAD

QCAD is one of the oldest CAD programs that exists for the GNU / Linux platform and for Ubuntu and one of the most popular alternatives to Autocad. In this case, the latest versions of QCAD are focused on the 2D world, especially for aspects such as Construction or mechanical parts and diagrams. QCAD is also a multiplatform program, that is, there is a version for Mac OS, another for Windows and another for Ubuntu. QCAD is characterized by being very modular, possibly the most modular CAD program that exists in Ubuntu. As in other programs, QCAD allows read and write dwg, dxf files, bmp, jpeg, png, tiff, ico, ppm, xbm, xpm, svg and in the case of dwf and dgn formats, it can only be read. Unlike other programs, QCAD has an online ebook that will allow us to obtain all the operation and information about the program. In the case of its installation, QCAD is not in the official repositories so for its installation we have to download the program at this link and then open a terminal in the folder where the file is and write the following:

chmod a+x qcad-3.x.x-pro-linux-x86_32.run

./ qcad-3.x.x-pro-linux-x86_32.run

draftsight

draftsight It is one of the most professional options that exists in terms of Autocad alternatives, for Ubuntu but it is also one of the most expensive options that exist. Although recently the creators decided create a free version with reduced functionality but just as interesting as the rest of CAD programs. Like many other programs, Drafsight is capable of reading and writing dwg and dxf files. It can also read many image formats like png or jpg and create pdf files with the created projects. It has an option to incorporate and create modules to adjust the program to our needs, but we will not be able to fully enjoy it until we have a professional option, that is, paid.

In order to install Drafsight we have to go to this website and download the deb package in our Ubuntu. Once downloaded we double click to jump the gdebi installer or we simply open a terminal in the folder where the deb package is downloaded and use the dpkg command.

BricsCAD

BricsCAD is another of the payment options that exist within the alternatives to AutoCAD. However, BricsCAD like other companies offer a free period of 30 days for those who want to try this program. In addition to those who want to use it as an educational tool, BricsCAD has a free license of its program for students.

BricsCAD offers everything that Autocad can offer, at least in the basic aspect since in the development aspect BricsCAD has a lot to be desired. Unlike other alternatives, BricsCAD is capable of modeling in 3D, something that some programs do not do other than to through plugins or add-ons. Also BricsCAD is able to read and write dwg and dxf files, as well as other types of image files or pdf. Perhaps the real difference that BricsCAD has compared to other programs is that BricsCAD offers a complete training for those who come from Autocad that includes a specialized guide and a collection of videos with explanations, something that other programs like FreeCAD do not have.

In the case of BricsCAD the installation is somewhat more tedious. First we have to insert our email and press the download button. After that, we have to fill in the registration form with the type of user we are and finally download the deb package of the program. After the installation with the double click we will have to enter the serial number if we have used a normal version or leave it like that in case of being a Demo or Student version.

Conclusions about the alternatives to Autocad

In general, there are many alternatives to Autodesk's famous Autocad, however the ones we have presented are the most popular options and the ones with the best support. Unfortunately they are not all free nor are they all in the Ubuntu repositories. As for personal choice. If you were looking for an alternative to do the basics, view files, print, etc ... The best option would be FreeCAD, a program with a great Community behind it. If, on the other hand, I want to look for a more professional, more complete option, it would be best to use draftsight, a very good program that pleased many when it released the free version and if we use it as a professional tool, its license may not be a bad expense. In any case, this is a world so I recommend that you try the five options and decide which one you like the most, in any case you will only waste time.