Free 2D CAD Software?

[warmstrong1955]

I recently installed QCad on a old computer I changed to Linux, about 2 weeks ago.
It's still free, or at least, there is a free version.
You do have to download a 'trial version', and to get the free stuff, you have to remove some of the files. If you don't, you can only use it 15 minutes at a time, and then have to restart.
And of course, when you remove those files, you do lose some capabilities, but it's still free, and it does work.

Bill

[Tim B Guenther]

I have been using Linux since I retired, so I am always on the look out for functioning open source software. I recently discovered QCAD. It is free and works very similar to my recollections of Autocad for DOS circa 1990. Their website https://qcad.org/en/ says it will work with Mac and Windows as well.

Not free any more.

Their 2D version is FREE. They sell a professional version with more features.

[kcameron]

For those who are military veterans, Solidworks is available for $20US. Takes a bit of back and forth emailing documents, but that's not a bad price.

[MsChrissi]

Or join the Experimental Aircraft Association for $40, no documents needed.

[johnfreese]

Solid Edge ST8

[FKreider]

When I selected 3D CAD software I was put off by Fusion 360 not being on my own computer. Not being able to get it to operate on my computer sealed the deal and I went with Freecad. Does Fusion 360 support 2D CAD as well as 3D? NanoCad looks interesting, but I'm a bit reluctant to put Russian software on my computer.

Thanks for all the responses. One of these should work for my occasional needs.

Yes, everything I draw in Fusion starts as a 2D drawing:

Then this drawing is "extruded" into its 3D shape (and then additional features are added/changed as necessary):

[AJA]

Can you export a DFX file from Nanocad free software?
Thanks
AJ

[warmstrong1955]

Can you export a DFX file from Nanocad free software?
Thanks
AJ

Yes.
It has two choices in export:
'AutoCAD 2013 Compatible Drawing (*.dwg)'
'AutoCAD 2013 Compatible Drawing (*.dxf)'

Bill

[AJA]

Thanks
AJ

[Cabbagestack]

Fusion 360 is very hard to beat. Very powerful. If in addition, you are 3D printing or CNC machining, I don't think there is anything better out there (for free at least)

Although personally I can't see why anyone would want just only 2D, instead of 3D parametric modeling in this day and age. Most programs like 360 or SolidWorks will generate blueprints from the solid models with just a few mouse clicks. I almost never use AutoCAD anymore, even though I started way back with AutoCAD R12.

[Fred_V]

I have been using Linux since I retired, so I am always on the look out for functioning open source software. I recently discovered QCAD. It is free and works very similar to my recollections of Autocad for DOS circa 1990. Their website https://qcad.org/en/ says it will work with Mac and Windows as well.

Not free any more.

Their 2D version is FREE. They sell a professional version with more features.

I can't find anything on their web site about 2D and they want 300 bucks/ year for the Fusion360. I have no use for 3d for live steam use. I have Autocad LT98 that I've used for 20 years.

[FKreider]

Fusion 360 is free for hobbyists:

https://www.autodesk.com/campaigns/fusi ... -hobbyists#

Also- there is no 2D vs. 3D program, it is all in one, if you do not want to use the 3D features then simply ignore them.