In the startup phase, designers have to take really tough decisions. Spend huge amounts of money to buy premium CAD software and find out that it’s not really needed, OR, work with a free software and find out later that it’s not adequate for the next step…and then spend more money on an upgrade. We decided to help you and we give you free cad software for startups.
Free cad software for startups to use in designing and modeling their own product. You no longer need to pay large amounts of money for cad software like Solidworks or Autocad. And you can share your ideas with others using forums and blogs.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a 3D CAD program that Taylor says is popular with a lot of manufacturing and product design companies. It’s available for Mac and Windows on a subscription basis, with different rates depending on the length of your subscription. Features include 3D modeling and visualization, customization options and a mobile app for working on the go.
DesignCAD
From TurboCAD, DesignCAD is a software suite that offers both 2D and 3D design options. The 3D CAD program includes features for rendering, animation, modeling and more. The program costs $99.99 with optional upgrades also available.
Solidworks 3D CAD
Solidworks offers three different versions of its CAD software. The standard edition includes 3D design features for creating parts, assemblies and drawings. The premium and professional versions then include some advanced collaboration and simulation options to take those designs to the next level. Pricing is customized based on each company’s needs, so you need to contact the team directly to determine the cost and features you need. A free trial period is also available.
AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a 3D CAD program that Taylor says is popular with a lot of manufacturing and product design companies. It’s available for Mac and Windows on a subscription basis, with different rates depending on the length of your subscription. Features include 3D modeling and visualization, customization options and a mobile app for working on the go.
DesignCAD
From TurboCAD, DesignCAD is a software suite that offers both 2D and 3D design options. The 3D CAD program includes features for rendering, animation, modeling and more. The program costs $99.99 with optional upgrades also available.
Solidworks 3D CAD
Solidworks offers three different versions of its CAD software. The standard edition includes 3D design features for creating parts, assemblies and drawings. The premium and professional versions then include some advanced collaboration and simulation options to take those designs to the next level. Pricing is customized based on each company’s needs, so you need to contact the team directly to determine the cost and features you need. A free trial period is also available.
Vectorworks
Vectorworks offers a number of different software options for different types of design and products, ranging from architecture to structural design. So you can check out the different options and find the one that best fits with your business’s niche. The company also offers mobile solutions and a trial version.
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a product design and modeling platform that is, as its name suggests, free. It’s an open source tool with multi platform reads and open file format options. Since it’s so customizable, it takes a bit of tech knowledge to navigate, but the price allows you to at least try it out without making a major upfront investment.
Creo Parametric 3D Modeling Software
A 3D CAD tool specifically made for product development, Creo Parametric offers both design and automation features intended to help product makers bring their ideas to market faster. You can use it for everything from framework design to sheetmetal modeling. There’s a free trial with customized pricing options available afterward.
TurboCAD Deluxe 2018
The latest version of TurboCAD, this option includes both 2D and 3D design options. The 3D design capabilities allow you to create realistic renderings of products perfect for those who need to present new product ideas. It does also include some architectural features as well as 3D printing capabilities. Priced at $149.99, there’s also a free trial option available.
DraftSight
For up to December 31, 2019, feature-rich CAD solution DraftSight will let you design in 2D or 3D using the 2018 free version and the ones that came earlier. Beyond that, the vendor will only allow a thirty-day free trial version for the latest 2019 edition.
Draftsight allows for compatibility with any 2D or 3D DWG file. The user interface is easy to learn, helping you transition if you are using another CAD solution before.
In addition to already powerful features, DraftSight introduced new 3D capabilities in its latest update. This provides more choices and flexibility for users to design projects. DraftSight is also exploring the possibility of adding a cloud-based version of the software with additional features in the works.
Getting DraftSight makes sense, especially if you use other Dassault Systemes and SOLIDWORKS solutions.
Price Range: Standard Versions up to 2018 are free, but will cease running after December 31, 2019. Starting in 2019, DraftSight pricing for Standard, Professional, and Premium editions are $99, $199, and $499, respectively. There is an Enterprise edition but you need to request a quote for it.
Key Features of DraftSight
- A feature-rich 2D/3D CAD platform for whatever purpose, whether you’re an engineer or a hobbyist.
- Lets you create, edit, view, and review any DWG files without sacrificing speed, efficiency, and ease in adjustment.
- Greater freedom to go from drafting 2D to 3D designs, as well as to seamlessly transition between Dassault’s design platforms.
Onshape
Fully free for students and non-professional or non-commercial users, CAD software Onshape helps you design all aspects of design activity through real-time observation. The platform helps you improve product design process through robust CAD assembly and configurations. It lets you complete your work quickly and effectively without being overwhelmed by an unfamiliar GUI.
Clear design elements prevent you from losing track of activities. For example, simply monitor your work by scrolling through an activity feed. You have full access to raw analytics for further study. If you have different types of users, you simply need to configure your users easily as full, light, or guest accounts. It lets you monitor your team easily through audit logs, so you know who did what and where they accomplished it.
They say modern problems require modern solutions, and Onshape is as modern as you can get with CAD.
Price Range: Free for students, non-professional and non-commercial users. The professional version costs $2,100 per year, while the Enterprise and Standard versions are priced $1,500 and $20,000, respectively. A free trial is available.
Key Features of Onshape
- Visibility enables you to monitor tasks in real-time, a first in the industry.
- Enables universal access for every stakeholder.
- Customized roles and permission schemes let you quickly assign and reassign tasks.
- Enterprise edition with a single log-in process.
- Modern CAD and data management eliminate crashes and IT intervention.
Solidworks.
Best For Professional Use
Solidworks is a computer-aided design program published by Dassault Systèmes. Professional 3D designers and engineers mostly use it for its wide range of mechanical design validations tools and reverse engineering.
The product design software is practical and uses the NURBS system to create more detailed curvature. It utilizes dimensional sketching to ensure more accurate resizing that is not much of a hassle.
Features:
Solidworks offers some of the best tools to help you conceptualize and transform innovative ideas into industry-level product designs. From 3D models to 2D sketches of complex parts, this CAD software comes with all that is needed to create fast and accurate designs.
Here is a list of features Solidworks offers:
- Stress analysis and data management tools
- Cloud-connected CAD
- Includes cost estimation tools
- Helps understand product performance early
- Can share real-time product development information with the marketing team
- Cross-team collaboration
Conclusion
This free cad software makes 2D drawing easier and it’s a great tool for startups who have a low budget to design their products. Free cad software is great for the company’s budget. The full version of InstantCAD is often the foundation for other, more complete and complex tools that meet an organization’s demands as it grows.