LibreCAD

LibreCAD is an open-source alternative to the famous professional 2D and 3D modeling and design suite Auto CAD. Managing to emulate and in some cases surpass capabilities of AutoCAD, LibreCAD for PC represents the fantastic opportunity for every novice and professional to enter into the world of 2D design by accessing industry-leading tools that are available for everyone for free!



Created in an open-source environment that was focused on bringing quick updates to the tool users on all supported platforms (Windows, Linux, Unix-like, macOS), this application today represents one of the best tools for modeling 2D design, paid or free alike.

The interface of LibreCAD was created from the ground up to enable all users an easy way of accessing all the necessary tools for manipulating 2D designs without sacrificing anything.

Canvas area is big, drawing tools, selectors, layer list and blocklists are all arranged around it, and a large amount of additional tools is accessible either via contextual menus or fixed menus that are arranged on the top of the app (covering everything that you would need, including - Select, Draw, Dimension, Modify, Snap, Layer and Block).

Even though this app had its first release in December of 2011, after a very short while it managed to attract large user base and development support.



The app is filled with powerful tools that can help everyone to achieve their design goals with ease - a full suite of drawing, retouching and pallet tools, comprehensive documentation, customizable UI, countless tutorials, and much more.

Porting the rendering engine to Qt4 was a significant undertaking, so LibreCAD initially relied on the Qt3 support library. Eventually, the Qt4 port was completed during the development of the 2.0.0 series, thanks to the efforts of our lead developer, Rallaz. As a result, this program became independent of Qt3, except in the 1.0.0 series.

For the LibreCAD 2.2.0 series and beyond, Qt5 is required.

Highlights

• It's free – no worry about license costs or annual fees.
• No language barriers – it's available in a large number of languages, with more being added continually.
• GPLv2 public license – you can use it, customize it, hack it, and copy it with free user support and developer support from an active worldwide community and experienced developer team.
• Libre CAD is an Open Source community-driven project: development is open to new talent and new ideas, and software is tested and used daily by a large and devoted user community; you, too, can get involved and influence its future development.

Features

• Drawing Tools: Includes lines, polylines, circles, arcs, ellipses, splines, and text. These tools allow users to create detailed and intricate designs.
• Layers: Supports the use of layers to organize and manage different elements of a drawing.
• Blocks: Allows for the creation and insertion of reusable blocks, enhancing efficiency and consistency in design.
• Snap and Grid Tools: Provides various snapping options (endpoint, midpoint, center, intersection, etc.) and a customizable grid to assist in precise drawing.
• Measurement Tools: Includes distance, angle, and area measurement tools.
• Import/Export Options: Supports DXF (Drawing Exchange Format), making it compatible with other CAD software. Additionally, it can export to various image formats.
• Customization: Offers extensive customization options, including customizable toolbars and command shortcuts.
• Plugins and Extensions: Supports plugins to extend its functionality.

User Interface

Main Toolbar: Houses the primary drawing tools.

Layer Toolbar: Manages layers and their properties.

Block Toolbar: Handles block creation and insertion.

Command Line: Allows for command input, offering an efficient way to execute commands.

Drawing Area: The central workspace where users create and edit their designs.

Status Bar: Displays coordinates, snap mode, and other relevant information.

Installation and Setup

• Download: Obtain the installer from the official website or FileHorse.
• Run Installer: Execute the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Choose Components: Select the components you wish to install (default settings are recommended for most users).
• Installation Path: Choose the installation directory or use the default path.
• Complete Installation: Click 'Install' and wait for the process to finish.
• Launch the app: After installation, launch LibreCAD from the start menu or desktop shortcut.

How to Use

Creating a New Drawing:
Open this app and select 'New' from the 'File' menu. Set up drawing units and grid settings.

Drawing Basic Shapes:
Use the toolbar to select drawing tools (e.g., line, circle). Click on the drawing area to place shapes.

Using Layers:
Open the layer toolbar and create new layers for different drawing elements. Assign shapes to specific layers to organize the drawing.

Creating Blocks:
Define blocks by selecting elements and using the 'Block' menu. Insert blocks as needed to reuse components.

Snapping and Precision:
Utilize snap tools for precise placement of elements. Adjust grid settings for finer control.

Measurement and Dimensions:
Use measurement tools to check distances, angles, and areas. Add dimension lines to document measurements.

Saving and Exporting:
Save drawings in DXF format. Export drawings as images for sharing or presentation.

FAQ

Is LibreCAD for PC really free?
Yes, this program is completely free and open-source, with no hidden costs.

Can LibreCAD open AutoCAD files?
It can open DXF files, which are compatible with AutoCAD. However, it does not support DWG files natively.

Is LibreCAD suitable for professional use?
While LibreCAD is feature-rich, it may lack some advanced features found in premium CAD software. It is suitable for many professional applications, particularly for 2D drafting.

Does LibreCAD support 3D modeling?
No, this software is strictly a 2D CAD application. For 3D modeling, other software like FreeCAD or Blender should be considered.

What are the system requirements for LibreCAD?
It has modest system requirements and can run on most modern computers with a compatible operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).

Alternatives

DraftSight: Another powerful CAD tool offering both free and paid versions. It supports DWG files and provides a range of features for 2D drafting.

FreeCAD: An open-source software focused on 3D modeling but also includes robust 2D drafting tools.

Pricing

The program is entirely FREE to use, with no licensing fees or subscriptions. Being open-source, it is community-driven, and users can contribute to its development.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 1 GB or more
• Hard Disk Space: 250 MB or more
• Display: 1024 x 768 resolution or higher

PROS

• Free and open-source
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Intuitive user interface
• Extensive drawing tools and features
• Active community support

CONS

• Limited to 2D drafting
• Lacks some advanced features of premium CAD software
• No native support for DWG files

Conclusion

It stands out as a powerful, free alternative for 2D CAD drafting. Its extensive range of tools, intuitive user interface, and cross-platform compatibility make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced users. While it may lack some advanced features found in commercial CAD software, it offers enough functionality for most 2D drafting needs.

Whether you are a hobbyist, student, or professional, LibreCAD provides a robust and reliable tool for creating detailed technical drawings without any cost.

Also Available: Download LibreCAD for Mac