Need a 2D CAD software that is inexpensive

[Ron247]

Any suggestions about a decent 2D CAD software. I am tired of AUTOCAD. AUTOCAD does way more than I need and I am not interested in renting it because I am running out of body parts to sell.

Any suggestions on one that:
[ul]
[li]can read an AUTOCAD file and edit it[/li]
[li]is at least 2D[/li]
[li]does not need to be able to collaborate or BIM[/li]
[li]can convert the drawing to a PDF[/li]
[li]I can pay for without robbing a bank[/li]
[/ul]

 

[Celt83]

LibreCAD may be an option. Has a bit of a learning curve but can do 2D CAD well enough.

https://librecad.org

There is also QCAD:

https://www.qcad.org/en/

DWG/DXF import is part of the paid version which looks to be $39.00 US. Think there is a 15 day trial of the pro features.


My Personal Open Source Structural Applications:

https://github.com/buddyd16/Structural-Engineering

Open Source Structural GitHub Group:

https://github.com/open-struct-engineer

 

[Craig_H]

BricsCAD is what I use. It's likely more than what you need. I see it as a direct competitor to AutoCAD, and they allow you to purchase the software outright while paying annual maintenance fees that are very affordable. It also has some features and ways of working that I have come to like more than AutoCAD's equivalent. There's several "levels" of the product, and the least expensive might be something to look into.

 

[Celt83]

here is a full list of CAD programs aimed towards linux users but most have windows versions as well:

https://www.tech-edv.co.at/05_LUnIx/80_CAD~2f3d/10_CAD~20Links/index.php

My Personal Open Source Structural Applications:

https://github.com/buddyd16/Structural-Engineering

Open Source Structural GitHub Group:

https://github.com/open-struct-engineer

 

[Ron247]

Thanks for the responses so far. Has anyone used nanoCad? I downloaded a trial version of it.

 

[SteynvW]

Have you perhaps considered AutocadLT (Lite)? It is very affordable.

 

[skeletron]

Commenting to follow, but also to express some solidarity in your search. I am resorting to AutoCAD LT, subscription. Contemplated going to BricsCAD and LibreCAD, but couldn't commit to a new system and potential compatibility issues with file sharing down the road (is that even a real worry?).

AutoCAD LT gives me some familiarity, really basic functionality, and a chance to reuse and collaborate with previous ideas I had on the go. Sure, I'd love to improve my workflow with LISP, but I don't think I'm churning out enough drafting work to necessitate 2x the cost.

I still think there is so much value in a basic stick drawings and some custom detail sections.

 

[sdz]

I use Draftsight. Effective and reasonably priced.

 

[GeorgeTheCivilEngineer]

+1 for DraftSight - I haven't used it commercially but seemed a very decent CAD programme.

 

[atrizzy]

+2 for Draftsight.

 

[jayrod12]

I'd agree with the draftsight recommendation. I've tried a bunch of the others, draftsight to me was the closest thing to AutoCAD. Almost all of the commands are the same. I've never had an issue with opening dwg files with it, but have with some of the others.

 

[dik]

I've used Bricscad for a decade or so... and it's excellent... half the price of AutoCAD LT and nearly as complete as full AutoCAD... It's about $2000 CAN and you can still buy a license, I believe, rather than rent one. I haven't updated recently because I'm not a CAD operator and the program has far more features than I use.

Excellent program... and when things shut down abruptly, there are only a couple of times when I have lost work. It keeps 'system' backups stored. These are not normal backups, but are stored in a directory whenever some operations occur (I don't know when) but are in the form of Stair_Pan_9342.SV$ as well as Stair_Pan_9342.bak, for example... these backups are current to within a few commands keystrokes.

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?
-Dik