Today, the market is stocked with a wide range of products in a never before seen scale. One of the reasons behind this is the evolution of modeling or technical drawing software. Using such software we can create 3D models which will aid in the tooling, prototyping, and the manufacturing of the above-mentioned products.
However, this is easier said than done and product engineers should have the right combination of the perfect skill and software. Hence in this article, we will be looking at the best free technical drawing software currently available in the market.
Maya is easily the best 3D animation software in the market and comes in at a reasonable cost of $1,545/year (or pay $195/month). They also offer a 30-day free trial so you can test the software before making the purchase. Maya is the best software on the market and my #1 top pick this year. Top 15 Best Drawing Apps for Surface Pro. With all these tools and functionalities, a surface pro can be a great deal to handle. To add usefulness to your pen, outsider designers have made these inventive applications. So let's start with the 15 best drawing apps for surface pro. Top 15 Best Drawing Apps for Surface Pro Plumbago. Discover the best Home Design in Best Sellers. Find the top 100 most popular items in Amazon Software Best Sellers.
Contents
- 1 Best Technical Drawing Software
Best Technical Drawing Software
1. Solidworks
| Official URL: | https://www.solidworks.com/ |
Solidworks is probably one of the more well-known members of this list. This software is available in three versions to cater to users needs. Solidworks basically converts your sketch geometry into 3D geometry. you have a wide variety of features like Extrudes, Revolves, Fillets, Chamfers etc.
Solidworks Standard: This is the basic version and can produce the 3d design for machine parts, assemblies, and two-dimensional drawings.
Solidworks Premium: This has got advanced features like reverse engineering and pipe routing functionality.
Solidworks Professional: It comes with features like automated design and drawing checking, file management tools, advanced photorealistic rendering, and automated cost estimation.
2. Tinkercad
| Official URL: | https://www.tinkercad.com/ |
Tinkercad is a 3D modeling tool which has something in it for everyone. This is completely free software. This is very useful for creating home designs. If you are a beginner who has just started beginning the fundamentals of CAD, then Tinkercad should be your go-to software.
If you are into circuit design then Tinkercad has the facility to allow simulations in the circuits to obtain the results. Moreover, you can also 3D print the designs you have created. The only flaw with this software is that you might not be able to get very creative in terms of the geometric shapes you can create.
3. QCAD
| Official URL: | https://www.qcad.org |
It is an open source free technical drawing software for especially construction of 2D designs. Starting form plans, schematic diagrams to buildings, interior etc. can be easily built by QCAD. If you are about to 2D CAD system, QCAD can't be the optional choice.
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The amazing part about this software is you don't need experience before working with QCAD. It includes 35 CAD fonts, 40 construction tools, 20 modification tools along with 4800 CAD parts library using which you can construct powerful 2d CAD designs. Give a try to this simple 2d drawing software.
4. Freecad
| Official URL: | https://www.freecadweb.org/ |
Freecad is an open source software which has its main uses in the fields of mechanical engineering and product design. Despite being a freeware, Freecad has some great features makes it a great alternative to other popular drawing software.
Freecad is handy for architectural projects and other areas which makes use of 3d modeling. Freecad can create networks, 2d drawings, and other complex 3d solids. Despite being an impressive software with a wide array of features, Freecad is not easy to use and may slightly trouble beginners.
5. SketchUp
| Official URL: | https://store.sketchup.com/ |
Sketchup allows users to create standout 3D models of almost everything ranging from interiors to landscapes. however, what really makes sketchup a cut above the rest is the fact that despite boasting of powerful professional quality features, using the software is a breeze. Free drafting software.
Some of these features include high-quality lighting effects, textures, a layer manager, and animations. While it does not have a wide range of built-in models, it provides access to Trimble's 3d Warehouse which has the all the 3d models and symbols a designer could possibly want in a free techinal drawing software.
6. NanoCAD
| Official URL: | https://nanocad.com/ |
If you are looking for a software to create top quality 2D designs at a fairly good pace then NanoCAD will act as butter on your bread. The best quality of free technical drawing software is the ease of use. One of the main features is the support of the DWG format which is also used by Autocad.
Hence migrating from nanocad to AutoCAD is a very easy process. All you need to do is to send the created DWG to people with Autocad and they can open the file without the need for conversion. The interface is quite simple and easy to work with.
7. TurboCAD
| Official URL: | https://www.turbocad.com/ |
Turbocad is a powerful 3D/2D free technical drawing software with features for drawing, modifying, dimensioning, and annotating.
This product is quite popular among software Engineers due to its lighting effects and photorealistic rendering. You can also share your work with Autocad or Sketchup. The designs you created can also be brought into reality by 3d printing.
8. Catia
| Official URL: | https://www.3ds.com/ |
Catia is a software used by many leading companies around the world for 3D designing. Using catia, you can design, simulate, analyze, and manufacture products for industries like Aerospace, automotive, and industrial machinery.
Catia is very powerful and has no limits in terms of the functionalities it offers. It is not free and you can get it for around 100 dollars.
9. IronCad
| Official URL: | https://www.ironcad.com/ |
This is a software which is known for its simplicity. Ironcad helps you to create designs more quickly and easily. Regardless of how complex the 3D models are they only require one file. How to draw on macbook.
Another key aspect is that you only need to use one tool to bring the design from conceptualization to reality. The interface is intuitive and the triball visualization feature is great as well.
10. LibreCAD
| Official URL: | https://librecad.org |
LibreCAD is a free technical drawing software available for Windows, Mac and, Linux. It has a vast community to help you with any of the issues. Availability in 30 different languages covers a wide user base. With continuous updates, new features and bugs are being solved.
Construction, simulation, innovative designs can be developed perfectly with the help of LiberCAD. Any of the questions can be solved upon asking in the community.
11. BricsCAD
| Official URL: | https://www.bricsys.com |
This is a software with a good combination of 2D drawing and 3D modeling. BricsCAD can save you a lot of time for creating designs owing to its unique features.
The familiar interface style is another plus point. However, to use this software you need to pay. The amount varies depending on the version but the minimum cost comes at around 600 dollars.
12. Autocad
| Official URL: | https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/autocad |
AutoCAD by Autodesk is one of the most powerful 3D CAD tools available in the market. You can create almost any 3D design with 3D modeling and visualization tools. Some of the key features available in AutoCad are Ribbon interface which presents commands in an organized manner.
Viewcube is another cool feature which allows you to see a 3D model from any orientation. AutoCAD is the standard for every other CAD software. Unfortunately, this is not a freeware and requires a subscription fee of 185 dollars per month. You may be able to get a cracked version.
Conclusion:
In this article, we have provided you with the list of best free technical drawing software according to us. You won't go wrong with any of them but if money is not the problem of yours, then opting for one among Solidworks, AutoCad, and Catia would be a good idea.
Showing creativity on paper by drawing the imaginations is not a new thing, however, the digitalization has been introduced into it is somewhat new. In today's world where we want to save the trees and promote digital things, switching to drawing software is the best way to achieve both. Furthermore, the free program we are about to list in this article can become a simple alternative to paid Sketch creating software, few of them can substitute CAD programs ( Computer-Aided Design) for 3D modeling, creating drawings for constructions, and more.
Moreover, if you are a beginner then choosing directly a paid software would not be a wise idea, unless and until your pocket allow. Start first getting some proficiency on Open source or freeware painting programs listed in this article first then you can choose the one you want to buy.
Top free Drawing programs for Windows 10 in 2020
1. Krita – free & open source painting program
One of the best drawing software which is not only free to use under opensource license but also comes with a wide range of professional functions. If you want to draw comic characters then Krita is a great one.
The users can adjust the interface by simply dragging and moving the modules, can adjust pallets and tools as per their need. With the help of various sizes of brushes up to 10k pixels and twelve brush engines; layer functions and various fade modes, let comic artists, concepts artists, and illustrators turn imagination into reality. One of the interesting features of it is Onion Skinning which gives a shiny touch to the images.
To give a soothing effect to your eyes while working for a long period of time, the drawing software comes with both Dark and light themes.
Krita comes with Drawing Tablets, Mirror Tools, Painting with Assistants; Layers and Masks; Python Scripting, On-Canvas Brush Editor; Soft Proofing, Vector Graphics, Snapping, Animation; Japanese Animation Template, Gamut Masks and more…
The software is available for download for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Get this free software on the official website.
2. Autodesk SketchBook
When it comes to CAD software, Autodesk is a prominent name in the paid program category. However, it also offers something free that is AutoDeskt StechBook which is available on Microsoft Store for easy installation on Windows 10 systems.
It is not some highly technical software instead of simple software that even professionals can use to create drawings, sketching, and paintings on laptops or PC. You can also create floor plans and other great 2D drawings. The best thing you don't have to pay even a single dime, however earlier it was paid but in 2018 the company has made it completely free for everyone. Yes, in order to access all features you need to register with AutoDesk.
If you talk about the file type support, then it comes with a compatibility with all common types of image formats such as PNG, BMP, JPG, TIFF, and GIF and also allows saving in PSD format.
Apart from this, a user can also create GIF, WMV, or MP4 format animations. AutoDesk offers more than 140 painting tools plus editing tools; it is possible to works on this free drawing software on levels.
Including Windows 10, the Autodesk SketchBook can also be downloaded and use on other popular operating systems such as macOS, Android, and iOS.
Download from Microsoft Store.
3. MediBang Paint Pro: free digital painting and comic creation software
Don't think this free painting software has Pro in its name, it will be a paid one. Absolutely not, it is full version free software that is available online to download. And just like Krita, one can use it to create various comic and manga characters.
The thing which makes it valuable freeware is its availability for almost all popular platforms. MediaBang Paint can be used on Windows, macOS, iPad/iPhone, and Android. Unfortunately, Linux users missed by the company.
It has more than 50 brushes such as GPen, and Mapping Pen for inking, and the Watercolor brush for coloring. Each of them can be customized to get the desired results. MediaBang can be used to draw lines and curves perfectly; for easy comic panel creation & comic page management. It has 800 free pre-made tones and backgrounds to use and all the available fonts on it are free to use.
Furthermore, it uses cloud that means, a user can easily switch devices to access, transfer, and open project files on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Download MediBang.
4. Sketchable drawing program
Do you want a software specifically for drawing sketches on Windows 10? Then try Sketchable. It is free and let's create designs on its digital canvas along with editing images. It also supports Microsoft Surface and having intuitive, touch-based navigation and gestures. Thus, Sketchable can be handled easily on mobile platforms.
With a wide range of brushes and pressure sensitivity recognization, it allows the person to create various paintings and colors them like real canvas.
Both professionals and occasional artists can draw and paint on it. Sketchable is exclusively available on Microsoft Windows 10 store.
Although it is free, for more advance features such as Unlock Layers, Advanced Brush Settings, Brush Resizing, Masks, Stroke Stabilization, Stencils, Paint Bucket, Image Import and more… the user has to pay for an Add-on which is paid and known as Sketchable Premium Add-on.
Here is the link to download it.
5. MyPaint
Another free and opensource Paint software to create a painting on a digital canvas. MyPaint project is also available on Github and has been around since 2006, which means it is one of the veteran digital painter projects.
It was designed to offer users a simple interface to create simple drawings and other painting work. It works really well with Wacom-style graphics tablets. The available bushes of the MyPaint can mimic the pencil, ink, charcoal, or paint effects. However, it is not limited to these only other types of brushes are also there.
MyPaint offers brushes that can be configured; 15-bit Rec 709 linear RGB colorspace; layers and various modes, full-screen mode, realistic paint-like pigment model, and more…
This free digital painter is available for Windows and Linux on Github.
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6. Paint 3D
Yes, most of you already have this Microsoft drawing tool on Windows 10 and you can emboss your ideas on it. Paint 3D is not as extensive in terms of features as compared to the tools listed above. Still, if you have just started using digital programs to create drawing and pictures then try this one too. Paint 3D is absolutely free and touch-friendly. Those have digital pencils they can use it to create perfect sketches without downloading any extra software.
It has brushes and pre-available 3D shapes, 2D shapes, stickers, 3D library, that one can use to enhance its creativity. Furthermore, 3D and 2D drawings are possible on it.
To use it just type Paint 3D in the Windows 10 search box.
7. Artweaver app
Are you interested in a rough sketch and concept art program? Then try the Artweaver. It is available in both free and paid versions.
It comes with a set of realistic 16-bit engine brushes to simulate the effects of real brushes on a digital screen such as Circular, Airbrush, Hairy brush, and Pixel, and more. A user can convert his existing images into artwork with the help of brushed and replicating its colors.
Those want to show the world how they have created a painting on this software, they can use its event recorder.
Last but not least is the plugin facility of this painting software. With the help of a range of add-ons, we can add new filters, languages, presets, and more. All of them are free to download.
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Visit the official website.
8. Blender 3D
Blender is not a software to only draw Sketches in 2-dimensions but more than that. It is a complete graphics suite for sophisticated 3D modeling and the best open-source alternative to paid CAD software like AutoCAD and graphic designing software CorelDraw.
Yes, if you are a professional user than handling Blender would not be an issue, however, those are a beginner and yet not familiar with the software; they need to give some time to learn it.
It has a modular interface that users can adjust as per their project and ease of handling. Apart from 3D modeling and video editing, Blender comes with a 2D drawing or sketching option with 20 different brushes. You can add realistic textures, adjust the light source; can mirror elements, perform modeling with the script, animate objects, and synchronize them with sound.
Furthermore, we can expand its functionality with add-ons or alternatively, can program one by yourself in Python.
It is compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS.
9. LibreCAD- Open Source 2D drawing software
Well, this is another popular software in the open-source category for creating drawings and 2D models. LibreCAD not only available for Windows but also for macOS and Linux operating systems. This makes it a good option to create precise 2D models on PC without investing money. It uses CAD DFX standards and offers to save the project files in CXF, LIF, and JWW. Even the existing users of AutoCAD can use the files created on LibreCAD.
Alternatively, we can also use the free LibreCad for saving our drawing in PDF or use them in image formats such as JPEG, PNG, SVG, and XBM.
Therefore, its extensive professional features just like any popular CAD software make it a good choice for architects as well, even you personally can use it to plan your floor. However, learning curves will be there.
Visit the official website.
10. Fresh Paint
Do you have kids and want to teach them painting on Windows 10? Then try out this another free program called Fresh Paint. It is developed by Microsoft and available on the Windows 10 store for free.
Install it to start expressing your inner artist. Fresh Paint lets you draw paintings with watercolor, oil, pencil, pastel, and pen. It has the ability to sense natural pressure to control the thickness of the brush while painting on the canvas.
Fresh Paint supports touch, mouse, and stylus input; comes with pre-packs and pages to color, option to import photos and convert them into a painting; let you print your work in high definition.
Get it on Microsoft Store.
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