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DesignQCAD

Best for: Linux users who need a free 2D drafting tool that exchanges DXF files

Best for: Drawing accurate 2D plans and technical drawings without a subscription

Free

Free and open source under the GPL-3.0-or-later licence.

 Free + paid options

QCAD Community Edition is free and open source under GPLv3. The commercial Professional edition adds DWG support and…

Full pricing details

QCAD Community Edition is free and open source under GPLv3. The commercial Professional edition adds DWG support and further tools for a one-off fee.

Linux, Web Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Reads and writes the standard DXF format
  • Command line prompts guide each operation
All 4 strengths
  • Reads and writes the standard DXF format
  • Command line prompts guide each operation
  • Dimensions with full dimension style support
  • Desktop and in-browser versions
  • Over forty construction and twenty modification tools with layers and blocks
  • DXF input and output, printing to scale and across multiple pages
All 4 strengths
  • Over forty construction and twenty modification tools with layers and blocks
  • DXF input and output, printing to scale and across multiple pages
  • Thirty-five CAD fonts plus TrueType, metric and imperial units
  • An interface people consistently describe as easy to pick up without CAD experience
  • Desktop version is Linux only
  • 2D drafting only, no 3D modelling
  • 2D only; there is no 3D modelling at all
  • DWG support and some tools are in the paid Professional edition
All 4 limitations
  • 2D only; there is no 3D modelling at all
  • DWG support and some tools are in the paid Professional edition
  • Not aimed at parametric or constraint-driven design
  • Community and Professional builds differing in features can be confusing at first
Downloadable app, Web application Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-3.0-or-later License: GPL-3.0
Not stated if an account is needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Offline features available
Sources

Catalog checked October 1, 2026
Sources

Catalog checked September 21, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.