The best 2D CAD software is a huge help when it comes to designing. Your 2D CAD drawing projects will be faster, more reliable, and easier to share if you use 2D CAD tools. Engineers and builders use CAD software to make sketches and drawings that are only two-dimensional. There are many different kinds of CAD tools, but this post only talks about the five best ones. All of these programs get good marks for how easy they are to use, how well they work, and how happy their customers are with them. So, if you want a good CAD tool, one of these five is sure to work for you. The best 2D CAD software has tools for annotating, drafting, and drawing, as well as tools for working together to define locations, objects, measurements, and more so that your projects can be finished.
When it is possible to create a top-view layout that uses symbols to represent positions and dimensions of the floor plan, there is no need to model a whole floor plan in 3D, including doors, windows 11, furniture, and all other critical components. A number of occupations, including mechanical engineering, design, and architecture, demand proficiency in 2D CAD. 2D CAD software typically offers drawing tools, predefined symbols for comments, specific objects, different line options, and dimensions to streamline the process of making a technical drawing. Below we have mentioned some of the best 2D CAD Software.
Best 2D CAD Software
LibreCAD
Features:
- Free and open-source CAD software.
- Supports common 2D drawing elements like lines, arcs, circles, and text.
- Layers and blocks functionality for organizing and reusing elements.
- Basic editing tools and geometric constraints.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
If you’re a newbie looking for a program to start generating your 2D projects and CAD drafting, LibreCAD is the ideal free CAD software. It is an open-source CAD program that runs on Linux, Mac, and Windows. Since there are no subscription fees or license fees, it is a simple program to get started with 2D design. Overall, this is one of the best 2D CAD Software that you can download.
You might also become a member of the LibreCAD community and assist in the creation of this program. For a laser cutting project, this 2D program can be used to make detailed drawings, 2D draftings, or any other 2D project. LibreCAD may be used to design mechanical components, simulate projects, and create all 2D architectural engineering drawings.
AutoCAD
Features:
- Industry-standard CAD software for 2D and 3D design.
- Comprehensive set of tools for drafting, detailing, and annotation.
- Advanced features like parametric constraints and dynamic blocks.
- Integration with other Autodesk software and third-party applications.
- Vast library of extensions and plugins.
The best 2D CAD Software was created by Autodesk and is called AutoCAD. Anywhere you request a CAD recommendation, this is the first choice that is presented. It’s regarded as the norm in mechanical design and architecture, and while understanding it won’t give you a resume boost right away, not knowing it can prevent you from landing a design position. The features of this program are geared at 2D and isometric drawing. Being command-based, working with AutoCAD is notoriously difficult. This means that you can use the software entirely by typing commands; alternatively, you can employ a hybrid workflow that relies on the mouse to support commands.
You don’t need to totally memorise the commands because AutoCAD includes autofill recommendations for them. Even though AutoCAD has a variety of pricing alternatives, including free day trials, student licenses, and full licenses, its high price is the main drawback that prevents many people from using it for independent work unless they are connected to a business. If you like this app you can get it from official website.
OpenSCAD
Features:
- Programmatic CAD software based on a script-based approach.
- Uses a scripting language to define models and geometries.
- Focuses on creating parametric 3D models for 3D printing and fabrication.
- Allows precise control over object dimensions and properties.
- Suitable for users with programming experience.
Free 2D/3D CAD software for Windows, Mac, and Linux/Unix is called OpenSCAD. It is also primarily designed for people who want to produce machine parts. You can design structures using the software at specific angles. The production of constructive solid geometry (CSG) and the presentation of 2D sketches are the two main modelling techniques offered by OpenSCAD.
DXF files can be used to read two-dimensional design parameters as well as two-dimensional pathways for extrusion. To create 3D models, OpenSCAD can also read and write STL files. This is one of the best 2D CAD Software.
Ares Commander
Features:
- Professional CAD software with a familiar AutoCAD-like interface.
- Full compatibility with DWG and DXF file formats.
- Offers a wide range of 2D drafting and editing tools.
- Supports 3D modeling and visualization.
- Collaboration and sharing features for teams.
A 2D and 3D CAD program called Ares Commander was created by Gräbert, a German business that creates design software for a variety of industries. Despite not being as widely known, it is suggested by the community because it offers high-quality drawings and has capabilities comparable to AutoCAD at a lower cost. Overall, this is one of the best 2D CAD Software that you can download.
In contrast to other program on this list, Gräbert runs on Windows, MacOS, and Linux, and it integrates with a cloud platform to enable collaborative creation with Ares Commander. Although it’s possible to purchase the program bundled with other Gräbert products for different pricing packages based on subscription plans, the main pricing option is to buy the perpetual license for little under $800.
QCAD
Features:
- Affordable 2D CAD software for both beginners and professionals.
- Intuitive user interface with familiar CAD tools.
- Extensive library of pre-built CAD objects and templates.
- Supports DXF, DWG, and other file formats.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
If you are just starting out with graphic design, QCAD is also a best 2D CAD Software! QCAD can be the best option for you if you need to make 2D drawings. Compared to AutoCAD, this 2D drawing program is significantly simpler to use. Beginners who must work on 2D CAD projects would love it.
To meet your needs, it offers more than 60 construction and customization tools! To work on a mechanical project, do you need a program? or to create plans for building projects? With its user-friendly software features, QCAD may be the ideal option for you if this is your first time using design software.
FreeCAD
Features:
- Open-source parametric 3D CAD software with 2D drafting capabilities.
- Offers a modular architecture for extensibility.
- Supports constraints and parametric modeling.
- Suitable for mechanical engineering and product design.
- Cross-platform compatibility.
FreeCAD is the best 2D CAD Software as well as a 3D parametric modeller. Actually, you can begin using it to realize your 2D projects by creating technical drawings. To get the most of this program’s drawing tools, you should have some prior CAD knowledge. Due to its resemblance to CATIA, SolidWorks, and Solid Edge, FreeCAD can also be labelled as CAD/CAM, CAE, or PLM software. As a result, FreeCAD is one of the best-known substitutes for the wildly famous SolidWorks 3D CAD program.
It is parametric open-source software with a thriving user base that works to improve its functions and help other users. Given that all FreeCaD objects are native parameters, an object’s shape may depend on a property or even on other objects. It is simple to add new object types, perform computations again as needed, and save alterations in a “undo/redo” stack. Additionally, Python can be used to completely program the system.
Solid Edge
Features:
- Comprehensive 2D and 3D CAD software with advanced modeling capabilities.
- Feature-based parametric modeling for efficient design changes.
- Integration with other Siemens PLM solutions.
- Advanced simulation and analysis tools.
- Collaboration and data management features.
Siemens, a German corporation that is pretty much ubiquitous in the technical industry, created Solid Edge, a CAD program. The business deals with renewable energy and creates modelling tools, energy solutions, control hardware, and software. Solid Edge is primarily a 3D modelling tool, but it also contains several 2D CAD-friendly features, such as FEA simulation and tools for mechanical and electrical 2D sketching.
Since it offers a 30-day free trial and a free license option for projects or startups, Solid Edge is regarded as a viable choice for small enterprises and independent contractors. In terms of cost, it is less expensive than all of the paid options discussed earlier. The modelling package costs $75; the full modelling package costs $185; the advanced modelling package costs $230; and the entire software, which includes full FEA tools and piping tools, costs $329. Currently, this is the best 2D CAD Software you can check now.
AutoCAD
Features:
- Lightweight version of AutoCAD with 2D drafting and documentation features.
- Essential tools for creating and editing 2D designs.
- Suitable for architects, engineers, and drafting professionals.
- DWG file format compatibility.
- Affordable compared to the full version of AutoCAD.
AutoCAD is a 2D CAD software and 3D modelling program created by Autodesk. Thanks to its comprehensive toolkit, Autodesk may be used for mechanical or architectural projects, to create blueprints or engineering designs. Overall, this is one of the best 2D CAD Software that you can download.
You may work on your 2D and 3D files using this software. Remember that while AutoCAD is not a free 2D product, the company does provide a free edition of this CAD tool for educators and students.
