3D design has become a trend in different industrial and artistic sectors. In little more than a decade, it has managed to position itself as one of the best valued jobs in the world. One of the programs that has become a reference for professionals of this new technique; AutoCAD .
AutoCAD is a very versatile 2D and 3D digital design program , which allows you to do things with a level of detail far superior to what other software of the same type offers. In addition, since he was born in 1982 , he has been innovating considerably in design, giving designers tools to create unique things. However, its price is a bit high today, which limits the learning of those who have just started and do not generate enough to pay it.
In this article, we present 8 cheap or free alternatives that you can use to take your first steps in digital design without AutoCAD . In addition, we will tell you everything you need to know when choosing a good 3D modeling program.
Index:
What is it, what is it for and how does AutoCAD work?
AutoCAD is a computer-aided design program (Computer Assited Desing) created by Autodesk in the early 1980s. At first it was very archaic and limited, not much superior to Windows Paint, but over the years it was developing new tools until it became a powerful design engine of the most versatile in the world.
Like other editing programs, it incorporates the ability to create vector images, bitmaps (like Photoshop) and others, with exquisite precision and a high level of detail. This has raised it to the cusp of 2D and 3D Design over the main competitors it has in the market .
It is currently the computer-aided design software most used by engineers, architects, industrial designers and other professionals. No engineering or architecture studio can afford to have a computer without AutoCAD .
This is software that is used in the creation and planning phases . With it you can create plans of civil works from scratch, as well as modeling parts for industrial machines or for new vehicles in the automotive industry. With 3D printing , simpler objects such as watches, bracelets and even clothes can be designed, and it is not ruled out that in the future organs of living beings can also be designed.
Advantages
The advantages gained by a professional using it are obvious. Not for nothing has it become an indispensable program for anyone who works designing and creating things.
- Allows complete creative freedom to design any object from scratch.
- Powerful and versatile tools.
- Great quality of detail in whatever is designed.
Disadvantages
Like everything in the world, nothing is perfect, and in AutoCAD you can find some moles that many may find a disadvantage.
- The price of your license is high.
- You need a very powerful computer to work properly.
- It is very complicated to use. If you are not familiar with it, you will have to learn from another professional.
List of the 8 best 2D or similar 3D design programs AutoCAD for Windows and Mac
Now that you know everything you need to know about the program, it’s time to introduce you to the 8 best alternatives to Apple AutoCAD for Windows and MacOS, so that you can start with a simpler and cheaper one .
AutoCAD LT
Autodesk is aware that its software is quite expensive, so it has developed a cheaper version of it so that the less wealthy can get started in the world of 2D design and 3D modeling. However, it should be noted that this is less versatile and does not have the most powerful tools than the full version .
One of the biggest moles of this version, is that it can not make 3D design, but just draw in two dimensions. In addition, with this you cannot control the parameters of the CAD, nor extract data from objects to the tables. That without forgetting that the license is unique and not multi-user.
MicroStation
This is one of the most powerful editing software, with varied tools that make it one of the most versatile on the market today. It is especially used by architects since the quality it offers in making plans is as good as the Autodesk program, with a cheaper license.
MicroStation can read BIM, IFC, DGN, DWG and i-models documents, and even other elements such as cloud points and raster images . It also offers tools for 3D modeling that are very good and do not require so much expertise to get good jobs.
VectorWorks
This is one of the most powerful you have as alternatives on the list. With regard to 2D design, it is undoubtedly one of the best in the industry, combining Illustrator and Photoshop tools , but with a better quality of detail. This is a cheaper alternative for architects who do not have how to acquire the Autodesk program. However, it is also less powerful when it comes to three-dimensional design.
Revit
This is an alternative launched by Autodesk itself that allows working in BIM files for three-dimensional design. This is especially used by architects and engineers to make simple plans, but without the option of giving them depth in three dimensions. Its license is economical, although it must also be said that some of its tools require advanced knowledge to understand and apply them correctly.
SketchUp
This is an excellent ally for 3D designers . It is cheap and the functions it has are not so complex to use, so it could be said that it is a beginner level software, ideal for taking the first steps before acquiring a more powerful option.
Yes, the quality of details is not top-level, but with ingenuity you can make interesting works . Although the most interesting thing is that you can also edit and design online, without downloading anything.
ArchiCAD
A good reader and editor of BIM files for 3D modeling. It is cheaper than others on the list, although its functions are also not the best available. One of its greatest advantages is that it allows you to certify yourself as an expert , which gives you a very good wild card to get a job, without forgetting that they offer you training to learn what is necessary to perform high-flying works to professional level.
SolidWorks
One of the best for Windows today . This software was created in 1995 with the intention of making 3D design available to everyone, offering a quality program at a much lower price than the competition.
It has powerful features that are relatively easy to use , although it must be said that it is still a bit far from what you can get with Autodesk software, but it is certainly a good option to start designing.
BricsCAD
We close with one of the best in the market, considered one of the strongest competencies it currently has. This software has some of the most powerful features you can find for vector design.
In addition, it has an excellent support team that will help you solve any doubts, and even with an ideal course program so that you learn all the secrets until you become an expert. However, your license is not much less cheap, although it is still below Autodesk software .
In the market you can find other pretty good options like IntelligentCad or Solid Edges that will also allow you to do good work, but we consider that the 8 that we have presented to you today are the best. So take note and start downloading the one you like best.