Free 2D CAD Design Software

[custommetal]

Hi All
Check out this web site for free 2D CAD software, just register. You can't beat the price if you want to learn computer drafting or at least see if you like or can use it.

http://www.solidedge.com/free2d/

George

[FriarTuck]

I downloaded it, installed it, and it looks pretty good for a 2D CAD package. They are trying to get you to upgrade to a 3D package, but if you put up with that, it might be usefull. You will need to register, then emails go back and forth, then you really need to follow the email directions. It's more involved that just downloading and running the program. There's a license to attach during the installation, but it's no big deal, if you follow the instructions.

Tuck

[Maukka]

Found an other 2D CAD program. Works also on older computers.
(like mine)
http://www.progecad.com/

[spitfireguy]

How about some 2D CAD for Mac? Can anyone help me there?

Mike

[Mathius]

emachineshop.com has free software. It's 3d. It might work with mac. I installed it, but never messed with it. Still learning basic 2D autocad. Taking a class.

Mathius

[custommetal]

I didn't realize I had made the first post here but things have changed in the CAD world a whole lot. You can now get an entry level package from Alibre Design for $99---full 3d can and drawings. I have been using their Design Professional package about 6 years and it is great. It's worth your time to check it out. www.alibre.com
George

[schmidty]

I thought I would re-resurrect this old post to add some new info about free programs.

If you are looking for free 2D CAD software, you MUST check out DraftSight. It's made by Dassault Systemes (the same people who make SolidWorks). There are two versions of DraftSight. One free and one $$ (I think about $400??) The free version is basically a clone of AutoCAD LT. It is a GREAT program.

For those with no CAD experience it might seem a little daunting at first. But the help files are pretty good, and they have an ever-expanding online video library to walk you through the basics. They also have an online community to ask for help. Actually, it is such a close clone of ACAD, you could probably even use ACAD documentation to learn it.

If 2D CAD is something you are interested in learning, I HIGHLY recommend you check it out.

I have a recommendation for free 3D CAD as well, but I'll post that separately.

[Ken Hosford]

If you have a community college they often have courses well worth the $ Make it a lot easier

[Stretch]

Just in case there's any Linux users out there there's also LibreCAD which does quite well for what it is although there's an irritating problem with the fonts at the moment - you need to convert your truetype fonts to lff...