6 of the Best Free Linux CAD Software
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer
technology for the design of objects, real or virtual. It
often refers to the drafting (technical drawing and engineering
drawing) of a part or product, including entire buildings.
However, CAD software is used in a wide variety of other
fields such as electronics and woven fabrics.
CAD software may be used to design curves and figures in
two-dimensional ("2D") space; or curves, surfaces, or solids in
three-dimensional ("3D") objects.
The Windows CAD world has long been dominated by the extremely
powerful AutoCAD software. Unfortunately, Unix support was
dropped way back in 1994, and its authors, Autodesk, have no current
plans to bring it to Linux. Whilst it is possible to run AutoCAD in
Linux using Wine, the fact remains that it is expensive software, with
no source code available. This article instead focuses on CAD software
released under a freely distributable license, yet which retains a lot
of the functionality offered by AutoCAD.
To provide an insight into the quality of software that is
available, we have compiled a list of 6 high quality free Linux CAD
applications. Hopefully, there will be something of interest
here for anyone who wants to produce professional drawings.
Now, let's explore the 6 CAD applications at hand. For
each title we have compiled its own portal page, a full description
with an in-depth analysis of its features, screenshots, together with
links to relevant
resources and reviews.
| Computer-Aided Design |
| QCad |
Professional CAD System |
| BRL-CAD |
Constructive
Solid Geometry (CSG) solid modeling system |
| Open
CASCADE |
Technology, 3D modeling & numerical simulation |
| FreeCAD |
3D-Solid
and general purpose design
CAD/CAE |
| VARKON |
Parametric CAD-tool |
| Electric |
The
Electric VLSI Design System |
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Last Updated Sunday, April 21 2013 @ 04:29 PM EDT
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