DIY: LibreCAD Offers Basic CAD Tools for Free

As a DIY enthusiast or an amateur designer, you may not need the advanced features of commercial Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software like AutoCAD. Fortunately, there's a free and open-source alternative that can provide you with basic CAD tools without breaking the bank - LibreCAD.

LibreCAD is the only major free computer-aided design program available in the market today. It offers a range of features and functionalities that make it an excellent choice for those who want to create 2D designs without spending a fortune on software. In this article, we'll take a closer look at LibreCAD's features, benefits, and limitations.

One of the standout features of LibreCAD is its ability to read and write various file formats, including the AutoCAD DXF file format internally for import and save files. This means that you can easily work with other CAD software or share your designs with others who use different software. LibreCAD also supports export to many other file formats, making it a versatile tool for designers.

LibreCAD is available in over 30 languages, making it accessible to designers around the world. The software is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows operating systems, so you can choose the platform that suits your needs best.

In terms of user interface, LibreCAD relies on a GUI based on Qt5 libraries, which makes it possible to run on multiple platforms without any issues. The interface is also designed to be similar to AutoCAD, making it easier for users with experience in this type of commercial CAD application to use LibreCAD.

LibreCAD's development began around 2010 when the QCAD Community Edition v2.0.5.0 was forked to create a new open-source CAD software. Since then, LibreCAD has evolved into a powerful and feature-rich tool that can be used for a variety of design tasks.

While LibreCAD is an excellent choice for those who need basic CAD tools, it's not without its limitations. One of the major limitations is the lack of support for DWG files, which are commonly used in commercial CAD software. However, this limitation is expected to be addressed soon with the development of a new library called libdxfrw.

In conclusion, LibreCAD offers a range of basic CAD tools that can be useful for DIY enthusiasts and amateur designers. Its ability to read and write various file formats, support for multiple platforms, and user-friendly interface make it an excellent choice for those who want to create 2D designs without spending too much money on software.

Free LibreCAD 2.2.0.2