FREE 2D CAD · OPTIONAL AI · BETA
Choose a CAD alternative for the work you actually do.
CadFreely is a free online 2D CAD editor with supported DWG/DXF workflows and optional AI drafting. Use this guide to decide when a browser workspace fits your job and when a desktop or 3D application is the better match.
Start with your required output
A room layout, a revised DWG, a fabrication DXF and a parametric 3D part have different requirements. Choose a tool by the files and edits your team needs, then test an actual project copy. A similar command name or a successful file import alone does not prove complete compatibility.
| Product | Main workflow to investigate | When to consider CadFreely |
|---|---|---|
| AutoCAD | Autodesk's 2D drafting and 3D design environment; capabilities differ by platform and subscription. | Supported 2D edits and drawing review in a browser. Check the AutoCAD comparison before moving a production workflow. |
| AutoCAD LT | Desktop 2D drafting and documentation in Autodesk's DWG workflow. | A browser option for everyday 2D tasks when your required commands and saved-file results pass a representative test. |
| FreeCAD | Open-source parametric 3D modeling. | When you need a 2D drawing or DWG/DXF review rather than a FreeCAD parametric solid. Read the FreeCAD alternative guide. |
| ZWCAD | DWG-based desktop drafting; tools and licensing depend on the edition. | Reviewing or making supported 2D changes in a browser. Use the DWG exchange checklist to test a project copy. |
| GstarCAD | Desktop CAD with DWG/DXF workflows and edition-specific capabilities. | Browser drawing review, measurement and supported edits. Compare the saved result with the source drawing before handing it back. |
| LibreCAD | Free, open-source desktop 2D CAD for Windows, macOS and Linux. | When starting in a browser or using optional AI fits your task. Keep a desktop tool if reliable offline work is required. |
| QCAD | Desktop 2D technical drafting for Windows, macOS and Linux. Check the edition and its file support. | Quick browser access for supported 2D edits. Compare the exact drawing tools, plotting and exchange results you use. |
What is free in CadFreely?
Manual 2D drawing and editing tools are free. Try the editor for five minutes without an account, then sign in with a free account to continue drawing. Accounts also provide access to online drawings and optional AI allowances. Paid AI plans are separate from the core manual editor.
CadFreely is currently in beta. Its browser and Android workflows need internet access; installing the web app does not make it a complete offline CAD package.
What should you test before switching?
- Open a copy with the layers, text, blocks and dimensions you normally use.
- Check units and several known measurements.
- Make a typical revision, then save a separate DWG or DXF.
- Reopen it in your recipient's CAD application and compare the result.
- Plot a sheet and check text, lineweights and scale.
Looking for CadFree, CAD Free or free CAD online?
This project was previously named CadFree and is now CadFreely at cadfreely.com. “Free CAD” also describes a broad category of software; it does not identify a single product. FreeCAD, AutoCAD, LibreCAD and QCAD are separate products. CadFreely is an independent alternative for supported 2D tasks, not an edition or official replacement of those applications.
How do you judge a reliable CAD alternative?
Look beyond a familiar interface. A useful trial includes saving an edit, reopening it, recovering your work after closing the app and plotting at a known scale. Keep the original file and check any import or export warning. CadFreely can refuse an unsafe export when unsupported data could be lost; that protects the source, but does not make the file fully compatible.
For a shared desktop-CAD workflow, follow the ZWCAD and GstarCAD exchange checks. Use the source application when a required object, automation or output is unsupported.
Check each product's own documentation
These are workflow comparisons, not measured performance rankings. For current capabilities and terms, consult AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, FreeCAD, ZWCAD, GstarCAD, LibreCAD and QCAD. Product names belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.
Next: edit a DXF, open a DWG, or prepare an AI floor-plan draft.