QCAD

The first thing you need to know is that QCAD is an open source CAD for working in 2D. Now that that’s out of the way, I am going to focus on all the things you’re going to like about it: available for multiple platforms, portability, user friendly interface, samples, and a very nice list of features.

QCAD, as previously mentioned, is available for multiple platforms: Windows (XP, Vista, 7, 8; 32 and 64-bit flavors), Mac OS X (Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion), and Linux (32 and 64-bit distros). The QCAD source code is available for download under the terms of the GNU General Public License.

Focusing on Microsoft’s Windows operating system, it must be said that a setup wizard will guide you through the installation process. Once said process is complete and you run QCAD for the first time, you will be presented with a First Start window that will allow you to pick the following: language, measuring unit, default paper size, decimal point, background color.

The drawing you’re working on is presented front and center on the interface. Buttons and menus for various functions are presented all around it. So overall, it is a typical layout that you will immediately feel at home with. Speaking about layouts, from the Application Preferences menu, the Layout submenu, you can choose a Layout Style: None, BlueStell, Flat, and Simple.

As I mentioned at the start, QCAD will delight you with a very nice list of features. Here are the main ones: numerous construction tools, numerous modification tools, object snaps, measuring tools, layers, blocks, multiple CAD fonts, DXF and DWG input and output, print on multiple pages, TrueType fonts support, metric and imperial units support, ECMAScript scripting interface, and more.

QCAD is a free and open source application, meaning you can use it for free for any purpose for as long as you want. You must know that there’s a paid Pro add-on and a paid CAM add-on. The trial versions of these add-ons terminate after 15 minutes.

QCAD is free and open source, it comes with a user friendly interface, and it provides access to useful functionality from that interface.