Introduction

If you've already used drafting software at work, then you've likely heard of industry giant, AutoCAD, which has enjoyed a near monopoly. Its drawing exchange file format, .DXF, gets revised continually and competing software has to keep step. This is one of the reasons why you'll often see older versions of expensive CAD software offered for free on the Internet, usually feature-limited.

It would astound you the number of extravagant packages that are essentially AutoCAD clones and can be had for download and free use. Be forewarned that their system requirements tend to be very hefty. Ideally, your PC should have two or more gigabytes of memory, a monitor capable of 1280 x 960 resolution, fast dual processors, a state-of-the-art graphics card and a motherboard that is extra well-cooled.

But Gizmo won't be pursuing the giant AutoCAD clones in depth here, because our readers aren't so much concerned with getting impeccably-perfect blueprints down to some factory to produce high-valued widgets. Those who are should, in all probability, shop elsewhere for software. And those who are planning any major or risky undertakings, such as tearing out an exterior wall of their home to erect a second-story balcony… they also should seek out the best guidance money can buy to ensure the safety of their constructions. None of the software that Gizmo's has cited below claims to analyze structural integrity.

Rated Products

To Be Reviewed:

DraftSight Basic: free, professional-grade CAD product to create, edit and view DWG files for windows, Mac and Linux.

Related Products and Links

You might want to check out these articles too:

Editor

This software category is in need of an editor. If you would like to give something back to the freeware community by taking it over, check out this page for more details. You can then contact us from that page or by clicking here.

Back to the top of the article