AutoCad can be called a monopolist in its segment. Among other computer aided design systems (CAD), it is the most popular. Moreover, the merit of not only marketers here is the presence of the vast capabilities of this program plays an important role.
Design engineers choose AutoCad for its functionality, intuitive and user-friendly interface, an abundance of add-ons, macros, as well as versatility. The program can be adapted to almost any needs and specific user. In addition, the abundance of training material allows you to learn the utility in the shortest possible time.
But, despite all the advantages, AutoCad has a number of obvious shortcomings. One of these, and critical for many users, is the cost of a license. An annual key costs more than 100 thousand rubles, and a perpetual one reaches the mark of 400 thousand. Even the most truncated version of the functionality will cost almost 90 thousand rubles.
It’s not every user who can afford to pay such money for software, but not every organization. So many are looking for more affordable analogues of the AutoCad program. There are enough of them, but not every software adequately copes with the task.
Let’s try to understand this issue and outline the alternatives to AutoCAD, distinguished by a large number of positive feedback from experts, as well as its effectiveness. All the products described below can be found on the official websites of the developers, so there should not be any serious problems with testing.
ZWCAD Classic
This is one of the most popular Russian analogues of AutoCAD. The product was developed in close collaboration between domestic and Chinese programmers. On our territory, ZVSOFT is engaged in distribution and support.
This analogue of AutoCAD is practically no different from the venerable original. Here we have a painfully familiar interface, familiar menu branches and a classic set of tools. Naturally, all projects built in ZWCAD will feel great on the AutoCAD engine, so there are no problems with compatibility.
This analogue of AutoCAD works with DWG, DXF and other popular formats, therefore, there are no difficulties when opening drawings with the same extension from other programs. Here you can build both 2D and 3D models.
Project Features
As for the entry threshold, there is a ton of training material on the official website of the developer in both text and video format. And on the same "YouTube" lessons at least a dime a dozen. A newbie with a condachka will definitely not learn this AutoCAD analogue, so you will have to spend some time studying manuals and instructions. Well, advanced users in this area will have enough for a couple of hours to be with the program for “you”.
The product is distributed under a paid license, and for an annual subscription you will have to pay from 11,000 rubles. The final cost largely depends on the number of jobs. There are also professional solutions through and through for large enterprises with advanced graphic support, but already there prices start at 40,000 rubles.
Nanocad
Another Russian analogue of AutoCAD from Nanosoft. The product is primarily focused on creating high-quality 2D projects, but there is also full support for 3D objects. As in the previous case, this AutoCAD analogue almost completely copies its interface along with the main menu branches.
There are no problems with the adaptation of projects. The program works with the DWG format, so you can export or import data from / to any CAD systems that support this extension. About some losses during adaptation in specialized forums was not mentioned.
Distinctive features of the utility
Given that this is a Russian analogue of AutoCAD, developed taking into account domestic realities, the program is mainly focused on the local system of state standards when creating projects. This is very convenient, because there is no need to look for any additional plugins and add-ons for adaptation.
This analogue of AutoCAD for Windows allows you to connect a lot of modules useful in certain cases. In addition, the program can make up additional applications in VBA, LISP and other systems. So, NanoCad can also be called a universal product.
Product Features
One of the remarkable features of this AutoCAD analogue is the sensible implementation of messages with the NormaCS electronic library, where there is an abundant list of all kinds of standards and regulations. When creating a project, any graphic object can be associated with one of the documents from this database.
It is also worth mentioning the ability to edit substrates and bitmap images. Moreover, this function is implemented not just for show, but really works as it should. This adds to the product even more versatility.
The program is distributed under a paid license, where a basic version will have to pay a little more than 10 thousand rubles (annual subscription). The rest can be bought as separate modules - “Construction site”, “Water supply”, etc.
progeCAD
This is a fairly advanced complex designed for 2D and 3D design. Separately, it is worth noting that the developer has provided an adapted analogue of AutoCAD for Mac. In this case, it will be called iCADMac.
The effectiveness of the complex can be compared with the lightest version of AutoCAD. But the program has its own unique capabilities. For example, the conversion of images to the DWG format and vice versa is competently implemented here.
This utility, as well as the AutoCAD analog for Mac - iCADMac, has an advanced architectural module EasyArch. The latter significantly increases the productivity of the complex during the layout of projects of the AR brand. The module received a rather impressive library of windows, doors and individual interior details, not only in 2D, but also in 3D format.
Features of the program
It should also be noted that the utility supports dynamic data entry, and this accelerates 3D modeling and annotative scaling of objects. In addition, all received documentation can be duplicated via cloud storage, which significantly increases the reliability of work.
As for the entry threshold, some users complain about the slightly confusing menu branches with categories that you have to get used to. Especially when it comes to switching from AutoCAD to this software. Nevertheless, the developer did not stint on training materials. They can be found both on the product’s official website in text form, and video tutorials on the same “YouTube”.
The program is distributed under a paid license. The basic version will cost about 25 thousand rubles, and the network version - almost 40. The developer also provided for trial modification for a period of 30 days. The functionality there, of course, is greatly reduced, but it’s quite realistic to evaluate the product’s capabilities.
Compass Builder
This product from domestic developers was originally conceived as a specific tool for designers and machine builders. But over the past couple of years, the program has become more universal, and it is used not only for the development of parts and ESKD assemblies.
Many design engineers liked the modification of Compass Builder. It allows you to build complex construction projects and draw up technical documentation with an eye to all the regulatory requirements of SPDS. It is in this area that Compass makes quite a worthy competition to AutoCad due to a serious set of tools and documentation adapted to Russian realities.
Application Features
The interface of the Builder can be called simple, but beginners will have to spend some time studying the reference section or watching video tutorials. Sections, categories, menu branches and tools are built quite logically, so there should be no serious problems in mastering the program.
A clear advantage of this product is the output documentation. The libraries of the program have a lot of presets for specifications, notes or explanatory notes. You do not have to puzzle over the ratio of text to graphics and sheet sizes, as well as draw tables and frames manually. In “Compass”, such seemingly trifles are correctly implemented and greatly facilitate layout.
There are also no problems with exporting and importing projects. "Builder" perfectly digests the classic DWG and DXF formats collected in any CAD system (without adding any original encodings), including AutoCade.
Features of work
It should also be noted that the creation of projects in Compass can be significantly accelerated if additional modules are connected. For example, the AR / AC add-in allows you to work with a huge list of architectural and building blocks: windows, roofing, doors, concrete goods, metal profiles and much more. Moreover, each individual element is assigned its own position in GOST, which will be needed when compiling the final specifications and explications.
The product is distributed under a paid license, where the basic local version will cost about 20 thousand rubles, and the network version - 25 thousand. The developer also provided a trial version for 30 days with a few truncated functionality. But the level of the latter is quite enough to assess the possibility of the program and draw the appropriate conclusions about the appropriateness of the purchase.
Librecad
This is the most simplified and absolutely free analogue of AutoCAD for weak PCs. The program is a very good platform for the development of 2D drawings, that is, a kind of electronic shuttle. The utility does not support 3D objects in any form. So those who want to work in three planes should look at other options.
The application has a simple and intuitive interface, which even a beginner will understand with this matter. Actually, there’s nothing to deal with there: 2D space and an elementary set of tools that fits on the main screen without contextual items. It is worth noting the presence of a very competent Russian-language localization, as well as a detailed help system, which will greatly facilitate the development of the product.
The program offers all the basic elements for design: blocks, layers, individual shapes, snapping and other tools. Quite a lot of users complain about the not very convenient movements of primitives and how to build them, especially if you switched from AutoCAD or the above analogs. Nevertheless, the output is quite decent projects with well-built documentation.
Program features
The online application library pleases with an abundance of presets and templates. Of the 5,000 elements, there will probably be something useful. Until recently, the program only supported the DXF extension, but with the latest updates, the developers adapted the code to the generally accepted DWG format. Therefore, there should not be any problems with the export and import of 2D projects.
As mentioned above, the program is completely undemanding to the system resources of the computer. In the task manager, loading it is comparable to the usual Paint for Windows. So the application works stably even on ancient PCs with outdated processors and a small amount of RAM. True, in this case, the results of data processing will have to wait longer than usual, as if it were on a more modern PC. Nevertheless, the program works stably and does not crash.
The product is distributed free of charge. Advertising inherent in such a license is missing here, which cannot but rejoice. Enthusiastic developers do not forget about their brainchild and regularly release updates with patches, listening to user feedback. The program does not have any critical flaws, especially when you consider the type of license. So for the pen test and as an auxiliary tool, the product can be safely recommended.