Use CAD online and skip the drama of worrying about your hard drive crashing or needing access to your files on the go. While there are plenty of premium subscriptions online, many options are free or at least offer a free tier. Use these CAD online alternatives as a companion to your favorite desktop app or your main CAD software.
1. Best for Architectural Design: SketchUp Free
Price: Free with premium option
SketchUp Free lets you enjoy the power of SketchUp right from your browser. It’s all free, including advanced modeling tools. All you need is a free Trimble Connect account to store your models online. Once set up, log in and start creating 3D models.
Quickly search the 3D Warehouse for user-generated and even manufacturer-generated models. Enjoy using the various editing tools, styles, materials, measurements, and more in the easy-to-access sidebars. There are even tutorials built in to help get you started. Upload SKP, JPG, and PNG files, and download SKP, PNG, and STL formats.
The two main drawbacks are: all designs have a watermark and no exporting to other formats. You’re welcome to share your files with a link, but you have to upgrade to a premium plan for additional file types and no watermark.
Pros
- Advanced 3D modeling tools
- Large variety of styles and models
- Supports viewing and downloading various file types
- Unlimited usage instead of a free trial
Cons
- Watermarks on designs
- Export options are limited in free edition
Tip: for those using a tool to free-draw designs before 3D modeling them, try one of these Windows sketching apps.
2. Best for Free 3D Assets: Vectary
Price: Free with premium options
Vectary is a popular option to use CAD online. While many features are locked behind a paywall, the generous free version still lets you create complex 3D designs. You even get access to the materials, HDR, and Vectary Elements libraries.
It’s completely free to sign up for Vectary online. This isn’t a trial, though you can test out the full version for 30 days for free. The interface is uncluttered with easy-to-use sidebars, featuring all the tools you need to create and manipulate shapes, adjust lighting and angles, and even add in numerous 3D assets, courtesy of Vectary.
Unless you’re expecting large amounts of traffic, it’s free to share your designs publicly. Export designs for free in OBJ, DAE, FBX, and STL formats. Import FBX, GITF, OBJ, STL, DAE, HDR, JPG, PNG, and SVG. If you want more export formats, animation, and interactive designs, you’ll need to upgrade to the premium edition.
Pros
- Large library of 3D assets, even in the free edition
- Works well as an online CAD viewer
- Intuitive layout, along with built-in tutorials for beginners
Cons
- Only one free workspace
- Limited export options in free version
3. Best for Diagramming Templates: SmartDraw
Price: Free with premium options
Unlike the previous two options, SmartDraw focuses on 2D diagramming over 3D models. It’s perfect for creating floor plans, engineering templates, mind maps, geographical maps, landscape designs, and much more. Most of the tools and templates are available to free users.
It’s hard to ask for a more versatile diagramming solution than SmartDraw. With hundreds of templates categorized by type, it’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. Simply enter your measurements to draw plans to scale. Edit any template or start from scratch.
The major downside is, exporting, printing, and sharing is only available in the paid version. Save your designs online with a free SmartDraw account. Save to SmartDraw’s servers or popular cloud services, like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and Dropbox.
Pros
- Numerous categorized templates for all types of diagrams
- Customize any template or create your own for free
- Save designs to your favorite cloud service
Cons
- No exporting, printing, or sharing in the free version
- No 3D options
Note: also see how SmartDraw compares to Microsoft Visio.
4. Best for 3D Modeling: SelfCAD
Price: Free with premium options
SelfCAD is a powerful way to use CAD online, but the wealth of step-by-step tutorials makes it perfect for beginners. The free version is a bit limited, but every user gets a free 10-day trial of the pro edition. The free version lets you create both 2D and 3D models using a variety of tools.
Thanks to the integrated slicer, it works well for creating 3D models for 3D printers. While it’s not limited to just 3D models, it’s not the best tool for creating floor plans and diagrams.
Every version, including free, lets you export your file to all the supported file types. However, you can’t use any of the 3D sketching tools, deformation tools, or sculpting tools in the free version. But, for beginners and hobbyists, the remaining tools are more than enough.
Pros
- Detailed tutorials
- All export options available to free users
- Advanced tools for all skill levels
Cons
- Not suitable for diagramming
- Some 3D tools are only for premium users
5. Best for Beginners: Tinkercad
Price: Free
Tinkercad is part of the Autodesk family of products, but it is completely free to use. It’s designed with students in mind to introduce them to 3D modeling, along with learning circuitry and coding, all in one place. Schools can sign up to create classroom projects or sign up as an individual.
This platform to use CAD online is beginner friendly and offers tutorials and sample projects to help get you started. Or, create something from scratch. Choose between 3D design, circuits, and codeblocks.
It’s not ideal for standard diagramming or architecture, but it’s a great way to learn 3D modeling without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, with so many projects to follow, you’ll never get bored or run out of ideas to try.
Pros
- Large library of shapes and characters
- Growing list of projects and tutorials
- Perfect for students and hobbyists learning 3D modeling
- Offers three STEM related tools
Cons
- Not designed for professionals
- Not enough tools for advanced CAD users
6. Best for Advanced Hobbyists: Onshape
Price: Free with premium options
Onshape is one of the most advanced CAD online tool for professionals and hobbyists. The pro edition has a hefty price tag, but it’s designed for freelancers and businesses creating detailed designs. The free version is rather generous, but you’re not allowed to create any commercial designs.
It’s a full CAD and PDM platform that lets you create public designs. If you’re just learning or creating for fun, the free edition is all you need. Easily set your default measurements during setup, customize every shape, and control layers in the sidebar.
For designing products and parts, it’s hard to beat Onshape’s functionality and toolset. It may be too complex for beginners and general hobbyists. The main downsides: the free version only allows for non-commercial creations, and your files are public.
Pros
- Free version includes access to most tools
- Advanced CAD and PDM tool set
- Designed with professionals in mind
- Detailed tutorials
Cons
- Expensive for premium
- No private files in free version
- Can’t use free files for commercial designs
7. Best for Non-Designers: 3D Slash
Price: Free with premium options
If you’ve ever wanted to create 3D designs but thought it was too hard, try 3D Slash. It’s a simple option to use CAD online for 3D modeling. Create projects from scratch or build up existing STL and OBJ files. Despite being made for complete beginners, it’s easy to create complex 3D shapes.
You don’t have to create an account to get started, but you’ll need to if you want to save your work. The tools are simple to use but likely aren’t like any other CAD app you’ve used. Chisel, hammer, and even drill into shapes to carve them into the design you want.
If you want to keep things simple and play around, this is the perfect starting point. But the free version doesn’t let you export your designs, and you’re limited to just eight colors. However, the premium is just $2/month, making it a great entry-level CAD online tool.
Pros
- Great for all skill levels
- Simple tools to build 3D models
- Cheap premium plans to access all features
Cons
- No export options in free edition
- Very basic, not suitable for pro designers
Viewing CAD Files
If you don’t need a CAD design tool and just want to view files you’ve been sent, try a CAD file viewer instead. You don’t need to download anything.
With Autodesk Viewer, view over 80 files types. This includes both 2D and 3D files. View files on almost any device, and make notes using the drawing and annotation tools.
ShareCAD doesn’t support nearly as many file types (less than half of Autodesk Viewer), but it covers the most popular formats. It’s also available on most devices.
Use CAD Online or Locally
You don’t need to download software to create 2D and 3D models. Instead, just use CAD online. If you do want something to use locally, check out these AutoCAD alternatives. If you’re a designer, you may also enjoy creating your own apps. Discover how to build your own apps online without any coding.
Image credit: Unsplash. All screenshots by Crystal Crowder.
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