What is 2D CAD?
2D CAD (computer-aided design) is drawing flat, accurate plans and technical drawings on a computer instead of by hand. Every line has an exact length and position, so the drawing can be measured, changed and shared without losing accuracy.
START DRAWING — FREEWhat 2D CAD is used for
Engineers draw parts and brackets for workshops, CNC and laser cutting. Architects and architectural technicians draw floor plans, sections and elevations. Interior and kitchen designers lay out rooms. Builders and trades sketch surveys and set-outs. Students learn technical drawing. All of it is 2D: lengths and positions on a flat sheet, measured in millimetres.
2D CAD vs 3D CAD
3D CAD models solid objects you can spin round. 2D CAD draws the views you actually build or make from: a plan from above, a section through, an elevation from the side. Most drawings that go to site, to a client or to a cutter are still 2D.
The core tools
Nearly every 2D CAD program has the same core set. Draw with lines, arcs, circles and rectangles. Edit with trim, extend, offset, fillet and mirror. Annotate with dimensions, text and leaders.
Ideas worth knowing
Snapping locks points onto the grid or onto other lines so everything meets exactly (how snapping works). Drawing at real size means you draw a 4-metre wall as 4000mm, and set the scale only when printing. Print scale, such as 1:50, shrinks the drawing to fit paper while keeping it measurable (print to scale). DXF is the file format for sharing drawings between programs (all about DXF).
Desktop CAD vs online CAD
Desktop programs such as AutoCAD are powerful, but they cost a yearly licence, need installing and are built for a mouse and keyboard. Online CAD runs in a web browser, so there is nothing to install and it works on any device. BenCAD is online 2D CAD built for touch screens first, so it works on a phone on site as well as on a laptop in the office.
How to start
Open BenCAD, draw a rectangle, add dimensions, and download a PNG. It is free, with no account. The tool guides walk through every command.
Questions
Is there free 2D CAD software?
Yes. BenCAD is free online 2D CAD with no download or account. LibreCAD and QCAD are free desktop programs.
Is 2D CAD hard to learn?
The basics take an afternoon: draw lines and shapes, snap them together, trim, and dimension. BenCAD keeps the tool set focused so you can start drawing straight away.
Can I do 2D CAD on a phone?
Yes. BenCAD works in the browser on iPhone and Android. See CAD on your phone.