The best free 2D CAD software in 2026
There is more good free 2D CAD than ever. The right one depends on where you draw, what files you need, and whether you will use it for paid work. Here are seven options, with honest notes on each. (Yes, we make BenCAD — we have tried to be fair.)
START DRAWING — FREEAt a glance
| Software | Runs on | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BenCAD | Browser, incl. phones and tablets | Free; Pro paid | Drawing anywhere, plans and parts, DXF and true-scale PDF |
| LibreCAD | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free, open source | Traditional desktop 2D drafting |
| QCAD | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free Community Edition; Professional paid | Desktop 2D drafting with a large part library |
| FreeCAD | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free, open source | 3D parametric design, with 2D drafting tools |
| KulmanLab | Browser, desktop only | Free | Desktop-style CAD in the browser, with layers |
| AutoCAD Web | Browser | Free trial, then with an AutoCAD/LT subscription | Viewing and editing DWG files |
| SketchUp Free | Browser | Free for non-commercial use | 3D modelling rather than 2D drafting |
BenCAD
Free online 2D CAD built for touch screens first, so it works on a phone on site and on a laptop in the office. Core drawing, editing and dimensions are free; Pro adds tools such as offset, fillet, hatching, blocks, DXF and print-ready PDFs. See every tool.
LibreCAD
Free and open source, installed on Windows, macOS or Linux, working natively in DXF. A solid choice for desk-based drafting. BenCAD vs LibreCAD.
QCAD
A mature desktop 2D CAD program with a free, open-source Community Edition. QCAD Professional is a paid upgrade that adds features such as DWG support.
FreeCAD
Free, open-source and mainly a 3D parametric modeller, with Draft and TechDraw workbenches for 2D drafting and drawing sheets. Powerful, with a steeper learning curve for simple 2D work.
KulmanLab
A free browser-based CAD editor modelled on desktop CAD, with layers, DXF and paper layouts. Desktop only — it does not support phones or tablets. BenCAD vs KulmanLab.
AutoCAD Web
Autodesk's browser version of AutoCAD for DWG files. There is a free trial; ongoing use comes with an AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT subscription. BenCAD vs AutoCAD Web.
SketchUp Free
A 3D modeller in the browser, free for non-commercial use. Great for 3D visuals; not a 2D drafting tool. BenCAD vs SketchUp Free.
How to choose
- Draw on a phone or tablet? BenCAD.
- Want open source on a desktop? LibreCAD, QCAD Community or FreeCAD.
- Work in DWG with an AutoCAD team? AutoCAD Web (with a subscription).
- Need 3D? FreeCAD or SketchUp.
Sources
LibreCAD (Wikipedia) · KulmanLab FAQ · AutoCAD Web · SketchUp pricing · FreeCAD Draft Workbench.
Details of other products were checked on 13 October 2026 and can change; see their websites for current prices and features.
Questions
What is the best free 2D CAD for beginners?
One with a small, clear tool set and nothing to install. BenCAD and KulmanLab both run in the browser; BenCAD also works on phones.
Is there free 2D CAD for commercial use?
Yes: BenCAD, LibreCAD, QCAD Community Edition and FreeCAD can all be used for paid work. SketchUp Free cannot. Check each tool's own terms.