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LibreCAD
What it is
LibreCAD is a free, open-source application for 2D computer-aided design, released under the GNU General Public License version 2. Its tools include lines, circles, arcs, polylines, splines, entity modification, hatching, blocks, annotations, and dimensions. DXF is its main format, with import and export supported; it can also export PDF and images and import DWG on a limited basis. The FAQ describes DWG support as basic and import-only, and recommends converting a DWG file to DXF if import fails. LibreCAD does not support every Autodesk DXF feature and lists supported DXF versions as R12, R14, 2000, 2004, and 2007. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with official platform packages and instructions for building from source. The interface is available in over 30 languages. Community-developed plugins can assist with some tasks, and the project community provides free support and documentation, including a forum for questions. The project says the software is distributed without warranty, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
For and against
For
- Free and open source under GPLv2
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
- Provides common 2D drawing and annotation tools
- DXF import and export are supported
- Interface available in over 30 languages
Against
- DWG support is basic and import-only
- Some Autodesk DXF features are unsupported
- Distributed without warranty
The verdict
LibreCAD provides a free 2D CAD toolset across desktop platforms, with DXF as its main format. Its limited DWG support and lack of warranty are important considerations.
Who it suits
It suits people seeking free 2D CAD tools on Linux, macOS, or Windows, especially those working with DXF files. Users needing DWG support should note that import is basic and limited.
Plans and prices
LibreCAD
Free open-source 2D CAD · no trials, subscriptions, license costs or annual fees
Read 5 Oct 2026 · librecad.org
On the record
- Drawing tools
- The project wiki lists line, circle, arc, polyline and spline drawing, plus entity modification, hatching, blocks, annotations and dimensions.dokuwiki.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- DWG limitation
- The FAQ says DWG support is basic and import only, and suggests converting DWG to DXF if import fails.dokuwiki.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- DXF limitation
- The FAQ says LibreCAD does not support every Autodesk DXF feature and lists supported DXF versions as R12, R14, 2000, 2004 and 2007.dokuwiki.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- File formats
- The wiki describes DXF import and export, partial DWG import, and PDF and image export; it identifies DXF as LibreCAD’s main format.dokuwiki.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Help channels
- The FAQ directs users who cannot find an answer to the LibreCAD forum.dokuwiki.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Intended use
- The project says LibreCAD began as work to add CAM capabilities to QCad Community Edition for use with a Mechmate CNC router.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Languages
- The interface is available in over 30 languages.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- License
- LibreCAD is released under the GNU General Public License version 2 (GPLv2).docs.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Parametric modeling
- Nolibrecad.org · read 20 Sep 2026
- Platform downloads
- The official site links macOS DMG, Windows EXE and Linux AppImage packages, and also describes building from source for all platforms.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Plugins
- The project wiki says plugins have been developed to ease some tasks.dokuwiki.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Project organization
- The project describes itself as a non-profit, community-driven open-source project.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- LibreCAD is a free, open-source 2D CAD application.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Security and warranty
- The license page states that the program is distributed without any warranty, including implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.docs.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project says support and documentation are free and provided by its community of users, contributors and developers.librecad.org · read 5 Oct 2026
