Free and open first

Best Architectural CAD Software in 2026

Architectural CAD software helps architects and building teams draw, model, document and coordinate projects. This list is for people choosing a tool for design work on a budget.

22 apps
Research read 28 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

Archicad

Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+4

Archicad combines building design, documentation, visualization, and model collaboration with openBIM support.

7.6 From $201/user/mo (annual) · 30-day trial Visit site
2

Bonsai

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Bonsai combines IFC authoring and model review in a free, open-source desktop suite. The alpha label for Studio is important to consider, and Bonsai Web is not yet presented as available.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
3

Cedreo

Free plan MacWebWindows

Cedreo combines planning tools and 3D renderings in a browser-based package for housing professionals.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
4

AllyCAD

Free plan Windows

AllyCAD brings 2D and 3D drafting tools, specialized toolkits, and geospatial image support to Windows. The SME and PRO plans differ in drawing-size limits, and trial access requires a request.

7.2 Visit site
5

FreeCAD
by FreeCAD
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose FreeCAD if you need a free, open-source desktop modeler with parametric editing, broad open-format support, and technical simulation tools. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
6

Floorplanner

Free plan APIWeb

Floorplanner combines room layout editing with 3D views and image exports in a browser. The free account has defined project and export limits; one-time credits can unlock higher limits and exports.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
7

RoomSketcher

Free plan AndroidAPIiPhone+3

RoomSketcher combines plan creation, room design and multiple 3D presentation formats, with separate capture and conversion options.

7.0 Free plan · paid from $12/user/mo (annual) Visit site
8

QCAD Professional
by QCAD Professional
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose QCAD Professional for cross-platform 2D drafting with DWG and DXF support, a large parts library, and command-line conversion tools.

6.9 Visit site
9

nanoCAD
by nanoCAD
Free plan Windows

nanoCAD offers a no-cost 2D tier alongside paid options with additional modules for 3D work.

6.7 Free plan · paid from $289/yr · 30-day trial Visit site
10

Allplan

Free trial iPhoneMacWeb+1

ALLPLAN covers multiple AEC disciplines and project stages, with cloud collaboration and broad data exchange support.

6.6 From $140/user/mo (annual) · 14-day trial Visit site
11

SPIRIT

Free plan Windows

Choose SPIRIT if your planning work needs a Windows CAD-BIM tool with both 2D and 3D workflows, construction documents, and broad format exchange.

6.5 From €37.50/user/mo · 14-day trial Visit site
12

ARCHLine.XP

Free trial AndroidExtensionMac+1

ARCHLine.XP is a fit for design teams that need architectural and interior tools alongside coordinated BIM documentation and visualization.

6.4 From €3,010 · 30-day trial Visit site
13

Chief Architect

Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+2

Choose Chief Architect Premier for residential or light commercial design that combines 3D modeling, construction documents, changing cost estimates, and visual presentations.

6.3 From $1,995/yr Visit site
14

DraftSight

Free trial APIMacWindows

DraftSight provides desktop 2D drafting tools, with 3D capabilities in some versions and multiple license options. The edition matters: PDF Import is limited to Premium and Enterprise Plus.

6.1 From $299/yr · 30-day trial Visit site
15

Home Designer

Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+1

Home Designer brings planning, visualization and estimation tools together for home projects. Check the trial restrictions and subscription terms before choosing it.

6.1 From $79/mo Visit site
16

CYPE Architecture

Free plan Windows

5.9 Free plan · paid from €2,200 Visit site
17

DataCAD
by DataCAD
Free trial Windows

DataCAD combines architectural drafting with modeling, rendering, and construction-document tools, with a free trial available before purchase.

5.8 30-day trial Visit site
18

Vectorworks Architect

Free trial AndroidiPhoneMac+2

Choose Vectorworks Architect for architectural BIM work that combines parametric modeling, documentation, assessments, and visualization.

5.8 Visit site
19

SoftPlan

Paid iPhoneWindows

SoftPlan combines professional home design, estimating, rendering, and exchange formats.

5.1 From $79/mo Visit site
20

ArCADia BIM

Paid Windows

4.5 Pricing on request Visit site
21

OpenBuildings Designer

Paid Windows

OpenBuildings Designer combines multi-discipline building design with IFC, cloud, clash, quantity, and API features.

4.5 From $3,844/mo (annual) Visit site
22

progeCAD Architecture

Paid Windows

3.9 Pricing on request Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Compare free plans, trial periods and paid starting prices. Check the licence if you need to read or change code, then confirm supported platforms and capabilities such as BIM, parametric modeling, rendering, IFC, terrain tools and quantity takeoff.

Questions

Are free architectural CAD plans available?

Yes. Bonsai, Cedreo, CYPE Architecture, Floorplanner, AllyCAD and Archicad list free plans. Check the plan details for the tool you are considering.

Which tools offer free trials?

Allplan lists a 14-day trial. Archicad, ARCHLine.XP and DraftSight list 30-day trials, and AllyCAD lists a free trial.

What platforms can these tools use?

The list compares support for Windows, macOS, iOS, web, Android and API access. Check the platform field for the product you want.

What should I compare for BIM workflows?

Compare BIM support, parametric modeling and IFC interoperability. These fields indicate how a tool handles structured models and model exchange.

Can I check whether the code is open?

Check the software licence for the tool. The licence states whether you may read, change or redistribute its code.

Questions

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