Side by side
KiCad vs LibreCAD
Both stand on engineering cad software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
KiCad covers schematic capture, PCB layout, checking, routing, and 3D viewing in a free suite. Check the stable Linux release's x86-64 limitation if choosing that platform.
Visit KiCad Free plan LinuxMacWindows
LibreCAD offers core 2D drawing tools and a multilingual interface at no listed cost. Its limited DWG support and stated warranty exclusions are worth considering when choosing it for project work.
Visit LibreCADThe facts
| KiCad | LibreCAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | kicad.org | librecad.org |
| On engineering cad software | #1 of 27 | #3 of 27 |
KiCad: what it does well
- Free software with no listed trial.
- Schematic checks flag several connection problems.
- PCB routing modes respect design rules.
- Integrated 3D viewer supports ray tracing.
- Imports designs from several named tools.
What to know first
- Stable Linux release is for x86-64 systems.
- KiCad is listed for desktop deployment.
LibreCAD: what it does well
- Free, open-source 2D CAD application.
- Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Interface available in over 30 languages.
- Supports DXF import and export.
What to know first
- DWG support is basic and import-only.
- Some Autodesk DXF features are unsupported.
- Software is distributed without warranty.
Alternatives to KiCad Alternatives to LibreCAD The whole list