I've switched from Solidworks to FreeCAD and while it's manageable, I feel like it's lacking in some areas. I really appreciate FreeCAD and even donated to support it, but I'm curious if there are paid CAD applications that work well on Linux. I'm open to spending money on software that meets my needs. Any recommendations?
5 Answers
I've heard some good things about BricsCAD. A retired mechanical engineer I know swears by it, though I haven't tried it myself. It could be worth checking out based on your requirements.
Blender could be another avenue for you. It does offer paid add-ons that enhance functionality, though it's primarily for 3D modeling rather than traditional CAD.
You might want to check out Plasticity. It's growing in popularity within the 3D art community, but I'm not sure how it performs in real-world CAD scenarios. It’s still early in its development, so results may vary.
I personally use Onshape, which is completely cloud-based. It works well via browser on Linux, Windows, or even mobile devices, so it’s versatile. Just keep in mind that Onshape is more suited for some design tasks—but for 3D printing, it might serve your needs just fine!
Unfortunately, there aren’t many strong CAD options for Linux yet, whether paid or free. Some users have been able to run software like Fusion360 or Solidworks through Wine, but compatibility can be hit-or-miss. If you're looking for alternatives, Blender with add-ons can be quite powerful, although it's not a dedicated CAD program. For quick tasks, you can also try browser-based solutions like SketchUp or Onshape.
But isn't Onshape more for general design rather than specific CAD applications? I thought it wouldn't fit architect needs well.