BRL-CAD

BRL-CAD

BRL-CAD is an open source cross-platform solid modeling computer-aided design system. It includes an interactive geometry editor, ray tracing support for graphics rendering and geometric analysis, computer network distributed framebuffer support, scripting, image-processing and s
BRL-CAD image
open-source solid-modeling computeraided-design geometry-editor ray-tracing graphics-rendering geometric-analysis distributed-framebuffer scripting image-processing signal-processing

BRL-CAD: Open Source Cross-Platform Solid Modeling

BRL-CAD is an open source cross-platform solid modeling computer-aided design system. It includes an interactive geometry editor, ray tracing support for graphics rendering and geometric analysis, computer network distributed framebuffer support, scripting, image-processing and signal-processing tools.

What is BRL-CAD?

BRL-CAD is a powerful cross-platform open source solid modeling computer-aided design (CAD) system that includes features focused on modeling, rendering, animation, and geometric analysis. Some key capabilities and features include:

  • An interactive geometry editor that allows manipulation of geometries at multiple levels of detail
  • Support for ray tracing, allowing realistic rendering of models and scenes with complex lighting
  • The ability to distribute rendering across networks using a client/server model
  • Scripting and programming interfaces for automation and extending functionality
  • Tools for image and signal processing
  • Graphical user interfaces for multiple platforms including UNIX, Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X

BRL-CAD has been under active development since 1979 and continues to be maintained and expanded by a devoted team. Its flexible and customizable nature makes it well-suited for applications across a variety of industries including visual simulation, computer-aided design, architecture, medicine, and more.

BRL-CAD Features

Features

  1. Solid modeling
  2. Interactive geometry editing
  3. Ray tracing for graphics rendering
  4. Geometric analysis tools
  5. Distributed framebuffer support
  6. Scripting and automation
  7. Image and signal processing tools

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

Cross-platform compatibility

Powerful CAD modeling capabilities

Advanced rendering and analysis features

Extendable and customizable via scripts

Active development community

Cons

Steep learning curve

Limited documentation and tutorials

Not as user friendly as commercial CAD options

Lacks some standard CAD features

Smaller user base than commercial alternatives


The Best BRL-CAD Alternatives

Top Development and Cad and other similar apps like BRL-CAD


SketchUp icon

SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling computer program designed for architectural, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design. It was developed by startup company @Last Software in 1999, and acquired by Google in 2006. Google later sold SketchUp to Trimble Inc. in 2012.SketchUp stands out...
SketchUp image
FreeCAD icon

FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a free and open-source parametric 3D computer-aided design application. It is intended for mechanical engineering product design but also expands to a wider range of uses around engineering, such as architecture or electrical engineering. FreeCAD features tools similar to Catia, SolidWorks, or Solid Edge.FreeCAD allows users to sketch...
FreeCAD image
Autodesk AutoCAD icon

Autodesk AutoCAD

Autodesk AutoCAD is a leading computer-aided design (CAD) software application that allows users to create detailed 2D and 3D drawings and models. Developed by Autodesk, AutoCAD has become a standard tool in various industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and product design. Key Features: Drawing and Drafting Tools: AutoCAD provides...
Autodesk AutoCAD image
SOLIDWORKS icon

SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS is a 3D CAD (computer-aided design) software application used by over 5 million engineers and designers across industries worldwide. First released in 1995 by Dassault Systèmes, SOLIDWORKS provides an integrated and user-friendly suite of tools for product design, simulation, visualization, data management, and manufacturing.At its core, SOLIDWORKS lets users...
SOLIDWORKS image
Autodesk Fusion 360 icon

Autodesk Fusion 360

Autodesk Fusion 360 is a cloud-based 3D modeling and design platform targeted at product designers, mechanical engineers, manufacturers, makers, and other creative professionals. It combines industrial and mechanical design, engineering, electronics, and manufacturing in one software solution.Fusion 360 enables seamless CAD, CAM, and CAE workflows in a single cloud-based platform...
Autodesk Fusion 360 image
Microsoft 3D Builder icon

Microsoft 3D Builder

Microsoft 3D Builder is a free 3D modeling and printing application developed by Microsoft for Windows. It provides an intuitive and easy-to-use interface for creating and customizing 3D objects without needing prior modeling experience or advanced design skills.With 3D Builder, users can start modeling from scratch or import existing 3D...
Microsoft 3D Builder image
LibreCAD icon

LibreCAD

LibreCAD is a powerful free and open source 2D Computer Aided Design (CAD) application for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. It allows users to create professional technical drawings and blueprints for architectural, engineering, and construction projects.Some of the key features of LibreCAD include:User-friendly and intuitive interface, ideal for new...
LibreCAD image
Autodesk Inventor icon

Autodesk Inventor

Autodesk Inventor is a 3D CAD (computer-aided design) software application used for product design and engineering in industries like machinery, construction, automotive, aerospace, electronics and more. It provides a comprehensive set of design, simulation and manufacturing tools in one powerful software package.Some of the key features and tools in Autodesk...
Autodesk Inventor image
DraftSight icon

DraftSight

DraftSight is a feature-rich, professional 2D CAD software designed for architects, engineers, construction service providers, professional design studios and individuals. It lets users create, edit, view and markup any kind of 2D drawings and designs.Some of the key features of DraftSight include:Advanced 2D drafting tools like lines, arcs, circles, polygons...
DraftSight image
TurboCAD icon

TurboCAD

TurboCAD is a feature-rich 2D/3D CAD software solution designed for architects, engineers, designers, and other professionals. First released in 1982 by IMSI/Design as VKCAD for DOS, TurboCAD has developed into a versatile and affordable CAD platform over 30+ years of updates.Key features of TurboCAD include:Powerful 2D drafting tools for floor...
TurboCAD image
MicroStation icon

MicroStation

MicroStation is a comprehensive 2D and 3D CAD software platform used primarily in the architecture, engineering, construction, geospatial, and infrastructure industries. It is developed and sold by Bentley Systems.Some key features and capabilities of MicroStation include:Powerful 2D drafting and design tools for creating floor plans, sections, elevations, detailing, etc.3D modeling...
MicroStation image
Designspark Mechanical icon

Designspark Mechanical

Designspark Mechanical is a feature-rich, free CAD software targeted for mechanical engineers to accelerate the product development process. This software is specially built to design and model mechanical parts and assemblies. It comes packed with all the necessary CAD modeling and simulation tools for creating professional 2D drawings and 3D...
Designspark Mechanical image
Onshape icon

Onshape

Onshape is a cloud-native computer-aided design (CAD) platform that allows users to create 3D models and 2D drawings, analyze simulations, manage data, and collaborate with others in real-time. It was founded in 2012 with the goal of bringing professional-grade CAD tools to the cloud and eliminating the need for desktop...
Onshape image
Autodesk 123D Design icon

Autodesk 123D Design

Autodesk 123D Design is a powerful yet easy-to-use free 3D modeling and CAD software. It enables designers, hobbyists, makers and engineers to quickly create 3D models and prototypes without prior modeling experience.Key features include:Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for creating and modifying 3D modelsVarious 3D design and modeling tools like Extrude, Loft,...
OpenSCAD icon

OpenSCAD

OpenSCAD is a free and open source 3D computer-aided design application that allows users to create 3D models for 3D printing and other applications. It has a unique approach that is based on programming a model's shape using code rather than interactively manipulating a graphical representation.Some key features and characteristics...
OpenSCAD image
SALOME icon

SALOME

SALOME is an open-source software suite developed by Open CASCADE for numerical simulation pre- and post-processing. It provides a flexible platform for managing CAD models, automated meshing, running solvers, and visualizing simulation results.Some key features of SALOME include:Unified CAD modeling tools support various geometries like B-rep, meshes, and NURBS.Automated meshing...
SALOME image
ImplicitCAD icon

ImplicitCAD

ImplicitCAD is an open-source computer-aided design (CAD) software for creating 3D models for 3D printing and other applications. Unlike traditional CAD programs that use graphical user interfaces, ImplicitCAD is based on a programming language that allows users to describe models parametrically.Key features and capabilities of ImplicitCAD include:Text-based parametric modeling using...
ImplicitCAD image
OpenJSCAD.org icon

OpenJSCAD.org

OpenJSCAD.org is an open-source, browser-based 3D modeling and design tool built on top of the OpenJSCAD project. It provides a simple web interface and editor that allows users to create 3D models programmatically using JavaScript and the easy-to-learn OpenJSCAD domain-specific language (DSL).With OpenJSCAD.org, users can define parametric 3D models by...
OpenJSCAD.org image
VARKON icon

VARKON

VARKON is a CAD/CAM software designed specifically for mechanical engineering applications like machine design, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing. It provides a complete set of modeling and drafting tools focused on the needs of the mechanical engineering industry.Key features of VARKON include:2D drafting capabilities like automatic dimensioning and annotations3D parametric solid...
VARKON image
Sketchup Automation Tools icon

Sketchup Automation Tools

Sketchup Automation Tools is a versatile plugin that allows Sketchup users to set up automated workflows to improve productivity. It provides a wide range of tools to streamline repetitive tasks:Batch processing tools allow processing multiple Sketchup files at once through tasks like exporting, scaling, and repairing models.The Automation Rules engine...
Sketchup Automation Tools image
Medusa4 icon

Medusa4

Medusa4 is an open-source, headless commerce engine that allows developers to build custom storefronts and shopping experiences on top of a robust backend infrastructure. It is designed to be highly flexible, scalable, and API-first.Some key features and benefits of Medusa4 include:GraphQL API - The primary API is GraphQL, allowing for...
Medusa4 image
BeckerCAD icon

BeckerCAD

BeckerCAD is a free, open-source CAD (Computer Aided Design) software that allows users to create 2D drawings and 3D models. It is designed to provide basic CAD functionalities for non-professionals such as hobbyists, students, and small business owners.Some key features of BeckerCAD include:Intuitive graphical user interface for easy 2D drafting...
BeckerCAD image
Assetforge icon

Assetforge

Assetforge is a robust yet easy-to-use digital asset management (DAM) and brand management platform designed to help marketing, creative, and brand teams organize, manage, find, and share creative digital assets like images, videos, audio files, and documents.Key features of Assetforge include:Unlimited cloud storage and bandwidth for all file typesCustom metadata...
Assetforge image
ProgeCAD Smart icon

ProgeCAD Smart

progeCAD Smart is a feature-rich, DWG-compatible 2D/3D CAD software that works with AutoCAD .dwg files seamlessly. It has been designed to deliver an AutoCAD-like experience and interface, while being more affordable and flexible.With progeCAD Smart, you get access to familiar AutoCAD-like commands and shortcuts, making it easy to transition from...
ProgeCAD Smart image
GstarCAD icon

GstarCAD

GstarCAD is a feature-rich 2D and 3D CAD (computer-aided design) application used by architects, engineers, designers, and other professionals for drafting, modeling, and design visualization. Developed by Guangzhou Pearl River Industrial Co. based in China, GstarCAD is intended to be an affordable AutoCAD alternative.Like AutoCAD, GstarCAD has a familiar user...
GstarCAD image
Draft it icon

Draft it

Draft it is a streamlined word processor and document editing application designed for quickly drafting, editing, and formatting documents of all kinds. It combines essential features like text formatting, spell check, auto-save, etc. into an intuitive, uncluttered interface.Unlike complex word processors like Microsoft Word, Draft it focuses solely on document...
Draft it image
BricsCAD icon

BricsCAD

BricsCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software application used for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, and mechanical engineering design. It was first released in 2002 by Bricsys as an alternative CAD platform with .DWG file compatibility for greater interoperability with AutoCAD and other mainstream CAD applications.Key features of BricsCAD include:Compatible with...
BricsCAD image
IPocket Draw icon

IPocket Draw

IPocket Draw is a vector graphics and diagramming application designed specifically for iOS devices including iPhones and iPads. It provides users with a set of vector shape and line tools to allow quick and easy creation of illustrations, diagrams, sketches, and notes.Key features of IPocket Draw include:Intuitive gesture-based drawing tools...
IPocket Draw image
AutoQ3D CAD icon

AutoQ3D CAD

AutoQ3D CAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software application designed specifically for product designers, industrial designers and creative professionals. It focuses on making 3D modeling fast, easy and affordable by streamlining the entire concept-to-manufacturing workflow.Unlike traditional CAD programs that use polygon meshes, AutoQ3D CAD uses high-quality subdivision surfaces for organic,...
AutoQ3D CAD image
SolveSpace icon

SolveSpace

SolveSpace is a powerful, lightweight, and user-friendly open source CAD software for 2D and 3D modeling and design. It is suitable for designing mechanical parts, assemblies, and kinematic simulations. Some key features include:Intuitive sketch-based interface for 2D design and constraintsAdvanced 3D modeling with extrude, rotate, loft, sweep featuresAssembly modeling with...
SolveSpace image
Dune 3D icon

Dune 3D

Dune 3D is an open source media center application developed specifically for set-top boxes and mini PCs connected to televisions. It provides an intuitive graphical user interface optimized for large screen displays and remote controls, making it easy to browse and play back media files stored locally or on the...
Dune 3D image
GCAD3D icon

GCAD3D

gCAD3D is a free, open source CAD (Computer Aided Design) application built specifically for modeling and drafting in 3D. It is designed to deliver a lightweight yet robust set of modeling tools while remaining customizable and easy to use.As a CAD software, gCAD3D specialized in creating precise 2D drawings and...
GCAD3D image
SagCAD icon

SagCAD

SagCAD is a computer-aided design (CAD) software application designed specifically for electrical and electronic engineering. It provides a complete set of tools for schematic capture, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, circuit simulation, and design optimization.Some of the key features of SagCAD include:Intuitive schematic editor for drawing circuit diagrams and connecting...
Antimony icon

Antimony

Antimony is an open-source, cross-platform computer-aided design (CAD) software focused on 3D modeling for research and education. Developed at MIT by the Mediated Matter group, Antimony features an intuitive graphical user interface that allows users to quickly create and edit complex geometries without needing to be an expert in CAD.Some...
Antimony image
MacDraft icon

MacDraft

MacDraft is a professional 2D drafting application designed specifically for Mac users. It has a wide range of powerful tools for creating precise technical or artistic illustrations, blueprints, diagrams, schematics, and more.With an intuitive Mac-style interface, MacDraft makes it easy to add dimensions, hatch patterns, multi-linestyles, scales, tables, symbols and...
MacDraft image
CadQuery icon

CadQuery

CadQuery is an open-source Python library that allows you to create 3D CAD models parametrically by writing scripts. It provides a simple and intuitive way to define the geometry of your model using Python instead of working directly in a CAD program.With CadQuery, you can create reusable scripts that construct...
CadQuery image
Scribble3d icon

Scribble3d

Scribble3D is a free, open source 3D modeling and animation tool aimed at beginners. Through its intuitive and easy-to-use interface, Scribble3D makes creating 3D models and animations simple and approachable.Some key features of Scribble3D include:Straightforward tools for modeling basic 3D shapes like cubes, spheres, and cylindersSupport for adding color, textures,...
Scribble3d image
DesignFreeQ icon

DesignFreeQ

DesignFreeQ is a free graphic design software suitable for small business owners, entrepreneurs, students, marketing teams, and anyone who needs to create custom design materials without professional design skills or expensive subscriptions.With an easy-to-use interface and drag-and-drop tools, DesignFreeQ makes graphic design accessible. It offers numerous customizable templates for logos,...
LandCAD icon

LandCAD

LandCAD is a feature-rich computer-aided design (CAD) and civil engineering software tailored for the land development industry. It enables engineers, designers, and planners to efficiently create conceptual layouts, perform analyses, and generate detailed design drawings for land planning and civil engineering projects.Key features of LandCAD include:Intuitive site planning tools for...
LandCAD image
HyperFun icon

HyperFun

HyperFun is an open-source, visual programming language and environment for creating interactive, multimedia content like games, simulations, and animations. Developed by HyperFun Labs, HyperFun uses a node-based workflow that allows users to visually connect different blocks of functionality to build advanced projects.Some key features of HyperFun include:Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for...
HyperFun image
Xenon™ icon

Xenon™

XenonTM is an enterprise-grade open-source virtualization platform developed by Citrix. It allows multiple virtual machines or 'guests' to run on a single physical server leading to greater efficiency and flexibility of hardware resources.Some key features of XenonTM include:Paravirtualization - The guests run optimize OS builds for communication with XenonTM leading...
Xenon™ image
MegaCAD 2D/3D icon

MegaCAD 2D/3D

MegaCAD is a feature-rich computer-aided design (CAD) platform suitable for professional engineers, designers, architects, and hobbyists. It supports both 2D drafting and 3D modeling workflows for mechanical, electrical, civil, and architectural designs.Key features of MegaCAD include:Powerful 2D drafting tools like lines, arcs, circles, Bézier curves, dimensions, text, and more.Extensive 3D...
MegaCAD 2D/3D image
ARES Commander icon

ARES Commander

ARES Commander is a comprehensive, fully integrated project management software designed specifically for engineering teams and technical product development. It goes beyond basic project management and provides deep, specialized capabilities for managing complex projects involving hardware, software, and mechanical components.Key features of ARES Commander include:Advanced planning tools like product breakdown...
ARES Commander image
PythonOCC icon

PythonOCC

pythonOCC is an open source 3D modeling library for Python that allows creating, modifying, and displaying CAD models. It provides a Python interface to the open source CAD kernel OpenCASCADE.Some key features of pythonOCC include:Ability to create, edit, and view CAD models programmatically in PythonSupport for key CAD concepts like...
PythonOCC image
RapCAD icon

RapCAD

RapCAD is a free online CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software that allows users to create 3D models directly in their web browser without needing to install any additional programs. It provides an easy-to-use drag and drop interface that makes 3D modeling accessible for beginners, yet includes advanced tools for more experienced...
RapCAD image
CoffeeSCAD icon

CoffeeSCAD

CoffeeSCAD is an open-source, free parametric 3D modeling program designed as an alternative to OpenSCAD. It uses a node-based visual programming language to create 3D models, making the parametric modeling process more intuitive and accessible, especially for beginners.While OpenSCAD uses code to describe 3D models, CoffeeSCAD uses visual nodes that...
CoffeeSCAD image
Precision Plan Pro icon

Precision Plan Pro

Precision Plan Pro is a robust yet easy-to-use project management software solution for professional teams. It provides a wide range of features to help you plan projects in detail, assign resources, collaborate with team members, track time and budgets, and stay on top of deadlines.Key features include:Interactive Gantt charts for...
AutoQ3D Community icon

AutoQ3D Community

AutoQ3D Community is an open-source, community-supported software for computer-aided engineering (CAE). It specializes in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) workflows tailored for the automotive industry.As an alternative to expensive proprietary tools like Ansys and Siemens NX, AutoQ3D Community provides an intuitive interface to set up simulations...
AutoQ3D Community image
CScheme icon

CScheme

CScheme is an open-source implementation of the Scheme programming language developed by a community of volunteers. It aims to provide a lightweight, embeddable Scheme interpreter that conforms closely to standards such as the R5RS and R7RS specifications.Some key features of CScheme include:Support for most Scheme syntactic forms and datatypesTail call...
CScheme image
Scheme Cad icon

Scheme Cad

Scheme Cad is an open-source, cross-platform CAD software application designed for electrical engineers, designers, makers and hobbyists to create schematic diagrams and PCB layouts. It offers an intuitive and customizable user interface with support for both 2D drafting and basic 3D modeling capabilities.Key features of Scheme Cad include:Intuitive schematic capture...
Scheme Cad image
AllyCAD icon

AllyCAD

AllyCAD is a feature-rich 2D/3D CAD software used for computer-aided design and drafting applications. It provides professional-grade tools for architectural, mechanical, electrical, civil engineering design tasks as well as general drafting and detailing work.For 2D drafting, AllyCAD includes tools for creating floor plans, space plans, site plans, elevations, sections, detail...
AllyCAD image
Cycas icon

Cycas

Cycas is an open-source, cross-platform password manager and digital vault software. It allows users to securely store passwords, credit card numbers, bank account details, identities, and other sensitive information in an encrypted virtual vault.Some key features of Cycas include:AES-256 bit encryption to protect user dataMaster password protection along with key...
Argon™ icon

Argon™

Argon is a user interface design prototyping tool used to rapidly create interactive prototypes for web and mobile applications. It features a flexible drag-and-drop editor that allows designers and developers to quickly build responsive, high-fidelity prototypes that look and work like real apps.Key features include:Drag-and-drop interface to assemble designs, add...
Argon™ image
Mapsoft miniCAD icon

Mapsoft miniCAD

Mapsoft miniCAD is a feature-rich 2D/3D CAD software used widely for architectural, mechanical, electrical, and civil drafting applications. It provides a comprehensive set of drafting, modeling, automation, and customization tools that enable engineers, architects, designers, and drafters to create detailed 2D drawings and 3D models with precision.Mapsoft miniCAD includes both...
Mapsoft miniCAD image