ZWCAD

ZWCAD

ZWCAD is a CAD (computer-aided design) software application used for 2D and 3D drafting, modeling, and engineering design. It has a similar interface and features as AutoCAD at a lower cost. ZWCAD supports DWG files and is compatible with AutoCAD and AutoCAD APIs.
ZWCAD image
cad drafting modeling engineering-design 2d-design 3d-design dwg-files autocad-alternative

ZWCAD: CAD Software for 2D/3D Design

ZWCAD is a cost-effective CAD solution for 2D and 3D design, modeling, and engineering with DWG file support and compatibility with AutoCAD.

What is ZWCAD?

ZWCAD is a feature-rich, budget-friendly CAD (computer-aided design) application used widely for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, engineering calculations, and design visualization across different industries like architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, etc.

Developed by ZWSOFT based out of Guangzhou, China, ZWCAD is built to handle design engineering projects of any complexity and size. It uses the advanced ZWCAD kernel which supports complete DWG file compatibility along with Partial Open (Read/Write) for AutoCAD DWG formats.

Some of the key features and tools offered by ZWCAD include:

  • Powerful 2D drafting tools like polylines, splines, dimensions, text, tables
  • 3D solid modeling, surface modeling, mesh modeling
  • Rendering and walkthrough capabilities
  • Customization using LISP, ZRX, VBA, .NET APIs
  • Supports commonly used industry standards like ISO, ANSI
  • Runs on Windows and Mac operating systems

ZWCAD provides an easy-to-use, customizable interface optimized for greater design productivity at nearly one-tenth the cost of AutoCAD. It can handle large complex drawings efficiently. With features parallel to AutoCAD and full DWG compatibility, ZWCAD is popularly used as an cost-effective alternative CAD platform globally.

ZWCAD Features

Features

  1. 2D drafting
  2. 3D modeling
  3. Customizable interface
  4. Compatibility with AutoCAD DWG files
  5. Supports AutoLISP, VBA, ZRX, .NET programming
  6. Collaboration tools
  7. Rendering and visualization
  8. Parametric design
  9. Sheet sets
  10. PDF printing

Pricing

  • Perpetual license
  • Subscription
  • Free trial

Pros

Lower cost than AutoCAD

Similar interface and features to AutoCAD

Good compatibility with AutoCAD files and customizations

Available on Windows, Mac, Linux

Perpetual and subscription licensing options

Cons

Less third-party support than AutoCAD

Lacks some advanced AutoCAD features

Steep learning curve for new users

Technical support based in China


The Best ZWCAD Alternatives

Top Development and Cad Software and other similar apps like ZWCAD


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
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
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
PTC Creo icon

PTC Creo

PTC Creo is a feature-based, parametric solid modeling CAD software developed by PTC. It offers tools and capabilities for 3D CAD modeling, 2D technical drawings, design simulation, photorealistic rendering, CAM, and more.Creo enables engineers and designers to create 3D product designs in a parametric feature-based modeling environment. Key capabilities include:Parametric...
PTC Creo image
DeltaCAD icon

DeltaCAD

DeltaCAD is a feature-rich 2D/3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) application built for architects, engineers, construction professionals, and designers. It provides a wide range of tools for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, photorealistic rendering, and collaboration.Key features of DeltaCAD include:Powerful 2D drafting tools for creating floor plans, sections, elevations, detailing, etc.Extensive 3D...
DeltaCAD image
NanoCAD icon

NanoCAD

nanoCAD is a free, open source, multi-platform 2D CAD application developed by Nanosoft. It works on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux operating systems.nanoCAD has an AutoCAD-like interface and set of basic 2D drafting and detailing tools for creating architectural, mechanical, electrical, and construction drawings, schematics, plans, elevations, sections, etc....
NanoCAD image
JTS IntelliCAD Software icon

JTS IntelliCAD Software

JTS IntelliCAD is a feature-rich 2D and 3D CAD software that provides a more affordable alternative to AutoCAD. Developed by the IntelliCAD Technology Consortium, IntelliCAD is fully compatible and files created with IntelliCAD can be opened directly in AutoCAD without data loss.Key features of JTS IntelliCAD include:Compatible with the latest...
JTS IntelliCAD Software image
KOMPAS-3D icon

KOMPAS-3D

KOMPAS-3D is a feature-rich computer-aided design (CAD) software application used for 3D modeling, drafting, and design. It is developed by the Russian company ASCON and was first released in 1993. KOMPAS-3D has strong capabilities in part and assembly modeling, 2D drafting, sheet metal design, standard parts libraries, parametric and associative...
KOMPAS-3D 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
Visual CADD icon

Visual CADD

Visual CADD is a feature-rich computer-aided design (CAD) software targeted at architects, engineers, designers, and draftsmen. It provides tools to create detailed 2D drawings and 3D models for architectural, mechanical, electrical, civil, and other design disciplines.Key features of Visual CADD include:Powerful 2D drafting tools for floor plans, elevations, sections, details,...
Visual CADD image
A9CAD icon

A9CAD

A9CAD is a feature-rich CAD software used for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, architectural design, mechanical engineering, and collaboration. It provides a wide range of CAD tools and functionalities aimed at architects, engineers, designers, and construction professionals.Key features of A9CAD include:Powerful 2D drafting tools - snap to objects, layers control, dimensions,...
A9CAD 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
General CADD Pro icon

General CADD Pro

General CADD Pro is 2D and 3D CAD software designed for architects, engineers, construction professionals, and designers. It provides tools for drafting, modeling, documenting projects, and creating professional designs.For 2D drafting, General CADD Pro includes features like advanced snap and dimensioning tools, layers and blocks for organizing your drawings, PDF...
General CADD Pro image
ABViewer icon

ABViewer

ABViewer is a free, open-source PDF viewer for Windows. It is developed by Altermeta as a lightweight alternative to Adobe Acrobat Reader.Some key features of ABViewer include:Fast PDF loading and navigationBasic annotation tools like highlights, notes, shapesTabbed interface for multiple documentsSmooth scrolling, searching, and zoomingSupport for major PDF standardsSmall footprint...
ABViewer image
CADintosh icon

CADintosh

CADintosh is a free, open-source computer-aided design (CAD) software application for 2D drafting, drawing, and design. It provides a basic set of CAD tools and features for creating technical drawings, floor plans, flyers, brochures, and other 2D graphics.As an open-source program, CADintosh is completely free to download and use. It...
CADintosh image
CADian icon

CADian

CADian is an open-source, cross-platform computer-aided design (CAD) application focused on 3D modeling for mechanical design. It is developed by CADian LLC as a low-cost alternative to commercial CAD packages like SolidWorks, Inventor, or Creo.Key features of CADian include:Solid modeling tools - Create and edit 3D parts with features like...
CADian image
CAD Reader icon

CAD Reader

CAD Reader is a lightweight, free software application designed specifically for viewing and printing CAD drawings and models. It supports all major 2D and 3D CAD file formats including DWG, DXF, DWF, STEP, IGES, STL, and more.With CAD Reader, you can quickly open CAD files without needing full CAD software...
CAD Reader image
ICADMac icon

ICADMac

iCADMac is a dental CAD (computer-aided design) software application created specifically for macOS to help dentists design dental prosthetics and restorations. It includes a library of tooth anatomies and provides tools for modeling crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers, implant abutments, and more.Key features of iCADMac include:Streamlined and intuitive macOS interfaceComprehensive...
ICADMac image
CAD 6 icon

CAD 6

CAD 6 is a feature-rich 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) software used for drafting, modeling, design visualization, and collaboration. Developed by Dassault Systems, it enables professionals to design, document, visualize, simulate, analyze, render, animate, and collaborate on projects across a wide range of industries including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing,...
CAD 6 image
HsCADCreator icon

HsCADCreator

hsCADCreator is a free and open-source computer-aided design (CAD) software application targeted at home improvement projects and residential design. It provides a simple and intuitive interface for creating detailed 2D floor plans and 3D models of homes or spaces.Key features of hsCADCreator include:Tools for drawing walls, doors, windows, stairs, fixtures,...
HsCADCreator image
CADKON+ icon

CADKON+

CADKON+ is a feature-rich computer-aided design (CAD) solution tailored specifically for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) workflows. Developed by AB Studio Software, CADKON+ aims to provide an affordable and easy-to-use CAD platform for small and mid-sized AEC firms and individual designers and drafters.Key features of CADKON+ include:Intuitive drafting tools for...
CADKON+ image
CAD X11 Free icon

CAD X11 Free

CAD X11 Free is a powerful yet easy-to-use open-source computer-aided design (CAD) software ideal for architects, engineers, students, and hobbyists for creating professional 2D drawings and 3D models. It comes packed with an intuitive GUI and a wide range of features for drafting architectural plans, mechanical parts, electrical schematics, and...
CAD X11 Free image
AcceliCAD icon

AcceliCAD

AcceliCAD is a 2D and 3D CAD software solution targeted at architects, interior designers, space planners, and construction professionals. It simplifies the drafting and design process with easy-to-use tools for creating floor plans, elevations, sections, 3D models, construction details, material takeoffs, and more.Key features of AcceliCAD include:Intuitive drafting tools like...
AcceliCAD image
RealCAD icon

RealCAD

RealCAD is a feature-rich general-purpose CAD software used for 2D drafting and 3D modeling across architecture, engineering, and construction industries. First released in 1987 by RealCAD LLC, RealCAD integrates powerful 2D drafting, 3D modeling, photorealistic rendering, and collaboration tools in one platform.Key features of RealCAD include:Powerful 2D drafting tools for...
RealCADD icon

RealCADD

RealCADD is a feature-rich computer-aided design (CAD) software solution targeted at the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries. It provides powerful 2D drafting, 3D modeling, rendering, analysis, and collaboration tools to streamline workflows for architects, engineers, contractors, and other AEC professionals.Key features of RealCADD include:Intuitive 2D drafting tools for creating...
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