LibreCAD is an open-source, cross-platform 2D CAD program for creating technical drawings such as floor plans, mechanical parts and schematics. It grew out of the earlier QCad Community Edition and is developed as free software under the GPL, with no paid tiers or feature restrictions. It reads and writes the DXF format widely used to exchange drawings with other CAD programs, and includes layers, blocks, dimensioning tools and a library of standard drafting symbols.
LibreCAD for 2D Drafting: What It Is (and Isn't) Built For
LibreCAD focuses entirely on 2D drafting — precise lines, arcs, dimensions and layouts — rather than 3D modeling, which makes it a lighter, more approachable tool than full parametric CAD suites for tasks like floor plans, mechanical drawings and technical schematics. Its DXF import/export lets drawings move between LibreCAD and other CAD software without losing precision.
LibreCAD Features
- Precision Drawing Tools — lines, arcs, circles, splines and polylines with exact coordinate and snap input
- Layer Management — organizes drawing elements onto separate, independently toggleable layers
- DXF Import/Export — exchanges drawings with AutoCAD and other CAD software via the DXF format
- Dimensioning Tools — adds linear, angular and radial dimensions to technical drawings
- Block Library — reusable symbol and part libraries for common drafting elements
- Multi-Language Interface — available in dozens of languages for the UI
- Cross-Platform — the same free application runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
How to Install LibreCAD on Windows
- Open the official download page using the button on this page to get the installer from librecad.org.
- Download the Windows installer for the latest stable release.
- Run the installer and follow the setup steps, keeping the default install location unless you need otherwise.
- Launch LibreCAD and choose your preferred measurement units and default template.
- Open a sample DXF file or start a blank drawing to begin drafting.
Is LibreCAD really free?
Open Source. LibreCAD is free software released under the GPL, with the full drafting toolset available at no cost for personal and commercial use.
How to download LibreCAD safely
Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for librecad.org — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.
Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering LibreCAD. They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.
Alternatives to LibreCAD
Other free photo & graphics software worth comparing before you decide:
FreeCAD
A free, open-source parametric 3D CAD application for mechanical design.
Frequently asked questions
Is LibreCAD free for commercial use?
Yes, as GPL-licensed open-source software, LibreCAD can be used for commercial drafting work at no cost.
Can LibreCAD open AutoCAD DXF files?
Yes, LibreCAD reads and writes the DXF format, which is widely supported for exchanging drawings with AutoCAD and other CAD tools.
Does LibreCAD support 3D modeling?
No, LibreCAD is a 2D-only CAD application; it does not include 3D modeling tools.
Is LibreCAD available on Mac and Linux?
Yes, LibreCAD is cross-platform with builds for Windows, macOS and Linux.
What file formats does LibreCAD support besides DXF?
It primarily works with its own drawing format and DXF for exchange; import/export of other CAD formats is limited compared to commercial packages.
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