10 Best Free Online CAD Software in 2026

Free online CAD in 2026 is absurdly capable. You can model products, parts, props, and even full assemblies in the browser, collaborate in real time, and export for 3D print or CAM—without paying a cent.

Below is a clean, no-nonsense guide to the best truly usable options right now, who each one is for, what they do well, and the gotchas that matter before you invest your time.

The 10 Best Free Online CAD Tools in 2026

Here’s a table listing 10 Best Free Online CAD Software, complete with hyperlinks, core features, and the fact that they’re free. Some might offer paid upgrades, so always good to double-check.

Software Name	Core Features	Price
TinkerCAD	3D design, electronics, code blocks	Free
SketchUp Free	3D modeling, web-based	Free
LibreCAD	2D CAD drafting	Free
NanoCAD	2D & 3D design, .dwg support	Free version available
FreeCAD	Parametric 3D CAD modeler	Free
Blender	3D modeling, animation, rendering	Free
SolveSpace	Parametric 3D, 2D vector	Free
DraftSight	2D and 3D CAD, .dwg file support	Free version available
Onshape	Cloud-based, 3D CAD	Free version for education
BRL-CAD	Open-source solid modeling	Free

1. Tinkercad

Best for: Absolute beginners, classrooms, quick printable doodads.
Why it’s on the list: Tinkercad removes every speed bump between an idea and an STL. Shapes are “add” or “subtract,” code blocks exist if you want parametric flavor, and there’s a built-in circuit simulator for simple electronics.
Limitations: Not for precision parametrics or complex assemblies. Think toy-sized, not toolng.

2. SketchUp Free

Best for: Architecture, interiors, set design, quick concept massing.
Why it’s on the list: Runs fully in the browser; orbit-pan-push/pull stays the fastest way to block out spaces. The 3D Warehouse is a cheat code for furniture, fixtures, and entourage.
Limitations: Surface modeler first; precise mechanical constraints and stepped assemblies aren’t its sweet spot.

3. AutoCAD Web

Best for: 2D drafting in DWG when you need “industry standard” compatibility.
Why it’s on the list: Familiar commands, layers, snaps, blocks—right in your browser—plus frictionless DWG markup when you’re away from the workstation.
Limitations: It’s a capable drafter, not a full Inventor or Fusion drop-in. Advanced 3D and CAM live elsewhere.

4. Onshape Free

Best for: Serious parametric 3D with assemblies, version control, and collaboration.
Why it’s on the list: True cloud-native CAD + built-in PDM. Feature trees, mates, configurations, proper constraints—plus branching, merging, and simultaneous edits. Free plan lets hobbyists build public projects.
Limitations: Your free documents are public; private work needs a paid plan.

5. Vectary

Best for: Product mockups, web/AR previews, and “looks real” concept visuals.
Why it’s on the list: Browser-based modeling with materials, lighting, and instant embeds. Great for packaging, scene comps, and presentation-ready renders without a local GPU.
Limitations: Not a constraint-driven engineering tool; think design visualization more than tight-tolerance part design.

6. OpenJSCAD

Best for: Code-first, fully reproducible CAD.
Why it’s on the list: You define geometry in JavaScript (or JSON parameters), which makes variants, generators, and batch tweaks painless. It’s parametric by default and great for fixtures and printable utilities.
Limitations: No GUI feature tree; comfort with code pays dividends here.

7. BlocksCAD

Best for: STEM education and visual parametrics.
Why it’s on the list: Scratch-style blocks build 3D objects and teach computational thinking. Exports to STL for 3D printing and bridges nicely into OpenSCAD/OpenJSCAD later.
Limitations: Aimed at learning and simple parts, not production assemblies.

8. Kiri:Moto

Best for: Browser CAM and slicing that plays nice with CAD.
Why it’s on the list: Generate CNC toolpaths, laser layouts, and 3D-print slices in one web app. Import your STLs or solids, set stock, pick strategies, and export G-code—no installs.
Limitations: For complex multi-axis operations you’ll still want desktop CAM, but for 2.5D, laser, and FDM it’s brilliant.

9. Cascade Studio

Best for: Advanced parametric solids in the browser powered by OpenCascade.
Why it’s on the list: Scripted modeling with robust boolean and fillet/loft operations; feels like having a lightweight, code-driven FreeCAD in your tab.
Limitations: Developer-minded workflow; fewer “clicky” conveniences than traditional CAD UIs.

10. SelfCAD

Best for: All-in-one browser modeling with sculpting and printer-friendly exports.
Why it’s on the list: Polygon + solid modeling, measurement tools, and simple repair/cleanup for prints—all online.
Limitations: Free access/features can change; advanced tools are typically paywalled, so treat it as a generous trial unless you upgrade.

How to pick the right one (quick, practical filter)

If you’re brand-new and want wins today, start with Tinkercad to learn the mental model of solids, then graduate to Onshape for true constraints, sketches, and assemblies. If your world is rooms and buildings, SketchUp Free is still the fastest way to block out space. For code-driven or highly repeatable designs, go OpenJSCAD (or Cascade Studio) and never fear revisions again. If you live in DWG or need markup on the go, AutoCAD Web is your low-friction drafting tab. Want polished-looking mockups for presentations or product pages? Vectary gets you sexy results without a render farm. And when it’s time to cut, burn, or print, park your models in Kiri:Moto for browser-based CAM and slicing.

What “free” really means here

Most tools above are either fully free (education/entry tiers) or “free with constraints” (public projects, limited private storage, capped features). That’s not a trap—it’s alignment. If you’re learning, prototyping, or publishing open designs, the free tiers are generous and fast. If you need private IP, enterprise security, or heavier toolsets, plan for a paid tier later. The important bit: you can evaluate deeply before paying.

Typical workflows that just work (browser only)

Idea → Parametric part → 3D print: Sketch in Onshape → export STL → slice in Kiri:Moto → print.
Room concept → Client share: Model in SketchUp Free → drop prefab elements from 3D Warehouse → share a view-only link.
Teaching CAD fundamentals: Start in BlocksCAD → move to OpenJSCAD when students want variables and functions.
Packaging/visuals for a landing page: Build the simple form in Vectary → apply materials and lights → export a transparent PNG or interactive embed.

FAQ (short and useful)

Are these truly “online”? Yes—every tool listed runs in your browser. Some also offer desktop apps, but you don’t need them to get value.
Can I collaborate live? Onshape, Vectary, and SketchUp Free support easy sharing; Onshape adds versioning/branching like Git for CAD.
Will I hit a wall with the free tier? Eventually—usually when you need private documents, larger storage, or advanced features (FEA, complex CAM). That’s a good problem; by then you know exactly what to pay for.

Bottom line: pick the tool that matches your next project, not your perfect future stack. Start modeling now; you can always graduate up the chain once your skills—and your parts—demand it.