Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

LibreCAD VS HackADay

Compare LibreCAD VS HackADay and see what are their differences

Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

LibreCAD logo LibreCAD

An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.

HackADay logo HackADay

Hackaday.io is a platform for people who like to build things.
  • LibreCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-18
  • HackADay Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-04

LibreCAD features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    LibreCAD is completely free to use, and its open-source nature allows users to modify and improve the software according to their needs.
  • Cross-Platform
    The software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring that users on different operating systems can utilize it without compatibility issues.
  • Lightweight
    LibreCAD is not resource-heavy, making it suitable for older computers and systems with limited hardware capabilities.
  • 2D CAD Focus
    Specialized for 2D design, making it easier for users who specifically need 2D drafting tools as it avoids the complexities associated with 3D modeling.
  • Customizable Interface
    Users can tailor the interface to better suit their workflow, enhancing productivity and ease of use.
  • Active Community Support
    An active community provides support, documentation, and forums for troubleshooting and advice, making it easier for users to solve problems and learn new features.

Possible disadvantages of LibreCAD

  • Limited 3D Capabilities
    LibreCAD is primarily a 2D CAD software and does not support 3D modeling, which can be a limitation for users needing advanced spatial design tools.
  • Steeper Learning Curve for Beginners
    While powerful, the software can be challenging for new users unfamiliar with CAD software, requiring a significant amount of time to learn.
  • Fewer Advanced Features
    Compared to some professional CAD packages, LibreCAD lacks some of the more advanced features and tools, which can limit its use in complex projects.
  • Limited File Format Compatibility
    LibreCAD primarily supports DXF format, and while it can read/write other formats, the compatibility is not as comprehensive as some other CAD software.
  • Occasional Stability Issues
    Some users have reported crashes and bugs, which can be problematic for those working on time-sensitive projects.
  • Sparse Documentation
    While there is community support, the official documentation can be lacking in detail, making it difficult for users to find thorough guidance on complex tasks.

HackADay features and specs

  • Diverse Content
    Hackaday covers a wide range of topics within electronics, engineering, and DIY projects, catering to a broad audience with varied interests.
  • Community Engagement
    The site has a vibrant community that actively shares projects and ideas, providing a platform for collaboration and feedback.
  • Regular Updates
    Hackaday frequently updates its content, ensuring readers have access to the latest in technology and maker communities.
  • Educational Resources
    The site offers tutorials and how-to guides, valuable for both beginners and experienced makers looking to learn new skills.

Possible disadvantages of HackADay

  • Technical Complexity
    Some projects and articles are highly technical, which might be challenging for beginners to fully understand without additional context.
  • Variable Quality
    The quality of content can vary greatly, as it is community-driven and includes submissions from a wide range of contributors.
  • Niche Focus
    While Hackaday covers diverse topics within its niche, it may not appeal to individuals outside the DIY or maker community.
  • Advertisement Presence
    The website contains advertisements that can sometimes detract from user experience, especially during project navigation.

LibreCAD videos

FreeCAD vs. LibreCAD

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HackADay videos

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to LibreCAD and HackADay)
3D
100 100%
0% 0
Digital Fabrication
0 0%
100% 100
Architecture
100 100%
0% 0
Additive Manufacturing
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare LibreCAD and HackADay

LibreCAD Reviews

15 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2022
Also, it is a CAD program so the created files can work on other CAD software programs, even if 3D based. Sketchup supports up to 11 languages, but LibreCAD beats that with support for more than 30 languages.
Alternatives to SketchUp: Check out 10 free programs
Just like Blender, you can help develop and enhance the platform by editing the code base and adding even more features to the software. So, if you’re looking for a more simple, perfect for beginners program, LibreCAD can be the best out of the alternatives to SketchUp for you. Being a fully free system, you can only gain.
Source: solidface.com
9 Free CAD Software to Download
Here’s another high quality 2D-CAD modeling platform, LibreCAD, an easy-to-use software with a lot of high quality features included in it. LibreCAD has features such as snap to grid for drawing, usage of layers, measurements inside your drawing and plenty others to make your life easier when you’re drawing on a 2D-CAD platform.
Looking for a SketchUp alternative? Check out the 10 best options
LibreCAD is a 2D CAD software that serves as a great way to learn and practice 2D modeling. It’s completely free and open-sourced, with a healthy user base around it to boot.
Source: all3dp.com

HackADay Reviews

We have no reviews of HackADay yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, HackADay should be more popular than LibreCAD. It has been mentiond 49 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

LibreCAD mentions (19)

  • Looking for a poor man's AutoCad
    LibreCAD, OpenSCAD (more script based and more for solids), FreeCAD. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • If I don't use Windows or Mac and only use Linux, will I run into a lot of compatibility issues?
    CAD options on Linux are more limited than windows or mac but they do exist. The industry standard for 2d CAD files is the .dxf file format. I use LibreCAD. https://librecad.org/ The UI is a little clunky and eccentric in places but it is feature complete for 2d CAD drawings. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Windows / MacOS - Home/garden design
    You could also try out free AutoCAD alternatives like libreCAD (2D), or brlCAD (2D&3D, I believe). Source: about 2 years ago
  • Everything you need to know about CAD humble bundle
    It seems like a low risk purchase for $1, however, there are free options available too such as https://librecad.org/ . Or see https://www.reddit.com/r/humblebundles/comments/117ki1c/comment/j9v0v37/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 for an older Autocad clone. Beckercad 2D seems like a niche product so I would probably invest my time learning something that is more mainstream. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Architectural Software
    For 2d stuff I tend to use Libra cad Https://librecad.org/. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

HackADay mentions (49)

  • Wells Fargo Fires over a Dozen for 'Simulation of Keyboard Activity'
    It seems like most of these devices (example: https://hackaday.com/?p=683252) have a fixed and unusual USB vendor+product ID that will surely come up in the system log. - Source: Hacker News / 11 months ago
  • Deej: An open-source hardware volume mixer for Windows and Linux
    Can't help you with a list. But https://hackaday.com/ features sometimes nice DIY project, I often also see them popping up on youtube. But you might be able to find some if you search on 3D printing websites such as https://www.printables.com/. - Source: Hacker News / about 1 year ago
  • What are some fun ME-related coding projects?
    Https://hackaday.com/ has many ideas/previously made projects. They also reward you for bringing up something new. Also accept year around applications. Check it out. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Ask HN: Did students lose interest in electronics as a hobby in the early 80s?
    We made abstractions successfully, world changing abstractions. Do the NAND to Tetris course and see that tech is abstractions on top of abstractions. Electronics today is frequently represented by code. Check out Verilog or VHDL. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardware_description_language Where electronics stayed interesting is in the realm where code meets reality -> robotics and art. Playing with LED's,... - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago
  • What is your go-to source for science/tech news?
    Hackaday for when I'm browsing cool ideas I can actually do myself. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing LibreCAD and HackADay, you can also consider the following products

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

Hackster - Hackster is a community dedicated to learning hardware.

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone

Wikifactory - Engineer the future with Wikifactory. Wikifactory unifies teams in real-time, enabling efficient communication, streamlined workflows, and accelerated time-to-market.

Autodesk AutoCAD - Autodesk AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application.

Instructables - DIY How To Make Instructions