Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

progeCAD VS LibreCAD

Compare progeCAD VS LibreCAD and see what are their differences

progeCAD logo progeCAD

progeCAD is DWG/DXF-native CAD software, built for professional drafting.

LibreCAD logo LibreCAD

An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.
  • progeCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-23
  • LibreCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-18

progeCAD features and specs

  • Cost-effective
    progeCAD is known for providing a cost-effective alternative to other more expensive CAD software, making it accessible to small businesses and individuals.
  • DWG Compatibility
    It offers excellent compatibility with AutoCAD DWG files, ensuring seamless collaboration and file sharing with users who utilize other industry-standard CAD programs.
  • User-friendly Interface
    The software provides a user-friendly interface that is similar to AutoCAD, making it easy for users familiar with other CAD systems to adapt quickly.
  • Comprehensive Features
    progeCAD includes a wide variety of features such as 3D modeling, rendering, and other advanced tools to support a range of design tasks.
  • Lifetime License
    Offers a lifetime license option, which can save users money in the long-term as there is no need for annual subscription fees.

Possible disadvantages of progeCAD

  • Limited Support
    While progeCAD offers various support resources, some users may find the level of support and community size to be less robust compared to larger CAD software companies.
  • Performance Issues
    Some users have reported performance issues, such as slow rendering or lag, particularly when working with very large files.
  • Smaller User Base
    As a less widespread option, it may be harder to find specific tutorials, third-party resources, and peer support compared to more established CAD software.
  • Learning Curve
    Although the interface is similar to AutoCAD, new users or those less familiar with CAD systems might still face a learning curve in mastering the software’s full potential.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While progeCAD offers a comprehensive set of tools, it may lack some of the advanced features found in other high-end CAD packages, which could be a limitation for some power users.

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.

progeCAD videos

5 Good Reasons to Choose progeCAD, the best AutoCAD® alternative:

More videos:

  • Review - progecad 2020: what's new
  • Review - progeCAD 2021 - What's New

LibreCAD videos

FreeCAD vs. LibreCAD

More videos:

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to progeCAD and LibreCAD)
3D
15 15%
85% 85
CAD
22 22%
78% 78
Architecture
10 10%
90% 90
Simulation Software
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

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

progeCAD Reviews

We have no reviews of progeCAD yet.
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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

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, LibreCAD seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 19 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.

progeCAD mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of progeCAD yet. Tracking of progeCAD recommendations started around Mar 2021.

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: over 2 years ago
  • Architectural Software
    For 2d stuff I tend to use Libra cad Https://librecad.org/. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

BricsCAD - A powerful CAD platform, with features familiar to you from native .dwg applications.

FreeCAD - An open-source parametric 3D modeler

ActCAD - ActCAD is one Software for many applications covering the primary domains of – Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) including Structural, Electrical, and Mechanical.

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone

AutoCAD LT - AutoCAD LT is a drafting tool to create 2D drawings.

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