CADCraft: 2D technical drawings, with DXF and DWG.
CADCraft is a free CAD program for 2D technical drawing. It reads and writes DXF, opens DWG files and plots to scale, with dimensions, hatching and blocks.
How it helps day to day
- The architect sends a floor plan as DWGCADCraft opens the file; you measure and add your planning.
- A site survey should be drawn cleanlyObject snaps, distance entry and dimensions produce an accurate drawing.
- The drawing goes to the customerPlot as PDF at the right scale or pass it on as DXF for other CAD programs.
What is inside CADCraft
Reads and writes DXF (R12 to 2018), opens DWG (R13 to 2018). Exports PDF, SVG and PNG. The vendor does not mention saving as DWG.
- Drawing
- Command line, direct distance entry, object snaps, polar and ortho modes, grips.
- Layouts and plotting
- Layout sheets with viewports, page setups and scale-exact plotting.
- Dimensions
- Associative dimensions, multileaders, tables and hatching.
- Blocks and constraints
- Blocks with attributes and geometric and dimensional constraints.
CADCraft compared with Autodesk AutoCAD
CADCraft follows AutoCAD’s way of working with a command line, object snaps, layouts and dimensions. It opens DWG files but, according to the vendor, saves as DXF. The vendor does not mention 3D design.
| CADCraft | Autodesk AutoCAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | free, also for business | paid subscription, prices from the vendor Source |
| Licence | open source (Apache 2.0) | commercial software |
| Systems | Windows, macOS, Linux, in the browser | see vendor |
| Shared files | reads and writes DXF, opens DWG | |
| Maturity | in development, version 0.12.0 | on the market for years |
AutoCAD is a trademark of Autodesk, Inc.. It is named for orientation only; there is no connection between Autodesk, Inc. and the maker of CADCraft.
Our assessment
CADCraft is still in development. It is worth testing for viewing DWG plans and simple 2D drawings; files are saved as DXF.
Already useful for
- Opening and viewing DWG plans
- Simple surveys and workshop drawings
- DXF exchange with other CAD programs
Better wait for now
- Plans that must go back as DWG (the vendor does not mention saving as DWG)
- 3D design
- Switching your planning over completely
Frequently asked questions
Can I edit DWG plans?
CADCraft opens DWG files. According to the vendor, saving is as DXF, which most CAD programs read.
Can CADCraft replace AutoCAD?
CADCraft is still in development. It is worth testing for viewing DWG plans and simple 2D drawings; files are saved as DXF.
May I use CADCraft commercially?
Yes. The Apache 2.0 licence allows business use without a licence fee. It does not require you to publish your own files or data. Licence notices only apply if you redistribute or modify the program itself.
What does CADCraft cost?
Nothing. CADCraft is open source under the Apache 2.0 licence and may also be used in a business free of charge.
How do I install it?
The vendor’s page offers installers for Windows, macOS and Linux. If you use several Craft apps, the ArtCraft Launcher installs them and keeps them up to date. In businesses with several workstations, new programs should be approved centrally; we can help with that.
Related
Sources: vendor page and source code on GitHub, accessed 25 Oct 2026. We have tested the program ourselves and rated it worth a look. We have no business relationship with the vendor.
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