CAD Alternative - featuring Mech-Q


AViCAD offers the same functionality as AutoCAD® but at a fraction of the price. But cheap CAD software does not mean you get fewer features for less money – quite the opposite. We’ve coupled AViCAD with our Mech-Q Plant Design software—all included for free—so you’ll be able to produce CAD and Mechanical drawings very quickly with minimal software investment.

Our latest AViCAD version delivers even faster drafting with 64-bit support for Windows.

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Check out our affordable AViCAD prices here!

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Hundreds of free tools you won’t find elsewhere

AViCAD is CAD software just like AutoCAD®—except AViCAD does it all. It is 2D/ 3D CAD Software that includes our powerful engineering software, Architectural symbols, and Google Earth integration—plus much more.

Check out our 2-minute video to see what’s inside AViCAD:

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In the video above, we give you a brief overview of AViCAD: It’s a comprehensive 2D and 3D CAD application that offers a user interface similar to that of the full version of AutoCAD. AViCAD is a unique product that includes Mech-Q engineering tools, enabling users to run 2D and 3D engineering tools without purchasing expensive add-ons. AViCAD is packed with features similar to AutoCAD and automatically saves to DWG file types that can be read by AutoCAD as well.

During the video, you will notice the properties pallet on the right side, the snap settings, and other command shortcuts on the lower bar. You can create aliases just like in AutoCAD, making creating shortcuts to run commands easy. Additionally, we have included the Express Tools, which are only available in AutoCAD Full (not the LT version). Furthermore, we supply a 2D and 3D architectural add-on with a window, door, and roof tool (available in our Plus version).

In addition to the 2D features, AViCAD offers impressive 3D capabilities. Creating a flange and pipe and then rendering it makes it effortless to produce a realistic drawing. We can save it to an image, PDF, or print it. It’s a no-brainer with AViCAD costing only one-quarter of the price of 2D and 3D AutoCAD.

We have only scratched the surface of what you can do with AViCAD. We also encourage you to take a minute to try out AViCAD. It’s a quick download and easy to install.

Here are some AViCAD’s main features:

  • AutoCAD®-Like Features
  • Full 2D/ 3D CAD
  • Creates DWG files by default
  • -Reads DWG files by default
  • Cheap CAD – a fraction of the price of AutoCAD®
  • Includes Mech-Q Tools
  • Includes AEC Architectural Tools**
  • 20,000+ block library **
  • Export 3D PDFs that are interactive **

** Available in the Plus Version

See latest features

Best alternative to AutoCAD

AViCAD not only provides you with the best Engineering Solution but also offers you the best compatibility with much more expensive packages like AutoCAD®.

AViCAD software is packed with AutoCAD®-like features that make it easy to transition from AutoCAD® into AViCAD without relearning how to draw. The commands are the same, the menus are all familiar, and the same toolbars are offered, allowing you to easily navigate the software and experience the same level of functionality as in AutoCAD®. This makes AViCAD the ideal software for users who want to enjoy the benefits of AutoCAD® at a fraction of the price.

Here is a video comparing AutoCAD with AViCAD

Full 2D/3D CAD

AViCAD software is a complete 2D/3D CAD solution offering many features to help users create basic and complex drawings. It has hundreds of drafting tools to easily create technical drawings, schematics, and floor plans, just as you would with AutoCAD. The software also includes 3D modeling tools that allow users to create complex 3D models and shade them. With AViCAD, users can work on various mechanical, electrical, architectural, and structural projects.

** Available in the Plus Version

Includes this free engineering tool 

The good news is that Mech-Q is free when you purchase AViCAD. This is a $899 value by itself, and it includes all four modules of Mech-Q: Mechanical, Piping, Structural, and Electrical.

The Mech-Q piping module is designed to create piping systems, including layouts, isometrics, and bills of material.

The Structural module of Mech-Q is ideal for designing steel structures, including beams, columns, and connections.

The Mech-Q ducting module is a software tool for designing HVAC ductwork systems in 2D and 3D.

The Mech-Q mechanical module contains various tools and functions for designing mechanical components, such as gears and fasteners.

AViCAD includes all four modules of Mech-Q, making it an incredibly valuable tool for engineers and designers.  

DWG – native File Format

 One of the most important features you’ll find in AViCAD is the fact that it creates DWG files by default. This allows you to share your designs with others who use AutoCAD®. DWG compatibility with the latest Autodesk releases will allow you to collaborate with your team, clients, contractors, and consultants who use AutoCAD®.

In addition to AutoCAD® compatibility, AViCAD also reads and writes other file formats such as DXF, DWF, and PDF. This makes it easy for you to import and export files from other CAD software programs, ensuring that you’ll be able to work with a wide range of file formats.

2D drawing and 3D modeling for both novice and advanced users.

The software offers both beginning and advanced workspaces, just like you’ll find in high-end CAD programs. Workspaces allow you to see collections of toolbars and menus that show you specifically what you need. For example, a Ribbon beginners 2D workspace will contain more elementary tools than a full Ribbon interface.

AViCAD’s 3D modeling program is robust and provides users with powerful tools to create complex layouts. Autodesk AutoCAD is an industry-standard Computer-Aided Design software widely used by experienced users to create complex models. AViCAD software, on the other hand, offers a wide variety of 2D and 3D utilities not found in AutoCAD that cater to both novice and advanced users.

What are the benefits of using our CAD software?

AViCAD software is a great alternative to expensive AutoCAD® software. It offers cheap yet comprehensive CAD software, packed with all the AutoCAD®-like features you need to transition into AViCAD without any problems.

Overall, AViCAD is an affordable and powerful CAD solution with many features to help users design and create complex drawings. With its AutoCAD®-like features, full 2D/3D CAD capabilities, and ability to create DWG files by default, AViCAD is a great alternative at an affordable price.

cheap cad software alternative
Various import/ export options

5 reasons why AViCAD is easy to use

1. AViCAD has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate, making it simple for users to find the tools they need quickly and efficiently.

2. The software includes a comprehensive library of symbols, blocks, and templates, which can be easily customized and reused in multiple projects.

3. AViCAD offers a range of tutorials and training materials, including video tutorials, to help YOU learn the software quickly and easily.

4. The software is compatible with various file formats, including DWG, DXF, and DWF, making it easy to share and collaborate on projects with others.

5. AViCAD offers a range of customization options, allowing you to personalize the software to suit their specific needs and preferences. This includes creating custom toolbars, shortcuts, scripts, and LISP routines.

How much will I spend on CAD software? 

The cost of AViCAD software varies depending on the version and number of licenses needed. Prices start as low as $49 per month.

AViCAD also offers a perpetual license, meaning you own the software outright and do not have to pay any ongoing subscription fees.

In contrast, AutoCAD is a subscription-only software, which means that you must pay a monthly or yearly fee to use it. 

Here are some pricing comparisons as of Oct 2024 (prices may vary).

CAD ProgramCost (Per Year)Perpetual CostKey FeaturesPricing Page
AViCAD$449$8992D & 3D modeling, architectural & engineering toolsAViCAD Pricing
Draftsite$600N/A2D/3D modeling but no mechanical toolsDraftsite Pricing
BricsCAD$1,020$1,320DWG-based, customizable for 2D & 3D workBricsCAD Pricing
Fusion 360$600N/ACloud-based CAD, CAM, CAE for 3D modelingFusion 360 Pricing
MicroStation$2,280N/AInfrastructure, 2D/3D modeling for civil eng.MicroStation Pricing
Inventor$2,310N/A3D mechanical design, simulationInventor Pricing
Revit$2,545N/ABIM (Building Information Modeling) featuresRevit Pricing
SolidWorks$3,995 (License) + $1,295 (Maintenance)N/AAdvanced 3D modeling, simulation toolsSolidWorks Pricing
Vectorworks$3,045N/AArchitecture, landscape, and entertainmentVectorworks Pricing
AutoCAD$1,865N/AExtensive toolset, 2D & 3D capabilitiesAutoCAD Pricing
CAD price comparisons

See our subscription plans and perpetual license options.

System and Memory Requirements

A typical system for AViCAD would include:

– Operating System: Windows 7 or higher (64-bit)

– Processor: Intel or similar with a clock speed of 2 GHz or higher

– RAM: 8 GB or more

– Graphics Card: NVIDIA or ATI graphics card with a minimum of 1 GB VRAM

– Hard Drive Space: 20 GB of free space

Memory Requirements for AViCAD:

– A Minimum of 8 GB RAM, but 16 GB or more is recommended for better performance and faster rendering times.

– The more RAM available, the larger and more complex 3D models can be drawn without lag time – It is also recommended to use an SSD (Solid State Drive) for faster read and write speeds, which can improve overall performance.

Cheap and very cost-effective but also highly advanced

All the extra CAD tools inside AViCAD are included. You would have to spend money on add-ons, as everything is a part of the package. So, it’s an excellent choice for both engineers and architects who need productivity tools to draw fast and meet deadlines. With AViCAD’s intuitive user interface, you can easily transition from AutoCAD® into AViCAD.

The software is also packed with features nearly identical to AutoCAD®’s commands, menus, and toolbars, making it easy for you to navigate the software and enjoy the same level of functionality.

AViCAD is a powerful and user-friendly software with an intuitive interface that enables you to create and modify CAD drawings easily. It doesn’t matter if you are a CAD professional or a beginner, AViCAD is a perfect fit for any office that needs to get their project done efficiently and accurately every time..

AViCAD is 23/3D CAD software packed with powerful tools and advanced features at an affordable price. It’s cheap and affordable yet comprehensive CAD software that is fully compatible with AutoCAD®, making it an ideal choice for any office.

Try AViCAD Free For 30 Days

For one month, you can enjoy our free CAD software for beginners and experts alike.

Download AViCAD Trial

Bonus: AViCAD also includes the Mech-Q Suite.

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