QCAD
Swiss 2D CAD with an open-source GPLv3 core and a low-cost Professional edition that adds DWG support
Quick Overview
| Company | RibbonSoft GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | CAD Software |
| Headquarters | Sarnen, Switzerland |
| Founded | Not stated |
| EU Presence | Yes - Switzerland (EEA/CH) |
| Data Location | Desktop application |
| Open Source | GPLv3 with exceptions (QCAD Community Edition) |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | Yes - source code available |
| Main Features | 2D drafting, layers, blocks, dimensioning, DWG in Professional, QCAD/CAM toolpaths, five interface languages |
| Pricing | QCAD Professional EUR 50.82, QCAD/CAM EUR 133.10, site licence EUR 444.07 (shop prices shown in euros) |
| Best For | Individuals and small offices doing 2D technical drawing at low cost |
| Replaces | AutoCAD LT |
Detailed Review
QCAD describes itself as a professional 2D CAD system. The Community Edition source code is distributed under GPLv3 with exceptions that allow proprietary plugins, and QCAD Professional adds commercial plugins for DWG and other formats.
The imprint names RibbonSoft GmbH, Kernserstrasse 31, Sarnen, Switzerland, with register number CHE-112.673.784. The shop shows QCAD Professional at EUR 50.82.
Open core
The vendor publishes the source of the Community Edition on GitHub, so users can inspect and modify it under GPLv3.
Professional and CAM
QCAD Professional adds DWG support and better DXF handling, and QCAD/CAM adds toolpaths exported as G-code.
Licence types
Single-user, site, educational and server licences are sold through the shop.
Limitations to Consider
QCAD is 2D only, so there is no 3D modelling or BIM; for those see BricsCAD or Archicad. DWG support exists only in the Professional edition. The shop prices are shown without a VAT note on the page checked.
Who Should Use QCAD
Hobbyists, small workshops and schools who need affordable, inspectable 2D CAD.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very low price
- Open-source core
- DWG in Professional
- Site, educational and server licences
- Swiss contracting entity
Cons
- 2D only
- DWG only in paid edition
- Smaller feature set than full CAD suites
- No cloud collaboration shown
Alternatives to QCAD
Other European cad software worth comparing before you decide:
BricsCAD
Belgium · DWG-based 2D and 3D CAD from Ghent, with BIM and mechanical toolsets
ARES Commander
Germany · Family-owned Berlin CAD in DWG for Windows, macOS and Linux
Archicad
Hungary · BIM design software for architects, from Budapest
Allplan
Germany · BIM platform for architecture, structural and civil engineering
See all European cad software or compare them directly against AutoCAD LT on our alternatives page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Community Edition is open source under GPLv3. The Professional edition with DWG support is commercial.
DWG support is included in QCAD Professional.
No, it is a 2D CAD system.