It is not a secret that CAD software license is expensive. I say expensive by means that unless you own a business that would benefit and earn profit by having CAD software, buying one for your own toy is not affordable.
For a quick glance, I listed few famous CAD software license price (price in USD).
- SolidWorks: $12,000
- Autodesk Inventor: $8,000
- AutoCAD: $4,000
- Unigraphics: $30,000
- Pro/E Wildfire: $9,000
- CATIA: $15,000
Note that the above price is just for approximate. In fact most of the time, CAD software does not come as fixed price, instead you need to ask for quotation form the company. They will ask what kind of package you require and they will give quote you their price. Typically it is enough to burn a hole on your pocket.
Getting Your Own Free CAD Software
Now here's the thing. What if you want to have your own CAD software without burning your wallet? Well, there is few steps that you can do.
1. Download a freeware
As more people get their access to computer, more and more freeware has been developed. CAD software is also part of it. Currently, there are quite a number of CAD software is available online for you to download. For free. Just to name a few, CadStd, Draft It, and Google Sketchup is probably the most free CAD software you can find online.
Typically the freeware do not have the ability to perform 3D modelling. Draft It for example, has interface very similar to those of AutoCAD, but only allow for 2D drafting.
Few points to note, though it is available for free, definitely the premium product would offer you more features, flexibility, and more robust model. Good software will come with a price. And to top all of that, the freeware typically does not support Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). So while some of it is able to do 3D modelling, it is just a model for your own viewing!
2. Autodesk student license
If you are still a student, good news! Because Autodesk is offering a student licensed software to students for free. You can download almost all software that Autodesk is offering using your student license. All you need to do is just register an account, verify your education institution, and you are all set. The only drawbacks you have are (1) Your license will expire once you graduate, and (2) all the drawing you created will be watermarked "PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT".
3. Download from Chinese website. Nah, just kidding. We do not recommend you to do that.
