Alternatives to paid software

Pick the tool you pay for (or can't afford) and see the free options. 19 paid tools covered.

Autodesk's cloud CAD/CAM/CAE tool, popular with makers and start-ups.

Leading commercial simulation suite for structural, fluid and electromagnetic analysis.

Dassault Systèmes' parametric 3D CAD package for mechanical design.

Professional PCB design software.

Autodesk's PCB design tool, which Autodesk has retired in favour of Fusion.

Commercial 3D-printing slicer.

Cadence's schematic, PCB and PSpice simulation tools.

Dassault Systèmes' finite-element analysis software.

Autodesk's 2D and 3D drafting software, including AutoCAD LT.

Dassault Systèmes' high-end CAD platform used in aerospace and automotive.

Autodesk's professional 3D mechanical design software.

Trimble's easy 3D modelling tool, popular in architecture and woodworking.

Autodesk's 3D modelling, animation and rendering software.

Commercial multiphysics simulation software.

PTC's parametric 3D CAD software.

Commercial scan-to-CAD and mesh-processing software.

Autodesk's BIM software for architecture and building design.

Robert McNeel & Associates' NURBS surface modeller.

Commercial CFD and simulation post-processing software.