Summary
You have an Android device and now want to knock out some CAD work on your phone or tablet. But which CAD apps support the Android platform? Are there any free apps for Android?
Answering these questions is why dedicated some time to research the best android CAD apps and rank them by total reviews, price, and star rating. We regularly update this list as well.
- AutoCAD WS
- Price: Free
- Star Rating: 4/5
- Total Reviews: 148,181
- Infinite Design
- Price: Free
- Star Rating: 4/5
- Total Reviews: 35,100
- DWG FastView-CAD Viewer
- Price: Free
- Star Rating: 4.1/5
- Total Reviews: 20,264
- cadTouch
- Price: Free
- Star Rating: 4/5
- Total Reviews: 16,493
- A360 by Autodesk
- Price: Free
- Star Rating: 4/5
- Total Reviews: 3,892
- 3D CAD Models Engineering
- Price: Free
- Star Rating: 4.1/5
- Total Reviews: 2,890
- eDrawings
- Price: $1.99
- Star Rating: 3.2/5
- Total Reviews: 1,703
- Inard CAD
- Price: Free
- Star Rating: 3.8/5
- Total Reviews: 1,629
- CAD Reader
- Price: Free
- Star Rating: 4.3/5
- Total Reviews: 1,543
- OnShape
- Price: Free
- Star Rating: 4.1/5
- Total Reviews: 1,255
- Solid Edge Mobile Viewer
- Price: Free
- Star Rating: 4/5
- Total Reviews: 582
- Rilievo
- Price: $3.99
Star Rating: 4.1/5
Total Reviews: 127
- Price: $3.99
- Let’s Construct Suite
- Price: $9.99
- Star Rating: 4.3/5
- Total Reviews: 81
- Blophome
- Price: Free
- N/A
- AutoQ3D CAD
- Price: $30
- Star Rating: 3/5
- Total Reviews: 57
Android CAD apps allow skilled designers, like engineers, to work on the go using cloud-based computing solutions. Sometimes a co-worker may send you a design that you want to view on the go, and you may want to make some quick edits before sending it back or replying. In this case, rather than jumping on a computer, you can use some of the available mobile apps. Many CAD designers work from their Android mobile devices and need CAD software specifically compatible with the Android mobile platform. We’ve reviewed over 10 CAD apps for android below.
The Future of CAD on Mobile Devices
With new, more powerful tablets and desktop replacements coming out each year such as the Ipad Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro, it’s no wonder that engineers are looking to invest in quality mobile apps. These powerful tablets come with i5 and i7 processors from Intel perfect for displaying and viewing CAD files. They also sport a solid-state hard drive (SSD) of over 256 GB and 8 GB of RAM. With the processing power of the i7, the tablets can run full versions of Solid Edge Pro and PTC Creo, but for heavy functions like simulation and rendering they aren’t quite there yet.
[the_ad id=”34386″]
The List
This app by DakoSoftware, and range of other app products is available to meet the hefty demands of civil engineers. Engineers can expect a large selection of available designs specific to their needs, such as beam, concrete and channel designs. This is available for Android OS 1.6 and beyond.
![15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (1)](https://i0.wp.com/www.solidsmack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/adroid-cad-app-01.jpg "15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (1)")
Rilievo
This app was created by an architect to satisfy the needs of architects. It is capable of handling surveys to reduce the need for paper. Save your measurements to an external folder in order to open and view at a later time. All your files can then be quickly exported and imported to AutoCAD. This requires Android OS 2.2 or later.
![15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (2)](https://i0.wp.com/www.solidsmack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/adroid-cad-app-02.jpg "15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (2)")
AutoCAD WS (Autocad 360)
This is the best free Android app from Autodesk. The app allows designers to access and modify all their CAD file via their mobile device. You can open email attachments, sync all your files, or simply download them directly from the AutoCAD software. Save your files locally and update them without the need for an online connection. In order to create new drawings, though, you’ll need to pay $5 per month. Android OS 2.1.
[the_ad id=”34386″]
![15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (3)](https://i0.wp.com/www.solidsmack.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/adroid-cad-app-03-1100x687.jpg "15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (3)")
Onshape offers the promise of allowing users to work on their designs anytime, anywhere regardless of device. Much more than a viewer, the app allows full use of its professional suite of CAD tools allowing engineers to ditch their workstations and take their editing/creating of 3D designs with them anywhere. This app features a precise touch screen interface that replaces the mouse and traditional keyboard experience. Instead, users can simply swipe to control the program, including zoom and pan features.
![15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (4)](https://i0.wp.com/sunglass.io/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Onshape_-_Android_Apps_on_Google_Play-1.png "15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (4)")
A360 by Autodesk
View your rich models and designs right from the web. Includes support for over 50 file formats. Share your models via chat, embed or email by creating a link from your file upload. In real-time get feedback from project team members and turn your files into a place where the team can comment directly in the design. The app allows you to search and filter to find information for projects quickly and easily. Make sure your designs are secure with the latest security software and protocol. Access large amount of storage space and don’t worry about large file sizes.
[the_ad id=”34386″]
Infinite Design
This app offers a very good experience with a number of features including pan, zoom and rotate. Easy to use editing, boolean operations and a simple interface to align and distribute objects. ID comes with a toolset featuring unlimited layers, use of a pen tool, 3D cityscapes and a text tool. There are also some interesting advanced tools like transform and automatic shape detection. Easily import and export your files as well, in several popular formats including jpeg, png or svg.
[the_ad id=”34386″]
![15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (5)](https://i0.wp.com/sunglass.io/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Infinite_Design_-_Android_Apps_on_Google_Play-1.png "15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (5)")
eDrawings
With the SolidWorks’ eDrawings app easily view both 2D and 3D CAD files in seconds. Use gestures to zoom, pan and rotate your model. Create annotations, take measurements, and share markup with others later. The viewer supports exploded model view along with a components tree.
[the_ad id=”34386″]
![15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (6)](https://i0.wp.com/sunglass.io/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/eDrawings_-_Android_Apps_on_Google_Play-1.png "15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (6)")
![15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (7)](https://i0.wp.com/sunglass.io/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/edrawing-ar-1.png "15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (7)")
Use the “Augmented Reality” (AR) feature to view your model in a natural setting. Native DXF and DWG along with SolidWorks files can also be opened.
Solid Edge Mobile Viewer
This app lets the user rotate, pan, and zoom models right on their mobile phones or tablets. The user can hide and display model elements to highlight them, or create dimensions and annotations to collaborate with other users. Also, share your drawing or model via email. The app can only open models created in Solid Edge ST5 or later.
[the_ad id=”34386″]
![15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (8)](https://i0.wp.com/sunglass.io/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/stereo-1.png "15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (8)")
With this app’s own unique interface specifically for touch screens easily create drawings with ease. Draw lines, arcs, circles, rectangles, areas, text and distances all right within the mobile app. Also use the app’s more basic features like rotate, delete, among others.
![15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (9)](https://i0.wp.com/sunglass.io/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Inard_CAD_-_Android_Apps_on_Google_Play-1.png "15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (9)")
With this app get access to parts from over 300 global manufacturers. Even though it isn’t a drawing app like others mentioned in this article, it does allow engineers to compare and view parts. The 3D CAD models are compliant with world standards, can be downloaded in all major CAD software programs, and are free to download for later use.
DWG FastView is compatible with 2D/3D DWG drawings and can smoothly open DWG models from GstarCAD, AutoCAD, ProgeCAD, BricsCAD, ZWCAD. It can also easily view CAD design like AutoCAD drafting, Revit blueprint and .dxf etc. For free the user can create,, browse and edit. There is no registration or offline drawings. Share with anyone and export to PDF, BMP, JPG and PNG. Get fast and helpful technical support as well.
[the_ad id=”34386″]
CAD Reader
With only 12MB used and the fastest CAD viewer we can use on mobile phones, the CAD Reader is both fast and extremely lightweight. Good functionality allowing you to comment and highlight anywhere on the drawing. Easily measure length with start and end points.
![15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (10)](https://i0.wp.com/sunglass.io/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/CAD_Reader-DWG_DXF_Viewer_-_Android_Apps_on_Google_Play-1.png "15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (10)")
cadTouch
Use this app to completely replace your pen and paper. It supports all DWG (up to AutoCAD 2013) It features many drawing capabilities that you would expect from a good cad touch app. Support for architectural feet and inches. This is a DWG editor and viewer. The free version has no power limitations.
Blophome
Blophome is a solid app made for interior design needs. You can get professional, photorealistic designs. This app utilizes online product catalogues to give you access to products to integrate with your designs.
![15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (11)](https://i0.wp.com/sunglass.io/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/blophome-1.png "15 Android CAD Apps [Updated 2020] - Explore the Future of Engineering: 3D Modeling, CAD and More (11)")
AutoQ3D CAD
AutoQ3D CAD is a full cad software tool to help you create 2D & 3D technical drawings. The app supports formats such as: STL, OBJ, DXF and native 3DQ with textures. The app features a number of both drawing and viewing tools.
FAQs
Can I use CAD on Android? ›
A: The AutoCAD mobile app is available on iOS, Android, and Windows 10 mobile devices, both for smartphone or tablet. For iOS devices, you must have iOS 11.0 or later.
What is the best CAD program to learn? ›- SketchUp.
- Onshape.
- SOLIDWORKS.
- Fusion 360.
- AutoCAD LT.
- Shapr3D.
- Inventor.
- BricsCAD.
SketchUp was originally developed by Google and was one of the greatest free CAD packages ever put on the market. In 2012, Google sold the product to Trimble. Trimble has enhanced it and developed it further and now offers a slew of related products.
Is CAD free to use? ›Fortunately, free CAD software is widely available and, in many cases, just as useful as its costly counterparts. Given the many differences between CAD programs though, it can be challenging to choose the right one for you.
Does Google have CAD software? ›AutoCAD web app - Google Workspace Marketplace. Edit, create, and view CAD drawings in the AutoCAD web app anytime, anywhere.
Is CAD Free for personal use? ›Fusion 360 for personal use is free online CAD and includes standard features for home-based, non-commercial projects.
How much does it cost to get a AutoCAD license? ›How much does an AutoCAD subscription cost? The price of an annual AutoCAD subscription is $1,865 and the price of a monthly AutoCAD subscription is $235 . The price of a 3-year AutoCAD subscription is $5,595 .
Is FreeCAD worth learning? ›Great cad software, with a steep learning curve
Overall it is a great software to have in your business it works wonders and most of all it is free, I absolutely recommend it. FreeCAD is an amazing free software, it provides excellent tools both for designing and modelling.
Python scripting in FreeCAD
FreeCAD is built from scratch to be totally controlled by Python scripts. Almost all parts of FreeCAD, such as the interface, the scene contents, and even the representation of this content in the 3D views, are accessible from the built-in Python interpreter or from your own scripts.
- Two-dimensional or 2D CAD: The early version of CAD that most of us are aware of. ...
- 2.5D CAD: The 2.5 D CAD are prismatic, which means they represent the depth of an object. ...
- Three-dimensional or 3D CAD: The purpose of both 2D and 3D models is the same.
Are CAD skills in demand? ›
Yes, CAD designers are in demand.
The demand for drafting jobs is expected to grow through the next decade. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth rate is about 7% for computer-aided design (CAD), similar to the average for all other occupations.
Used by engineers, architects, and construction managers, CAD has replaced manual drafting. It helps users creating designs in either 2D or 3D so that they can visualize the construction.
Do you need to be good at math for CAD? ›If you're interested in learning AutoCAD but you're worried that you don't have the math or technical savvy needed to succeed, there's no need to worry. There are plenty of designers who have mastered the software with a bit of training and practice, who are otherwise not the biggest fans of math or tech.
What college majors use CAD? ›Computer Aided Design and Drafting systems are used by architectural, aeronautical, civil, electrical, electronic, mechanical, and pipeline drafters to create layouts and diagrams of various structures. Individuals can learn the skills needed to become a CAD drafter through an associate degree or certificate program.
How long will it take me to learn CAD? ›Depending on the instructor and individual, AutoCAD is pretty basic software to learn. For beginners, 4 hours a week for 30 days is sufficient to learn Autocad. For every level, you need to spend 4 hours weekly for 30 days more. Learning AutoCAD well means following the steps carefully and practicing after every step.
How long does it take to learn FreeCAD? ›Conclusion. FreeCAD may seem hard to learn especially due to the many workbenches. But on the contrary, it is one of the CAD software that has a favorable learning curve. With this guide, you can learn FreeCAD basics in just an hour.
Does FreeCAD need Python? ›FreeCAD has an embedded Python interpreter. You can write Python code to manipulate parts of FreeCAD. This is very powerful, it means you can build your very own tools. It is extensible, you can easily plug new modules into your Python installation and extend its functionality.
Is FreeCAD made in Python? ›While the FreeCAD core functionality is coded in C++ for robustness and performance, large parts of the external layers, workbenches and and almost all the communication between the core and the user interface is coded in Python, a flexible, user-friendly, easy to learn programming language.
Is there a FreeCAD app for Android? ›FreeCAD is not available for Android but there are a few alternatives with similar functionality. The best Android alternative is Autodesk AutoCAD. If that doesn't work for you, our users have ranked more than 100 alternatives to FreeCAD, but unfortunately only two of them are available for Android.
What can I use instead of AutoCAD for Android? ›There are many alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD for Android if you are looking for a replacement. The best Android alternative is Onshape. It's not free, so if you're looking for a free alternative, you could try CAD Reader.
Which FreeCAD is closest to AutoCAD? ›
LibreCAD. LibreCAD is another CAD program that is designed to work across Windows, Mac, and Linux alike. A fork of QCAD (mentioned below), LibreCAD has an interface that will look familiar to AutoCAD users, and by default it uses the AutoCAD DXF format for importing and saving, though it can use other formats as well.
Is FreeCAD as good as AutoCAD? ›The short answer is no. FreeCAD is not similar to AutoCAD at all. FreeCAD is a simplified CAD software with its own style such as the special interface, simplified features, complex operation method and so on, it also lacks plenty of features that designers need.
Is FreeCAD completely free? ›Is FreeCAD completely free? FreeCAD is free. This open-source software is available for free for Linux, macOS and Windows. It is possible to extend the features of the software by using the Python programming language.
Does FreeCAD cost money? ›FreeCAD Pricing
This program is free; you can download a version for your operating system from the vendor's website. FreeCAD is an open-source 3D modeling software that enables you to create detailed technical drawings, as well as efficient CAM processes.
In recent years, however, 'BIM' (Building Information Modelling) has arrived, particularly in construction, as the replacement for all things CAD — causing understandable consternation among professionals who have built their careers using CAD tools and techniques.
How do I open a CAD file on Android? ›- ZWCAD Mobile.
- DWG Fastview.
- A360.
- Onshape 3D CAD.
- eDrawings Pro.
The one and only way to access a full and unrestricted version of AutoCAD for free is to be a student, educator, or academic institution. Those eligible can apply for AutoCAD's educational license and get a free year of Autodesk software, including AutoCAD.
How much is a permanent license for AutoCAD? ›How much does an AutoCAD subscription cost? The price of a monthly AutoCAD subscription is $220 and the price of an annual AutoCAD subscription is $1,775. Software for 2D and 3D CAD. Subscription includes AutoCAD, specialized toolsets, and apps.
Is FreeCAD as good as Solidworks? ›FreeCAD is one of the most popular alternatives to Solidworks. It is open-source parametric software with a great community working on improving its features and helping other users. This CAD software gives you the most popular 3D modeling tools such as booleans, extrude, etc.