Key Difference Between LibreCAD and QCAD
LibreCAD vs. QCAD is outlined below. LibreCAD is a free 2D CAD program that was forked from QCAD Community Edition. Its GUI is based on QT5 libraries, therefore it works on multiple systems.
QCAD, or computer-aided design software, offers 2D design and drafting. Its Qt-based GUI is partly licensed under the GNU General Public License. Both program has various features, which we will cover today. Start our discussion.
LibreCAD vs QCAD Comparison Table
LibreCAD and QCAD are open-source CAD programs. Both are used for 2D drawings and designs. A table comparing LibreCAD and QCAD shows their main differences:
| Feature | LibreCAD | QCAD |
|---|---|---|
| License | GPLv2 (open-source) | Community Edition: GPLv3 (open-source) Professional Edition: Proprietary license with additional features |
| Platform | Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) | Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) |
| User Interface | Intuitive interface with a focus on simplicity | Clean and straightforward interface with an emphasis on ease of use |
| Drawing Tools | Provides a range of 2D drawing tools, including lines, arcs, circles, and polygons | Offers a variety of drawing tools, such as lines, arcs, circles, rectangles, and ellipses |
| Dimensioning | Supports dimensioning tools for adding measurements to drawings | Includes dimensioning tools for accurate representation of measurements |
| Layer Management | Allows users to organize drawings using layers for better control | Provides layer management features for organizing and structuring drawings |
| Blocks and Symbols | Supports the creation and use of blocks and symbols for efficiency | Includes features for creating and reusing blocks and symbols in drawings |
| Printing and Export | Supports printing and exporting drawings in various formats (DXF, SVG, PDF) | Provides options for printing and exporting drawings to formats like DXF, SVG, and PDF |
| Customization | Limited customization options compared to QCAD | Offers more customization options, including scripting support for automation |
| Community Support | Active community support with forums and documentation | Active community support with forums, documentation, and tutorials |
| Updates and Development | Regular updates and ongoing development by the open-source community | Regular updates and development by RibbonSoft, the company behind QCAD |
| Scripting Support | Provides limited scripting support using Python | Offers scripting support with ECMAScript (JavaScript) for automation and customization |
| Advanced Features | May lack some advanced features found in proprietary CAD software | Includes more advanced features in the Professional Edition, such as advanced dimensioning, BOM management, and more |
| Cost | Free and open-source; no cost for usage | Community Edition is free and open-source; Professional Edition requires a license purchase with additional features |
| Target Users | Suitable for users looking for a free and open-source 2D CAD solution | Suitable for users ranging from hobbyists to professionals requiring advanced 2D CAD features |
| Learning Curve | Generally user-friendly, suitable for beginners | User-friendly interface with tutorials and documentation to assist learning |