1. Best Free Diagram Software
2. Home Architecture software, free download
3. Free Architecture Design Software
4. Free Software Architecture Design Tools

It is extensible software that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can seamlessly integrate this app into your workflow as it reads and writes to many file formats like STEP, DXF, OBJ, DAE, IFC, and IGES. The contractors and architects will find this software useful in making a diagram. SketchUp is a free architecture software. ArgoUML is a tool and you're asking about both tools and the processes used (i.e. 'which artifacts do you create with the tools). We generally stick to user stories (agile project) and do not make 'classical' use cases and use case documents.

If you’re looking for CAD software for Mac, you’re not without options. We’ve found some standout Mac and cloud-based CAD platforms for you.

You’re likely to hit a wall if you’re searching for computer-aided design (CAD) software designed for Mac. There are plenty of CAD software options for Windows—you’ll see many of them in our list of the top AutoCAD alternatives—but only a handful offer support for Mac.

And, if you think you’ll bypass the issue by using a cloud-based CAD tool, you’ll quickly find that CAD vendors haven’t embraced the cloud as much as other types of software vendors have, so the offerings are still largely on-premise. According to Gartner’s Hype Cycle for IT Evolution (full content available to Gartner clients), cloud-native CAD applications still have five to 10 years before they reach mainstream adoption.

But fear not, Mac users. We’ve done some digging and have put together this list of the top-rated CAD software for Mac. Read more about our methodology at the bottom of this article.

5 Best CAD Software for Mac (presented alphabetically)

Jump to:

• 
  CorelCAD
• 
  FreeCAD
• 
  Fusion 360
• 
  LibreCAD
• 
  Onshape

1. CorelCAD

CorelCAD offers 2D drafting and 3D design capabilities, such as the drawing constraints feature for creating different geometric shapes faster and the push and pull feature for 3D direct modeling.

3D modeling in CorelCAD (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analyses of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of CorelCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

• The short learning curve: Users mention that the tool is easy to use and beginners don’t have to spend a lot of time learning it.
• Compatibility with multiple file types: Users like the fact that the tool is compatible with DWG, PDF, ACIS, DXF, STL, CDR, and other file formats.

What users think could be improved:

• Software reliability issues: Some users mention that the software tends to crash at times.
• Better dimension functionality: Some users would like a better dimensioning feature for more accurate drawings of angles and proportions.

Who can use CorelCAD

CorelCAD can be used by construction businesses for collaborative editing on multiple devices. It offers native iOS applications, which makes it easy for field crews to add annotations in graphics and share files using their iPhones and iPads. Additionally, the tool allows team members to leave recorded messages and instructions for colleagues embedded in the graphics using a voice note tool.

2. FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open source CAD tool that works on Mac as well as Windows and Linux. It reads many common file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE.

It offers different modules, including a drawing sheets module that converts 3D models into 2D views, a rendering module that can export 3D objects, and an architecture module for a BIM-like workflow.

3D model of a building in FreeCAD (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of FreeCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

• Feature-richness for a free tool: Users mention that, although it’s free, the tool comes with a full set of features.
• Reliability: Users mention that the tool does not demand a lot of CPU power and works well on devices with low RAM.

What users think could be improved:

• Steep learning curve: Users mention that the tool is not the most user-friendly solution and can be difficult for beginners to learn.
• Dependent on community for updates: Users mention that modules ignored by the community tend to become outdated quickly.

Who can use FreeCAD

FreeCAD appears to be best for hobbyists and home users. It’s also good for users who don’t have a high budget for software but still want to tinker with CAD modeling.

FreeCAD could also be a good choice for businesses on a budget looking for a free and open-source option.

3. Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is a CAD tool from Autodesk with design functionalities such as sketching and 3D modeling. It also supports project management with features such as task management, document management, and collaborative image editing.

Document management in Fusion 360 (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of Fusion 360 they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

• Comprehensive design features: User mention that the tool offers all the functionalities necessary for 2D and 3D designing.
• Availability of training resources: Users like the fact that the tool comes with ample documentation and tutorials.

What users think could be improved:

• System crashes: Users mention that the tool tends to crash, especially when designing and rendering large files.
• Steep learning curve: Users mention that it can take a lot of time to learn the advanced functionalities of the tool.

Who can use Fusion 360

Fusion 360 is part of the Autodesk ecosystem designed for the AEC industry. This makes the tool suitable for construction businesses that are already using, or intend to use, other Autodesk solutions. Using a software vendor that offers multiple solutions will especially benefit larger businesses that invariably need software that can scale with their growing requirements.

4. LibreCAD

LibreCAD is an open source CAD tool that supports Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. The tool comes with 2D drawing features such as a snap tool, dimensioning, and annotations. It also supports multiple file imports and exports.

2D drawing in LibreCAD (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of LibreCAD they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

• Ease of use: Users mention that the tool offers an intuitive and easy-to-use interface.
• Lots of tutorials: Users like the fact that there are ample video tutorials that help them get started with the tool.

What users think could be improved:

• Software speed: Users mention that the software tends to lag, especially when trying to print designs.
• Add support for 3D design: Users would like to see functionalities for creating 3D designs.

Who can use LibreCAD

LibreCAD is an exclusively 2D CAD tool for drawing and designing blueprints of buildings, layouts of parks, and the like. As a free tool, the solution can be used by small and midsize businesses across different industries, including manufacturing, engineering, architecture, and construction.

5. Onshape

Onshape is a cloud-only CAD solution that comes with features such as document management with version control, collaborative design creation/editing capabilities, and reporting dashboards to understand project status.

Importing documents in Onshape (Source)

Common user feedback trends

Based on analysis of user reviews on Capterra, here’s an overview of the areas of Onshape they like best, as well as those they feel could use improvement.

What users like:

• Document version control: Users like the document management features of the tool, such as version history.
• Intuitive interface: Users mention that the tool comes with an intuitive interface for easy image editing.

What users think could be improved:

• Performance issues: Some users mention that the tool does not function well on non-Chrome browsers and has file loading issues.
• Lack of features: Users mention that the tool should improve certain features such as 2D drawing and 3D surfacing.

Who can use Onshape

As a fully-cloud based tool, Onshape is ideal for businesses that need to manage design documents collaboratively with multiple stakeholders. The tool’s collaboration functionalities include document sharing, document editing, comments, and file downloads in multiple CAD formats, such as Parasolid, ACIS, STEP, and IGES.

Next steps

This report offers a mix of Mac CAD solutions—from free tools that can help you with basic 2D drawing to advanced solutions offering extensive 3D modeling functionalities.

If these tools don’t meet your needs, expand your search and check out more options. To help you, we’ve created a CAD software comparison page where you can explore products using different filters, such as features offered and pricing options.

Methodology

To be shortlisted, products had to fulfill the following criteria:

• Products had to be compatible with Mac and offer core CAD software capabilities, such as:
  • 2D drawing or 3D modeling features
  • Collaborative editing of drawings
• Products needed a minimum of 20 user reviews on Capterra (published in the last two years).
• Products had to have a high overall rating (an average of at least 4 out of 5 on Capterra).

Note: The content in this piece that provides opinions and points of view expressed by users. It does not represent the views of Capterra.

Looking for Construction Management software? Check out Capterra's list of the best Construction Management software solutions.

19 Best Free Software for Flowcharts: – Stuck with a college project or an office presentation? You know that a flowchart will be the best solution and you even have the blueprint in your mind, but the only thing you need right now is a good Flowchart software that can help you finish your task effectively. And, if it’s free then nothing like it, isn’t it?

For those who are new to Flowcharts, it is a diagram full of shapes and symbols that collectively represent a process. Using a flowchart you can easily explain a complicated process via 2D or 3D graphical images of the data and represent the connection between any content and information. If your task includes statistics, a flowchart can explain it even better.

Also read: – Top Free Architecture software for architects

However, creating a flowchart is easier said than done hence, we need a software that makes the entire process much quick and convenient. There are many such tools available online that can help you design your flowchart, however, not all are free and the ones that are paid may be heavy on your pocket.

See also : – Top 10 best free animation softwares for windows

If you are student, a small business owner or someone looking to impress the boss or the interviewer that requires you to design a powerful flowchart, but not too keen to shell that extra dough, free software is the best alternative for you. We have compiled a list of best free software for flowcharts that will help you draw charts quickly and with ease. So let’s take a quick look..

Gliffy

An HTML 5 based diagraming tool, Gliffy is an online tool that offers 2 diagrams for free to start with. Gliffy is a cloud-based application that helps you to draw cool flowcharts along with other diagrams (SWOT Analysis, Floor Plans, Site Maps, etc.) in your web browser. Create real-time flowcharts and even edit them while on the browser and when finished you can simply share the URL (read-only) of your flowchart on various social networking sites.

Gliffy offers a straightforward and simple process where it requires you to only drag and drop the contents, and your flowchart is ready. Merges smoothly with Google Drive enabling you to create flowcharts easily and even allows you to import documents from Microsofi Visio which you can view and edit from your web browser. Plenty of themes/templates, revision control, and easy collaboration makes it one of the best software for flowcharts.

Price: Free (5 Diagrams, 2MB); after that price starts from $3.99

Go To Website: https://www.gliffy.com/uses/flowchart-software/

LucidChart

Another HTML5 and Javascript backed software, LucidChart is a unique tool that not only allows you to design flowcharts along with UML diagrams etc. but also enables you to create mock websites and Android or iOS apps that are completely operative. You can use this mock apps and sites just as you would do with the real ones. You can even create impressive wire-frames which is a much easier process.

Even LucidChart integrates with Google Apps and helps open Visio documents and edit them on your web browser. The easy collaboration functionality makes designing flowchart an even smoother process.

Price: Free for 60 objects up to 25 MB; after that plan starts from $3.3

Go To Website: https://www.lucidchart.com/

yED

A completely free to use software, yED helps in diagramming equally smoothly as others in the category. It comes with a straightforward and simple interface that perks up your entire flowchart making experience. It comes equipped with some pre-made templates that make the entire flowchart designing process quicker.

You can bring in documents, images and designs from Vision and yED then merges all these features that enable you to create top quality flowcharts. yED will help you create amazing flowcharts all for free and with a professional approach. Effortless data import and the automatic designs adds to its features making it one of the sought after free software for flowcharts.

Price: Free

Works with: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X and all Java Virtual Machine supported platforms

Go To Website: http://www.yworks.com/products/yed

Creately

Creately is an offline tool that is supported by WYSIWIG based software that allows you to simply drag and drop the elements of your desired flowchart. Apart from flowcharts, you can also design, manage and team up on UI mockups, Infographics and more. Once the flowchart is ready you can share your flowcharts and publish them fast and effortlessly.

While it assimilates smoothly with Google Drive along with sharing read-only links via emails and social networks, it also brings and sends out documents and PDF files from Visio. With all these comprehensive features, Creately becomes one of the widely used software that can help you create flowcharts both online and offline.

An intuitive software, several layouts and templates, real-time collaboration and other premium features make it a great software for flowcharts and other diagrams.

Price: Free for 5 diagrams; after that starts from $5 a month.

Works with: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS X

Go To Website: http://creately.com/

Draw.io

Draw.io is a cloud based program that offers diagramming features for free. It is an online tool that enables you to create any type of diagrams and charts including flowcharts. To start with, it will ask you to select the location of the design which can be your local hard drive

This software is based on simple drag-and-drop concept, so that you can simply drag the desired elements and you have your flowchart ready. The software also integrates with Google Drive effortlessly with which you can share your charts and projects on different social networking sites.

What’s unique about draw.io is that it lets you create unlimited number of flowcharts or any diagram in its wide available space in the cloud storage account. Not just that, as the flowcharts are entirely private to you while they put no limitations on the size of the image entered. Moreover, you also get the free feature of revision control with draw.io.

Price: Free

Go To Website:https://www.draw.io/

OpenOffice.org Draw

OpenOffice.org Draw is an open source software that makes your diagram or flowchart making the process a cake walk. This free tool offers a wide and robust backdrop that uses vector graphics for the editing purpose which is same as the Microsoft Office Drawing functionality. You can also transport the Scalable Vector Graphics using OpenOffice.org Draw.

It was originally built to compete with the drawing feature of the Microsoft Office and offers some great features for your diagraming needs at part with Microsoft.

Price: Free

Works with: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux

Go To Website: https://www.openoffice.org/product/draw.html

Calligra Flow

If you are looking for a free tool that helps meet you diagramming and flowchart making needs, Calligra Flow can be the best choice for you. It is a complete graphic editor that comes as a part of the Calligra Suite. The software comes with a simple and straightforward interface which is identical to the Microsoft Visio’s interface. Additionally, it offers a plugin support that the boost the features of the tool.

CalligraFlow firmly assimilates with other tools from the Calligra Suite and helps you design detailed flowcharts and other intricate diagrams quite easily.

Price: Free

Works with: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, BSD based systems

Go To Website: https://www.calligra.org/flow/

Grapholite

If you are stuck with that puzzling data provided from your office which needs to be converted in a flowchart, Grapholite is one of the best solutions for you. This free tool not only helps you to create intricate flowcharts in matter of seconds, but can also be helpful for other business graphics such as, office designs, organizational charts, venn charts, floor plans, network layouts, mind maps and many more.

Grapholite is a Microsoft product that comes with an unlimited time free trail offer that lets you use all the features for free, but does not allow you to save your work. From Windows smartphones and PCs to Android and iOS devices, it works for all.

Price: Free trial period for unlimited time without data saving; Price sarts from $9.99 and varies for different platforms.

Works with: Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Window 10, Windows RT systems, desktop, iOS and Android.

Go To Website: https://grapholite.com/

Cacoo

With an interface similar to another diagramming tool, Gliffy, Cacoo is an online solution for your diagramming needs that also helps you to design flowcharts, mind maps, network charts, site maps and more with ease. The features offered by Cacoo are pretty simple that can be comprehended easily by one and all and hence, lets you create some great flowcharts in no time.

While it enables you to work in collaboration with your team, online, you can also share your flowcharts with friends and colleagues online.

Price: Free (up to 25 sheets. Limited sharing, export to PNG format only); plans start from $4.08 per month

Works with: Windows and Mac OS platforms only.

Go To Website: https://cacoo.com/

Lovely Charts

Make your diagrams look professional with this application, Lovely Charts that helps you to create all kinds of diagrams that includes flowcharts, basic symbols, site map, wire frames, BPMN general and more. The tool comes with a wonderful interface which can be accessed once you have a free account. You can simply drag and drop contents and images to create your flowcharts and connect.

It’s easy to use interface allows you to draw your flowcharts effortlessly with its desktop and web versions. It does not require much learning curve and you can export files to PNG and JPEG formats. While the desktop can be even downloaded for free, it has limited features compared to the web app and data cannot be saved unless purchased.

Price: Free desktop download with no data saving, opening or maintaining revisions facility; plans start from $3.99/year.

Works with: Desktop, Web, iPad

Go To Website: http://lovelycharts.com/

Flowchart

Flowchart is the only diagramming application that is solely dedicated to create flow charts. The multi-user interface that the tool features is straightforward and simple which allows team collaboration in real-time. You can also invite acquaintances and colleagues to work together where you all can chat and create fantastic flow charts at the same time.

The best part about this tool is that it does not need you to download any software and works with almost all popular browsers and operating systems. Once finished designing the flow chart you can even export it to PNG or PDF formats.

Price: Free (till it’s in BETA version and access limited by invitation only)

Works with: Web

Go To Website: http://flowchart.com/

Dia

Dia is a free open source online diagramming software that is strikingly similar to Microsoft’s Viso and offers features close to the app. From Flowcharts, UML diagrams, Assorted Diagrams, Circuit to Network Diagrams it helps you to create many different types of diagrams with ease.

Moreover, it equips you with a large variety of symbols and tools for your diagramming needs while it also helps you to make several flowcharts or diagrams in multiple tabs at the same time. You can also add support for new shapes in Dia by creating simple XML files with the help of a SVG subset to create the shape.

Best Free Diagram Software

Dia also allows you to load and save flowcharts or diagrams to a custom XML version that can be exported to XFIG, PNG, EPS, WMF or SVG formats. You can also take a printout of the diagrams.

Price: Free open source

Works with: Windows 10/8.1, 8, 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP, Linux and Mac OS X

Home Architecture software, free download

Go To Website: http://dia-installer.de/

Dynamic Draw

As the name suggests, Dynamic Draw is indeed dynamic as it offers over 15 different varieties of flow chart types some of which includes Decision, Connector, Terminator, Process and more. Apart from helping you to create flow charts, this free and open source software also helps you to create other diagrams.

Even though it has a puzzling interface that needs a bit of learning curve, the output is eventually more than satisfying. The toll offers a great tutorial and instructions that appear on the screen as you proceed. Using the hot key you can create charts even fast and smoothly.

Specially designed for business users, Dynamic Draw helps you to create some really elaborate flow charts that look professional. It allows you to export your creations to PNG, SVG, GIF, WMF and other formats. It is available in both portable and installer editions.

Price: Free open source

Works with: Windows XP and later, Linux

Go To Website: http://www.dynamicdraw.com/

ClickCharts Diagram Flowchart Software

While you can create complex flow charts, organizational maps, mind maps and other diagrams effortlessly with ClickCharts Diagram Flowcharts Software, it also provides many different types of helpful symbols for creating the best flow chart. Add pointers, images and text with this software. Once you have completed the diagram you can export the creation to PDF files and other popular image formats.

In addition, you can also create Data Flow Diagram, UML Diagram and ER Diagram while you can also edit and customize colors, fills or strokes. It offers flawless sheet overlapping from developing and printing large sized diagrams. It also allows you to open and edit several diagrams at the same time.

ClickCharts is compact software that takes up very less disk space (420KB) and can be used on different devices.

Price: Free

Works with: Windows 7, XP, Vista, 8, 8.1 and 10, Mac OS X, Android and Kindle devices

Go To Website: http://www.nchsoftware.com/chart/index.html

Pencil

Pencil is basically a drawing tool that helps in creating designs for mobile phones and desktop, however, you can also draw flow charts and diagrams using this tool. It is an easy to use software that can be installed equally easily and helps create mockups on desktop platforms.

Apart from the ability to create multiple flow charts at the same time, it also helps you with 10 different varieties of shape categories each of which consists of several shapes. Once completed you can save them in PDF, SVG, PNG, HTML and in different other formats. Moreover, you also have access to some cool clip art images with Pencil which you can download from its server.

Price: Free

Works with: Mac OS, Linux OS and Firefox extension

Go To Website: http://pencil.evolus.vn/

Diagram Designer

From flow charts, UML Class, electric circuit to GUI design, Diagram Designer helps you with all. The application provides over 25 symbols for flow chart and there is also a section that displays a complete list of symbols that are used in the flow charts. For the diagrams and flow charts, it uses vector graphics editor.

It is a compact tool that barely takes up any disk space and can be installed in a matter of seconds. Diagram Designer is a free and fast software that helps you to create your desired flowcharts on the fly. You can simply drag the required elements in the interface, insert images, add text, change background, add color, delete and so on. Finally you can save your creations in different formats like, PNG, PDF, JPEG or simply create a slideshow.

The best part about this application is that it can help import more template layouts for more polygons, websites, electronic symbols, genograms etc.

Price: Free

Works with: Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/7/8

Go To Website: http://www.fosshub.com/Diagram-Designer.html

Diagram Ring

Create vivid colorful flow charts, graphs, UMLs, Pie Charts and more with Diagram Ring. It is a free application that also equips you with different types of shapes in different styles and connects them with the help of 10 different edges. This open source tool offers 45 different predefined symbols along with more than 15 predefined styles to help create flow charts faster.

Once you have completed the diagrams or the flow charts you can then convert them into JPG file format. It is small sized software (1 MB file size) that takes up very little disk space.

Price: Free

Works with: Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Go To Website: http://diagramring.codeplex.com/

Software Ideas Modeler

With Software Ideas Modeler you can create flow charts, BPMN diagrams, UML and diagrams and other diagrams effortlessly. You can create multiple flow charts simultaneously using many different types of useful shapes. Eventually, you can save your creations in different formats like GIF, PNG, SVG, TIFF, PDF and so on.

It is a freeware available only in portable version and for non-commercial use only.

Price: Free; Paid versions available as well

Go To Website: https://www.softwareideas.net/Download/338/Software-Ideas-Modeler-7-71–32-bit-Portable-

Google Drawings (Chrome extension)

Free Architecture Design Software

Created by the online search giant Google, Google Drawings is a free cloud based software that helps you draw the most complicated flowcharts or any other diagram for that matter effortlessly. It was initially called as Google Doc Drawings and was launched to help make and edit designs from Google Docs.

It’s now assimilated with Google Drive and lets you draw and work in team real-time. The best part is that you can now design offline as well using the Google Drawings plugin on your web browser and the final output can be then converted to SVG, PDF, JPEG or in PNG formats.

With Google Drive, you can simply drag and drop the flowchart elements (contents and images) and your diagram is ready in minutes.

Price: Free

Free Software Architecture Design Tools

Works with: Web browsers like Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari and IE 8+

I find passion in writing Tech articles around Windows PC and softwares