In alternative to InDesign, we can use Scribus.

It also has a totally customizable interface that facilitates the workflow. It is extremely similar to the famous Adobe program and has every resource that one can imagine for image editing. They are able to present amazing realistic products, being also used by the great studios of games and movies industries.įor Revit and ArchiCAD, we have as an alternative FreeCAD, which has its own working method that will require some study and patience but is very powerful and capable of exporting drawings, charts and other information of the constructed models.Īs an option to substitute Photoshop, it is possible to use GIMP. The LibreCAD is totally free and open source while the NanoCAD, besides the free version, has also a paid and more complete one.įor those who seek alternatives to programs such as SketchUp, 3DS, V-Ray and Lumion, there is the Blender, Unreal Engine 4e and the Unity, that offer impressive results. Apart from free of charge, its distributions have become increasingly more complete, professional and productive.Īs an alternative to AutoCAD, we have the LibreCAD and the NanoCad. Linux is a generally known operating system although rarely used. This software transition is much simpler for self-employed professionals or students since they are the only performers of their demands, but in the cases of small teams and offices, training will probably be necessary.Īn alternative to Windows or Mac OS is the Linux Mint. Some software are very similar, while others were elaborated with different ways of thinking that will require some studying. It is important to keep in mind that in order to save the money that was usually destined for the licenses, you will need to adjust yourself.

For this reason, we have created this list. There is no denying that these are excellent software and the point here is not to criticize them, but there is an alternative universe of free software (most of them open-source) that might solve the increasing problem that architects have with license costs, and attend to student demands as well as the industry ones. Several reasons might explain that: the partnerships that these companies usually make with the university labs, the lack of time to learn a new program, or the culture to use the most popular software. During the academic formation process, beginner architects are educated and trained to develop projects on the most “traditional” software.

Free architectural drafting software