Best 2D CAD Software for Mac (Free & Paid in 2026)

If you’re looking for 2D CAD software for Mac, you probably don’t need complex 3D modeling tools like AutoCAD or Fusion.

Whether you’re creating floor plans, technical drawings, schematics or blueprints, 2D CAD tools are faster, easier to learn, and run smoothly on any Mac.

In this guide, we’ve focused specifically on the best 2D CAD software for Mac in 2026, including free tools, beginner-friendly apps and professional drafting solutions.

If you need more powerful software, check out our guide to the best CAD software for Mac and for 3D design, the best 3D modelling software for Mac.

Quick Picks: Best 2D CAD for Mac

Here are the best 2D CAD tools for Mac based on ease of use, features and pricing.

• Best overall: SmartDraw
• Best free option: LibreCAD
• Best for professionals: AutoCAD LT
• Best beginner desktop app: MacDraft PE
• Best for collaboration: Onshape

With this in mind, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the best 2D CAD design app for Macs followed by our reviews of them

Software	Best For	Mac App	DWG Support	Price
SmartDraw	Beginners & templates	✅	❌	From $7.95/mo
MacDraft PE	Simple desktop drafting	✅	❌	From $99
QCAD	Free desktop drafting	✅	Partial	Free
CADintosh	Lightweight drafting	✅	Limited	Free (shareware)
TurboCAD Designer	Budget professionals	✅	✅	$99.99
AutoCAD LT	Industry professionals	✅	✅	From $45/mo paid annually
LibreCAD	Free open-source	✅	Limited	Free
Onshape	Cloud collaboration	❌ (Browser)	✅	Free / Paid

1. SmartDraw – Best for Beginners & Fast Results

SmartDraw is the easiest 2D CAD software we’ve used on a Mac thanks to its simplicity and incredible range of templates.

SmartDraw is an all-purpose diagramming tool that makes 2D design easy for everything from floor plans to electrical schematics.

SmartDraw’s 2D drawing tools are most commonly used for architectural designs although it can easily be used for manufacturing and engineering blueprints.

You can start using SmartDraw for free on a Mac in any browser and there’s also a Mac desktop app that you can download if you subscribe to it.

You can read our full SmartDraw review for more.

Pricing: FREE to start / $6.95 per month for teams of 3+ / $7.95 per month individuals / Enterprise Site plans start at $5 per user/month.

Pros:

• Intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality
• Mac desktop app
• Very easy to use, even for beginners
• Extensive library of templates and symbols for various industries
• Cloud integration for easy collaboration
• Whiteboard and data integration tools included in all plans

Cons:

• Limited customization options compared to some other CAD software
• Lacks many engineering and manufacturing templates
• Subscription-based pricing model might be costly for long-term use

2. MacDraft PE – Best Beginner Mac Desktop App

MacDraft Personal Edition (PE) is a 2D CAD drawing software aimed at beginners.

MacDraft PE is a simpler version of its bigger brother MacDraft Pro with a more basic toolset and functionality.

The app has a very limited library although you can purchase many more from the developer website including architectural, electrical and graphic symbols.

Although it’s aimed at those that are new to 2D design, it does take a bit of learning how to navigate the interface and we thought adding basic elements such as windows and doors isn’t as clear and straightforward as it should be.

However, once you’ve got used to where all the tools are its surprisingly versatile.

It’s important to be aware that MacDraft PE can’t produce drawings of less than 17 inches and only supports a maximum of 5 Layers.

It also doesn’t import DWG files although you can purchase the Pro version for $499 which does support this.

If you’re on a limited budget and want something to get started in 2D CAD software on Mac, MacDraft PE is an excellent stepping stone.

Pricing: Starts at $99.00 / Complete version $399.

Pros:

• Very good value for money
• Great for beginners
• Mac desktop app

Cons:

• Limited by dimensions (no restrictions in Pro)

3. QCAD – Best Free Lightweight CAD

QCAD calls itself “the open source CAD software for everyone” and is designed specifically for 2D drafting.

The QCAD desktop app is powerful and yet the user interface is easy enough to learn even for those that are beginners to 2D CAD.

Some of the more advanced features in QCAD include layers, multiple CAD fonts and printing to scale for professional looking blueprints.

Pricing: Free

Pros:

• Free and open source.
• Mac desktop app.
• Clean and user-friendly interface.
• Good range of 2D drafting tools.

Cons:

• Lack of advanced features compared to more expensive software.
• Steeper learning curve for beginners.
• Limited support options.

4. CADintosh – Best Lightweight Drafting Tool

CADintosh is aimed at professional Technical Draftsmen and Designers. CADintosh is a shareware product meaning you can use it for as long as you want for free without any obligation to buy it.

It has a Mac desktop app and supports Retina displays so it looks great on MacBooks and displays such as the Apple Studio Display.

CADintosh is also regularly updated for the latest releases of macOS and works on Apple Silicon M-chip Macs.

Note that the Mac App Store version of CADintosh does not support all file importing due to Apple sandboxing rules in the App Store.

You download the developer version however without any restrictions.

Pricing: Free (Shareware)

Pros:

• Lightweight software with a simple interface
• Affordable one-time purchase price
• Good for basic 2D drafting tasks

Cons:

• Limited feature set compared to more comprehensive CAD software
• Not as widely used or supported as some other options
• May not be suitable for complex drawings or projects

5. TurboCAD Designer – Best Budget Professional Tool

TurboCAD Designer is one of the most affordable 2D CAD desktop packages available on Mac and boasts professional features in a reasonably easy to learn package.

The software has impressive file import support with AutoCAD files DWG and DXF files and even mockups designed in Adobe Illustrator.

You can also import 2D SketchUp designs and files in Collada format.

TurboCAD Designer is ideal for beginners as it uses LogiCursor to suggest edits to your designs as you draw.

Pricing: Starts at $99.99, Free Trial

Pros:

• Affordable price point with a good range of features.
• Intuitive interface suitable for beginners.
• Compatible with DWG and DXF file formats.

Cons:

• Not as feature-rich as more expensive CAD software.
• Some users report occasional stability issues.
• Customer support may not be as robust as with larger company’s.

6. AutoCAD LT – Best for Professionals

AutoCAD LT is the industry standard when it comes to 2D design and AutoCAD LT is the 2D version of the companie’s better known AutoCAD package.

AutoCAD LT offers ultra precise geometry and workflow automation features that go beyond what most 2D CAD tools are able to do.

This includes automating CAD documentation, comparing drawings, adding objects and creating tables.

Nowadays AutoCAD LT can be used both in a Mac desktop app or online in any browser so you don’t even have to download it anymore.

If you need full 3D modeling, AutoCAD’s full version is covered in our best CAD software for Mac guide.

Pricing: $45/month if paid annually

Pros:

• Industry-standard CAD software with robust 2D drafting capabilities.
• Extensive library of tools and features for precise drafting.
• Familiar interface for users already accustomed to AutoCAD.
• Can be used on desktop, Cloud and on mobile

Cons:

• Relatively high cost, especially for ongoing subscription fees.
• Steeper learning curve for beginners compared to simpler CAD software.
• Requires a powerful Mac to run smoothly if you use the desktop version

7. LibreCAD – Best Free Open-Source CAD

LibreCAD is a free open source 2D CAD software with support for over 30 languages so if English is not your first language, it’s a great free multi lingual option.

The LibreCAD project is maintained by volunteers and yet can still import AutoCAD files in DWG format and doesn’t require too much learning.

The interface is a bit dated and support is limited for but if you’re looking for a free app for 2D CAD on a Mac, it’s worth a look.

Pricing: Free

Pros:

• Free and open-source CAD software.
• Lightweight and relatively easy to use.
• Cross-platform compatibility (also available for Windows and Linux).

Cons:

• Limited features compared to commercial CAD software.
• Interface may feel dated compared to modern design software.
• Lack of comprehensive support or documentation compared to paid alternatives.

8. OnShape – Best for Collaboration

OnShape is an incredibly powerful CAD software that surprisingly can be used for free in any browser.

Although it’s used more for 3D CAD work, it can also be used for 2D designing too.

OnShape was originally started by engineers at SolidWorks which doesn’t work on a Mac (although there are ways to run SolidWorks on a Mac using a virtual machine).

The difference with OnShape is that it supports collaborative 2D design as its completely Cloud based.

OnShape offers one of the most generous free 2D CAD tools out there although for commercial use, subscriptions start at $1,500 per year

Pricing: Free / Commercial subscriptions $1,500 per year

Pros:

• Free to use in any browser.
• Ideal for collaborating on 2D designs.
• Powerful 3D CAD capabilities with integrated 2D drafting tools.
• Version control and real-time collaboration features.

Cons:

• Internet connection required for access, limiting offline functionality.
• Focused more on 3D design

Best Free 2D CAD Software for Mac (No Subscription Required)

If you don’t want to pay, these are your best options:

• LibreCAD – best overall free tool
• QCAD – simple and lightweight
• Onshape – best for collaboration

Best 2D CAD for Floor Plans on Mac

For floor plans, SmartDraw and MacDraft PE are the best options thanks to their templates and ease of use.

For more options, check out our guide to the best floor plan software for Mac.

2D vs 3D CAD: Which Should You Use?

Choose 2D CAD if:

• You’re creating floor plans or schematics
• You want something easy to learn
• You don’t need 3D visualization

Choose 3D CAD if:

• You’re designing products for manufacturing
• You need simulations or rendering
• You work in engineering or product design

2D CAD is faster and simpler, while 3D CAD is more powerful but complex.

Best Alternatives to DeltaCAD for Mac

DeltaCAD for Mac has been discontinued, but the best replacements are:

• SmartDraw – easiest overall
• MacDraft PE – closest native Mac experience
• AutoCAD LT – professional standard

FAQs

What is the best free 2D CAD software for Mac?
LibreCAD is the best fully free option, while QCAD is a good lightweight alternative.

Can you run AutoCAD on a Mac?
Yes, AutoCAD LT has a native Mac app and also works in a browser.

Is 2D CAD still used?
Yes, 2D CAD is still widely used for floor plans, schematics and technical drawings.