Cheap CAD (computer aided design) software is easily available on the Internet in the form of freeware and shareware. These software systems are used for designing mechanical, electrical, and electrical blueprints. They are also used for simulation, drafting, engineering, product analysis and manufacturing.

Cheap CAD software can easily be installed on mainframes, general-purpose workstations, and personal computers. It is compatible with different computer operating systems such as Microsoft windows, UNIX, Solaris, and SunOS. The software enables engineers, architects, and fashion designers to create conceptual drawings for assessment and approval.

Cheap CAD software can be broadly classified into two categories. Basic CAD software that uses two dimensional (2D) imaging is the most commonly used software for drafting services and general-purpose applications. In comparison to these, three dimensional (3D) CAD software is used for high-end applications such as machine shops, product designing, reverse engineering, and complex surfacing. It is the most commonly used software by architects, builders, facility managers, and construction companies. Cheap CAD software also includes specialized products such as CAD file viewers, CAD file converters, CAD file red lining, CAD symbols, and CAD libraries.

Cheap CAD software enables designers to import CAD files, which are required for controlling manufacturing equipment. It is used in mechanical engineering to calculate tool paths and set up machining operations. Tool paths stored in cutter location( CL) format are exported to a postprocessor for conversion to a numerically controlled (NC) program. Many of these programs have text files that incorporate start and stop locations along a grid with X,Y, and Z axis.

Cheap 2D CAD software is used for designing machines such as lathes, routers, lasers, water jets, and plasma tables whereas 3D software is used mostly for designing milling machines. Cheap CAD software can also be used for designing printed circuit board (PCB) and integrated circuit (IC) blueprints.