HYCAD

HYCAD is a powerful application designed to help you create schematics and models in a simplified AutoCAD interface. This free alternative provides you with the basic drawing features and can export to multiple file formats.

The CAD solutions are usually complex programs and HYCAD is not an exception to the rule. It enables the user to handle multiple layers, shapes, lines and text elements in order to put together the desired drawing.

You can start the drawing from a blank canvas or import a template from a DXF, WMF or EMF document. The Vectorize feature can extract the model from any JPG or bitmap image such as a scanned schematic.

The user can access a large number of preset shapes such as strips, clouds or outline circles in order to increase its efficiency. As many CAD solutions, the interface provides you with the point coordinates in order to accurately place the components.

It is easy to export the drawing to a raster or vector image such as DWG, EMF or PLT. This function allows you to use the application for converting between some of the popular CAD file formats.

In order to increase efficiency, the program features a large list of keyboard shortcuts that can be further customized by the user. It also supports mouse gestures that can be associated with the frequently used commands.

Unfortunately, the app does not include a documentation which is important for a CAD beginner. However, the interface is intuitive and you can easily understand the basic functions in less than ten minutes.

Overall, HYCAD is a useful program for anyone that wants to start creating CAD drawings or converting DWG, DXF or other design file formats.