LibreCAD: The Versatile Open-Source 2D CAD Application
In the vast realm of open-source software, there exists a fantastic project that has given professionals, engineering students, hobbyists, and enthusiasts a tool to create comprehensive technical drawings. This project, named LibreCAD, has quite literally rewritten the rules of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, providing a free and open-source platform for 2D CAD applications across a variety of operating systems.
Project Overview:
LibreCAD was conceived out of an unmet need in the 2D CAD community for a free and open-source software that is both functional, easy to use, and universally available. This project aims to provide an accessible platform for creating and editing 2D design components such as lines, splines, circles, ellipses, and more. The target are professionals in architecture, interior design, mechanical engineering fields, as well as students and hobbyists interested in 2D CAD design.
Project Features:
At the heart of LibreCAD are some distinct features that have made it a popular choice in the 2D CAD community. Its compatibility with multiple operating systems (Windows, Apple, and Linux), a wide range of geometric entities and layers, the ability to measure items, multilingual options, and gigabytes of storage capacity are some of its key features that make designing a breeze. Additionally, it supports DXF file formats, amongst others, has options for importing/exporting formats and provides first-rate community support via wiki, forum, and IRC channel.
Technology Stack:
LibreCAD is built with a versatile technology stack. It relies on the C++ language, signifying robust performance and flexibility. The chosen programming languages, Qt for the UI, gives it the capability of being multi-platform. The entire codebase is on the GitHub repository, allowing global contributors to enhance and refine the software further.
Project Structure and Architecture:
The LibreCAD project is built in a structured, hierarchical manner. The main software comprises several modules like the UI, geometric entities, file importing, and exporting modules. These components interact with each other seamlessly, producing a comprehensive, user-friendly 2D CAD tool.
