3

I want to make some vector graphic icons but what I sadly found out any of simple vector graphic editor do not support CAD-like functions like make line length depends of other line or constrain angle between them.

It was easier to find a simple CAD program like SolveSpace that can export to .svg file and then edit it in a vector graphic software. But clearly, it is not ideal solution.

So I am looking for a simple, free, linux program for vector graphics but with CAD functions. Do you know any?

Improve this question
2
  • The most likely answer to this question there is no such program.
    – joojaa
    Sep 5, 2017 at 6:49
  • Some of these CAD-like functions can be achieved in Inkscape utilizing simple tools like the transformations dialog or grouping. For example, grouping makes line lengths interdependent in a group. So if you could elaborate in more detail which functions you are missing, then someone might be able to check if there is an alternative way using existing functions.
    – Doc Brown
    Feb 9, 2018 at 6:38

4 Answers 4

Reset to default
1

You should definitely take a look at OpenSCAD (also called "the programmers solid 3D CAD modeler) - it is more of a 3D compiler than an actual modeler. The main difference to other CAD softwares is, that it parses scripts. As @GerardFalla mentioned, FreeCAD is also amazing. I am using it since years. There is a video on YouTube which I can recommend, titled CAD Battle - OpenSCAD vs. FreeCAD.

Improve this answer
0

Antimony

This is probably not a perfect match and rather a shot in the dark.

Website: https://github.com/mkeeter/antimony
Screenshots and demo videos can be seen at http://www.mattkeeter.com/projects/antimony/3/

  • Quoting the website: "Antimony is a computer-aided design (CAD) tool from a parallel universe."
    It is neither a classic CAD nor a classic real vector graphic software because you describe all geometric shapes in a data-flow diagram (similar to Blender nodes). The shapes' ports, such as x, y position, width and height, can be connected to ports from other shapes to create dependencies.
  • Export possibilities: I am not sure about SVG and don't have a Fedora machine at hand. Searching through the code doesn't bring up any promising part hinting at SVG export, though.
  • Free
  • Also runs on Linux
    A community-supported package exists for Fedora. For other distributions you have to build from source.
Improve this answer
1
  • 1
    unfortunately Antimony is not solution of my problem. In this case is worse than SolveSpace (I did not found export to SVG too) BUT it is small, buggy, limited-feature CAD software with unlimited possibile due to simple edit (/create) scripts in python. I am sure that I will use Antimony in future for other stuff so big thanks you for this recommendation!
    – lvl7
    Sep 22, 2017 at 16:59
0

Well, long ago I used FreeCAD on linux, and it seemed to do what I needed pretty well - it's still around as a running project, is pretty full-featured, and it'll handle SVG output.

Maybe also look into OnShape if you want collaborative tools and no reliance on single-platform, single-format - just as powerful as FreeCAD - if not more; it's browser based when used on desktop, though native App based on iOS and Android.

Improve this answer
-1

If you need a CAD program you can try something like QCAD or BrisCAD

Improve this answer
1
  • QCAD has no parametric features and BrisCAD has them only in the Pro version. And parametric editing was one feature OP asked for.
    – Ariser
    Aug 3, 2020 at 19:12

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.