Best Free and Paid Software for Creating Electrical Diagrams

Question:

Hello everyone, I am currently looking for software for creating electrical diagrams. I am interested in free options but would also consider paid ones. Any suggestions or insights on either free or paid software would be highly valued. Thank you!

Top Replies

Having used AutoCAD for over 30 years, I have a strong preference for it. You don't necessarily need AutoCAD Electrical; the regular 2D version, AutoCAD LT, should suffice. I still use the 2005 version to this day, but you can easily find a copy from the 2010 era for around $50. The choice of software depends on your intended use. For casual exploration, free open-source CAD packages may be sufficient. However, if you are creating drawings for installations or clients, it is recommended to use a professional software like AutoCAD. The AutoCAD viewer is available for free download, making it easy for customers and installers to view your schematics. Additionally, you can convert the files to PDF or create DXF files that can be imported into various other software packages, including HMIs.

There used to be a free CAD software called Acad that closely resembled older versions of Autocad. While a search did not yield results, I remember using it a few years ago and being impressed by its similarity to Autocad. The program's speed was attributed to being mainly written in assembler, according to a blurb document that accompanied it. Although the name may have changed, alternatives like Freecad are available as well. Personally, I currently use Autocad Lite and have created my own libraries for electrical drawings. However, I find the newer versions to be slower compared to the older ones, despite offering better functionality. A colleague recommended Freecad as an alternative, although I have yet to try it. It's worth mentioning that Acad was capable of importing and saving DWG files, making it compatible with Autocad.

I made the mistake of trying to cut costs by purchasing Smart Draw software. While it may work well with imperial measurements, it is difficult to navigate and not particularly efficient for various design tasks. For our electrical needs, we switched to SEE Electrical and for mechanical tasks, we use BricsCAD, both affordable options with permanent licenses. These alternatives are more specialized and user-friendly than Smart Draw.

Our company utilizes EPLAN 2023, known for its high cost and steep learning curve. In contrast, DPS PCSchematic offers similar features to EPLAN at a more affordable price and with greater user-friendliness. Despite this, the industry's preference for EPLAN means we must continue using it.

I made a mistake with the name - it's actually called A9cad. If you're familiar with the older Autocad interface, you'll be amazed at how similar A9cad looks. I found a helpful video on it by searching "A9cad" on Bing. After downloading A9cad, I encountered multiple ads and prompts for other downloads, but I was able to successfully install it. I checked for viruses and everything looks good. The software runs pretty quickly, and this version is a significant upgrade from the one I tried years ago. Despite being impressed, I will continue using ACLT for now.

Hi there! If you're starting out and want a free option, I would recommend AutoCAD Electrical, which is good for 2D diagrams, or KiCad if you're into PCB layout designs. For paid ones, SolidWorks Electrical is truly comprehensive and worth every penny, especially for complex projects. It also has excellent support and updates - so you aren't left hanging with any technological advancements. Just remember, your choice should essentially be dependent on your specific requirements and the complexity level of your projects. Happy designing!

More Replies β†’

Streamline Your Asset Management
See How Oxmaint Works!!

βœ…   Work Order Management

βœ…   Asset Tracking

βœ…   Preventive Maintenance

βœ…   Inspection Report

We have received your information. We will share Schedule Demo details on your Mail Id.

To add a comment, please sign in or register if you haven't already..   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. What are some recommended free software options for creating electrical diagrams? - Answer: Some popular free software for creating electrical diagrams include QElectroTech, TinyCAD, and Fritzing.

FAQ: 2. Are there any advantages of using paid software for creating electrical diagrams?

Answer: - Answer: Paid software often provides more advanced features, better technical support, and regular updates compared to free options.

FAQ: 3. How can I choose between free and paid software for creating electrical diagrams?

Answer: - Answer: Consider your specific needs, budget, required features, and level of technical support when deciding between free and paid software options.

FAQ: 4. Are there any user-friendly software options suitable for beginners in electrical diagram creation?

Answer: - Answer: Yes, software like Lucidchart, SmartDraw, and EasyEDA offer user-friendly interfaces and templates that can be beneficial for beginners.

Ready to Simplify Maintenance?

Join hundreds of satisfied customers who have transformed their maintenance processes.
Sign up today and start optimizing your workflow.

Request Demo  β†’