Used DoubleCAD XT for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.
Key Details of DoubleCAD XT
- Create 2D CAD drawings with this free DWG AutoCAD LT work-alike.
- Last updated on
- There have been 8 updates
- Virus scan status:
Clean (it’s extremely likely that this software program is clean)
Editors’ Review
DoubleCAD XT by IMSI/Design is a lightweight yet versatile CAD utility designed to complement Google SketchUp. While it is a scaled-down version of the developer's professional CAD products, it packs more functionality than many comparable free CAD tools.
Its standout feature? It's completely free, offering a surprising array of tools and features at no cost to users.
The interface of DoubleCAD XT is familiar and user-friendly, even for those without extensive CAD experience. It resembles other graphics utilities like photo editors, with intuitive tools and a layout that allows easy navigation. While CAD veterans will appreciate the professional-grade design, beginners will find it straightforward enough to grasp with a bit of experimentation. For a free tool, DoubleCAD XT doesn't skimp on capabilities. Among its many features are enhanced .SPK compatibility with SketchUp, layers, a 3D-to-2D flattener, automatic scaling, and even a brush editor—impressive for a free package.
DoubleCAD XT excels as a .DWG viewer, making it a solid choice for users with older versions of AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT who need to view newer CAD files that their current software might not support. It is also an excellent option for professionals who require importing or viewing CAD images for presentations or digital publishing.
The software’s certification for Windows XP and Vista ensures stability on those platforms, although it's worth noting that it doesn't yet officially support Windows 7. The download size, at around 58MB, is relatively manageable for what it offers. While users will need to enter a serial number to activate it, this is a minor inconvenience considering the powerful set of tools provided for free.
In comparison to other free CAD alternatives like DraftSight—a popular free 2D CAD program—DoubleCAD XT stands out for its deeper feature set and better integration with Google SketchUp. DraftSight also offers solid DWG compatibility but lacks some of the extra functionality like brush editing and automatic scaling found in DoubleCAD XT. For users who work frequently with SketchUp files or need to manage CAD layers and complex views, DoubleCAD XT provides an all-around more robust toolset at no cost.
Bottom Line
DoubleCAD XT is highly recommended for CAD users who need a dependable, feature-rich program without the price tag.
Whether you're working on professional projects or just need a reliable viewer for your older CAD files, this free utility is a great solution for many CAD-related tasks.
Used DoubleCAD XT for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.