Honestly, nothing even comes close to the "fluidity" of using AutoCAD/LT. I've been using AutoCAD since r9 Dos and the only 2 opensource alts are LibreCAD and QCad and they both suck. So far the best free option out there is NanoCAD. It's like an older version of LT.
If your course was in autocad, you might want to try Nanocad: its essentially a ripoff of Autocad with the same commands. And its free.
https://nanocad.com/page/WhyNanoCAD
I didnt find it too stable, but then again I crashed Autocad twice on Friday.
Obavezno pogledajte i NanoCad koji je potpuno besplatan za korištenje. To je punokrvni CAD softver bez ograničenja.
Ako nekoga zanima besplatna verzija se može slobodno koristiti i u firmama.
Ah yeah, I saw that page but must have glanced over it without noticing. Bottom right here.
I think that's the version that was on CNET, released in 2013.
Then ask. It is a free and legal AutoCAD LT clone that can be used for ANY purpose. It looks and works just like an older version of LT.
https://nanocad.com/products/nanoCAD/
I just had a guy retire that worked for me (I'm 49) and he used 2020 right until the day he left. Now he did have some quirks with the way he worked but he had NO issues using current AutoCAD versions.
If you don't mind being stuck on 2013 dwg format this is free and I use it all the time for sketches. Highly recommend everyone install it. Coupled with Autodesk's viewer which can back-convert new files to 2013 you can open and modify anything.
https://nanocad.com/products/nanocad-free/
If you are doing one panel schematic then this is fine, I have done lots of one-off drawings using this. If you are making a living off drawing schematics then you should be using a proper package like autocad electrical, solidworks electrical, eplan, etc.
I suggest giving nanoCAD a try. They offer a free version (that will always be free) and their environment is essentially a clone of Autodesk AutoCAD. I've used AutoCAD professionally for over 12 years and nanoCAD is what I use at home for my own projects.
If I need 3d modeling I go back and forth between sketchup and tinkercad.
There's a free version of nanoCAD that works great for 2D drafting.
https://nanocad.com/products/nanocad-free/
SketchUp or Fusion 360 would be my choices for a free 3D program if you want to go that route.
Free version and has all of the same basic command's as AutoCAD, so no learning curve with it!
NanoCAD has several versions. Plus, Pro, Mechanica, Construction, & 3DScan are all paid versions. But plain NanoCAD is free. It's at the bottom of the "Products" page.
I create layered paper art using a CAD program called Draftsight. CAD for me is easier to manipulate geometric shapes than Illustrator or Corel. But, some of the better artists doing layered art use them. I know Eric Standley uses Corel, and he does elaborate layered paper. My designs are mostly 9 layers of colored cardstock, and I am limited to 4 hours of laser time per week. The paper I use is 12" x 12".
If you want, take a look at the free version of Nanocad.
https://nanocad.com/products/nanoCAD/download/
Ralph
Nanocad 5.0 works with Autocad DWG files and the layout is similar to Autocad like the early 2007 versions.
https://nanocad.com/products/ scroll to bottom
Description:
"nanoCAD is a professional grade CAD tool. It has a familiar interface, powerful drafting and design tools, native DWG compatibility, and an open API. And it's totally free to use and share. No catches, no gotchas, and no compromises"