Not every part of this de-Googling and Linux migration involves sacrifice, difficult decisions, or frustrating compromises. Some things just… work.
LibreCAD is one of those things.
What LibreCAD Is (And Why I Use It)
LibreCAD is open-source 2D CAD software. It’s designed for technical drawing, drafting, and engineering work—creating floor plans, mechanical parts, schematics, and other precision drawings.
I use it for work-related technical drawings, occasional freelance projects, and personal planning when I need accurate measurements and proper drafting tools. It’s not daily-use software for me, but when I need CAD functionality, I need it to work reliably.
I’ve been using LibreCAD for years. Long before this de-Googling project, long before I switched to Linux, LibreCAD was already my CAD tool of choice.
Why? Because it’s free, open source, cross-platform, and does exactly what I need without bloat, subscriptions, or vendor lock-in.
The “Migration” (That Wasn’t Really a Migration)
When I started planning my Linux setup, I had to evaluate every piece of software I use and figure out what needed to be replaced, what could be adapted, and what would require painful compromises.
LibreCAD? Zero migration effort required.
It’s already open source. It’s already available in the Kubuntu repositories. It’s already cross-platform, so my workflows and file formats don’t change between Windows and Linux.
Installation on Linux is literally one command:
sudo apt install librecadThat’s it. No configuration, no compatibility layers, no hunting for Linux-compatible alternatives. LibreCAD runs natively on Linux and has for years.
File Format Compatibility
LibreCAD works primarily with DXF (Drawing Exchange Format), which is the industry-standard open format for CAD files. It also has limited support for DWG (AutoCAD’s proprietary format) via LibreDWG.
For my purposes, DXF is sufficient. It’s widely compatible, non-proprietary, and works across different CAD programs. If I ever need to share files with someone using AutoCAD or another CAD package, DXF handles that without issues.
The limited DWG support means I can open and import DWG files when necessary, though it’s not perfect for complex AutoCAD-specific features. But since I’m creating most drawings from scratch in LibreCAD, this hasn’t been a practical limitation.
What LibreCAD Does Well
It’s straightforward. LibreCAD doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. It’s a 2D drafting tool, and it does that job well without unnecessary complexity.
Zero cost, zero subscriptions. No licensing fees, no recurring payments, no “upgrade to Pro for basic features” nonsense. It’s free, and it stays free.
Cross-platform consistency. My LibreCAD files work the same on Windows, Linux, and macOS. If I ever need to work on a different system, the transition is seamless.
Active development and community support. LibreCAD has been around since 2010, has regular updates, and has an active community. It’s not abandonware—it’s a mature, maintained project.
Open source and exportable. My work isn’t locked into proprietary formats. DXF files are mine, readable by other programs, and not dependent on any single vendor staying in business.
What LibreCAD Doesn’t Do (And Why That’s Fine)
LibreCAD is 2D only. If you need 3D modeling, LibreCAD won’t help. For that, you’d need something like FreeCAD (also open source) or a proprietary option like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360.
I don’t need 3D modeling for my work, so this limitation doesn’t affect me. But it’s worth noting—LibreCAD is explicitly a 2D drafting tool.
Advanced AutoCAD features aren’t there. If your workflow depends on complex AutoCAD-specific functionality, LibreCAD may not be a full replacement. But for standard 2D drafting, technical drawings, and precision layouts, it’s more than capable.
The Bigger Point: Open Source Continuity
Here’s what makes LibreCAD representative of a larger pattern in this project:
Software I was already using that happens to be open source transfers to Linux with zero friction.
GIMP for image editing? Already open source, already works natively on Linux.
Inkscape for vector graphics? Same story.
LibreCAD for technical drawing? No change needed.
These aren’t compromises or workarounds. They’re tools I chose years ago because they were good, free, and didn’t lock me into proprietary ecosystems. Now that I’m migrating to Linux and de-Googling my workflow, those choices are paying dividends.
I don’t have to find replacements. I don’t have to relearn software. I don’t have to deal with compatibility issues or pay for new licenses.
I just install the same tools I was already using and keep working.
The Lesson: Choose Open Source Early
If I’d been using AutoCAD, this would be a different story. AutoCAD doesn’t run natively on Linux. I’d be stuck with Windows, forced into virtualization or Wine compatibility layers, or scrambling to find an alternative and relearn an entirely new CAD package.
Instead, because I chose LibreCAD years ago—long before this de-Googling project was even a thought—the transition to Linux required exactly zero effort.
That’s the value of choosing open source tools early, even when you’re not actively trying to leave proprietary ecosystems. When the time comes to switch platforms, migrate systems, or take control of your digital infrastructure, the software you’ve already built your workflow around won’t be the bottleneck.
Where I Am Now
LibreCAD is installed on my Kubuntu system. It works exactly the same as it did on Windows. My old DXF files open without issues. My workflows haven’t changed.
This is the easiest part of the entire migration: nothing changed because nothing needed to change.
Not every part of this project involves difficult trade-offs or painful compromises. Some things just work.
LibreCAD is one of them.