PadCAD Lite 1.9.11

Plugworks – Freeware – iOS
out of 1093 votes

Streamlined CAD Design Simplified

David Fischer

05/06/2025

PadCAD Lite by Plugworks offers a user-friendly interface for quick 2D design without the complexities of traditional CAD software, making it accessible for beginners and casual users.

PadCAD Lite is a user-friendly free CAD application ideal for small to medium-sized projects such as home additions, remodeling projects, cabinetry work, and site surveys. It allows anyone to easily create clean and clear CAD drawings. If you wish to save or export your drawings to a professional CAD application like AutoCAD, you have the option to upgrade PadCAD Lite and export your drawings in various popular formats, including PDF or DXF files. Please note that although PadCAD Lite is designed for ease of use and mobility, it is not a comprehensive CAD application. It serves as an excellent starting point for drafting projects and is particularly useful for general contractors, carpenters, architectural firms, appraisers, and real estate professionals. The app offers a shallow learning curve, and previous CAD experience is not required. Comprehensive instructions are provided with the app.

It's important to note that PadCAD Lite is free for evaluation purposes and does not allow saving of drawings. Exiting the app may result in the loss of your drawings. To save your drawings, an upgrade must be purchased for $14.99 (USD). Once upgraded, PadCAD Lite will enable you to export your drawings as image files, PDF files, or DXF files.

Main Features:

Intuitive finger-based drawing and editing: Easily draw walls using your finger and adjust them by dragging or stretching.
Fine-tune controls: Achieve greater precision by fine-tuning every element with numeric values.
Unlimited Undo and Redo: Enjoy the freedom to Undo all the way back to the beginning of your session or Redo to your current state.
Take Pictures: Capture photos within the app using your iPad's built-in camera and associate them with your CAD drawing. You can also create and include audio annotations in your drawings using your iPad's built-in microphone.
Intuitive Zoom & Pan: Effortlessly zoom in and out of your drawing using two fingers, similar to interacting with any other picture on the iPad. You can also pan the drawing by dragging your finger. The drawing area is larger than the iPad screen, allowing for the export of projects as large as 170' x 128'.

PadCAD Lite is a free version of the PadCAD app, offering identical functionality with the exception that drawings cannot be exported or saved. If you're ready to begin immediately, we recommend getting PadCAD. However, if you'd like to try it out before purchasing, we suggest getting PadCAD Lite, with the option to upgrade later. For any inquiries, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Overview

PadCAD Lite is a Freeware software in the category Business developed by Plugworks.

The latest version of PadCAD Lite is 1.9.11, released on 10/18/2023. It was initially added to our database on 10/18/2023.

PadCAD Lite runs on the following operating systems: iOS.

Users of PadCAD Lite gave it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Pros

User-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to navigate and learn
Lightweight application that runs smoothly on low-end devices
Affordable option for users looking for basic CAD functionality
Offers essential features for 2D drafting and design without overwhelming complexity
Allows easy sharing and exporting of designs in common formats like PDF and DXF
Compatible with various operating systems, making it accessible to a wider audience

Cons

Limited features compared to full versions of CAD software, which may hinder advanced users
Performance can lag with larger or more complex drawings
Lacks support for 3D modeling, which may be a drawback for some users
No cloud storage options, meaning files must be manually managed locally
Updates may be infrequent, leading to potential bugs or security issues
Technical support is minimal, which may pose challenges for troubleshooting

FAQ

What is PadCAD Lite?

PadCAD Lite is a user-friendly CAD (Computer-Aided Design) application developed by Plugworks, designed for creating and editing 2D and 3D designs.

What platforms is PadCAD Lite available on?

PadCAD Lite is available on Windows, macOS, and mobile platforms such as iOS and Android.

Is PadCAD Lite free to use?

PadCAD Lite is offered as a free version with basic features; additional features can be accessed through paid upgrades.

What are the main features of PadCAD Lite?

Key features include intuitive drawing tools, layers management, support for multiple file formats, and a library of pre-made components.

Can I export my designs from PadCAD Lite?

Yes, you can easily export your designs in various formats such as PDF, DWG, DXF, and PNG.

Is there a user manual or help resources available for PadCAD Lite?

Yes, Plugworks provides an online user manual and tutorial videos to help users navigate the application.

Can I collaborate with others using PadCAD Lite?

Yes, PadCAD Lite supports collaboration features that allow multiple users to work on the same project, sharing updates in real-time.

Does PadCAD Lite support touch devices?

Yes, it is optimized for touch devices, making it easy to draw and manipulate designs using gestures.

What kind of support does Plugworks offer for PadCAD Lite users?

Plugworks offers email support, community forums, and regular updates to enhance the user experience.

Can I upgrade from PadCAD Lite to a more advanced version?

Yes, users can upgrade to the full version of PadCAD which includes additional advanced features for more comprehensive design needs.

David Fischer

I am a technology writer for UpdateStar, covering software, security, and privacy as well as research and innovation in information security. I worked as an editor for German computer magazines for more than a decade before joining the UpdateStar team. With over a decade of editorial experience in the tech industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my current role at UpdateStar. At UpdateStar, I focus on the critical areas of software, security, and privacy, ensuring our readers stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.

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