ALLPLAN

the ultimate solution
for 2D and 3D

free trial

2D CAD

2D CAD software is used widely throughout the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries for preparing technical drawings and documentation. These form a critical part of the project contract documents, which are used to determine how the project should be built.

What Is 2D CAD?

Computer-aided design – or, alternatively, computer-aided drafting – is more commonly referred to as CAD. Previously, drawings would have been drafted by specialist draftspeople with tools such as stencils and T-squares. CAD replaced these manual, hand-drafted drawings with a digital method, significantly increasing the efficiency and accuracy of the drafting process. 2D CAD drawings are characterized by their two-dimensional lines, polylines, arcs, and annotations.

What Is 2D Design Used For?

2D CAD is used across a wide range of industries – such as automotive, aerospace, fashion, and industrial design – to produce line drawings and layouts for different applications. Within the built environment, 2D CAD is used to create plans, sections, elevation views, and details of structures. These views explain how the structure will be built and provide information on the materials to be used and the specification or performance to be achieved. Other information may be included on the drawings that will help ensure the project gets built correctly, such as schedules or lists. These drawings – often called construction drawings – form part of the contract documents for a project, alongside other documentation such as the specifications.

While preparing drawings using 2D CAD software is much faster than manual drawing methods, it also allows designers to explore different design options more efficiently. Some architects still prefer to sketch their initial designs on paper before transferring them to a 2D CAD program. However, using 2D CAD provides a number of benefits. By drafting views such as plans, sections, and elevations. Designers can visualize the completed design and make any amendments as needed. Designs can also be copied quickly, and sections or features altered to compare and contrast variations in the final design. Some 2D CAD programs contain libraries of standard building components, such as beams, doors, or furniture. Being able to insert commonly used components into a drawing greatly speeds up the drawing process while also removing the potential for errors where a drawing or part of a building is repeated.

2D CAD Software Free Download

If you would like to see how easy it is to make the switch from 2D CAD to a user-friendly 3D CAD program, why not download a free, 14-day trial version of ALLPLAN. ALLPLAN supports flexible workflows in 2D, 2.5D and 3D. With the free learning resources, you can fully evaluate the program and decide if 2D CAD software still meets all your needs for delivering designs efficiently and effectively.


Benefits of ALLPLAN Basic

  1. Flexible workflows in 2D, 2.5D and 3D.

Complete freedom to easily model any shape.

  1. Integrated ALLPLAN Cloud services for optimized cloud-based collaboration, project and office teamworking, and drawing and plan distribution. 

Our Offering

Bim Software
for the AEC Industry

Free
Trial

for

0 €

14 days

Download

Buy ALLPLAN Basic

  • Price locked in for 3 years
  • Technical Support included
  • Access to ALLPLAN Cloud
  • Reduced annual costs
  • Technical Support included
  • Access to ALLPLAN Cloud
  • One month cost commitment
  • Technical Support included
  • Access to ALLPLAN Cloud

ALLPLAN Basic

Please make your selection

Your selection

Save at least 36%

3 years
1 user

3.996,00 €
excl. VAT

Your selection

Save 33%

1 year
1 user

1.392,00 €
excl. VAT

Your selection

Flexibility

1 month
1 user

175,00 €
excl. VAT

  • MASTERCARD
  • DISCOVER
  • AMERICAN EXPRESS
  • Diners Club
  • UnionPay
  • VISA
  • directDebit S€PA
  • PayPal

FAQ on 2D CAD:

The best 2D CAD software depends on what your needs are, how easy it is to learn, and how compatible it is with your existing work processes. Within the AEC industry, the right 2D CAD program should have all the tools you require for creating accurate construction documentation – such as the ability to automatically calculate quantities, run time-saving reports, or quickly and easily draw concrete reinforcement. ALLPLAN offers these features while having the added benefit of a unique and intuitive user interface that allows drafters to design in either 2D or 3D. For example, building components can be drawn in a 2D interface and the 3D model will be created simultaneously alongside the 2D shapes. While you may not be looking for a 3D solution, features such as improved visualization, automatic clash detection, and the ability to extract sections from the 3D model save valuable design time and increase efficiency.

While the combined 2D and 3D user interfaces are extremely user-friendly, ALLPLAN also provides a comprehensive suite of learning resources for new users. A wide range of video tutorials is freely available, Hello ALLPLAN!, that cover aspects of designing with and using ALLPLAN. Both live and recorded webinars describing how to address different challenges are another way that ALLPLAN supports users, as well as a comprehensive collection of guides and training materials in Connect and ALLPLAN LEARN NOW.


In addition, ALLPLAN supports Building Information Modeling (BIM). While many project deliverables are still stipulated to be handed over as 2D drawings, the need for a BIM-compliant solution is steadily increasing as countries around the world mandate the use of BIM on their projects. With ALLPLAN, you get the best of both worlds: the best 2D CAD software combined with an advanced 3D modeling solution that supports BIM.

Learn more

2D, 3D, BIM & CAD Software and more