As you may know, LibreCAD is a free, open-source 2D CAD software that provides powerful tools for technical drawing. Widely used by engineers, designers, and CAD enthusiasts, LibreCAD stands out for its intuitive interface, flexibility, and support for popular file formats like DXF and SVG. Unlike commercial alternatives, LibreCAD is completely free and customizable, making it a great option for users who prefer open-source solutions.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to install LibreCAD 2.2.1.1 on the latest Ubuntu distributions, including Ubuntu 24.10, Ubuntu 24.04, Ubuntu 22.04, and derivative systems.
Whether you’re working on an older laptop or a powerful workstation, LibreCAD offers stable performance and is well-optimized for Linux environments. The installation process is straightforward, involving the addition of an updated PPA (Personal Package Archive) and a few simple terminal commands.
If you’re interested in alternative 2D CAD software, QCAD is another noteworthy option. Like LibreCAD, QCAD is an open-source application designed for creating technical drawings, architectural plans, and schematics. Known for its cross-platform compatibility (Linux, Windows, and macOS) and user-friendly design, QCAD provides flexibility and reliability, allowing users to choose the best tool for their specific needs.
The latest version available
The latest stable release of LibreCAD is version 2.2.0, which brings important improvements, bug fixes, and enhanced performance to the software.
This update marks a significant milestone, as it focuses on stability and refining core functionalities to provide a smoother user experience. Below are some of the key changes introduced in LibreCAD 2.2.0, based on the official release notes:
Main Changes and Improvements in LibreCAD 2.2.0:
- Enhanced Layer Management:
- Improved handling of layers, allowing users to better organize complex drawings by toggling visibility, locking layers, and setting custom colors more efficiently.
- Updated DXF Support:
- Improved import and export functionality for DXF files, ensuring better compatibility with other CAD software and reducing issues related to file format inconsistencies.
- Bug Fixes and Stability Enhancements:
- Several critical bugs were addressed to enhance the stability of the software and prevent crashes during intensive operations or large project handling.
- Improved User Interface (UI):
- Minor UI tweaks and enhancements for a cleaner, more intuitive workspace, including optimized menu layouts and better accessibility options.
- Extended Command Line Functionality:
- More robust command-line options, making it easier for advanced users to work with keyboard-based commands for precise and efficient control.
- Performance Optimization:
- Increased rendering speed and overall application performance, particularly noticeable when working with large, complex drawings.
LibreCAD 2.2.0 represents a balanced blend of new features, usability improvements, and crucial bug fixes. It continues to uphold the principles of open-source development, making it a solid choice for users seeking a reliable and free 2D CAD solution.
How to Install LibreCAD on Ubuntu and Other Linux Distributions via Flatpak
Flatpak is a versatile package management system that allows applications to run in isolated environments, providing improved security, sandboxing, and cross-distribution compatibility. LibreCAD is available on Flathub, a widely used repository that hosts a variety of software packages, making installation simple and efficient. Follow the steps below to install LibreCAD via Flatpak.
Step 1: Install Flatpak and Enable Flathub
If Flatpak is not already installed on your system, you can install it by running the following commands in the terminal:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install flatpak
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://dl.flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo This will install Flatpak and add Flathub as a trusted software source on your Linux system.
Step 2: Install LibreCAD using Flatpak
Once Flatpak is set up, you can install LibreCAD from Flathub with the following command:
flatpak install flathub org.librecad.librecad This will download and install the latest stable version of LibreCAD on your machine.
Step 3: Launch LibreCAD
After the installation is complete, you can launch LibreCAD by running:
flatpak run org.librecad.librecad Alternatively, you can find LibreCAD in your system’s Applications Menu.
(Optional) Remove LibreCAD
If you decide to uninstall LibreCAD, you can remove it and delete its associated data with the following command:
flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.librecad.librecad This will ensure that the application and any configuration files are completely removed from your system.
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