Question 1

Is HandyCAD really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The editor, cut list, shopping list, fit check and part drawings are free, signed in or out. Signing in adds cloud storage for your projects, with a free tier.

Question 2

What can I design with it?

Accepted Answer

Anything built from lumber, sheet goods or pipe: a workbench, bookshelf, garden bed, planter box, patio chair, shed or room framing, cabinets, closet shelving. Templates and sample builds give you a running start.

Question 3

How is it different from general CAD tools?

Accepted Answer

Most CAD starts from blank geometry and asks you to invent every dimension. HandyCAD starts from the rack: you place real 2x4s, plywood and pipe, so the model is buildable by construction — and the lists derive from it instead of being kept by hand.

Question 4

How do I get a cut list for a DIY project?

Accepted Answer

Model the project out of the stock you would actually buy. The cut list, the shopping list and a printable drawing for every board fall out of the model — there is no spreadsheet to maintain.

Question 5

Do I need to install anything?

Accepted Answer

No. HandyCAD runs in your browser, keeps working offline once loaded, and can be installed to your phone or desktop from the browser menu like any app.