QElectroTech review
A focused, cross-platform choice for electrical documentation rather than general 2D CAD.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
QElectroTech is a free, open-source desktop CAD/CAE application for creating electrical schematics and technical diagrams. It is aimed at individuals, educators, students, professional electricians and companies that need structured documentation for electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, process, electronics or related work. Windows, Linux and macOS support gives it a practical cross-platform fit, while offline desktop operation suits teams that do not need a browser-based workflow.
Its standout capability is the combination of domain-specific symbol libraries and documentation controls. Users can work with electrical, logic, pneumatic, hydraulic and fluid symbols, create custom symbols with the embedded element editor, and configure folios, headers, grids and title blocks. Automatic tables of contents, cross-reference text for linked elements and parts-list export to CSV extend the application beyond simple diagram drawing. Printing supports physical printers, PDF and PostScript, while exports include PNG, JPEG, BMP, SVG and DXF.
QElectroTech is most suitable when electrical documentation is the main requirement and a free GNU GPL application is preferred. Its focused scope is also its main boundary: the product is specialized for schematics and technical diagrams rather than general-purpose 2D CAD, and it does not offer native DWG support. DXF element conversion is available through the DXFtoQET utility. Choose it for symbol-based technical documentation, configurable drawing sheets and multi-format output; choose an alternative when native DWG workflows or broader general 2D CAD capabilities are central.
QElectroTech pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free GNU GPL software for Windows, Linux and macOS
- Libraries cover electrical, logic, pneumatic, hydraulic and fluid symbols
- Exports to PDF, PostScript, PNG, SVG, DXF and other formats
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on schematics and technical diagrams, not general 2D CAD
- Does not provide native DWG support
- DXF element conversion uses the separate DXFtoQET utility
QElectroTech fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update