QElectroTech

Q: Is QElectroTech free?

Yes. It is free, open source software under the GPL-2.0 license. There is no paid version.

Q: Is there a QElectroTech online version?

No, it is a desktop app. You install it on Windows, macOS or Linux. The site has online viewers for its symbol collections, but you cannot draw diagrams in a browser.

Q: What is the latest version of QElectroTech?

Version 0.100, released 25 January 2026. It added a terminal strip editor, new symbols such as sensors and Arduino parts, photovoltaic example projects and better rotate and mirror tools.

Q: Does QElectroTech do simulation?

No. The project says it has no built-in simulation or calculation features. It is for drawing and documenting diagrams.

Q: What can I draw with QElectroTech?

Mostly electrical schematics. It also handles pneumatics, hydraulics, process and electronics diagrams.

Free, open source software for electrical and industrial diagrams.

Free and open sourceWindows, macOS, LinuxDesktop app

Visit qelectrotech.org ↗Last verified: 5 Nov 2026

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FreeGPL-2.0 license

0.100Released 25 Jan 2026

8,000+Symbols

2007Project started

The short version

What is QElectroTech?

QElectroTech is a free, open source desktop app for drawing electrical diagrams and schematics. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, and the current version, 0.100, came out on 25 January 2026.

It is built mainly for electrical documentation, but you can also draw pneumatic, hydraulic, process and electronics diagrams. It ships with a collection of over 8,000 symbols. It is a drawing tool, not a calculator: there is no built-in simulation or calculation. Two French students started the project in 2007, and it is released under the GPL-2.0 license.

Bottom line: For panel builders, students and small shops that need clean schematics without a license fee, QElectroTech is a strong first pick. If you need power system studies, look at ETAP. If you need ERP and PDM links, look at EPLAN Electric P8.

What it does

Key features

Large symbol library

Over 8,000 symbols in the element collection. You can browse the official and contributed collections online before you install.

Terminal strip editor

Version 0.100 added a terminal strip editor, with bridges, links and undo support.

More than electrical

Draw pneumatics, hydraulics, process and electronics diagrams as well as electrical schematics. New example projects include photovoltaic systems.

Free and cross-platform

GPL-2.0 licensed and built with Qt. Packages exist for Windows, macOS and Linux, including AppImage, Flatpak and Snap.

What it costs

QElectroTech pricing (2026)

Plan	Price	What you get
QElectroTech desktop app	Free	The full app for Windows, macOS and Linux. No account needed.
Element collections	Free	Official and contributed symbol collections, also viewable online.

QElectroTech is free software under the GNU GPL (GPL-2.0). There are no paid plans.

Honest fit

Who it's for, who it isn't

Pick QElectroTech if

You want schematic software with no license fee
You use Linux or macOS as well as Windows
You want a big symbol library to start fast
You also draw pneumatic or hydraulic diagrams

Look elsewhere if

You want to draw in a browser with no install
You need simulation or electrical calculations
You need power system studies like load flow or arc flash

What people ask

QElectroTech FAQ

Is QElectroTech free?

Yes. It is free, open source software under the GPL-2.0 license. There is no paid version.

Is there a QElectroTech online version?

No, it is a desktop app. You install it on Windows, macOS or Linux. The site has online viewers for its symbol collections, but you cannot draw diagrams in a browser.

What is the latest version of QElectroTech?

Version 0.100, released 25 January 2026. It added a terminal strip editor, new symbols such as sensors and Arduino parts, photovoltaic example projects and better rotate and mirror tools.

Does QElectroTech do simulation?

No. The project says it has no built-in simulation or calculation features. It is for drawing and documenting diagrams.

What can I draw with QElectroTech?

Mostly electrical schematics. It also handles pneumatics, hydraulics, process and electronics diagrams.

What are the best QElectroTech alternatives?

ProfiCAD for a simple paid tool, EPLAN or AutoCAD Electrical for pro work. ProfiCAD has a free Home edition. More options are on our QElectroTech alternatives page.

Keep comparing

QElectroTech alternatives

QElectroTech alternativesEvery tool that does a similar job

ProfiCAD alternativesLow-cost schematic tools

Electrical design softwareFree and paid electrical CAD