# The Ultimate Guide to Free FiveM CAD Systems Finding a FiveM CAD system for free is a game-changer for roleplay (RP) communities. A Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) system is the backbone of any serious server, allowing police, EMS, and dispatchers to track calls, manage records, and coordinate emergency responses in real-time.
Whether you are starting a new community or looking to upgrade without a heavy price tag, this guide covers the best free options, essential features, and how to get set up. Top Free FiveM CAD/MDT Systems in 2026
There are two main types of free CAD systems: Open-Source (Self-Hosted) and Hosted (Freemium). 1. SnailyCAD (Open-Source)
Widely considered the gold standard for free, open-source CAD systems, SnailyCAD is a modern, web-based platform designed specifically for FiveM.
Best For: Serious communities wanting 100% control over their data.
Key Features: Real-time syncing, full FiveM integration, Discord role syncing, and extensive localization for different languages.
Customization: Highly customizable through an admin dashboard and open-source code. 2. Sonoran CAD (Hosted Freemium)
Sonoran CAD offers a tiered model, including a robust Free version for those just starting out. Best For: Fast setup with zero hosting costs.
Key Features: A clean user interface and easy "plug-and-play" integration. Note that advanced features like "Dispatch Notify" or specific API endpoints often require a Plus or Pro subscription. 3. SauceCAD (Hosted Free)
SauceCAD provides a free version with no time or member limits, making it a strong alternative for growing communities. Best For: Unlimited members without paying monthly fees.
Key Features: Customizable API integration, configurable departments, and custom 10-codes. 4. GitHub-Based Community Projects
Several developers share functional CAD systems on GitHub for free. Notable examples include:
StoicCAD: Features a PD dashboard, live maps, and integrated emergency services scripts.
OpenCAD: A community-driven project tailored for seamless FiveM integration.
Icehax CAD: A fully functional system built using Node.js and MongoDB. Essential Features of a Free CAD System
A high-quality free system should include these core tools to maintain immersion: The Best 8 Free and Open Source CAD Software Solutions
For FiveM server owners, a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system is the backbone of serious roleplay (RP), organizing law enforcement, EMS, and civilian interactions. While premium options exist, several high-quality free systems provide professional-grade features for dispatching, record management, and server integration. Top Free FiveM CAD Systems
Below are the most reliable free and open-source CAD/MDT systems available for FiveM servers in 2026.
Sonoran CAD + Plugins (FiveM) - Full Install Tutorial/Overview fivem cad system free
remains the gold standard for free, open-source CAD systems. It is praised for its professional, modern interface and lightweight performance. Key Features: Highly Realistic:
Includes a live map, realistic blips, and a backend that mirrors real-world MDT (Mobile Data Terminal) functions. Open-Source:
Fully customizable for developers who want to self-host and modify the code. Dispatch System:
Offers a robust dispatch interface that handles emergency calls and unit management efficiently. Modern design, deep realism, and active community support.
Requires manual setup (hosting and installation), which may be challenging for beginners. 2. Community CAD (Best for User Experience) Community CAD
is frequently cited for its user-friendly approach, particularly for civilians—a group often overlooked in other systems. Key Features: Civilian-Friendly:
Streamlines the civilian experience, making it intuitive to create identities and register vehicles. Active Development:
Frequently updated based on community feedback to ensure stability and new features. Platform Versatility:
Available as a web-based option, making it compatible with console and Roblox roleplay as well.
Easy to use for LEOs and civilians alike, great developer receptivity to ideas.
Some features might be locked behind future "subscription" versions as the developer balances open-source vs. paid models. 3. Sonoran CAD (Best "Freemium" Option) Sonoran CAD
is known for its paid tiers, its free version is a powerful entry point with extensive integration capabilities. Key Features: In-Game Integration:
Offers plugins for direct connection to FiveM servers, including automated unit status updates. Smart Signs:
Partners with London Studios to allow dispatchers to update in-game roadway signs directly from the CAD. Modular Setup:
Users can enable or disable specific sub-modules via a configuration folder to suit their server's needs.
Professional-grade tools and industry-leading in-game integration.
Many advanced features (like Pro plugins) require a paid subscription. Comparison Summary Key Highlight Realism & Customization Open-source with realistic live maps. Community CAD Ease of Use civilian-friendly and straightforward. Sonoran CAD Feature Richness Best-in-class in-game plugins and roadway sign control. installation
of one of these systems, or would you like to see a comparison of their in-game command AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more # The Ultimate Guide to Free FiveM CAD
Sonoran CAD + Plugins (FiveM) - Full Install Tutorial/Overview
Finding a reliable and free CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) or MDT (Mobile Data Terminal) system is essential for any FiveM roleplay community looking to boost immersion without a massive budget.
Here are the top free and open-source CAD systems for FiveM available in 2026: 1. SnailyCAD (Recommended)
SnailyCAD is widely considered the best free and open-source option. It is a modern, web-based system that offers a clean UI and frequent updates.
Key Features: Full MDT for police, dispatch dashboard, civilian profiles, and vehicle registration.
Why choose it: It is completely free with no hidden tiers, highly customizable, and has a dedicated community for support. 2. Sonoran CAD (Freemium)
The most popular CAD system in the FiveM community. While it has "Pro" versions, it offers a robust Free Plan to get started.
Key Features: Real-time data syncing, basic in-game integration, and Discord webhook notifications.
Why choose it: If you want a professional, "set-it-and-forget-it" hosted solution without needing to host your own web server. You can find their mobile apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
### 3. StoicCAD (Open-Source)A newer entry in the open-source space that focuses on tight FiveM integration.
Key Features: Integrated emergency services scripts, live maps, and a specialized PD dashboard.
Why choose it: Great for developers who want a system they can host on GitHub and modify directly. 4. GitHub & Community Templates
For those who prefer a "lightweight" or self-hosted approach, several older but functional templates exist:
FiveM-CAD by AndyRixon: A simple, PHP-based system that is easy to install on a basic web directory.
DispatchSystem: An open-source project that runs in-game and stores data in RAM (saving to file on restart), removing the need for external databases like MySQL.
Glide & Bubble Templates: No-code templates that allow you to build your own CAD UI using simple drag-and-drop tools. Comparison Table Hosting Type SnailyCAD Self-Hosted Full features & Modern UI Website Sonoran CAD Cloud-Hosted Ease of use & Pro features StoicCAD Self-Hosted Deep in-game script integration FiveM-CAD Web-Hosted Simple, classic PHP setup GitHub
If you need help setting up a specific system or want to know which one works best for ESX vs. QBCore, let me know! Why Sonoran CAD? | CAD - Sonoran Software Documentation
Even free CAD systems often include a webhook feature. Connect yours to Discord to automatically log 911 calls or officer status changes — no extra cost, but huge quality-of-life improvement. 📌 Pro Tip for FiveM Server Owners
Would you like a step-by-step setup guide for one of the free CAD systems mentioned?
Here’s a concise review of free FiveM CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) systems—features, pros/cons, best picks, and recommendation.
Summary
What to expect (common features)
Pros of free CADs
Cons / limitations
Notable free/open-source CADs (short list)
How to choose (practical checklist)
Quick recommended next steps
If you want, I can:
Which would you prefer?
A strong competitor to SnailyCAD. It is also open source and self-hosted.
This one has been a staple for years. It is clean, simple, and incredibly easy to install.
When evaluating a free system, don't just look for the price tag. Audit these features:
Your lawyers and judges need this. The CAD should allow you to import your server's specific penal codes (10-codes, penal law sections) so officers just type 221 PC and the description auto-fills.
The answer is a resounding Yes, but with caveats.
If you are a new server owner, a solo developer, or running a casual RP community, a FiveM CAD system free is not just an option—it is a necessity. It elevates your server from "chaos mode" to "structured narrative" instantly. Tools like Sonoran CAD's free tier or self-hosted solutions like CAD-PDF provide immense value at zero cost.
However, do not become a victim of your own success. Monitor your CAD usage. The moment your officers complain about lag, missing data, or user caps, it is time to upgrade to a paid solution.
Remember this golden rule of FiveM: A server without a CAD is a server without a soul. Your players want to feel like heroes, criminals, and civil servants. Give them the digital clipboard they need to tell those stories.
Start free. RP hard. Upgrade later.