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
The Best Free FiveM CAD Systems for 2026: Elevate Your Roleplay
A Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Mobile Data Terminal (MDT) system is the backbone of any serious FiveM roleplay (RP) server. These tools allow dispatchers to track calls and officers to manage records, improving communication and realism without impacting in-game performance.
Whether you are starting a new community or upgrading an existing one, here are the top free CAD options for 2026. 1. SnailyCAD: The Open-Source Powerhouse
SnailyCAD remains the gold standard for free, open-source CAD/MDT systems. It is a web-based integration designed to look modern while providing a realistic backend experience. Key Features:
Self-Hosted: You have complete control over your data and hosting environment.
Real-time Sync: Incoming calls, active incidents, and status updates sync across all clients instantly.
FiveM Integration: Includes official scripts for live maps, blips, and Discord role syncing.
Highly Customizable: Admins can enable or disable features and easily localize the system into different languages. 2. Lines Police CAD (LPC)
Lines Police CAD is one of the world's most widely used free-to-use services for roleplay communities. It is an excellent choice for those who want a ready-to-use solution without the complexity of self-hosting. Key Features:
Accessibility: Fast setup for friends and small communities.
Active Community: Massive user base with over 53 million page views as of early 2026. 3. Sonoran CAD (Free Tier)
While Sonoran CAD is a premium service, its Free Tier offers a professional-grade experience for smaller or growing servers. Key Features:
Ease of Install: Features an "automatic" framework that adds your community ID and API keys during installation. fivem cad system free
Mobile Support: Offers dedicated apps for Android and iOS devices.
Advanced Plugins: Even the free version can integrate with FivePD and other common RP resources.
### 4. Community-Built GitHub ProjectsFor developers who want total control, several community projects offer a "blank canvas" for your server.
StoicCAD: A newer entry featuring integrated emergency services scripts and a dedicated PD dashboard.
IceHax CAD: A functional alpha-stage CAD that uses Node.js and MongoDB, perfect for those who want a lightweight, manual setup.
AndyRixon's FiveM-CAD: A simple-to-use PHP-based system that is easily uploaded to any web directory. Comparison At-a-Glance Lines Police CAD Sonoran (Free) Hosting Self-hosted Cloud-hosted Cloud-hosted Ease of Setup Moderate (requires Node.js) Easy (Plugin based) Customization High (Open Source) Low (Standardized) Moderate (Limited in Free) Mobile App Native App Choosing the Right System
For High Customization: Go with SnailyCAD. Its open-source nature means you can tweak every detail to match your server's vibe.
For Speed: Choose Lines Police CAD. You can have your community up and running in minutes.
For Professionalism: Use Sonoran CAD. Even on the free plan, the UI and support are top-tier. SnailyCAD - The Free and open-source CAD/MDT for FiveM
It didn’t come from a company. A small group of scripters—some hobbyists, some coders who wanted to give back—iterated on the project. They released it on a community repo with clear install docs, a demo database, and a handful of configuration options: color schemes, local departments, rank structures, and which modules to enable.
The myth that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on software to run a serious roleplay server is exactly that—a myth. With the explosion of open-source development and generous free tiers from cloud providers, a free FiveM CAD system has never been more powerful or accessible.
Whether you choose the plug-and-play ease of Sonoran's free tier, the open-source power of FastCAD, or the in-game immersion of Overextended, you have the tools to build a professional dispatch center tonight.
Your action plan:
Your community will feel the difference immediately. Faster response times. Accurate records. Less chaos. And you keep your wallet full.
Ready to take your roleplay to the next level? Start building your free CAD system today. For FiveM server owners, a Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD)
Rico followed the README. He dropped the resource into his server, ran a couple of SQL import scripts, and edited a config to match his roleplay rules. The first startup had quirks—misnamed columns and a CSS clash with his UI—but the modular design made fixes straightforward. Within an afternoon, dispatch was logging calls, and the dispatch chat hummed with the cadence of active duty.
For most serious roleplay servers, a low‑cost paid CAD ($5–15/month) is worth the reliability and features. But for starting out, Sonoran CAD’s free tier or a self‑hosted GitHub panel are the best picks.
A CAD (Computer-Aided Dispatch) and MDT (Mobile Data Terminal) system is essential for organizing emergency services, managing civilian records, and tracking active calls in FiveM roleplay. Using a free system allows community owners to provide a professional experience without the overhead of monthly subscriptions. Top Free FiveM CAD Systems
: A modern, open-source, and entirely free web-based CAD/MDT. It is widely considered the gold standard for free systems due to its frequent updates, deep customization, and active community support on Sonoran CAD (Free Tier)
: Offers a robust free version with no member limits. While some advanced automation features require a subscription, the free tier includes basic dispatching, police, and civilian modules accessible via browser or mobile app.
: Provides a free version with no time or member limits. It features customizable API integration, configurable departments, and the ability to upload your community's own logos and badges. CommunityCAD
: A newer option designed to be a "one-stop-shop" including an application system for new members alongside the CAD/MDT software. Core Features Checklist
Sonoran CAD + Plugins (FiveM) - Full Install Tutorial/Overview
A modern, open-source, and constantly updated CAD/MDT system. It is self-hosted, meaning you have complete control over the data, and features real-time updates for calls, officer status, and civilian records. Sonoran CAD (Free Tier):
Known as one of the most advanced, integrated systems. While premium features cost money, the free tier is extremely capable, offering in-game integration, Discord integration, and app access. Community CAD
A free, user-friendly CAD/MDT system often used for Police, Fire/EMS, and Civilian roleplay. Lines Police CAD
Offers a free base plan that is quite extensive, which can be applied to your community to enhance your server’s capabilities. GitHub Open-Source CADs Various developers offer free scripts on GitHub, such as AndyRixon/FiveM-CAD
, which are simpler and often just require web hosting (PHP). 2. Deep Dive: SnailyCAD Installation Guide (Self-Hosted)
SnailyCAD is the preferred free solution for many due to its modern stack (React/Node.js) and active development. Prerequisites
A VPS or server to host the CAD (e.g., Oracle Cloud Free Tier, DigitalOcean). Docker and Docker Compose installed. Basic knowledge of Linux commands. Prepare the Server: Log into your VPS and ensure Docker is installed. Clone SnailyCAD: to get the latest version from the SnailyCAD GitHub Configure Environment: .env.example Join a FiveM development Discord (like Project Error or CFX
and fill in the database credentials, API keys, and Discord OAuth settings. Run Docker: docker-compose up -d to launch the CAD, database, and API services. Initial Setup:
Access the IP address of your server in a web browser to complete the initial setup wizard. Create Community: Set up your departments, units, and vehicle databases. 3. Deep Dive: Sonoran CAD Integration (Cloud-Based)
Sonoran CAD is easier to set up but is a "hybrid" system (cloud-hosted with in-game plugins). Create Community: Sign up at Sonorancad.com Download Plugin: Download the Sonoran CAD plugin from their website or FiveM forum Install on Server: sonorancad folder into your FiveM server directory. Configure API:
Create an API key in the Sonoran CAD admin panel and add it to the config.json inside the resource folder. server.cfg ensure sonorancad server.cfg ### 4. Key Components of a Free CAD System Database Sync:
Real-time data storage for registered vehicles, weapons, and citizen identities. In-Game MDT: A tablet or screen within the game (activated via ) that allows officers to create records. Dispatch System:
A dashboard for dispatchers to manage, view, and assign emergency services calls to officers in real time. Discord Integration:
Allowing users to log in using Discord and assigning CAD roles based on Discord permissions. Panic Button/Status:
Features that allow officers to mark themselves on-duty, off-duty, busy, or in a panic situation. 5. Best Practices & Optimization Use Docker:
For self-hosted systems, Docker ensures all dependencies are met without breaking the host operating system. Regular Backups:
Even with free systems, ensure you are backing up the database weekly to prevent data loss. Mobile Friendly:
Choose a CAD (like SnailyCAD or Sonoran) that is responsive, allowing officers to use tablets or phones for dispatch. Integration over Standalone:
Use a CAD that connects with your specific framework (ESX, QB-Core, or vMenu) to sync in-game money, inventory, and player data.
Disclaimer: Some features in "free" systems may have limitations on the number of users or storage space. Sonoran CAD: FiveM Resource Installation Tutorial
SnailyCAD is currently the gold standard for free, open-source FiveM CADs. It is modern, feature-rich, and actively updated.
Search for "fivem cad system free" on YouTube. The results are sparse. You can dominate this niche by uploading a 5-minute tutorial titled: "How to install [X Free CAD] on your FiveM server." Put your server IP in the description.
The "M" in MDT stands for Mobile Data. Your free CAD needs a search bar. An officer should type LICENSE [PlayerName] and see: