FreeCAD

A free and open-source parametric 3D modeler for engineering, product design and architecture.

Verified facts: 3 of 3
Alternatives ranked: 6
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About FreeCAD

FreeCAD is the leading open-source parametric CAD application. It is organised into workbenches for different jobs: Part Design and Sketcher for history-based parts, Assembly, TechDraw for 2D drawings, FEM for simulation, CAM for toolpaths, and BIM for architecture, with many community add-ons on top. Because everything is scriptable in Python, it suits people who want to automate or customise their CAD. Version 1.0 and later fixed long-standing issues such as the topological naming problem and introduced an integrated assembly workbench, though the interface can still feel less polished than commercial tools and complex models need care. FreeCAD reads and writes open formats such as STEP, IGES, STL and DXF. It is free for any use under the LGPL, developed by volunteers and supported by donations, and runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.

Best for: Engineers and makers who want free, offline parametric CAD they fully control.

What works

Free and open source for any use
Workbenches for parts, assemblies, drawings, FEM, CAM and BIM
Fully scriptable with Python

Why people leave

Interface less polished than commercial CAD
Steeper learning curve for complex models
Fewer supplier models and integrations

Top FreeCAD alternatives

See all 6

1
Onshape
Browser-based professional CAD with a free plan for public projects.
62.6
2
SOLIDWORKS
The commercial standard for mechanical design in industry.
59.6
3
SolveSpace
A small, free parametric modeler that is quicker to learn for simple parts.
57.2
4
Autodesk Fusion
More polished CAD and CAM with a free personal tier, if you accept cloud storage.
56.0
5
OpenSCAD
Free code-based CAD for programmers who prefer scripts to sketches.
55.3

Why people left FreeCAD

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

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FreeCAD: common questions

Is FreeCAD free?

Yes. FreeCAD is free, open-source software.

Is FreeCAD open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at FreeCAD/FreeCAD.

What platforms does FreeCAD run on?

FreeCAD is available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

What are the best alternatives to FreeCAD?

The highest-ranked FreeCAD alternatives right now are Onshape, SOLIDWORKS and SolveSpace. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 6 FreeCAD alternatives

FreeCAD facts

3 of 3 verified

License: LGPL-2.1; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “License: LGPL-2.1 (GNU Lesser General Public License v2.1).”
Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux; Checked Oct 25, 2026freecad.org(opens source in a new tab); “Accessible, flexible & integrated FreeCAD is a multiplatform (Windows, Mac and Linux), highly customizable and extensible software.”
Modeling approach: Parametric; Checked Oct 25, 2026freecad.org(opens source in a new tab); “open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size.”