FreeCAD
FreeCAD is an open-source desktop application for parametric 3D modeling.
What FreeCAD is
FreeCAD is an open-source desktop application for parametric 3D modeling. It supports product design, mechanical engineering, architecture, and other technical work, with tools for constrained 2D sketching and for producing drawings from 3D models. Users can revise designs by changing parameters or returning to earlier steps in the model history. The feature set also includes animation, finite element analysis tools, experimental computational fluid dynamics, and robot simulation. FreeCAD imports and exports formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE, helping it fit into workflows that use open file formats. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Add-ons and workbenches provide options to customize and extend the software. Documentation, tutorials, FAQs, forums, chat, and other community channels are available. FreeCAD has no licensing fees, and the listed free access has no sign-up, paywall, or restrictions.
Good
- Free access has no sign-up or paywall.
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Supports parametric editing through model history.
- Reads and writes many open file formats.
- Includes FEA, experimental CFD, and robot simulation.
Watch out
- No trial or refund policy is stated.
- Render engine is external.
Who it suits
FreeCAD suits people working on 3D design and technical projects, including product design, mechanical engineering, and architecture. It is also a fit for users who want parametric editing, simulation tools, or customizable workbenches.
Verdict
FreeCAD combines parametric modeling, technical drawing, and simulation tools in desktop software available across three operating systems. Its open formats and customization options suit users with technical workflows, though rendering relies on an external engine.
Plans and prices
From FreeCAD's own pricing page, checked 28 Sep 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze sponsor | — | USD or EUR; name is displayed on the page · Shown as USD 25 per month on our read (localised); USD price not displayed to our checker |
| Gold sponsor | — | USD or EUR; name, logo, website link, and custom description are displayed · Shown as USD 200 per month on our read (localised); USD price not displayed to our checker |
| Normal sponsor | — | USD or EUR; name is not displayed · Shown as USD 1 per month on our read (localised); USD price not displayed to our checker |
| Silver sponsor | — | USD or EUR; name, website link, and one-line description are displayed · Shown as USD 100 per month on our read (localised); USD price not displayed to our checker |
The facts
Each one read from FreeCAD's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- 2D and 3D tools
- Users can sketch constrained 2D shapes and create production-ready drawings from 3D models.checked 28 Sep 2026
- 3D print export
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Animation tools
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Community contribution
- People can help fix bugs, implement features, or work on documentation.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Customization options
- FreeCAD is highly customizable and extensible, with add-ons and workbenches.checked 28 Sep 2026
- File format support
- It reads and writes STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE, and other open formats.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Open-source modeler
- FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Parametric editing
- Designs can be modified through model history and parameter changes.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Parametric modeling
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Professional uses
- It is suited to product design, mechanical engineering, architecture, and technical tasks.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Project identity
- The project is supported by the FreeCAD Team, the FPA, KiCad Services Corp., and other sponsors.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Render engine
- externalchecked 21 Sep 2026
- Security certifications
- No security, encryption, or certification claims are stated.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Simulation features
- Features include FEA tools, experimental CFD, and a robot simulation module.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Support resources
- Documentation, tutorials, FAQs, forums, chat, and community channels are available.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Workflow integration
- Open file formats support integration into users' workflows.checked 28 Sep 2026
Money
- Free access
- The page states there is no sign-up, paywall, or restrictions.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Product cost
- There are no licensing fees.checked 28 Sep 2026
- Trial or refund
- No trial or refund policy is stated on the page.checked 28 Sep 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Brussels, Belgiumchecked 28 Sep 2026
- Teams and admin
- No sharing, team administration, or admin controls are stated.checked 28 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Platform access
- desktopchecked 21 Sep 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows, Mac, and Linux are supported.checked 28 Sep 2026
Alternatives to FreeCAD
- 1
Rhino 3D
Free planiOSAPILinuxmacOS8.8Free plan - 2
Onshape
Free planAndroidiOSWeb8.6From $1,500 a year - 3
SOLIDWORKS
WebmacOSWindows8.3From $48 a year - 4
Shapr3D
Free planmacOSWindows8.1From $299 a year - 5
Plasticity
Free planLinuxmacOSWindows7.9$175 one-time - 6
OpenSCAD
Free planOpen sourceWebAPILinuxmacOS7.9Free plan