SolveSpace
SolveSpace is free GPLv3 software for parametric 2D and 3D computer-aided design.
What SolveSpace is
SolveSpace is free GPLv3 software for parametric 2D and 3D computer-aided design. It creates 3D parts with extrudes, revolves, helixes, and Boolean operations. Sketches can contain lines, circles, arcs, Bezier segments, interpolating splines, and TrueType text, with geometric constraints and dimensions in 2D projections or 3D. Metric and inch units are supported, along with arithmetic expressions. Parts can be linked into associative assemblies so edits propagate through the assembly. SolveSpace exports drawings as DXF, PDF, or SVG, meshes such as STL for 3D printing, and vector art or STEP/STL for CAM software. Other formats include EPS, HPGL, G code, and Wavefront OBJ. Its constraint solver simulates planar or spatial linkages with pin, ball, or slide joints. The stable 3.2 build is listed for Windows Vista–11, Linux, and Mac. An experimental browser version is available, but its maker notes speed penalties and remaining bugs. After loading, the web version has no network dependencies, and users can host a static copy. The plan costs nothing.
Good
- Free GPLv3 parametric CAD
- Supports 2D drawings and 3D parts
- Associative assemblies propagate part changes
- Exports STL, STEP, DXF, PDF, and SVG
- Offline-capable web version
Watch out
- Browser version is experimental
- Web version has speed and bug limitations
- GPLv3 licensing can restrict proprietary linking
- No free trial separate from free software
Who it suits
SolveSpace suits users needing free parametric CAD for sketches, parts, assemblies, mechanisms, 3D printing, or CAM preparation. It is available on Windows, Linux, Mac, and experimentally in browsers.
Verdict
SolveSpace offers a broad parametric modeling and export toolkit without a software charge. Desktop builds are the established option, while the browser build carries limitations noted by its maker.
Plans and prices
From SolveSpace's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| SolveSpace | Free | Free software · GPLv3 |
The facts
Each one read from SolveSpace's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- 2D drawings
- It can export 2D parts as DXF, PDF, and SVG, and use 3D assembly to verify fit.checked 9 Oct 2026
- 3D modeling
- It creates 3D parts with extrudes, revolves, helixes, and Boolean operations.checked 9 Oct 2026
- 3D print export
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- 3D printing and CAM
- It exports STL or other triangle meshes for 3D printers, and exports vector art or STEP/STL for CAM software.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Assemblies
- Parts can be linked into parametric associative assemblies, where changes to parts propagate automatically.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Constraints
- It supports geometric constraints and dimensions in 2D projections and 3D, with metric or inch units and arithmetic expressions.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Exports
- Export formats include DXF, EPS, PDF, SVG, HPGL, STEP, G code, STL, and Wavefront OBJ.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The site describes exporting files for third-party CAM software and use of 3Dconnexion six-degree-of-freedom controllers.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Library licensing limit
- The constraint-solver library is available with source, but GPLv3 generally forbids linking it with proprietary software; commercial licensing inquiries are invited.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Mechanism design
- Its constraint solver can simulate planar or spatial linkages with pin, ball, or slide joints.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Offline/self-host option
- The web version has no network dependencies after loading, and the maker says users can build and host their own copy as static web content.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Parametric modeling
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
- Render engine
- built-inchecked 21 Sep 2026
- Sketching
- Sketch entities include lines, circles, arcs, Bezier segments, interpolating splines, and TrueType text.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker directs questions to its user forum and bug reports or feature requests to its issue tracker.checked 9 Oct 2026
- What it does
- SolveSpace is a free GPLv3 parametric 2D/3D CAD tool.checked 9 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Browser availability and limits
- An experimental browser version is available, but the maker says it has a speed penalty, remaining bugs, and issues not found in desktop targets.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Platform access
- bothchecked 21 Sep 2026
- Supported desktop platforms
- The listed stable 3.2 build supports Windows Vista–11, Linux, and Mac; Linux users can also build from source or install via a package manager or Snap Store.checked 9 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 21 Sep 2026
Alternatives to SolveSpace
- 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