FreeCAD
6.9#23 in 3d cad softwareLinuxmacOSWindows
VisitFreeCAD vs SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS
8.3#3 in 3d cad softwareFrom $48 a yearWebmacOSWindows
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS |
|---|---|---|
| 3D print export | Yes | Yes |
| Animation tools | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Brussels, Belgium | Waltham, Massachusetts, USA |
| Parametric modeling | Yes | Yes |
| Platform access | desktop | both |
| Render engine | external | built-in |
FreeCAD plans
- Bronze sponsor—
- Gold sponsor—
- Normal sponsor—
- Silver sponsor—
SOLIDWORKS plans
- SOLIDWORKS Design Standard with Cloud Services$2,820 a year
- SOLIDWORKS Design Professional with Cloud Services$3,456 a year
- SOLIDWORKS Design Premium with Cloud Services$4,716 a year
- SOLIDWORKS for Makers$48 a year
Pick FreeCAD if…
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.
Pick SOLIDWORKS if…
SOLIDWORKS suits people and organizations working with 3D product design, including industrial, medical, scientific, consumer, educational, technology, and transportation markets. Students can use Design Standard at no cost, while Makers is aimed at personal, non-commercial use.