Skip to content
Ocean of Softwares
Menu

FreeCAD

Free, open-source parametric 3D modeller for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Try FreeCAD (opens the FreeCAD website in a new tab)

Our verdict

FreeCAD is for makers, engineers and students who want parametric 3D modelling at no cost and are happy to learn a different workflow. Skip it if your work depends on AutoCAD-specific toolsets or your firm needs vendor support.

What it does well

  • Free with no paywall; licensed LGPL-2.1
  • Reads and writes STEP, IGES, STL, DXF, IFC and other formats
  • Workbenches for FEA, BIM and CAM/CNC, plus add-ons

Where it falls short

  • Built for 3D parametric modelling; 2D drafting is not its main focus
  • Interface and workflow differ from AutoCAD, so expect a learning curve
  • Weekly development builds are not suitable for production use
The FreeCAD website
The official FreeCAD website, 16 October 2026.

FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeller for designing real-life objects of any size. You sketch geometry-constrained 2D shapes, build 3D objects from them, and edit the design later by changing parameters in the model history.

It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. The current stable release is 1.1.4 (published on GitHub on 2026-09-28). The official site lists Finite Element Analysis tools, experimental CFD, and BIM, Geodata and CAM/CNC workbenches, with more added through an Addon Manager.

FreeCAD is free: the site states there are no licensing fees and no paywall, and donations are optional. The source code is under the LGPL-2.1.

FreeCAD compared

Alternatives to FreeCAD

Last updated 16 October 2026. Facts checked against the official site on 16 October 2026. How we make money