FreeCAD
- Sheet
- A-09 of 80
- Drawn by
- —
- From
- Not published
- Free plan
- No
- Runs on
- Linux, Mac, Windows
- Rev.
- 7.9
Summary
FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler for design and technical work, including architecture, product design, and mechanical engineering. It lets users sketch constrained 2D shapes and build 3D models, then revise designs by changing parameters or returning to earlier model steps. Users can create production-ready drawings from 3D models, and the feature set includes animation, finite element analysis tools, experimental computational fluid dynamics, and robot simulation. FreeCAD reads and writes formats including STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE, among others. It runs as desktop software on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with add-ons and workbenches for customization and extension. Documentation, tutorials, FAQs, forums, chat, and community channels are available. The software has no licensing fees, and the listed free access requires no account and has no paywall or restrictions. The project is supported by the FreeCAD Team, the FPA, KiCad Services Corp., and other sponsors.
Who it is for
FreeCAD suits homeowners, designers, and contractors who need desktop 3D modeling or technical drawings and are comfortable working with a parametric modeler. It also fits users who want open file formats and community resources.
What is good
- No licensing fees or sign-up are stated.
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Supports constrained 2D sketching and 3D models.
- Reads and writes common open file formats.
- Add-ons and workbenches extend customization.
What to know first
- No team sharing or admin controls are stated.
- No security or encryption claims are stated.
Verdict
FreeCAD provides parametric modeling and technical drawing tools at no licensing cost. Its desktop workflow and lack of stated team controls are worth weighing against your project needs.
FreeCAD plans and pricing
All plansCompared on 3D CAD software
- Free plan
- Yesfreecad.org
- Modeling method
- Parametric modelingfreecad.org
- Supported platforms
- Windows, Mac and Linuxfreecad.org
- File import and export
- STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE and many othersfreecad.org
Facts
- Platform access
- desktopfreecad.org · 21 Sept 2026
- Animation tools
- Yesfreecad.org · 21 Sept 2026
- Parametric modeling
- Yesfreecad.org · 21 Sept 2026
- Render engine
- externalfreecad.org · 21 Sept 2026
- 3D print export
- Yesfreecad.org · 21 Sept 2026
- Open-source modeler
- FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- Product cost
- There are no licensing fees.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- Free access
- The page states there is no sign-up, paywall, or restrictions.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- Trial or refund
- No trial or refund policy is stated on the page.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- File format support
- It reads and writes STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE, and other open formats.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- Security certifications
- No security, encryption, or certification claims are stated.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- Teams and admin
- No sharing, team administration, or admin controls are stated.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- Workflow integration
- Open file formats support integration into users' workflows.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- Support resources
- Documentation, tutorials, FAQs, forums, chat, and community channels are available.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- Project identity
- The project is supported by the FreeCAD Team, the FPA, KiCad Services Corp., and other sponsors.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- Parametric editing
- Designs can be modified through model history and parameter changes.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- 2D and 3D tools
- Users can sketch constrained 2D shapes and create production-ready drawings from 3D models.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- Professional uses
- It is suited to product design, mechanical engineering, architecture, and technical tasks.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- Simulation features
- Features include FEA tools, experimental CFD, and a robot simulation module.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- Customization options
- FreeCAD is highly customizable and extensible, with add-ons and workbenches.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
- Community contribution
- People can help fix bugs, implement features, or work on documentation.freecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
Company
- Headquarters
- Brussels, Belgiumfreecad.org · 28 Sept 2026
Best FreeCAD alternatives
See all 12
Where it ranks on Bettesworth Construction
- Best 3D CAD Software in 2026#9 of 80
- Best CAD Software in 2026#10 of 62
Is FreeCAD yours?
Claim it for free: prove the domain, then correct facts, plans and screenshots. An editor reviews every change.
Sources
- freecad.org/features.php· checked 21 Sept 2026
- freecad.org· checked 28 Sept 2026