What it is
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 suits. 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.
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.
Watch for
- 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.
Plans and prices
| Plan | Price | Billed |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze sponsor | — | Shown as USD 25 per month on our read (localised); USD price not displayed to our checker; USD or EUR; name is displayed on the page |
| Gold sponsor | — | Shown as USD 200 per month on our read (localised); USD price not displayed to our checker; USD or EUR; name, logo, website link, and custom description are displayed |
| Normal sponsor | — | Shown as USD 1 per month on our read (localised); USD price not displayed to our checker; USD or EUR; name is not displayed |
| Silver sponsor | — | Shown as USD 100 per month on our read (localised); USD price not displayed to our checker; USD or EUR; name, website link, and one-line description are displayed |
From FreeCAD's own pricing page, checked 28 Sept 2026. Every plan
What the maker publishes
- Animation tools
- Yes source
- Community contribution
- People can help fix bugs, implement features, or work on documentation. source
- Project identity
- The project is supported by the FreeCAD Team, the FPA, KiCad Services Corp., and other sponsors. source
- Customization options
- FreeCAD is highly customizable and extensible, with add-ons and workbenches. source
- 2D and 3D tools
- Users can sketch constrained 2D shapes and create production-ready drawings from 3D models. source
- File format support
- It reads and writes STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE, and other open formats. source
- Free access
- The page states there is no sign-up, paywall, or restrictions. source
- Free plan
- Yes source
- Headquarters
- Brussels, Belgium source
- Workflow integration
- Open file formats support integration into users' workflows. source
- Open-source modeler
- FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler. source
- Parametric editing
- Designs can be modified through model history and parameter changes. source
- Parametric modeling
- Yes source
- Platform access
- desktop source
- 3D print export
- Yes source
- Product cost
- There are no licensing fees. source
- Professional uses
- It is suited to product design, mechanical engineering, architecture, and technical tasks. source
- Render engine
- external source