FreeCAD

freecad.org 3D, CAD & Motion WebsiteOpen source

FreeCAD provides open-source parametric 3D modeling, with downloads and project information available from its official site.

freecad.org
FreeCAD homepage screenshot

About FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler for designing real-life objects. It allows editing a design by changing parameters in model history, sketching constrained 2D shapes to build 3D objects, and extracting dimensions and details from 3D models to make production drawings.

It runs on Windows, Mac and Linux and reads and writes open formats including STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC and DAE. It includes workbenches for finite element analysis, BIM, Geodata and CAM/CNC, experimental CFD, and a module for studying robot movements.

Key features

  • Edit designs by changing parameters in model history
  • Sketch constrained 2D shapes as base for 3D objects
  • Create production drawings from 3D models with dimensions
  • Read and write STEP, IGES, STL, DXF, OBJ, IFC
  • Finite Element Analysis tools and experimental CFD
  • BIM, Geodata and CAM/CNC workbenches with robot simulation
Best for: Hobbyists, students, teachers, programmers and CAD users doing product design, mechanical engineering, architecture, prototyping or 3D printing.
Good for
  • Open-source with no licensing fees or vendor lock-in stated
  • Runs on Windows, Mac and Linux
  • Reads and writes many open file formats
Watch out for
  • CFD functionality is described as experimental

FreeCAD at a glance

Type
Website
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Platforms
Web
Open source
Yes · Source code
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026

FreeCAD alternatives

Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.

All 15 alternatives

Meshlab

github.com/cnr-isti-vclab/meshlab

MeshLab processes and edits unstructured triangular 3D meshes, with tools for cleaning, inspecting, rendering, texturing, and preparing models.

Open source
24 alternatives

Popular in 3D, CAD & Motion

Well-known listings from the same topic.

All 122

FreeCAD FAQ

Which operating systems run FreeCAD?
Windows, Mac and Linux.
Which file formats can FreeCAD read and write?
Open formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE and others.
Is sign-up required to use FreeCAD?
The site states no sign-up, no paywall and no restrictions.
Is something wrong or out of date?

Tell us and an editor will check it.

Own this website?

Claim the listing and suggest updates yourself. An editor checks every claim first.

Claim this listing