FreeCAD
Free, open source parametric 3D modeler for designing real life objects, with sketching, drawings, FEA, CAM, and many other workbenches.
What it does and how it connects
FreeCAD is a free, open-source parametric 3D modeler for designing real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling lets a design be modified by going back into the model history and changing parameters. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and reads and writes open formats including STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE.
It is built around workbenches: sketching constrained 2D geometry as a base for 3D objects, production-ready drawings, finite element analysis, experimental CFD, BIM, geodata, CAM/CNC, and a robot simulation module. The homepage describes it as highly customizable and extensible, with a growing ecosystem of add-ons.
The project is developed by its community, with no licensing fees and no vendor lock-in per the homepage. The GitHub repository is the official source, and the latest release at research time is 1.1.4.
What engineers report
On Windows x64 this reproduces on official 1.1.4 (4fd3bf320) and weekly-2026.11.04 (33b9f353e).
2026-11-06Read the original
Alternatives
Compare side by side- build123d
build123d is a Python BREP modeling framework on the Open Cascade kernel for CAD as code, rather than a GUI modeler with workbenches.
- CadQuery
CadQuery is a Python module for building parametric 3D models with scripts, rather than a GUI modeler with workbenches.
- OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD creates solid 3D objects from script files using constructive solid geometry, aimed at programmers rather than interactive modeling.
- SolidWorks
SolidWorks is a commercial parametric 2D and 3D CAD product with integrated simulation, data management, and manufacturing tools.
- Fusion 360
Fusion is a cloud-based product development platform from Autodesk combining CAD, CAM, CAE, PCB design, and data management in one workspace.
Sources
Not verified
- Related Error Index entries: no entry with software FreeCAD itself was verified; matching entries concern third-party FreeCAD MCP wrappers.
Last verified November 6, 2026. Listings are informational. The evidence score measures public, verifiable evidence and is not an endorsement or a compatibility claim.