Name: FreeCAD
Rating: 8 (10 reviews)
Author: FreeCAD

Communications Outsourcing

Help Desk

Web and Video Conferencing

Customer Support

Business Intelligence (BI)

Collaboration

Interactive Voice Response (IVR)

Enterprise

Accounting

Payment Gateway

Finance and Accounting

Applicant Tracking

Corporate Learning Management

Course Authoring

Employee Onboarding

Employee Performance Management

HR Management

Payroll

Professional Employer Organizations (PEO)

Recruitment Automation

Talent Intelligence

Talent Management

Workforce Analytics

Workforce Management

Human Resources

App Development

Application Server

Change and Configuration Management

Cloud Storage

Cybersecurity Consulting

Data Quality

Endpoint Encryption

Fraud Detection

IT Service Management (ITSM)

In-Memory Databases

Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS)

Interoperability

M2M Application Development

Metadata Management

Network Performance Monitoring

Network Virtualization

Password Management System

Remote Monitoring and Management

Session Border Controllers

Software Defined Networking (SDN)

Solid State Drives

Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

Static Code Analysis

VoIP Monitoring

Voice Recognition

Web Application Firewalls

Information Technology

A/B Testing

Ad Serving & Retargeting

Advertising Agency

All-in-One Marketing

Business Card Scanning

Content Management

Email Marketing

Graphics

Marketing Automation

Social Media Management

Survey & Forms Building

Video Streaming

Web Analytics

Webinar

Marketing

Project Management

Transcription

Professional Services

Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

Sales Gamification

Sales

Auto Repair

Car Rental

Equation Editors

Home Health Care

Insurance Agency Management

Legal Research

Library Management

Practice Management

Trucking Software

Vertical-Specific

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### 3D Modeling and Design
Users generally praise FreeCAD's 3D modeling and design capabilities, highlighting its versatility and ease of use for creating complex designs and 3D objects. The software's parametric modeling features are particularly appreciated for their effectiveness in generating detailed and accurate models. While some users find the interface intuitive and user-friendly, others note occasional challenges with stability and rendering speed. Despite these minor drawbacks, FreeCAD remains a popular choice for users seeking a free and powerful tool for their 3D design and modeling needs.

### 2D and 3D CAD Software
Users generally praise FreeCAD for its comprehensive 3D design capabilities and robust CAD software features. The software's 2D and 3D CAD functionalities are highly regarded for their ease of use and versatility. Many users appreciate the simplicity of the interface and the quick learning curve, making it a convenient tool for both beginners and experienced CAD users alike. The availability of various workbenches catering to different CAD applications, such as Architecture, Draft, and Part Design, adds to the software's appeal. Additionally, the active development and open-source nature of FreeCAD contribute to its growing community and continuous improvement in both 2D and 3D CAD functionalities.

### Parametric and Solid Modeling
User consensus seems to be that FreeCAD's parametric and solid modeling capabilities are well-regarded and contribute significantly to its appeal as a free and open-source CAD software. Reviewers appreciate the parametric modeling feature, which allows for easy modification of designs by adjusting parameters within the model's history. The solid modeling functionality is highlighted for its precision and accuracy in 2D drawing measures, facilitating the transition to 3D creation. Users find the incorporation of BIM and other data analysis tools beneficial for enhancing parametric design with automated functions. While some users note specific areas for improvement, overall, FreeCAD's parametric and solid modeling features are seen as strengths that cater to a variety of design needs.

### Open Source Development
Reviewers consistently highlight FreeCAD's open-source development as a key strength, emphasizing its flexibility and potential for customization. Users appreciate the collaborative aspect of open-source software, enabling a diverse community to contribute and enhance the platform's capabilities. The availability of source code empowers users to tailor FreeCAD to their specific needs, fostering innovation and continuous improvement within the software. Despite some minor challenges, the consensus leans towards acknowledging the value that open source development brings to FreeCAD, positioning it as a versatile and adaptable tool for various design and engineering projects.

### Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Users generally praise FreeCAD's mechanical and industrial engineering capabilities. The software's parametric modeling feature allows for easy modifications within the design history, enhancing flexibility in engineering projects. Additionally, the integration of BIM modeling and data analysis tools contributes to the precision and accuracy required in mechanical design processes. Users appreciate the collaborative aspect of FreeCAD, enabling professionals to work efficiently on industrial design projects. The software's adaptability and programmability through scripts make it a valuable tool for mechanical engineers seeking customizable solutions for their projects.

### Scripting and Automation
Users generally praise FreeCAD's robust scripting capabilities and automation features. The software's integration of Python scripting, macros, and Python API allows for efficient model creation and design customization. While some users find the learning curve for Python scripting a bit steep initially, they acknowledge that once mastered, it significantly enhances their workflow efficiency. Additionally, the ability to automate routine tasks through scripting is highlighted as a major advantage by many users, enabling them to streamline their design processes and achieve faster project turnaround times. Despite some minor concerns about visual aesthetics and rendering speeds, users appreciate the flexibility and power that FreeCAD's scripting and automation functionalities offer in their design projects.

### Educational Resources and Tutorials
User feedback on FreeCAD's educational resources and tutorials is mixed. While some users find the tutorials on platforms like YouTube helpful in navigating the software's features and functionalities, others express concerns about the lack of proper documentation and the steep learning curve associated with the tool. The availability of a supportive community and the open-source nature of FreeCAD are highlighted as positive aspects that aid in the learning process. However, there are suggestions for improvement in terms of refining the interface and enhancing the overall user experience when it comes to educational resources and tutorials.

### Community and Support
Users consistently praise FreeCAD for its robust community and support system. They highlight the active participation of the community in contributing to the software's improvements and novelties. The availability of numerous tutorials, a comprehensive wiki, and a dynamic community for seeking help are noted as valuable resources for users navigating the software. Additionally, users appreciate the collaborative nature of FreeCAD, allowing for user contributions to enhance the parametric design capabilities of the tool.

### Simulation and Analysis
Users generally praise FreeCAD's simulation and analysis capabilities. The software's FEM workbench is highlighted for its effectiveness in designing structures with detailed analysis parameters for deformation and strength calculations. However, some users express concerns about limitations such as the inability to define material properties in FEM and the lack of specific tools for deviation analysis and surface quality checks. Despite these drawbacks, FreeCAD is widely used in various industries for tasks like reverse engineering, NDT, and implant design, showcasing its value in base designing and customer service. The integration of Python scripting and C++ programming is lauded for speeding up model creation, while the software's modularity allows for easy extension with new modules and macros.

### Rendering and Visualization
Users generally praise FreeCAD's rendering and visualization capabilities, highlighting its effectiveness in creating and editing architectural designs, as well as its quick rendering of large 3D models. Some users appreciate the ease of rendering architectural designs and the quick editing features for drawings. However, there are concerns raised about the software crashing during work on big projects and the slightly slower rendering speeds than expected. Recommendations include improving graphics, design rendering speeds, and interface, as well as enhancing support for robotic control APIs. Despite some drawbacks, FreeCAD's rendering and visualization features are generally well-regarded by users for their versatility and functionality.

### Import and Export Capabilities
Users consistently highlight FreeCAD's import and export capabilities as a standout feature, praising its compatibility with various file formats such as STL and STEP files. The ability to import meshes and convert them into solids for further manipulation is particularly valued by users. While some users mention minor issues with certain import filters, overall, FreeCAD's import and export functionalities are commended for their flexibility and usefulness in diverse design projects.

Dassault Systemes offers SOLIDWORKS, a computer-aided design (CAD) system for education and manufacturing supporting 2D or 3D design, electrical design, simulations, and product development with collaboration tools.

Solidworks Standard

Solidworks Annual Subscription

Bentley Systems offers the MicroStation application and product family as a 3D and 2D modeling and computer-aided design (CAD) solution for engineers and designers.

Microstation

MicroStation

FreeCAD

CAD Software (computer-aided design) software is used by architects, engineers, and others to create precision drawings or technical illustrations. This category of software can increase productivity, and improve quality. It also aids communication between designers by creating documentation and creates a database for manufacturing. CAD can be used to create two-dimensional (2-D) drawings or three-dimensional (3-D) models, and is frequently used in the design of electronic circuit boards in electronic devices.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD)

FreeCAD 0.19 - Basic Course - Part 2 - Sketcher Introduction (EN)

From FreeCAD To The Real World

openPLM demo : FreeCAD interface

Showing the basic use of text strings in FreeCAD's Draft Workbench

OS: Ubuntu 14.04 LTS
Platform: 64-bit
Version: 0.14.3636 (Git)
Branch: master
Hash: 51b2af52fd2de46b22bb0b0c5a4df84d338fac26
Python version: 2.7.6
Qt version: 4.8.6
Coin version: 4.0.0a
SoQt version: 1.6.0a
OCC version: 6.7.1

FreeCAD Text String Demo

FreeCAD Grove Tool Demo

Basic demo of doing a FEM calculation in FreeCAD 0.17

Using Symmetry Constraints FreeCAD

FreeCAD - Angled Legs Demo

openPLM demo : NEW FreeCAD interface

FreeCAD - How to use the Draft Move tool on the Draft Workbench

FreeCAD Tutorial - Use the Draft workbench Rotate Tool

FreeCAD TechDraw - Tutorial

FreeCAD/Croquet Demo Video

FreeCAD 0.17 coupled structural thermal FEA analysis demo (Redo sound sync fix)

Cut solid into different pieces using FreeCAD

FreeCAD A2plus: gripper assembly demo

Mesh Booleans With FreeCAD

Automotive

Likelihood to Recommend

Usability

Computer-Aided Design Software

3D Modeling

2D Drafting

Rendering and Visualization

Parametric Design

Collaboration and Sharing

Compatibility with other software and formats

Assembly Design

Simulation and Analysis

Documentation and Annotation

Customization and Extensions

FreeCAD is the developer of the FreeCAD open-source design software.

Computer Aided Design Software features aid in automating the design processes.

Allows users to create and manipulate 3D objects with precise measurements and control.

Provides tools for creating and editing 2D drawings, including the ability to add dimensions, annotations, and symbols.

Allows users to create realistic images and visualizations of their designs, including the ability to apply materials, textures, and lighting effects.

Enables users to define and modify design parameters, allowing for faster iteration and design changes.

Provides tools for sharing and collaborating on designs with others in real-time, including the ability to track changes and manage design revisions.

Allows users to import and export designs in various file formats, ensuring compatibility with other software and stakeholder requirements.

Enables users to create and manage assemblies of multiple components, including the ability to define relationships and constraints between parts.

Provides tools for simulating physical properties and behaviors of designs, allowing users to test and optimize their designs before production.

Allows users to create detailed technical drawings, including the ability to add dimensions, annotations, and symbols.

Provides options for customizing the software interface or to include add-ons which extend the functionality of the software.

DaVinci Resolve

Studio 5000

Solid Edge

Blender

FactoryTalk by Rockwell Automation

DaVinci

FreeCAD 2025-01-07 10:09:56

Autodesk MeshMixer

Engineering Manager

FreeCAD 2023-04-05 15:28:57

TrustRadius is a technology and business research firm based in Austin, Texas. The company is known as a review platform for verified B2B technology and software reviews through a proprietary algorithm and human verification.

TrustRadius

Learning curve

Steep learning curve

Pricing policy

Features and functions

Easy to use

Clear instructions

Marketing department

Basic tools

Provides high quality

Effective and easy

Home

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software

FreeCad is a free-to-use 3D computer-aided design suite that has improved over the last few years. At my organization, I use FreeCad mainly for the analytics it offers, which are awesome. I have compared its results with those of SW to find that they are very close. I don't use FreeCad for modeling or designing as I feel there are better tools for that, namely Onshape, SolidWorks, or Inventor.

Finite element analysis.
Being free.
It is very flexible and customizable with Phyton.

Overall, the UI feels very old and non-polished.
There are some quirky behaviors, like being unable to select a plane by having the cursor over it; it has to be over the edges of the plane.
It's overwhelming having those many modules and options for doing things that appear to be similar.

I have been able to secure projects just because I can provide the customer with a resistance analysis that guarantees the system is safe to work.

Onshape, SOLIDWORKS, Solid Edge, Autodesk Inventor and Blender

Onshape, Blender, DaVinci Resolve, FactoryTalk by Rockwell Automation, Studio 5000

As far as I know, there are no other options when talking about free-to-use FEA tools, so to me, there was no selection process; I went straight to the software. For CAD design, though, I wouldn't use it unless it's well-polished and easy to use. At this point, it lags behind industry leaders.

We use Freecad when there are multiple CAD models that require work to be done. It is very good with working between surfaces, solids and meshes. Freecad can import and modify cad formats with ease and not many other cad systems can achieve this. It is a very valuable tool in the development process.

Importing CAD formats
Converting mesh formats to solid and surface objects geometry
Fixing errors in geometry cad

Would be great if it was cloud based
If it had some basic analysis tools
Had a rendering function

Working between meshes, surfaces and solids
Using and working with multiple cad formats
Ability to download and use on any workstation at any time

It has allowed us to do some cad work that no other systems has allowed us to do and is key to getting that done fast
It has lots of online support through forums and blogs for trouble shooting
It could have an updated interface to make the functionality more user friendly for first time users

Onshape, SOLIDWORKS, PTC Creo and Autodesk MeshMixer

FreeCAD

Overview

What is FreeCAD?