Alternatives to Dune 3D
Design constrained 3D parts with a parametric CAD editor. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
Dune 3D
Design constrained 3D parts with a parametric CAD editor.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as Dune 3D.
FreeCAD
A parametric 3D modeller for real objects: design by sketching constrained 2D shapes, then change the parameters later.
FreeCAD adds macOS support, production drawings and FEM and CAM workbenches, with a longer learning curve and uneven workbench polish.
SolveSpace
A tiny parametric 2D and 3D CAD program built around a constraint solver, for designing real parts.
SolveSpace is another small free constraint-based CAD program exporting STL, STEP and DXF, with official Windows and macOS binaries.
Autodesk Fusion 360
Cloud-connected parametric CAD, CAM, and CAE platform with a free personal tier.
Autodesk Fusion 360 is closed-source cloud-connected CAD with CAM and simulation, a free personal tier, and Windows and macOS support.
Onshape
Fully browser-based parametric CAD platform with real-time collaboration.
Onshape is browser-based parametric CAD with real-time collaboration, but closed source and its free tier makes projects public.
SolidWorks
Industry-standard parametric CAD software for 3D design and product development.
SolidWorks is paid, Windows-only industry-standard parametric CAD with deep assembly and simulation add-ons.
Alibre Atom3D
Design mechanical parts and assemblies with a desktop CAD application.
Alibre Atom3D is paid Windows-only parametric CAD aimed at hobby fabrication and 3D printing.
CQ-editor
Build parametric CAD models with Python scripts in CQ-editor.
CQ-editor builds parametric models from Python scripts instead of interactive constraints, under Apache-2.0 on all three desktop platforms.
OpenSCAD
A 3D modeller you write rather than draw: a script describes the object, and the program compiles it into a solid.
OpenSCAD describes parts in scripts compiled into CSG solids, rather than through interactive clicking and dragging.
Also worth comparing
These listings name Dune 3D as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
Zoo Design Studio
A mechanical CAD application on Zoo's own geometry engine, with a built-in conversational CAD agent.
Dune 3D is a free open-source parametric CAD editor for constrained parts with STEP exchange, available on Windows and Linux but not macOS.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
BRL-CAD
Constructive solid geometry modelling system with ray tracing and analysis.
MeshLab
The standard tool for cleaning up messy 3D scan data: fill holes, remove noise, simplify and convert between mesh formats.
LibreCAD
A 2D CAD program for DXF and DWG drawings, built from the free edition of QCAD.
Mayo
An open-source 3D CAD viewer and converter for STEP, IGES, STL and other formats.
Plasticity
Model solid and surface forms with CAD tools aimed at visual design.
F3D
A fast, minimalist open-source viewer for 3D models, CAD files, scans and volumetric data.
