Alternatives to SolveSpace

A tiny parametric 2D and 3D CAD program built around a constraint solver, for designing real parts. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.

Replacements

Listings that take over the same core job as SolveSpace.

  • FreeCAD

    A parametric 3D modeller for real objects: design by sketching constrained 2D shapes, then change the parameters later.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    FreeCAD is also free and open source parametric CAD, adding production drawings, FEM and CAM workbenches and a Python API, at the cost of a longer learning curve.

  • Dune 3D

    Design constrained 3D parts with a parametric CAD editor.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsLinux

    Dune 3D is a GPL-3.0 constraint-based parametric CAD editor with STEP exchange, chamfers and fillets, available for Windows and Linux but not macOS.

  • Autodesk Fusion 360

    Cloud-connected parametric CAD, CAM, and CAE platform with a free personal tier.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOS

    Autodesk Fusion 360 is closed source and cloud-connected on Windows and macOS, adding CAM and simulation, with a free personal tier that has project limits.

  • Onshape

    Fully browser-based parametric CAD platform with real-time collaboration.

    FreemiumProprietaryWeb

    Onshape moves parametric CAD into the browser with real-time collaboration, but requires an internet connection and its free tier makes projects publicly viewable.

  • OpenSCAD

    A 3D modeller you write rather than draw: a script describes the object, and the program compiles it into a solid.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    OpenSCAD replaces interactive constraint sketching with scripts compiled into solids, which suits version control, but you cannot click and drag geometry.

  • CQ-editor

    Build parametric CAD models with Python scripts in CQ-editor.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    CQ-editor builds parametric models from Python scripts under Apache-2.0, requiring you to learn CadQuery and Python instead of drawing with a mouse.

Also worth comparing

These listings name SolveSpace as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.

  • Alibre Atom3D

    Design mechanical parts and assemblies with a desktop CAD application.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    SolveSpace is a small free open-source parametric CAD program for Windows, macOS and Linux, with a bare interface and limits on complex assemblies.

  • Shapr3D

    Touch-first parametric CAD app originally built for iPad, now on desktop.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSiOS

    SolveSpace is a small free open source parametric CAD program with a constraint solver for Windows, macOS and Linux, though its interface is bare and mouse-driven.

  • Solid Edge

    Mainstream parametric CAD software with a free Community edition.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindows

    SolveSpace is a tiny free open source parametric CAD program for all three desktop platforms, but it is not suited to large or complex assemblies.

  • SolidWorks

    Industry-standard parametric CAD software for 3D design and product development.

    PaidProprietaryWindows

    SolveSpace is a tiny free open source parametric CAD program with STEP export, but it is not suited to large assemblies and has thin documentation.

Similar software

Related functionality, not a direct replacement.