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Alibre DesignFreeCAD

Best for: Small businesses and engineers who need mechanical CAD at a lower cost

Best for: Designing parts you intend to machine or 3D print

Paid

Paid licences with a free trial; add-ons are sold separately.

 Free

Free and open source, funded by donations and sponsorship.

Windows Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Parametric part and assembly modeling
  • Weldments module for structural assemblies in the Expert edition
All 4 strengths
  • Parametric part and assembly modeling
  • Weldments module for structural assemblies in the Expert edition
  • Optional CAM, FEA and motion add-ons
  • Free trial available
  • Parametric: change a dimension and the model updates through its history
  • Sketch constrained 2D geometry and build 3D objects on top of it
All 5 strengths
  • Parametric: change a dimension and the model updates through its history
  • Sketch constrained 2D geometry and build 3D objects on top of it
  • Produces dimensioned production drawings from the 3D model
  • Separate workbenches for product design, mechanical engineering, architecture, FEM and CAM
  • Broad Python API for scripting and custom tools
  • Paid software; advanced features require higher editions or add-ons
  • Smaller user community than the largest CAD suites
  • Workbenches vary a lot in polish and consistency
  • CAD concepts plus FreeCAD’s own conventions make for a long learning curve
All 3 limitations
  • Workbenches vary a lot in polish and consistency
  • CAD concepts plus FreeCAD’s own conventions make for a long learning curve
  • Large or complex assemblies can be slow
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Not open source Open source
License not stated License: LGPL-2.1
Not stated if an account is needed No account needed
Not stated if it works offline Offline features available
Sources

Catalog checked September 24, 2026
Sources

Catalog checked September 20, 2026

“Not stated” means we have not confirmed it. Features can vary by device and plan.