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Autodesk InventorFreeCAD

Best for: Mechanical engineers and product designers doing professional 3D CAD work

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

Paid

Sold as a subscription from Autodesk or an Autodesk partner.

 Free

Free and open source, funded by donations and sponsorship.

Windows Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Parametric modelling for mechanical parts and assemblies
  • Includes simulation and documentation tools
All 3 strengths
  • Parametric modelling for mechanical parts and assemblies
  • Includes simulation and documentation tools
  • Actively maintained with yearly releases
  • 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
  • Subscription only, no free tier
  • Closed-source commercial software
  • 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 23, 2026
Sources

Catalog checked September 20, 2026

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