OpenSCAD vs FreeCAD: catalog facts
 OpenSCAD |  FreeCAD |
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Free Free and open source, funded through Open Collective. |
Free Free and open source, funded by donations and sponsorship. |
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Windows, macOS, Linux |
Windows, macOS, Linux |
- A script is a design, so parameterised objects and version control come for free
- Constructive solid geometry and 2D extrusion, aimed squarely at CAD rather than art
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- Parametric: change a dimension and the model updates through its history
- Sketch constrained 2D geometry and build 3D objects on top of it
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- The last tagged stable release is 2021.01, so in practice people run development snapshots
- Not an interactive modeller: you cannot click and drag geometry
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- Workbenches vary a lot in polish and consistency
- CAD concepts plus FreeCAD’s own conventions make for a long learning curve
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Downloadable app |
Downloadable app |
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Open source |
Open source |
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License: GPL-2.0 |
License: LGPL-2.1 |
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No account needed |
No account needed |
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Works offline |
Works offline |
Checked September 20, 2026 | Checked September 20, 2026 |
Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.
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