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VariCADFreeCAD

Best for: Mechanical engineers who need full CAD on Windows or Linux

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

Paid

Paid license with all features included, plus a 30-day free trial.

 Free

Free and open source, funded by donations and sponsorship.

Windows, Linux Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Runs on Linux as well as Windows
  • 3D modeling and 2D drawing in one program
All 4 strengths
  • Runs on Linux as well as Windows
  • 3D modeling and 2D drawing in one program
  • Sheet metal unbending, interference checks and BOM tools
  • All features included in one license
  • 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 after the 30-day trial
  • No macOS version mentioned
  • 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
Offline features available 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.