FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open source parametric 3D modeller for designing real-life objects of any size. The project is supported by the FreeCAD Project Association, an international non-profit association (AISBL) registered and based in Brussels, Belgium, which collects donations on behalf of the community and pays for maintenance and development. FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.

Features

• Parametric modelling: the model history can be reopened and parameters changed later.
• Constrained 2D sketches as the base for 3D solids, and tools for production-ready technical drawings.
• Import and export of open formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC and DAE.
• Workbenches for finite element analysis, CAM and CNC, BIM and geodata, and robot simulation.
• Extensible with Python scripts and community add-ons.

Model and limits

FreeCAD is free to use and modify. Its interface and workflow differ from commercial CAD systems, so users coming from SolidWorks or AutoCAD need some time to get used to it. The project is driven by volunteers and donations, not by a vendor with a support organisation.