FR
FreeCAD
Best for: Open-source parametric 3D CAD for engineering
FreeOpen Source
FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler for designing real-life objects of any size, from mechanical parts to buildings. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, with workbenches for part design, sketching, assemblies, 2D drawings, FEM analysis and CAM.
- History-based parametric modeling with a constraint sketcher
- Assembly, TechDraw drawing, FEM and CAM workbenches built in
- Free for any use, including commercial, on Windows, macOS and Linux
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (open source)
SO
SolveSpace
Best for: Lightweight constraint-based parametric CAD
FreeOpen Source
SolveSpace is a free (GPLv3) parametric 2D and 3D CAD tool built around a geometric constraint solver. It models parts with extrudes, revolves, helixes and Boolean operations, can simulate planar and spatial linkages, and exports STL, STEP, DXF, PDF and SVG.
- Constraint-based parametric sketches and 3D parts
- Mechanism simulation with pin, ball and slide joints
- Exports STEP and STL for CAM and 3D printing, and DXF or SVG for laser cutting
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (open source)
TI
Tinkercad
Best for: Beginner 3D design in the browser
Free
Tinkercad is Autodesk's free browser-based app for 3D design, electronics circuits and code blocks. Shapes are combined and subtracted by drag and drop, which makes it a common first step for students and 3D-printing hobbyists before moving to full CAD.
- Runs in a web browser with no installation
- Drag-and-drop shape modeling with STL export for 3D printing
- Circuits and Codeblocks workspaces for teaching
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free
ON
Onshape
Best for: Browser-based CAD with built-in version control
Free
Onshape is cloud-native parametric CAD from PTC that runs in a web browser and on iOS and Android, with nothing to install. Version history, branching and real-time collaboration are built in. The free plan is for non-commercial use only and makes every document public.
- Runs in the browser on any OS, including Linux and Chromebooks
- Built-in version control with branching and merging
- Several people can edit the same design at the same time
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (public, non-commercial) / $1,500/yr Standard / $2,500/yr Professional
SO
SOLIDWORKS
Best for: Parametric mechanical part and assembly design
SOLIDWORKS from Dassault Systèmes is Windows desktop parametric CAD for mechanical parts, assemblies and 2D manufacturing drawings, widely used in product design and machinery. It is sold through resellers as an annual subscription or as a perpetual licence with yearly maintenance.
- Feature-based parametric modeling for parts, assemblies and sheet metal
- 2D manufacturing drawings generated from the 3D model
- Simulation and data-management add-ons in the higher editions
Free tier: Check providerPricing: $2,820/yr Standard / $3,456/yr Professional / $4,716/yr Premium (US list) / $48/yr Makers (non-commercial)
AU
Autodesk Inventor
Best for: Mechanical design and large assemblies on Windows
Autodesk Inventor is Windows desktop CAD for professional mechanical design, covering parametric parts, large assemblies, sheet metal, frame design and 2D production drawings. It is sold only as a subscription, on its own or inside Autodesk's Product Design & Manufacturing Collection.
- Parametric part, assembly and sheet-metal modeling
- 2D production drawings that update with the model
- Frame generator and design accelerators for machinery
Free tier: Check providerPricing: $2,585/yr / $320/mo