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OnshapeFree (public, non-commercial) / $1,500/yr Standard / $2,500/yr Professional

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.

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5 Onshape Alternatives in 2026

Considerations for Onshape

  • Free plan documents are public and the plan is for non-commercial use only
  • Paid plans cost $1,500 or $2,500 per user per year
  • Needs an internet connection; there is no offline mode
5 alternatives comparedConfirm current terms with providers
Autodesk Fusion
Best for: Cloud-connected CAD, CAM and PCB design
Free
Autodesk Fusion combines parametric CAD, CAM toolpaths for CNC machining, simulation and PCB design in one cloud-connected app for Windows and macOS. A limited free personal-use licence covers non-commercial projects by individuals earning under $1,000 a year from them.
  • Parametric modeling, CAM and simulation in one application
  • Runs on Windows and macOS with cloud storage and version history
  • Integrated electronics (PCB) design workspace
Free tier: Listed as free — verify limitsPricing: Free (personal, non-commercial) / $680/yr
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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
Visit Tinkercad →View 5 Alternatives