--- title: FreeCAD canonical: https://saasranked.com/software/freecad/ category: 3D Modeling Software points: 50 rank: 3 of 9 facts_checked: 2026-10-08 --- # FreeCAD Free open-source parametric 3D modeler for Windows, macOS and Linux with a Python API. 50 points out of 100. #3 of 9 3D modeling programs. Vendor: FreeCAD community. Website: https://www.freecad.org/ - It costs nothing: the vendor states no licensing fees, no paywall and no restrictions [1]. - Source code is public under LGPL-2.1 on GitHub [4][5]. - Official downloads cover Windows 10 and later, macOS 12 and later, and Linux [3]. - All objects are natively parametric, with NURBS curves and surfaces and Open CASCADE-based solids [2]. - A broad Python API is listed, and STEP, IGES, OBJ and STL files are read and written [1][4]. Verdict: FreeCAD suits anyone who needs parametric solid modeling without paying, from hobby parts to professional design tasks [1][2]. It is open source under LGPL-2.1, has a Python API, and runs on three desktop systems [3][4][5]. The catch: its feature list names no sculpting, rigging or ray-traced renderer, and no web or iPad version is listed [2][3]. Best for: People who want free, scriptable solid modeling for designed parts. ## Points | Criterion | Line | Value | Points | Note | |---|---|---|---|---| | Systems | Other systems | macOS, Linux | 4/8 | Download page lists Windows, Mac and Linux builds; no web or iPad version is listed [3]. | | Licence | Free version without a time limit | Yes | 10/10 | The whole program is free, with no paywall and no expiry stated [1]. | | Licence | Free version allowed for paid work | Yes | 6/6 | Home page says no licensing fees, no paywall and no restrictions; LGPL-2.1 does not bar paid use. Commercial use is not named outright [1][5]. | | Licence | One-off licence you keep | No | 0/8 | Free program with no paid licence; rewarded by the free lines instead [1]. | | Licence | Open source | Yes | 5/5 | Official source is public on GitHub under LGPL-2.1 [4][5]. | | Licence | Free licence for students | No | 0/4 | Free for everyone, so no student licence applies [1]. | | Modelling tools | Precise curve and solid modeling | Yes | 5/5 | Features page lists NURBS curves and surfaces and BRep solids [2]. | | Modelling tools | Digital sculpting | Not published | 0/5 | Not published on the vendor's pages [1][2][3]. | | Modelling tools | Node-based procedural modeling | Not published | 0/5 | Not published on the vendor's pages [1][2][3]. | | Modelling tools | Rigging and animation | Not published | 0/5 | Features page mentions only animating assemblies, not bones or a keyframe timeline [2]. | | Modelling tools | Physics simulation | Not published | 0/4 | Lists FEA, experimental CFD and a robot simulation module; cloth, fluid or rigid-body tools are not listed as generally available [1][2]. | | Modelling tools | UV unwrapping | Not published | 0/4 | Not published on the vendor's pages [1][2][3]. | | Modelling tools | Built-in ray-traced renderer | Not published | 0/5 | Not published on the vendor's pages [1][2][3]. | | Modelling tools | Scripting and add-ons | Yes | 5/5 | Features page lists Python in the console, macros and custom workbenches; the repository cites a broad Python API [2][4]. | | Formats | Built-in export formats | OBJ, STL, STEP | 3/6 | Home page says FreeCAD reads and writes STEP, IGES, STL and OBJ; features page names the same formats [1][2]. | | Price | Cheapest way to use it for paid work | $0 | 12/12 | Free program with no paywall or restriction on paid work [1]. | | Price | Full-feature trial | No | 0/3 | Free for everyone, so no trial applies [1]. | ## Plans | Plan | Price | Per month (USD) | |---|---|---| | FreeCAD | Free [1][3] | $0 | ## Strengths - Free with no paywall, and source code under LGPL-2.1 [1][4][5]. - Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux with official downloads [3]. - Parametric objects with NURBS curves and surfaces and BRep solids on an Open CASCADE kernel [2]. - Python is listed in the console, macros and custom workbenches [2]. ## Limits - No web or iPad version is listed; downloads cover only Windows, macOS and Linux [3]. - The feature page does not list sculpting, UV tools, a renderer or rigging [2]. - CFD is described as experimental, and glTF, FBX and USD are not named among its formats [1][2]. - No paid plan or vendor support contract is listed; the project asks for donations and sponsors [3]. ## Sources 1. [FreeCAD home page](https://www.freecad.org/), FreeCAD, accessed 2026-10-08 2. [FreeCAD features](https://www.freecad.org/features.php), FreeCAD, accessed 2026-10-08 3. [FreeCAD downloads](https://www.freecad.org/downloads.php), FreeCAD, accessed 2026-10-08 4. [FreeCAD/FreeCAD](https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD), GitHub, accessed 2026-10-08 5. [FreeCAD LICENSE (LGPL 2.1)](https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/blob/main/LICENSE), GitHub, accessed 2026-10-08