---
description: Compare FreeCAD vs SolidWorks Premium regarding their features, reviews, pricing, specifications, screenshots & more.
image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/software_advice/og_logo-55146305bbe7b450bea05c18e9be9c9a.png
title: FreeCAD vs SolidWorks Premium Comparison
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Engineering CAD Software](/directory/4321/engineering-cad/software) > [FreeCAD \<span\>vs\</span\> SolidWorks Premium](https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/compare/77907/206302/freecad/vs/solidworks-premium)

# Compare FreeCAD vs SolidWorks Premium

Canonical: https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/compare/77907/206302/freecad/vs/solidworks-premium

> Detailed comparison between FreeCAD and SolidWorks Premium. Check ratings, reviews, pricing, and features to make the best decision for your business.

-----

## At a Glance

| Metric | FreeCAD | SolidWorks Premium |
| **Overall rating** | 4.3/5 | 4.6/5 |
| **Total Reviews** | 142 | 756 |
| **Starting Price** | - | - |
| **Free Trial** | No | Yes |
| **Free Version** | Yes | Yes |
| **Deployment** | Mac (Desktop), Windows (On-Premise), Linux (On-Premise) | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Mac (Desktop), Windows (Desktop), Windows (On-Premise) |
| **Support** | Chat | Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum, Knowledge Base, Phone Support, Chat |
| **Training** | Not Offered | In Person, Live Online, Webinars, Documentation, Videos |

## Key features

### FreeCAD

- 2D Drawing
- 3D Design & Modeling
- 3D Imaging
- API
- Annotations
- CAD Tools
- Collaboration Tools
- Data Import/Export
- Document Management
- Electrical
- For 3D Printing
- For Architects
- For Manufacturers
- Mechanical
- Modeling & Simulation
- Project Management
- Reporting/Analytics

### SolidWorks Premium

- 2D Drawing
- 3D Design & Modeling
- 3D Imaging
- API
- Annotations
- CAD Tools
- Collaboration Tools
- Configurable Workflow
- Data Import/Export
- Design Analysis
- Document Management
- Electrical
- For 3D Printing
- For Architects
- For Manufacturers
- Mechanical
- Modeling & Simulation
- Project Management
- Projections
- Reporting/Analytics

## Links

- [View FreeCAD Profile](https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/software/77907/freecad)
- [View SolidWorks Premium Profile](https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/software/206302/solidworks-premium)
- [View Original Comparison](https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/compare/77907/206302/freecad/vs/solidworks-premium)

-----

## Structured Data

<script type="application/ld+json">
  {"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"name":"FreeCAD vs SolidWorks Premium Comparison","description":"Compare FreeCAD vs SolidWorks Premium regarding their features, reviews, pricing, specifications, screenshots & more.","url":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/compare/77907/206302/freecad/vs/solidworks-premium","about":[{"@id":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/software/77907/freecad#software"},{"@id":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/software/206302/solidworks-premium#software"}],"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/compare/77907/206302/freecad/vs/solidworks-premium#breadcrumblist"},"@type":["WebPage","CollectionPage"],"@id":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/compare/77907/206302/freecad/vs/solidworks-premium#webpage","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/#website"},"inLanguage":"en-AU","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/#organization"}},{"name":"FreeCAD","description":"FreeCAD is an open-source, customizable 3D modeler that helps users in mechanical engineering and product design. Designed as a scriptable CAD solution, the software allows users to manage architectural and electrical design functions.\n\n\nPrimary features of FreeCAD include geometry kernels, rendering, a sketcher, modular architecture, a robot simulation, standard formats and path mode. Additionally, the solution has an integrated Python interpreter and API to handle geometry representation, interface and applications. The software provides GUI based on the Qt framework along with the inventor 3D viewer enabling users to manage rendering and scene graph representation.\n\n\nFreeCAD also portrays native support of STEP and IGES formats, Boolean operations, fillets and geometric entities. The software extends support through documentation and tutorials.\n\n\nWhat is FreeCAD?\n\n FreeCAD is an open-source, customizable 3D modeler that helps users in mechanical engineering and product design. Designed as a scriptable CAD solution, the software allows users to manage architectural and electrical design functions. \nHow do you use FreeCAD?\n\nAfter downloading, users operate the software within the 'Main Area View', which enables the design of 2D or 3D geometrical objects in a variety of different views.  FreeCAD is based on a 'workbench' concept which separates a collection of tools needed for a specific task, such as 2D drawings, meshes, or constrained sketching.  \nHow much does FreeCAD cost?\n\nFreeCAD is open-source software available free for download. \nWho uses FreeCAD?\n\n FreeCAD is used by a diverse community of users from developers, product designers, and mechanical engineers. \nDoes FreeCAD have an app?\n\nFreeCAD does not have a standalone app.  Its open-source software must be downloaded to a local machine for direct access.","image":"https://gdm-catalog-fmapi-prod.imgix.net/ProductScreenshot/654bdbf3-45d0-4f65-8264-aae06619cfa3.png","url":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/software/77907/freecad","@type":"SoftwareApplication","@id":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/software/77907/freecad#software","applicationCategory":"BusinessApplication","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/#organization"},"aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.3,"bestRating":5,"ratingCount":142},"operatingSystem":"Apple, Windows on premise, Linux on premise"},{"name":"SolidWorks Premium","description":"SolidWorks Premium is a comprehensive 3D CAD solution designed to streamline and optimize the product development process. From creating complex 3D models to designing intricate assemblies, SolidWorks Premium enables users to bring their innovative ideas to life with ease. \n\nSolidWorks Premium offers an extensive range of features that include surface modeling, sheet metal, mold design, simulation, and electrical routing. The software includes validation tools to ensure parts and assemblies are robust and reliable before fabrication or production. With the integration of various manufacturing processes like CNC machining, 3D printing, and injection molding, SolidWorks Premium provides end-to-end design and development solutions.","image":"https://gdm-catalog-fmapi-prod.imgix.net/ProductScreenshot/16b55b70-4a94-4eaa-a8c1-814cde826a44.jpeg","url":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/software/206302/solidworks-premium","@type":"SoftwareApplication","@id":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/software/206302/solidworks-premium#software","applicationCategory":"BusinessApplication","publisher":{"@id":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/#organization"},"aggregateRating":{"@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":4.6,"bestRating":5,"ratingCount":756},"operatingSystem":"Cloud, Apple, Windows, Windows on premise"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"name":"Home","position":1,"item":"/","@type":"ListItem"},{"name":"Engineering CAD Software","position":2,"item":"/directory/4321/engineering-cad/software","@type":"ListItem"},{"name":"FreeCAD vs SolidWorks Premium","position":3,"item":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/compare/77907/206302/freecad/vs/solidworks-premium","@type":"ListItem"}],"@id":"https://www.softwareadvice.com.au/compare/77907/206302/freecad/vs/solidworks-premium#breadcrumblist"}]}
</script>