FreeCAD

Pros

This is a good software for 3D design. It is for free and there is a great community that can give support to you, with a lot of tutorials in Youtube. Since I am a contributor of other free and open software like KiCad, it's great to have a 3D design tool like FreeCAD. Also it has many integrated tools to work with 3D and 2D designs, you can review models, import many file formats and convert some meshes like STL to a solid.

Cons

FreeCAD has some bugs and some of the functionality is not very intuitive. From my point of view, the bugs are its worst disadvantage and some of them are the next ones: the third-party components are sometimes not imported properly, that could be because the design is broken, but I experimented it several times, so I suppose there is some bug or incompatibility; the mesh-to-solid conversion sometimes fails; when you are designing a 3D part that has some features like chamfers or edge roundings, if you changes the previous steps and it makes the number of faces varies, the part will break down, so its important to keep this bug in mind and do those conflictive features in the last steps of the part design.

Pros

-Open source
-Easy to use
-Many different workbenches
-Many file formats supported
-Preferred to Solidworks

Cons

-Near no customer service and sometimes sub-par tutorials
-Getting the right install location can be difficult
-Some operations fail unexpectedly
-Hard to use with sheet metal fabricated parts

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Switching to FreeCAD

Pros

Claerly It's a simply and easy Viewer software, and you can read a lot of different cad file type.

Cons

The possibility of creation are really like a CAD software are pretty bad.

Pros

I use freecad to design high power rockets. I also teach it to our STEAM club students at our local library. It is a great exposure for them to using a parametric 3D modeler and with addons provides a simple way to develop rocket components (e.g., nosecone, fin-can, etc.)

Cons

Freecad has one major bug that needs to be fixed before I can generally recommend it. That is the infamous "topological naming problem". This issue is not unique to Freecad. Most parametric modelers have to deal with this issue in some way. In a nutshell, when you add, remove or slice sections of a model that has other sketches extruded from it, then all the surfaces get renamed. This causes the point of attachment of new sketches to be changed, so an extrusion may suddenly come out from the side instead of the top of the model. The Freecad development team is working on this issue, but as an open-source project developed primarily by volunteers progress is slow. Development work on this problem has recently picked up though. Once this is solved, I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone need a parametric 3d modeler.

Pros

Price (free), functionality: solid modeling (not just a collection of lines, arc and circles) , features, (eventual) ease of use, ability to create .stl files for 3D printer. The software is parametric meaning you can adjust dimensions and update the model, ability to create assemblies.

Cons

Steep learning curve but thankfully with YouTube... I haven't looked for awhile but the documentation was lacking when I first got into it. I haven't had to use the forum for help so I can't speak to that but in searching the forum it seems to be very active with volunteers answering questions.

Pros

Can create any part you can imagine, exports to 3d printing friendly formats, sketching and part design workbenches are relatively easy to learn.

Cons

There are some software quirks on of them is you can not attach sketch to surface and modify the body that the sketch is attached it will mess up the part, while there are ways around that I wish they would fix it in the next iteration of the software. Also if downloading official release the UI is outdated.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing FreeCAD

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to FreeCAD

Pros

Excellent tool for designing structures in detail, elaborating analysis parameters for deformation and strength calculations. And it's still possible to do it on less powerful machines, so to speak.

Cons

Transferring the drawing to paper with a level of detail is already a little more difficult, it has a lot of loss, also if you need to make a large and detailed structure, only with FreeCAD it is very complicated, for that you would need some other tools, making a more complex job.

Pros

The most attractive feature is that it is free to use I am not very good at designing 3D projects but Free Cad seems to be for me a good platform to teach myself. There are other free design software out there but this one seems to have a lot of features for a free version I like the ease of use for a free open source program the menu items are well layed out

Cons

There are some limited features but for free open source it is not bad. Python scripting I think takes a little patience getting used to but once you catch on it goes pretty smooth for a beginner.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing FreeCAD

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to FreeCAD

Pros

For new users in 3d parts for mechanical design it is a good tool. It is an open source project and has a large community that helps fix bugs, implement cool new features, or work on the documentation.

Cons

At the moment I find it limited compared to other software of the same type. But this should improve in no time.

Pros

That it is free. In theory it is easy to use.

Cons

Snap function work very bad, dimensioning won't work and things go into error what ever you try to do.

Pros

I think some Pros could be: supports the creation of 3D parametric components, which is essential for designing complex objects and assemblies; is available on multiple platforms; is designed to be modular and extensible

Cons

Some Cons: has a learning curve, especially for users new to parametric 3D modeling. The interface may not be as intuitive for beginners; some users have reported stability issues, such as occasional crashes; some specific workbenches in FreeCAD may not be as actively developed or as feature-rich as others

Pros

As its name implies, the software is free. The active community has done a lot of great work in creating a fully-functional CAD program, with many industry-standard drafting tools and a plethora of optional add-ons.

Cons

Unlike other modern free and open-source programs (for example, KiCad), the focus has not been on the user interface. As a result, many operations are awkward and perhaps even tedious to perform. Additionally, the native rendering capability isn't great; the displayed objects look like they're stuck in the 1980s

Pros

A different version of software compared to other softwares such as AutoCAD and its very nice 3D drawing in different angles of projections. I am blessed to see my great work in this software.

Cons

some modules isn't it updated and It seems they are going to update in next versions of software updates.

Pros

Coming from a paid win software, this was the first linux alternative I tried. There was no big deal in getting familiar to the tool layout. Great simulation tools, similar workflow to other CAD.

Cons

Nothing to say here. It is a very capable software that I use.

Pros

It is an adequate program for those who just need to open the part and look at it, take a few dimensions and take the old versions on top of each other and examine the differences.

Cons

The interface must be seriously reviewed.

Pros

can be oriented by user script and easy to implement automatic CAD generation.

Cons

poor and very complicated user interface. 3D surface generation can not react that you desire.

Pros

I was doing some quick prototyping of a new product and needed a CAD/drafting package. I started with the free version of FreeCAD and found it fully functional, with all the features and options that I needed. Once I learned the system upgrade was the logical choice.

Cons

I found the environment difficult to learn and not intuitive, however, I am not experienced in this area, being a chemical engineer not a mechanical engineer which I am sure would have been much more comfortable. I needed to generate the drawing for some manifolds that we needed to import into Computational Fluid Dynamics.

Pros

First it is free and you can do almost everything in it that you can do in Autocad. Its a got a nice supportive community to clear doubts and there are plethora of tutorials.

Cons

As its not an industry standard you will have to adapt to other software over time and if you are going to work professionally then also you will have to switch to an other software.

Pros

I had never think do this in a software but FreeCAD is so complete, because after to made my model I can saw how my instruments and robot come to life it is wonderful and very useful to explain processes and practice with students.

Cons

It is very difficult to do this it takes me a lot of time to create my first Robot Simulation because there are so many details to tu put on it, but the results is amazing.

Pros

This software is excellent for me, because it allows to skecth my designs in two dimensions before modelling and rendering, I can build and manage my objects in two dimensions which is better for me, because I can see my models pretty clear.

Cons

For me it is very difficult to do the transition from 2D to 3D because there are a lots of options that I do no manage for work in three dimensions.

Pros

Does what you expect from a free tool standpoint.

Cons

Just covers the basics, could use some easier tools.

Pros

The learning curve is much faster with the Polygonal system, since it is to draw in plane and to extrude. This is the main advantage of SketchUp. The use of the mouse to place and modify the polygons and to be able to give the exact measurements by means of a keyboard makes designing with this application incredibly intuitive.

Cons

The problem comes when the pieces are complex and must also be exact. We all know that to place the centers of the circles in SketchUp we must make guides that we will later erase. This begins to diminish us quickly but when we want to place the polygons in different planes and with different inclinations the issue becomes impossible.

Pros

...Its free??? Most CAD software costs an arm and a leg. I've played around with this software, and its really outstanding, obviously not as great as the high end software on the market, but who cares. Free beats spending hundreds of dollars and its a user supported community. You should really give this a shot, I had a blast trying to make thing to print on our school's 3D printer, and this gets you started.

Cons

Obviously, you are not going to be able to have the support and training compared to high end products, but if you are willing to put some effort into teaching yourself how this work, then you are golden.

Pros

This is a pretty darn intuitive parametric CAD program. I love that its open source and is maintained by a great community. The feature set is pretty robust. Sketching in 3D hasn't let me down on anything so far. The interface takes a bit to get used to, but its not a huge curve by any means. Geometric constraints work great.

Cons

Its a bit unrefined and buggy. I save often because on MacOS at least, it crashes occasionally. I've not had a problem restoring my work though.

Pros

Multiple views allow to create complicated shapes and elements.

Cons

It's really free, also for commercial projects.

Pros

the strength of the program is the free license. With this premise everything is given away. It also works well and interesting projects can also be created

Cons

it is not comparable to high-end programs, on a professional level it is not yet usable

Pros

It’s free and a lot of information on internet

Cons

There is a lot of tool but to understand how they works is so Much time

Pros

The software interface is simple and easy to use. Very convenient for quick CAD design with a very quick learning curve. Free and powerful tool.

Cons

It is clear that this software is inferior compared to other more fancy paid options but it gets the job done. The graphs are simple and not that high quality. It may not be the best option for more complex projects.

Pros

FreeCAD is a customized open source SoftWare, ideal for experts, students and beginners. The easy, efficient and cross-platform tool such as Linux, Windows and Mac, with modules for the most complex 2 and 3D design representations, with import and export options, as well as allowing general accessible coded integration with SoftWare Python, making it a complementary tool when it comes to solutions and extreme designs.
We simply have a formidable SoftWare that is complemented by the varieties of its functionalities that make work become a hobby or pastime when designing. it's great...

Cons

The Interface can generate brief difficulty when navigating without representing major inconveniences.
You may experience some unstable installation especially on Mac.
Difficulty anchoring 3D objects, so rotation could move them to another location on the screen.

Pros

The 3d design/ modelling is quite exciting. Freecad is easy to use. And it integrates well

Cons

They use different (but similar) names than what I am used to in their 3d comands but I could understand them right away. And they are all working fine.

Pros

In comparison with other AutoCad softwares,it is one of the different version software. We can make 3 D drawing through this software at different angles of projection which is is indeed the most fantastic feature. This software is used by everyone whether students or professionals but proved to be helpful to everyone.

Cons

Sometimes when we are updating modules, at that time some of the modules are not updated. So we feel that they will update in next versions of software. The learning curve of this software is quite difficult for the new users. For this sometimes some users have to take CAD classes in order to have good command on the usage of this particular software.

Pros

Free, parametric design. Valuable mesh to solid features. Scripting and programmatic interfaces are useful

Cons

Feature references regularly break (fixed in 0.19)

Pros

I loved everything about this software,the ease of use is just too easy for me.

Cons

Absolutely nothing,this is perfect software for 3D designs.

Pros

The price is so easy and you can use all the Features in the software for a Basic Draw

Cons

The simulations are not always allowed in all the computers I think that is something to improve

Pros

Digital drawing has been made very easy with the use of the extensive features of the software. It helps students like me to understand the 3D drawings and their meaning in a very subtle way. One can easily learn the software and could try creating 3D images in the very first week.

Cons

The recent software that I used, requires some minimal hardware configurations to render the images. So, buy a new system or else it is not for you.
The snap options sometimes is adamant and won't let you decide what point you may want to take. One of the 3D functions I think is irrelevant.

Pros

Its very user-friendly and on top of all its free, and also does not use too much system memory. With an average PC you can easily run multiple tasks while working on this software, without worrying about usage of system memory. The program is simple and not too much complicated and has all the great tools, so many people can take advantage and use it with more ease.

Cons

The features of this software are too limited and selection of add-ons can also be improved. But as its for free so one can live with these little flaws. But if new features can be added, it will make this software perfect for work.

Pros

I like the simplicity of his workshop Parts . Which thanks to known shapes allow to realize new shapes.

Cons

What I hate the most are the bugs of this software, usually it leads to start the design from scratch.

Pros

I like the requirements for using this softwares , not too much they don't over work my PC. Building different models to come up with desired 3D/2D plans with its features is also a plus, cosidering its a free s/w this is great.

Cons

Honestly if you don't have prior experience with design s/w this one is not for beginners. Its a bit complex for beginners

Pros

This free software does not skimp on features. Everything you could even need it there for you. This software can be used by professionals, hobbiests, and students. With on going development new features are always being added and it easily runs on any system no matter old or new the system.

Cons

The interface can have a bit of a challenging learning curve. This is not the fault of this software but of all CAD software. Often times people take classes to learn CAD. This software can be easily learned but be prepared to invest some time.

Pros

Love that I can create a visual for my bosses at work to see using this software, was very impressed how easy it was to pick up and go, lots of videos and help on the internet.

Cons

That not all the tools are that easy to find, but alot of videos and posts out there help me accomplish what I was after

Pros

What I like the most is that it has the ability to recognize the CAD environment and learn the commands. You can make a plan and complete a 3D model, for a better visualization. Additionally, new complements can be adapted, through the programming to generate added value to the works to be delivered

Cons

Because I have several years working with CAD programs, editing the elements of the drawings are not very polished and differentiation of the layers is a must because it can emphasize certain aspects more than others, especially for the plans and final 3D models

Pros

This is a software that I can use it in any computer without restriction and without paying anything, because is free and do many things that do a private software, for me is very useful because I can modeling the pipelines and see them in 3D to know if exist a trouble or mistake with the design, or we just have to implement it.

Cons

It needs to implement a set of tutorials in the official website, because in the beginning was very difficult to me to understand the processes of modeling with this software, but once I manage them everything was very easy.

Pros

FreeCAD shows 3D drawing in different angels and projections.The most liking thing is it's being free for user. I fine everything i want to do in this software. I like its all programs which are easy to use.And this is one of the best software which work on every system instead of creating problems like some other softwares in market.

Cons

There are no cons for me but it was a little hard to know about the all programs in it .they took time and it is also obvious for every one to learn a new software after some practice it gets easier then easier..

Pros

FreeCAD is a free software you can design everything in 3D. This is a lightweight (not consumes PC's cappacity so much) software you can use in your projects.

Cons

The software has not sculpting feature. Besides, it has a poor interface design.

Pros

the best solution if you have to manage a project from A to Z and you don't want to spend a 5 zeros figure !! Sheet metal features and mechanical stress simulation tools are a great and wonderful thing! You can create professional documentation and edit problem files imported from other formats saves your life. Works great!

Cons

I would like it to have automatic annotation management such as higher level cads. I wish you had a cfd simulation module and the ability to simulate assemblies of multiple assembled parts. ( A dream!)

Pros

Surprisingly powerful and visually similar to other 3D CAD modelers. I was able to import an IGES assembly from another mid-range system without any issues. Although I was not able to then modify the assembly. A good number of tutorials are available on YouTube.

Cons

Functions are similar to other products, yet to me, it is not intuitive and requires investing more time to learn. The icons do not look as elegant as more premium systems, yet what can you expect for a FREE program that people worked hard to create on their own dime.

Alternatives Considered

Reasons for Choosing FreeCAD

Switched From

Reasons for Switching to FreeCAD

Pros

Free CAD is open source software. User can easily sketch, constraint a geometry, draft a models from 3D into 2D. The user interface is user friendly. Easy to install and run the software.

Cons

The open privacy for free versions make visible of a user project to all. Free version have limited features. Not suggesting for professional designers.

Pros

Easy to learn, similar to other main design software like Creo, NX or Catia.

Cons

It is still being developed. Not all the functionality you're used to designing with other software is already implemented.

Pros

It has a lot of features to manage and modelling, you haveparametric model, modular architecture, drawing sheets, rendering, robot simulation, and so many other features, you can use all or one that fits on your needs, it is very powerful and manage the models with a lot of details and precision.

Cons

For me was difficult to start using the software, because the only manual that I can find was in the main page, I think that the amount of people who works with FreeCAD is very short, and sometimes is difficult to find tutorials of explanation of how to make models.

Pros

It’s free and it’s very easy to use. And the best thing is that it runs on Mac!
You can creat a 3D model from a 2D, and a 2D from a 3D.

Cons

I like everything about this software, since I never had any problem with it and it’s enough for what I need