# FreeCAD Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is FreeCAD the right 3D CAD solution for you? Explore 142 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/167527/FreeCAD/reviews --- FreeCAD 4.3 (142) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/167527/FreeCAD/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated May 4th, 2026 # Reviews of FreeCAD Ease of use 3.9 Customer Service 3.8 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews Feature-rich free CAD solution 90% positive reviews out of 50 Most users report pricing is a major advantage, offering extensive CAD features at no financial cost. Frequent bugs and instability 79% negative reviews out of 28 Most reviewers indicate bugs and issues cause crashes, unreliable features, and disrupt modeling workflows. Francesco F Engineer, 2 - 10 employees. "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" Versatile parametric 3D modeling 96% positive reviews out of 49 Most reviewers describe 3D modeling as flexible, precise, and suitable for complex designs and 3D printing. James G Library Tech, 2 - 10 employees. "This allows students the opportunity to use a parametric 3d modeler to model 3d components that they can then print on a 3d printer and finally actually see their rockets "Blast Off!' It works well for our use at the library and could be useful for many hobbiest projects. " ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 142 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use James W. Software Engineer Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "CAD software provides a good opportunity for rendering different models of houses and buildings." July 18, 2018 5.0 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. Review Source MH Matthew H. Owner Retail Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Great Service to Learn CAD" July 17, 2020 5.0 I've only been using FreeCAD for a short time, so I'm by no means an expert, but I've seen that this is a great software and I donated to its development because of that. The community that uses FreeCAD is always helpful and the resources available for learning are plentiful. I feel like more was available for this than some other professional products simply because of the wide community adopment. Pros FREE Opensource and well documented for those who like to tinker stl file generation for 3d printing powerful for a free software and not limited to simply the basics abundance of learning material between youtube and forums many users to bounce questions of off Cons Very steep learning curve for a beginner UI is clunky, but once you get used to it its not so bad Users need to watch tutorials on how to use it for about the same amount of time they work on a project to use the software Switched from [AutoCAD](https://www.capterra.com/p/265024/AutoCAD/) Free trial ended and I wanted to see what permanently free looked like Review Source JM Jan M. CO Consumer Goods Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Cumbersome" January 26, 2024 3.0 I have spent three days making a simple profile that would take two minutes in an ordinary cad software. There are no snap functions and for example putting in a simple dimension could take 20 attempts. I have wasted enough time with Freecad. 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. Review Source Adedayo F. CAD technician Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "FreeCAD, efficiency in 2D and 3D drawing " July 17, 2022 4.0 I do design 2D and 3D drawings with this software which makes it my favourite,cause I make use of it everyday. 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. Review Source Alejandro Javier A. Enginineer Construction Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "FreeCAD in My School" November 13, 2022 5.0 Excelent my students are learning the basic features of 3D Drawing and modeling without AutoCad use 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 Review Source Rahul N. Student Worker Higher Education Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Best 3D editing and visualization tool" July 28, 2018 5.0 Was able to see the drawings for my Project and edit them and again render them to the 3D images. 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. Review Source Laura J. Software Engineer Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "In my experience it's the best 2D/3D CAD software. I use this software to design electrical circuits" July 18, 2018 5.0 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. Review Source Faith T. Digital Content and Community Manager Retail Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "FreeCAD" January 11, 2019 4.0 Nice some extra features that are unique but they should work on its complexity 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 Review Source Brent B. Operator Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Awesome product and easy, had to research a few things but there is so much information out there" July 18, 2018 5.0 Was able to recreate my backyard and modify it and create a new kitchen awesome software would recommend to anyone 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 Review Source Julio A R. Director Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Great CAD software for training" February 18, 2018 4.0 The benefit is that you can work with a free license program, train your staff in the CAD environment and improve to a level that allows you to make plans and 3D models in the same way as with the CAD programs of license 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 Review Source SB Stuart B. RF & Antenna Specialist Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "More than what you pay for" July 21, 2022 4.0 I use FreeCAD to design/integrate enclosures, and create mockups for internal use. It can't compete with SolidWorks, which I use for client work, but of course SolidWorks can't compete on the price. 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 Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Chief Operating Officer Food & Beverages Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Such a nice feeling after the use of it...!" April 5, 2018 5.0 Work on this software seems to be great..! 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. Review Source FF Francesco F. Engineer Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Too " November 28, 2023 4.0 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 Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Founder & CEO Renewables & Environment Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Free!" March 27, 2019 4.0 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. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Research Assistant Airlines/Aviation Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Free CAD software" October 21, 2019 3.0 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. Review Source Mariel Virginia V. Analista de datos Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "A lot of options for me to desing in 3D" March 14, 2018 5.0 Pros FreeCAD offers and enormous amount of options to modelling, you can do geometry, architecture, robot simulation, rendering, sketch and path modelling, all this in only one software and for free, it is just awesome because another software for pay offer less more than FreeCAD. Cons It is a very specialized software so you have to have previous experience working with CAD and modelling in 3D becuase all the tools are for professionals of this areas. Review Source VK Vikash K. Architect Architecture & Planning Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Is freecad an alternative to AutoCad" January 25, 2023 4.0 I tried it for a time as an alternative but I had go back to Autocad as it was more widely used in architectural industry. 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. Review Source Raquel A. Técnico I Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Amazing robot modelling in a software" March 14, 2018 5.0 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. Review Source Ines F. Jubilado Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "I can build geometry in two dimension with this software" March 14, 2018 5.0 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. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Broker Associate Real Estate Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Gets the basics covered" November 2, 2018 5.0 Pros Does what you expect from a free tool standpoint. Cons Just covers the basics, could use some easier tools. Review Source Andres G. Director/CEO Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "The learning curve is much faster with the Polygonal system." June 7, 2018 4.0 easy and intuitive handling 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. Review Source Kasey B. Adjunct Professor of Political Science Higher Education Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Its great software and its free!!!" May 1, 2018 5.0 It's Freeware, and community supported, if that's something you enjoy, then this is the product for you! 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. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Release Manager Computer Software Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "It's not Inventor, but its also free." September 27, 2019 4.0 Great value for money (its free) I don't know if I'd use it professionally if my daily work depended on it, but as a hobbyist I love it. Don't bother looking for something else, its the best of the free ones. 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. Review Source Piotr G. Software Developer Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Free cad is really free" September 19, 2018 4.0 This software help me to create cover for my product. Pros Multiple views allow to create complicated shapes and elements. Cons It's really free, also for commercial projects. Review Source Elbert A. Purchasing Manager Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "cool programm" April 20, 2018 5.0 free program whit a lot of functions Pros cool free program for modeling 3D objects. have a lot of opportunities such as saving files in a lot of file extensions Cons couldn\`t find any weak points, tried to open different file extensions and it works with them. really cool Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Engineering CAD](https://www.capterra.com/engineering-cad-software/)[3D CAD](https://www.capterra.com/3d-cad-software/) ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.