--- title: "FreeCAD Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra" description: "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_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/167527/FreeCAD/reviews/" page_type: "reviews" language: "en" --- 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 August 20th, 2026 # Reviews of FreeCAD Ease of use 3.9 Customer Service 3.8 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews JG James G Library TechLibraries, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “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. “ October 18, 2023 FF Francesco F EngineerInformation Technology and Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: 1-2 years. “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“ November 28, 2023 Rubén E Hardware EngineerDesign, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “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.“ October 24, 2022 François W R&D engineerInformation Technology and Services, 201 - 500 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “One thing I dislike about FreeCAD is that it can be a bit slow at times. When working with large models or assemblies, it can take a while for the software to respond to my commands, which can be frustrating.“ December 9, 2022 Rubén E Hardware EngineerDesign, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I usually work with non-very complicated designs and I am used to created them from the typical 2D sketches, but I can highlight some features I like and the ones that helped me more: it is possible to import an STL file (a mesh) and convert it to a solid, which you can work with later (very useful if you want to modify any design found on the Internet); there are many plugins that help to improve FreeCAD, i.e. I use KiCadStepUp tool to import a KiCad PCB easily and be able to see the entire design with it's electronic part, which includes every electronic component.“ October 24, 2022 JG James G Library TechLibraries, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Freecad has one major bug that needs to be fixed before I can generally recommend it. “ October 18, 2023 Rubén E Hardware EngineerDesign, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “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.“ October 24, 2022 François W R&D engineerInformation Technology and Services, 201 - 500 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “I also find that the rendering can be slow, which can make it difficult to visualize my designs in real-time.“ December 9, 2022 ## 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 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 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 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 ROSA YURAIMA R. Pipeline Design and Analyst in Oil Industry, Venezuela Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Modelling in 3D and for free" May 2, 2018 5.0 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. Review Source Natalia B. Software Engineer Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "I got this software helpful for me and it's really great, The main good thing all about it is free." July 14, 2018 5.0 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.. Review Source Hiran T. Mechanical Engineer Oil & Energy Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "A free CAD tool sufficient for learner." January 6, 2021 4.0 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. Review Source FV Fabian V. Civil Engineer Construction Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "FreeCAD is a specialist Parametric, 2D and 3D Modeler, ideal for professionals, students and hobbyis" February 23, 2022 5.0 In general terms, FreeCAD is the SoftWare that optimizes time and saves money, without having to hire experts to carry out designs and layouts for different types of projects; functional, easy to use, despite its interface with few or minimal difficulties that compensates it with other qualities that make it the ideal cause for the development of multiple designs and projects, loved by professionals, teachers, students and amateurs of this important activity. what is design. 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. Review Source DD Daniel D. Student Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Ever improving, and capable of many things" January 14, 2022 4.0 Pros Free, parametric design. Valuable mesh to solid features. Scripting and programmatic interfaces are useful Cons Feature references regularly break (fixed in 0.19) Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Mechanical Engineer Used the software for: 2+ years ### "If you want a free CAD program this is by far the best option. Free and simple it just works." July 10, 2018 5.0 This software has been used to create hundreds of drawings for mocking up ideas. 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. Review Source AL Alessandro L. Technician Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "the cad that helps you in moments of despair" January 13, 2022 4.0 I have solved a strong problem of artifact in a file imported from other suite software in my principal software for 3d modeling. Thanks to freecad I was able to modify the file, export it and send it to the cnc machine. 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!) Review Source MG Marco G. Mechanical designer Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Nice free CAD and FEM software" May 5, 2022 3.0 Pros This software is free and can be used by anyone. There are a lot of tutorials online. Cons A lot of bugs could occur during FEM simulations and software often crashes. Review Source FM Felipe M. Research Associate Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Very convenient open source CAD" April 20, 2023 4.0 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. Review Source dS dave S. sr pcb designer Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best Free 3D Tool Available" February 27, 2020 5.0 I use this software to review 3D data created by mechanical designers on commercial platforms. Pros Very good 3D tool and perfect for anyone who needs to review 3D models and does not own a commercially available solution. Backed by a dedicated group of skilled knowledgeable developers. Cons The tool has capabilities far beyond what I am currently using it for. It is somewhat difficult to learn how to perform new tasks as more focus is placed on functionality improvements at the expense of how-to documentation. Review Source JR Joe R. Engineer Physicist Aviation & Aerospace Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "Open Source Mess for Many Functions" July 22, 2020 2.0 Extremely time consuming and frustrating for the amount of work produced. Pros It was free, one of very few 3dD modeling packages with no cost. Cons Developing a model in this is somewhat straightforward once you have the logic understood (which is an odd form in itself). However, don't try to modify an existing model, it will begin shifting pieces in random fashion. I had extrusions change sketch planes and a change in a base sketch for an extrusion will cause all attached sketches to lose their associated planes. Within a sketch, form can also move randomly in illogical fashions. If I make a line from another line end and then change the length, it moves the first line, there is no prioritization built in so I need additional lines and constraints to fix design locations. A real pain. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Graduate Research Assistant Higher Education Used the software for: 2+ years ### "You get what you pay for" December 3, 2018 1.0 Fun for messing around. Pros It is free and great for messing around. Cons It has very limited functionality and is weak on 3D CAD. Review Source LS Luca S. Mechanical engineer Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "High potential with lots of space to improve" January 29, 2023 3.0 I have used FreeCAD as an hobbyist who has no availability for payed cad softwares, to produce models that I later 3D print. The biggest pro of this software is the number of features implemented and totally free, which makes it the best unrestrained free option for who requires a CAD or a FEM software but cannot pay for it, but unlike another 3D software, Blender, that despite being open source got highly user friendly, FreeCAD feels still quite hard to use, due to a not so agile workflow and some bugs that are still to be fixed. Right now, I feel it is one of the most valid alternatives, especially after Fusion 360 introduced limitations on the numbe of components that can be worked with for free. However, if some of the issues will not be solved and another more user friendly alternative will be present on the market, I feel like it will be abandoned quickly. However, depsite the difficulties in 3D modeling, the FEM part is more straightforward to use and allows to obtain interesting results. Pros FreeCAD, as the name suggests, is free and considering alternatives on the market available for free right now, this is the only CAD with so many functionalities, which I consider another great advantage. The possibility of having a parametric CAD together with FEM analysis are great. Cons It is really complex to use, very little user friendly and the documentation is most of the time not that helpful. I have experienced some bugs with elementary features as well, making modeling even simple parts very tiring Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Project Engineer / Program Facilitator Management Consulting Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "New User" May 28, 2020 4.0 Being a new user, I have so far enjoyed using FreeCAD. It is perfect for the small projects that I need it for. Pros FreeCAD has everything and more that you could ask for from a free modeling software. I needed to model a backyard project and this software has been perfect for a project that size. I have a little bit of experience with other modeling software, and FreeCAD seems to follow a similar structure making it not difficult to find what I am looking for most of the time. Cons I am using FreeCAD on a Mac OS. Most of the limited in-software help info is Windows specific, making it difficult because tools can be in different places. I have had to turn to the user forum for a few items which is very helpful. Review Source SC Seth C. Project Manager Civil Engineering Used the software for: 2+ years ### "FreeCAD.....IS FREE!" November 21, 2019 4.0 Easy to learn, it’s free, it’s lacking all the drafting tools you may need on a project. Pros The best thing about FreeCAD is, it's free. If you need a drafting tool, get this one. It’s also great to learn what CAD is, and how it can help you draft. Cons So the only bad thing about this software is the good thing about this software....it's free. It just doesn’t have all the tools you need. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Graphic Designer Mechanical or Industrial Engineering Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Powerful and Robust 3D CAD modeler" April 15, 2019 4.0 We use this tool for our 3D modeling needs especially in product design department. Pros Robot Simulation, Sketcher features are quite good. If you know python, its python in-built interpreter allows you to explore lot of things. Cons Interface could be improved a bit. Apart from that, its good. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Maintenance Leader Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Very good opensource and free program" March 10, 2018 4.0 Free and open sourced. Pros Always updating to improve and simplify the usage. Easy to use for beginners. Can easily use what is the workbench to upload it. Cons There is no load analysis in it. There is no motion analysis . some workbenches is tooo heavy to work in the device. Review Source KO Kemal O. CFO Automotive Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Best Free Software for 3D View" August 8, 2019 5.0 Pros FreeCAD is very practical and easy to use as a software Cons Needs to be improved but currently more than enough for a free software Review Source Similar Products Featured ## 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.