FreeCAD vs AutoCAD

by Gralio Mar 10, 2025

FreeCAD and AutoCAD offer distinct approaches to CAD. FreeCAD excels in its cost-effectiveness and parametric modeling capabilities, making it ideal for users seeking a free and flexible solution. AutoCAD, with its professional tools and broad industry applicability, caters to users who prioritize advanced features, collaboration, and mobile accessibility. The best choice depends on individual needs and budget.

At Gralio.ai we help to simplify your decision-making process by offering detailed, side-by-side software comparisons like this one, to help you confidently choose the tool that aligns with your business goals.

This comparison was created by analysing 4082 reviews and 60 websites, saving 23 hours, 10 minutes of reading.

FreeCAD

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AutoCAD

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About

FreeCAD is a free and open-source software for 3D computer-aided design. It can be used to design anything from small parts to buildings. It's particularly well-suited for mechanical engineering but also finds use in architecture and other fields. FreeCAD allows you to create parametric models, meaning you can easily change dimensions and have the entire design update automatically. It also supports industry-standard file formats for easy collaboration.

AutoCAD is a design and drafting software to create 2D and 3D models. It offers industry-specific tools for fields like architecture and manufacturing. AutoCAD stands out with its web and mobile apps, enabling work from anywhere. It promises increased productivity through specialized features and a familiar interface.

Summary

Main difference

FreeCAD is a free and open-source 3D CAD software best suited for hobbyists, students, and users on a budget. AutoCAD is a commercial software with broader industry applications, mobile and web access, and advanced features, making it suitable for professionals.

Relative strengths of FreeCAD (compared to AutoCAD)

Cost-effective (free and open-source).
Parametric modeling for easy design changes.
Large and active community support.

Relative weaknesses of FreeCAD (compared to AutoCAD)

Steeper learning curve and less intuitive interface than AutoCAD.
Prone to bugs and crashes, especially with complex models.
Limited 3D modeling capabilities and industry-specific tools compared to AutoCAD.

Who should use FreeCAD VS. AutoCAD

FreeCAD is a free and open-source 3D CAD software best suited for hobbyists, students, and small businesses. Users love its accessibility and parametric modeling capabilities, enabling easy design changes. However, some find it difficult to learn and prone to bugs. It's ideal for smaller projects where budget is a primary concern.

AutoCAD is user-friendly 2D drafting software known for its customization options and industry-standard tools. While some users report performance issues and high costs, many praise its intuitive interface and extensive online resources. Perfect for professionals needing precise drawing tools and flexible access via web and mobile apps.

Ideal for small businesses and startups with limited budgets.
A good fit for manufacturing, education, and media & entertainment industries.

Best for medium to large businesses (100+ employees).
Ideal for Manufacturing, Real Estate & Construction, and Media & Entertainment.

FreeCAD and AutoCAD features

Supported

Partially supported

Not supported

Type in the name of the feature or in your own words tell us what you need

Drafting

Supported

FreeCAD supports creating 2D technical drawings from 3D models using the TechDraw Workbench.

Supported

AutoCAD allows creation of 2D drawings from 3D models using various built-in tools.
Dimensioning

Supported

FreeCAD supports both manual and automatic dimensioning tools for 2D drawings.

Supported

AutoCAD supports manual and automatic dimensioning tools for 2D drawings.
DWG support

Partially supported

FreeCAD supports DWG import and export via third-party tools like the ODA File Converter.

Supported

AutoCAD fully supports importing and exporting DWG files.
2D Sketching

Supported

FreeCAD supports 2D sketching via its Sketcher Workbench.

Supported

AutoCAD supports 2D sketching for defining part geometry.
DWG import

Partially supported

FreeCAD supports DWG import via third-party tools like the ODA File Converter.

Supported

AutoCAD natively uses DWG files, so importing them is supported.
Revit integration

Partially supported

Revit integration is possible via IFC file exchange.

Supported

AutoCAD and Revit integration is supported, enabling seamless data exchange and workflow.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

No data

-0.56

Rather negative sentiment
Customer Service

No data

+0.78

Strongly positive sentiment
Ease of Use

No data

+0.72

Strongly positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

No data

+0.26

Neutral sentiment
Ease of Implementation

No data

+0.11

Neutral sentiment
Scalability

No data

-0.45

Rather negative sentiment

FreeCAD and AutoCAD Pricing

No data

User sentiment

Strongly positive

We couldn't find a pricing page for FreeCAD.

No data

User sentiment

Rather negative

-0.56

See full Pricing page

FreeCAD and AutoCAD review insights

4082 reviews analysed from and

Users love

Free and open-source, making it accessible to everyone.
Parametric modeling allows for easy design modifications.
Supports a wide range of file formats for import and export.
Large and active community provides support and resources.
Extensible through Python scripting and add-ons.

Intuitive and user-friendly interface for 2D drafting, praised for its ease of use and familiar commands.
Extensive customization options, including custom commands, shortcuts, and workspaces.
Widely used and recognized as an industry standard, ensuring compatibility and collaboration.
Vast online resources, tutorials, and a large user community provide ample support.
Precise and accurate drawing tools, essential for detailed technical drawings and plans.

Users dislike

Difficult to learn for new users, with a steep learning curve.
Prone to bugs and crashes, especially with complex or large models.
Unintuitive interface and workflow can be frustrating.
Limited documentation and support compared to commercial CAD software.
Topological naming issues lead to design instability when modifying models.

Performance issues, slowdowns, and crashes are frequently reported, especially with larger files and 3D modeling.
High cost of licensing and subscription model is a major concern for individuals and small businesses.
3D modeling capabilities are considered limited compared to dedicated 3D software.
Steep learning curve and complex interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
Limited file format compatibility and occasional issues with importing/exporting files.

FreeCAD and AutoCAD Ratings

G2

4.1/5

(58)
Capterra

4.3/5

(139)

G2

4.4/5

(1446)
Capterra

4.7/5

(2449)
Glassdoor

4.3/5

(4861)

Company health

Employee growth

20% increase in the last year

2% increase in the last year

Web traffic

14% decrease in the last quarter

2% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

No data

March 2020 - $0

How does FreeCAD's parametric modeling compare to AutoCAD's for complex designs?

FreeCAD's parametric modeling is a core strength, allowing for flexible design changes by modifying parameters. While AutoCAD also offers parametric modeling, FreeCAD's open-source nature and Python scripting capabilities provide more extensive control and customization for complex designs, particularly for users comfortable with programming. However, FreeCAD's parametric system can become unstable with complex models due to topological naming issues, a problem less prevalent in AutoCAD's more mature and robust, albeit less flexible, system.

Which product offers better 2D drafting tools for technical drawings?

AutoCAD offers better 2D drafting tools for technical drawings. While FreeCAD does offer 2D drafting functionality, user reviews indicate a steeper learning curve and a less intuitive interface. AutoCAD is praised for its intuitive interface, extensive customization options, and precise drawing tools specifically designed for 2D drafting. Furthermore, its wide industry adoption ensures compatibility and access to a large user community and resources.

What are the advantages of FreeCAD?

FreeCAD's advantages include being free and open-source, offering parametric modeling for easy design changes, supporting various file formats, having a large and active community, and being extensible through Python scripting. This makes it highly accessible and adaptable.

What are the disadvantages of FreeCAD?

FreeCAD has a steep learning curve and can be difficult for new users to grasp. It is known to have bugs and can crash, particularly when handling complex or large models. The user interface and workflow are sometimes considered unintuitive. Finally, compared to commercial CAD software, the documentation and support resources are limited.

Alternatives to FreeCAD and AutoCAD

Shapr3D

Shapr3D is professional 3D CAD software that makes it easy to design and manufacture real-world products. It's known for being user-friendly, so your team can learn it quickly and start designing, even on the go with their iPads or laptops. Shapr3D helps streamline the entire process from initial concept sketches to sharing prototypes with clients and handing off detailed designs to your engineering team. It's used by various industries from consumer goods to aerospace to make product development smoother.

XTEN-AV

XTEN-AV is a cloud-based software designed for the audiovisual industry. It helps businesses create professional AV designs and proposals with tools like automated drawing generation, a library of over 1.5 million AV products, and proposal templates. XTEN-AV offers collaboration features, integrations with popular business applications, and a virtual reality platform to visualize room designs. Pricing is tiered based on user count and feature access.

SketchUp

SketchUp is a 3D modeling software that's easy to use, yet powerful enough for professionals in architecture, interior design, and construction. Visualize projects of any size, create detailed 2D drawings from your models, and share your vision with colleagues and clients through presentations and immersive visuals. SketchUp is known for its intuitive interface and is used by individuals and companies worldwide, from small design studios to large architectural firms.

BricsCAD

BricsCAD is a cost-effective computer-aided design (CAD) software that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and building information modeling (BIM). BricsCAD aims to be familiar to users of other CAD software, enabling a quick transition. It boasts innovative features like machine learning to improve drawing accuracy and efficiency. BricsCAD offers both permanent and subscription licensing options to fit various needs and budgets.

SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS is a popular computer-aided design (CAD) software primarily used by engineers and designers. It offers a range of tools for 3D modeling, design validation, and product data management. SOLIDWORKS is known for its user-friendliness and caters to various industries, with a strong focus on manufacturing. It helps businesses design better products faster by streamlining the design process and improving collaboration.

PIPEPHASE

PIPEPHASE is a software used by oil and gas companies to simulate the flow of oil and gas through pipelines. It helps companies design, plan, and optimize their pipeline systems. PIPEPHASE allows companies to model different scenarios, like changing production rates or pipeline diameters, to see how it impacts efficiency and profitability. This helps companies make informed decisions about their pipeline operations, leading to improved performance and reduced costs.

Page co-authored by

Michal Kaczor

CEO at Gralio

Michal has worked at startups for many years and writes about topics relating to software selection and IT management. As a former consultant for Bain, a business advisory company, he also knows how to understand needs of any business and find solutions to its problems.

Tymon Terlikiewicz

CTO at Gralio

Tymon is a seasoned CTO who loves finding the perfect tools for any task. He recently headed up the tech department at Batmaid, a well-known Swiss company, where he managed about 60 software purchases, including CX, HR, Payroll, Marketing automation and various developer tools.

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