FreeCAD vs Onshape

by Gralio Mar 07, 2025

FreeCAD and Onshape offer distinct approaches to 3D CAD. FreeCAD prioritizes accessibility and extensibility through its open-source nature and Python integration, while Onshape excels in cloud-based collaboration and version control for professional design teams.

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 1142 reviews and 60 websites, saving 6 hours, 50 minutes of reading.

FreeCAD

Website LinkedIn

Onshape

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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.

Onshape is a cloud-based design platform for creating and managing product designs. It combines powerful 3D modeling tools with built-in collaboration and version control features. This means your design team can work together in real-time, from any location, without worrying about file compatibility or data loss. Onshape aims to speed up the design process, improve collaboration, and eliminate the headaches of traditional design software.

Summary

Main difference

FreeCAD is a free and open-source 3D CAD software ideal for hobbyists, students, and users familiar with Python scripting. Onshape is a cloud-based 3D CAD platform best suited for businesses needing real-time collaboration and version control, especially those focused on manufacturing and product design.

Relative strengths of FreeCAD (compared to Onshape)

Free and open-source, providing cost-effective access to 3D modeling capabilities.
Highly extensible through Python scripting and add-ons, catering to advanced customization.
Supports a wide range of file formats, facilitating interoperability with other CAD software

Relative weaknesses of FreeCAD (compared to Onshape)

Steep learning curve and unintuitive interface compared to Onshape.
Prone to bugs and crashes, particularly with complex models.
Limited real-time collaboration features, hindering team-based design workflows

Who should use FreeCAD VS. Onshape

FreeCAD is a free and open-source 3D CAD software. Users love its accessibility, parametric modeling, and wide range of file formats. However, it has a steep learning curve, can be buggy, and has a less intuitive interface. Best for hobbyists, students, and small projects.

Onshape is a cloud-based 3D design platform ideal for agile product development. Users praise its real-time collaboration features and intuitive interface. However, some users have noted its dependency on internet connectivity and limited drawing annotations. Perfect for businesses of all sizes.

Ideal for small businesses and hobbyists with limited budgets.
Suitable for manufacturing, design, engineering, and education.

Ideal for businesses of all sizes, especially those with manufacturing, design, and engineering teams.
A strong fit for Consumer Goods and Manufacturing industries, with good applicability in other sectors like Healthcare and Retail.

FreeCAD and Onshape 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

Onshape allows creation of 2D drawings from 3D models, including annotations and DWG support.
Design Sharing

Partially supported

Designs can be shared via exporting and sending files manually.

Supported

Onshape allows sharing designs with various stakeholders, including suppliers and customers.
2D Sketching

Supported

FreeCAD supports 2D sketching via its Sketcher Workbench.

Supported

Onshape supports 2D sketching for defining part geometry.
Design review tools

Not supported

FreeCAD does not offer built-in design review tools.

Supported

Onshape supports commenting, markup, and review features.
Dimensioning

Supported

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

Partially supported

Onshape supports manual and automatic dimensioning during sketching, but not for finished 2D drawings.
CAM toolpath generation

Supported

FreeCAD can generate toolpaths for CNC machining with its built-in CAM workbench.

Supported

Onshape supports toolpath generation via the integrated CAM Studio feature.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

No data

+1

Strongly positive sentiment
Customer Service

No data

+0.6

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Use

No data

+1

Strongly positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

No data

+0.5

Rather positive sentiment
Ease of Implementation

No data

+0.67

Rather positive sentiment
Scalability

No data

+1

Strongly positive sentiment

FreeCAD and Onshape Pricing

No data

User sentiment

Strongly positive

We couldn't find a pricing page for FreeCAD.

No data

User sentiment

Strongly positive

See full Pricing page

FreeCAD and Onshape review insights

1141 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.

Real-time collaboration, perfect for startups and group projects.
Agile product design approach for faster product development.
Cloud-based access from any computer.
Simple user interface, easy to learn.
Integrated version control and file management.

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.

Dependency on internet connectivity.
Limited drawing annotation features.
Occasional performance throttling with poor internet connection.
Challenges with importing SolidWorks files and drawings.
Mobile app functionality is underwhelming.

FreeCAD and Onshape Ratings

G2

4.1/5

(58)
Capterra

4.3/5

(139)

G2

4.7/5

(656)
Capterra

4.5/5

(288)
TrustPilot

3.7/5

(1)

Company health

Employee growth

20% increase in the last year

13% increase in the last year

Web traffic

14% decrease in the last quarter

3% increase in the last quarter

Financing

No data

May 2013 - $26M

How do FreeCAD's parametric modeling features compare to Onshape's cloud-based collaboration?

FreeCAD's parametric modeling allows for easy modification of designs by changing parameters, while Onshape's cloud-based platform focuses on real-time collaboration and version control, enabling multiple users to work on the same design simultaneously from different locations. These are different functionalities addressing different needs.

Which product, FreeCAD or Onshape, is easier for novice CAD users to learn?

Onshape is generally considered easier to learn for novice CAD users than FreeCAD. While both offer similar core functionalities, Onshape's user interface is known to be more intuitive and user-friendly. Additionally, Onshape's cloud-based nature simplifies access and collaboration, removing the complexities of installation and file management often encountered with FreeCAD. FreeCAD's steeper learning curve and less intuitive interface, coupled with user reports of bugs and crashes, can be particularly challenging for beginners.

What are the advantages of FreeCAD?

FreeCAD's advantages are primarily its cost (free and open-source) and flexibility (parametric modeling, wide file format support, and Python scripting). This makes it ideal for hobbyists, students, and others who may not need the advanced features or support of commercial CAD software. The large and active community also provides valuable resources and support.

What are the disadvantages of FreeCAD?

FreeCAD has a steep learning curve, a sometimes unintuitive interface, and can be prone to bugs and crashes, especially with complex models. It also suffers from limited documentation compared to commercial alternatives, and the topological naming system can lead to design instability. While the large community offers support, it's not a substitute for professional customer service.

Alternatives to FreeCAD and Onshape

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.

Altium 365

Altium 365 is a cloud-based platform designed for electronics development. It brings together PCB (printed circuit board) design, mechanical design, and data management tools, enabling better collaboration between teams throughout the entire design process. This means your electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing teams can all work together more efficiently, no matter their location.

AutoCAD

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.

SolidWorks Product Designer

SolidWorks Product Designer is cloud-based 3D design software that makes it easier for teams to work together on product development. It offers a user-friendly interface similar to the popular SolidWorks desktop software, combined with cloud storage and collaboration tools. This makes it a good choice for growing businesses that need powerful design tools and the flexibility of cloud access.

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.

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.

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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