FreeCAD vs SketchUp

by Gralio Mar 10, 2025

FreeCAD and SketchUp cater to different 3D modeling needs. FreeCAD offers powerful parametric modeling and extensive customization options, while SketchUp prioritizes ease of use and intuitive design tools. Choose FreeCAD for complex engineering projects where flexibility and cost are paramount. Opt for SketchUp if you need user-friendly software for visualization and quick design iterations, especially in architecture and interior design.

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 2451 reviews and 60 websites, saving 14 hours, 7 minutes of reading.

FreeCAD

Website LinkedIn

SketchUp

Website LinkedIn Twitter

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.

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.

Summary

Main difference

FreeCAD is a free and open-source parametric 3D modeling software best suited for users familiar with CAD software and seeking advanced functionality, especially in mechanical engineering. SketchUp is a commercial 3D modeling software known for its user-friendly interface, making it ideal for beginners and those prioritizing ease of use and visualization in fields like architecture and interior design.

Relative strengths of FreeCAD (compared to SketchUp)

Free and open-source, offering cost savings and community support.
Parametric modeling enables easy design modifications and complex designs.
Extensive file format support facilitates interoperability with other CAD software.

Relative weaknesses of FreeCAD (compared to SketchUp)

Steeper learning curve and less intuitive interface compared to SketchUp.
Potential stability issues and bugs, particularly with complex models.
Limited rendering capabilities without relying on external tools.

Who should use FreeCAD VS. SketchUp

FreeCAD is a free and open-source 3D CAD software best suited for hobbyists, students, and small businesses. Users love its accessibility, parametric modeling, and wide range of file formats. However, be aware of the steep learning curve and occasional bugs. It's ideal for small projects and learning CAD.

SketchUp is user-friendly 3D modeling software ideal for design professionals. Its intuitive interface and extensive 3D Warehouse are praised by users. However, some find complex modeling challenging without plugins. Consider SketchUp for visualizing projects, creating 2D drawings, and sharing designs effectively.

Ideal for small businesses and startups with limited budgets.
Suitable for manufacturing, education, and media & entertainment.

Ideal for small to large businesses in architecture, interior design, and construction.
Strong fit for Real Estate & Construction; suitable for other design-focused industries.

FreeCAD and SketchUp 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

SketchUp supports creating 2D drawings using the integrated LayOut tool.
2D Sketching

Supported

FreeCAD supports 2D sketching via its Sketcher Workbench.

Supported

SketchUp allows 2D sketching, but primarily focuses on 3D modeling. LayOut offers more advanced 2D drafting.
3D modeling

Supported

FreeCAD allows creating and editing 3D models using parametric techniques and advanced geometry tools.

Supported

SketchUp allows creating and editing 3D models.
Design Sharing

Partially supported

Designs can be shared via exporting and sending files manually.

Supported

SketchUp allows sharing designs with stakeholders via links, Trimble Connect, and 3D Warehouse.
Dimensioning

Supported

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

Supported

SketchUp supports automatic and manual dimensioning tools for both 2D drawings and 3D models.
Design review tools

Not supported

FreeCAD does not offer built-in design review tools.

Partially supported

SketchUp supports design review via Trimble Connect, but lacks direct commenting features.

Qualities

Value and Pricing Transparency

No data

-0.14

Neutral sentiment
Customer Service

No data

+0.09

Neutral sentiment
Ease of Use

No data

+0.88

Strongly positive sentiment
Reliability and Performance

No data

-0.1

Neutral sentiment
Ease of Implementation

No data

+0.48

Rather positive sentiment
Scalability

No data

+0.17

Neutral sentiment

FreeCAD and SketchUp Pricing

No data

User sentiment

Strongly positive

We couldn't find a pricing page for FreeCAD.

SketchUp offers flexible subscription plans for 3D modeling software, with options for individuals, professionals, studios, and educational institutions. They offer monthly and annual billing options (annual pricing shown here), with discounts for annual subscriptions. All plans include access to features such as 3D modeling tools, a library of 3D models, and collaboration features.

Plans

User sentiment

Neutral

-0.14

See full Pricing page

FreeCAD and SketchUp review insights

2451 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, easy to learn.
Versatile 3D modeling capabilities suitable for various design tasks.
Extensive 3D Warehouse with pre-made models and components.
Large and active community with ample learning resources and plugins.
Good integration with other software, especially rendering applications.

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.

Difficult to create complex or organic shapes without plugins.
Rendering capabilities are limited without plugins.
Large models can cause performance issues, including slowdowns and crashes.
Inconsistent experience across different operating systems (Windows vs. Mac).
Subscription model and pricing can be a barrier for some users.

FreeCAD and SketchUp Ratings

G2

4.1/5

(58)
Capterra

4.3/5

(139)

G2

4.5/5

(1304)
Capterra

4.5/5

(950)
Glassdoor

3.9/5

(1518)

Company health

Employee growth

20% increase in the last year

5% increase in the last year

Web traffic

14% decrease in the last quarter

7% decrease in the last quarter

Financing

No data

August 2022 - $1B

How do FreeCAD's parametric modeling features compare to SketchUp's for complex designs?

FreeCAD's parametric modeling is significantly more robust than SketchUp's for complex designs. FreeCAD's entire design updates automatically when parameters are changed, making it ideal for intricate designs with many interconnected parts. While SketchUp allows for some parametric modeling with plugins, its core functionality is more direct modeling focused, meaning changes must be made manually and can be time-consuming in complex models. Therefore, for designs requiring frequent adjustments and parametric control, FreeCAD offers a more suitable approach.

Which product offers a more intuitive interface for a beginner 3D modeler?

SketchUp is generally considered more intuitive for beginners. While both SketchUp and FreeCAD offer powerful 3D modeling capabilities, user reviews consistently highlight SketchUp's user-friendly interface and ease of learning as significant advantages. FreeCAD, while robust and free, is known for its steep learning curve and less intuitive workflow, making it more challenging for new 3D modelers.

What are the advantages of FreeCAD?

FreeCAD's main advantages are its cost (free and open-source), parametric modeling capabilities, wide range of supported file formats, and active community providing support and resources. This makes it particularly attractive for hobbyists, students, and others on a budget. It's also highly extensible through Python scripting.

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, especially when working with complex or large models. The user interface and workflow are sometimes considered unintuitive and frustrating. Finally, compared to commercial CAD software, the documentation and support resources are limited.

Alternatives to FreeCAD and SketchUp

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.

Revit

Revit is advanced design software for professionals involved in building projects. It allows architects, engineers, and construction teams to work together on a single, detailed 3D model of a building. This helps everyone stay coordinated, spot problems early, and make better decisions. Any changes made to the model are automatically updated everywhere, keeping documents consistent and reducing errors. Revit is a powerful tool for designing, planning, and constructing better buildings.

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.

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.

How are we doing?

Is this information helpful to you? Is there anything we are missing?

Did this help you select your product?

Other issues? Vote & Let us know