Freecad Review: One of the best CAD programs I have ever used
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At the beginning of this year I crowned Freecad in my best CAD software guideline as the winner of the “Best Free” category. In view of the limited competition, they may not be surprised that it made it up, but after I also looked at Librecad and Onshape, I felt that the position was deserved.
Freecad offers 2D and 3D functions that make it ideal for architects, 3D print enthusiasts and everyone who is involved in the CNC processing. It is also possible to create Nurbs, carry out model analyzes and work on BIM projects.
In addition to an excellent set of tools, we also love that Freecad is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. Owner support in all important operating systems makes it an ideal solution for multidisciplinary teams. I downloaded the app to my Mac and wrote it through it.
How I tested
In order to test the main features of Freecad, I decided to work on two separate projects that included 2D and 3D disciplines. The way in which designers and visualizers approach each of these disciplines is very different, and I wanted to comply with it in my tests. My 2D tests focused on architecture, while 3D on the bucket / arm of an excavator.
Key plans and pricing
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Headline – column 0
Freecad
Windows, Mac, Linux
Freely and open
Freecad is not surprising, 100% free and according to your website “always free”. It is free to use, change and distribute a complete freedom without recourse.
Users don't have to do this, but if you want to support the project, you can donate money to the Freecad project. This is dealt with by the Freecad Project Association (FPA), a non-profit organization that was created by Freecad administrators and core developers. The FPA uses the money that it collects to support Freecad developers and sponsor new projects.
Review: 4.5/5
(Credit: Future / Paul Hatton)
Establishment and entry
• New file templates • Adaptable navigation options
The Freecad interface is not particularly inviting or intuitive, although we will make further comments on this in a later section. However, thanks to a series of templates that can be selected on the opening screen, the process of starting is actually pretty easy. These take care of various settings, including measurements and whether it opens in a top-down or 3D view.
There are also a number of sample files that are perfect for familiarity with the software. It is incredibly helpful to question and play with well -built drawings and models to see how the software works.
Another function, which I found incredibly helpful to build up quickly, was the possibility to set the navigation type. This can be done in the whole line to create a project or at any time later. The options include blenders, revit and Tinkercad without being limited to it. (Read our Mixer review for comparison.) This means that you can simply select your preferred type if you go from other software but do not want to learn a completely new way of interaction with the app.
Setup points: 4.5/5
(Credit: Future / Paul Hatton)
Characteristics
• 2D and 3D functionality • Support for the parametric modeling
With FRECAD, designers can create and edit 2D drawings and 3D models. It is therefore ideal for architects, 3D models, 3D printing enthusiasts and those who are involved in the CNC processing. The ability to import and export in all important file formats, including steps, IGES, Obj, StL and DWG, only helps to integrate FRECAD into a wider ecosystem of programs.
One of Freecad's main strengths is that each object is native parametric. This means that they are based on properties such as numerical values, texts, input and out of buttons or even other objects and can therefore be easily updated or adapted. This parametric functionality combines exactly with the course tracker with which you return at any time, make a change and see it reflected in the entire model. This non -destructive workflow is a dream.
Freecad also contains a number of “workbenches”, including a assembly, an architectural workbench and even a BIM workbench. All three are native integrated in Freecad and offer dedicated tools for any kind of project.
The 3D modeling is possible through the creation of solid bodies, the BREP objects (Randary representation) and uneven rational basic spline curves (only) and surfaces. With a series of tools for creating and changing these objects, you have everything you need to carry out Boolean processes, fillets, form cleaning and more.
Feature Score: 4/5
(Credit: Future / Paul Hatton)
User interface and experience
• A basic interface that is difficult to navigate • Extensive written documentation and YouTube tutorials
After I opened Freecad, I was surprised how outdated and fundamentally the interface I was presented with. I only appreciate it with version 1.0 and the software is 100% free, but I don't think that this should be a lack of good design and implementation of clear workflows. In this regard, I would like to see that the team makes considerable progress in terms of the user interface and how users interact.
The symbols at the top of the application are all quite clear and coordinated, but not all of them communicate clearly enough of them. Fortunately, if you hover, you will receive a tooltip description, which I found invaluable to find my way. There is also a “What is it?” Tool that opens online documentation for every tool that you click on.
It is more positive that the creation and modification of 2D and 3D objects is beautifully simple. If you have not selected objects in the view window, the 'Tasks' field shows a list of objects that you can create. If you then select an object, the same control panel shows the set of tools that can be used to change the selection. The simplicity of the interface therefore helps to simplify some of these processes, although workflows are still unnecessarily complex and confused.
Performance evaluation: 3.5/5
(Credit: Future / Paul Hatton)
Help and support
• Community help through an online forum • You can find official help on the Freecad Discord Channel
As usual with free and open software, almost all help and support from a forum and a discord channel are directed. The forum is properly organized with threads for all common topics and more. I was also impressed that forums that devote themselves to other languages than English, including French, Italian and Portuguese.
The freecad -space is a bit more sparse, with most of the announcements being managed by a “How to” channel. The last update of the team was at the end of 2024. So do not expect to find too much help or regular updates there. Visit the Freecad website for more information.
Support Score: 4/5
Who is it for?
• 2D and 3D designers with a small budget
Not everyone has the money to buy a subscription for AutoCAD, 3DS Max or Sketchup. That is why Freecad is so popular. Although Freecad is not as characteristic or polished as these other applications, it is still more than capable for most users. It is therefore ideal for freelance architects, 3D visualizers and product designers as well as many other related professions.
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Freecad -Score card
Attributes
Notes
Evaluation
Value score:
Freecad is free and it doesn't get any better.
4.5/5
Set up:
Templates, sample files and a customizable navigation function help to switch on quickly.
4.5/5
Features:
With the area of the 2D and 3D tools, designers can do the task.
4/5
User experience:
A basic interface that is difficult for beginners to kill each other.
