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Construct 3 vs FreeCAD

Construct 3 logo

Construct 3

Software

Create games without coding. Powered by the Scirra engine.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

Software

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Construct 3 the free version caps projects at 50 events, or 25 when used without an account; FreeCAD no vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only
  • They diverge on capability: Construct 3 covers Visual event system, FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Construct 3 and FreeCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where Construct 3 and FreeCAD differ
AttributeConstruct 3FreeCAD
Pricing modelfreemiumopen-source
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, macOS, Linux
Founded20072002

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Construct 3

  • Visual event system
  • Drag-and-drop editor
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite editor
  • Particle effects
  • Sound effects
  • Web-based
  • HTML5 support

Only in FreeCAD

  • Parametric modeling
  • Part design
  • Assembly
  • Drafting
  • FEM simulation
  • Path/CAM
  • Architecture
  • BIM

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Construct 3

  • Building 2D browser games without writing codenot FreeCAD
  • Publishing HTML5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one projectnot FreeCAD

FreeCAD

  • Mechanical engineering designnot Construct 3
  • Architectural modellingnot Construct 3
  • Product design and prototypingnot Construct 3
  • CAM/CNC path generationnot Construct 3

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Construct 3

  • The free version caps projects at 50 events, or 25 when used without an account
  • Free projects are limited to 2 layers, 2 special effects, 1 timeline animation of up to 5 seconds and 1 web font
  • The free version can only publish to HTML5 and the Construct Arcade, so desktop, Android, iOS and Facebook Instant Games all need a paid plan
  • Licences are per seat and annual, at $129.99 for Personal, $168.99 for Startup Business and $468.99 for Business

FreeCAD

  • No vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only
  • Requires users to self-host and maintain the software; no cloud version available

Pricing, plan by plan

Construct 3

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Web-based editor
    • HTML5 export
    • Asset library
  • Personal$99/year
    • All Free features
    • Offline editor
    • Advanced export

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Construct 3 if

  • You need visual event system.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want drag-and-drop editor.
Construct 3 review

Choose FreeCAD if

  • You need parametric modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want part design.
FreeCAD review

Questions people ask

Is Construct 3 or FreeCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. Construct 3 starts at Free and FreeCAD at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Construct 3 or FreeCAD?
Construct 3 starts at Free and FreeCAD at Free.
Does Construct 3 or FreeCAD run on more platforms?
Construct 3 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use Construct 3 for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Construct 3 best used for?
Construct 3 is most often used for building 2d browser games without writing code, publishing html5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one project. Of those, building 2d browser games without writing code and publishing html5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one project are not what FreeCAD is typically brought in for.
What can Construct 3 do that FreeCAD cannot?
Construct 3 covers Visual event system, Drag-and-drop editor, Physics engine, Sprite editor. FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. Both handle Windows support, Linux support.
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