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Game Development · head to head

Defold vs FreeCAD

Defold logo

Defold

Game Development

The game engine for the creators of King

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

3D & CAD

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Defold the Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine; FreeCAD no vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only
  • They diverge on capability: Defold covers Lua scripting, FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Defold and FreeCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where Defold and FreeCAD differ
AttributeDefoldFreeCAD
Pricing modelfreeopen-source
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, macOS, Linux
CategoryGame Development3D & CAD
Founded20052002

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

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 Defold

  • Lua scripting
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite system
  • Particle effects
  • Sound management
  • Collection editor
  • Mobile optimization
  • Lightweight

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.

Defold

  • Building 2D games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single projectnot FreeCAD
  • Shipping small-footprint HTML5 gamesnot FreeCAD
  • Teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on gamesnot FreeCAD

FreeCAD

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

Where each one falls short

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

Defold

  • The Defold License requires you to include the Defold license and copyright notice in any work you create with the engine
  • The licence forbids commercialising original or modified versions of the Defold editor or engine itself
  • Significant changes made to the Defold source must be documented under the licence terms

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

Defold

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • Lua scripting
    • Physics engine

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Defold if

  • You need lua scripting.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want physics engine.
Defold 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 Defold or FreeCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. Defold 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, Defold or FreeCAD?
Defold starts at Free and FreeCAD at Free.
Does Defold or FreeCAD run on more platforms?
Defold runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use Defold for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Defold best used for?
Defold is most often used for building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project, shipping small-footprint html5 games, teams wanting a free engine with no revenue share on games. Of those, building 2d games for mobile, desktop, web and console from a single project and shipping small-footprint html5 games are not what FreeCAD is typically brought in for.
What can Defold do that FreeCAD cannot?
Defold covers Lua scripting, Physics engine, Sprite system, Particle effects. FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. Both handle Windows support, Linux support.
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