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Construction · head to head

Fieldwire vs FreeCAD

Fieldwire logo

Fieldwire

Construction

Field management software for construction teams

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

CAD

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Fieldwire free tier limited to 5 team members and 3 projects maximum; FreeCAD no pricing published; product is completely free and open-source
  • They diverge on capability: Fieldwire covers Task management, FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Fieldwire and FreeCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where Fieldwire and FreeCAD differ
AttributeFieldwireFreeCAD
Pricing modelfreemiumopen-source
PlatformsiOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, Linux
CategoryConstructionCAD
Founded20132002

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 Fieldwire

  • Task management
  • Digital blueprints
  • Punch lists
  • Inspections
  • Photo documentation
  • Procore
  • Autodesk BIM 360
  • Box

Only in FreeCAD

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

What people use each for

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

Fieldwire

  • Construction task tracking and field coordinationnot FreeCAD
  • Punch list management on mobile devicesnot FreeCAD
  • Project documentation organisationnot FreeCAD
  • Field team communicationnot FreeCAD

FreeCAD

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

Where each one falls short

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

Fieldwire

  • Free tier limited to 5 team members and 3 projects maximum
  • Basic plan limited to 100 sheets
  • Advanced features (RFIs, submittals, change orders, budget management) restricted to higher tiers
  • BIM viewer availability gated to Business tier and above

FreeCAD

  • No pricing published; product is completely free and open-source
  • Donations are optional and voluntary for project support

Pricing, plan by plan

Fieldwire

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Fieldwire review.

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Fieldwire if

  • You need task management.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, Android.
  • You also want digital blueprints.
Fieldwire 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 Fieldwire or FreeCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. Fieldwire 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, Fieldwire or FreeCAD?
Fieldwire starts at Free and FreeCAD at Free.
Does Fieldwire or FreeCAD run on more platforms?
Fieldwire runs on iOS, Android. FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use Fieldwire for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Fieldwire best used for?
Fieldwire is most often used for construction task tracking and field coordination, punch list management on mobile devices, project documentation organisation, field team communication. Of those, construction task tracking and field coordination and punch list management on mobile devices are not what FreeCAD is typically brought in for.
What can Fieldwire do that FreeCAD cannot?
Fieldwire covers Task management, Digital blueprints, Punch lists, Inspections. FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Fieldwire: Is there a free version of Fieldwire?

Yes. Fieldwire's Basic plan is free for up to 5 users, 3 projects, and 100 sheets. It includes core features like plan viewing, task management, specifications, files, photos, and checklists.

Source
FreeCAD: How much does FreeCAD cost?

FreeCAD is completely free with no licensing fees, vendor lock-in, sign-up requirements, paywalls, or restrictions. The software is open-source and available for anyone to use and adapt.

Source
Fieldwire: What are the per-user costs for paid Fieldwire plans?

Pro costs $39 per user per month (annual billing), Business costs $64 per user per month, and Business Plus costs $89 per user per month. All paid plans include unlimited sheets and unlimited projects regardless of plan tier.

Source
FreeCAD: Does FreeCAD offer optional support or sponsorship?

FreeCAD accepts voluntary donations to support the project. Sponsorship tiers range from $1 per month (Normal Sponsor) to $200 per month (Gold Sponsor), with different visibility levels. One-time donations of any amount are also accepted.

Source
Fieldwire: How many users can I have on a free Fieldwire account?

The Basic plan (free) supports up to 5 users with 3 projects. Pro and higher plans scale without hard user limits; you pay per user added.

Source
Fieldwire: Does Fieldwire offer discounts for annual billing?

The pricing page lists annual billing rates for the standard plans shown. Custom contracts are available through sales with options for unlimited users, tailored training, dedicated success teams, API access, and single sign-on.

Source
Fieldwire: What is included in the Business Plus plan that isn't in lower tiers?

Business Plus ($89/user/month) adds RFIs, submittals, change orders, and budget management features compared to the Business tier. Business itself adds custom forms, app integrations, BIM viewer, and custom task fields compared to Pro.

Source
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