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FreeCAD vs Modo

FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

3D & CAD

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Modo logo

Modo

3D & CAD

Creative 3D modeling and rendering

From
$29/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only FreeCAD has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: FreeCAD no vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only; Modo foundry announced on November 7, 2024 that it is winding down development of Modo after the Modo 17.1 release, with no further feature or maintenance releases anticipated
  • They diverge on capability: FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Modo covers Polygon modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FreeCAD and Modo actually diverge.

Attributes where FreeCAD and Modo differ
AttributeFreeCADModo
Starting priceFree$29/month
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
Founded20021996

Identical on both: platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux), user rating (Not yet rated), category (3D & CAD).

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 FreeCAD

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

Only in Modo

  • Polygon modeling
  • Subdivision surfaces
  • Sculpting
  • UV tools
  • Procedural modeling
  • Rendering
  • Animation
  • MeshFusion

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • MacOS support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

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

FreeCAD

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

Modo

  • Polygon and subdivision surface modelling for media and entertainment assetsnot FreeCAD
  • Look development and rendering of product and character modelsnot FreeCAD

Where each one falls short

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

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

Modo

  • Foundry announced on November 7, 2024 that it is winding down development of Modo after the Modo 17.1 release, with no further feature or maintenance releases anticipated
  • Support continues only until each customer's current contract term expires
  • Foundry does not guarantee that Modo will keep working on future operating system updates because no patches will be issued, and recommends customers migrate to alternative 3D workflows
  • Perpetual licences keep working but receive no further updates, bug fixes or support
  • The Modo forums closed in December 2024 and downloads, docs and the support knowledgebase were committed only until November 2025

Pricing, plan by plan

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

Modo

$29/month
  • Indie$599/month
    • Full Modo
    • Revenue limit $100K
  • Modo$1898/month
    • Full commercial license

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Modo if

  • You need polygon modeling.
  • You work on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
  • You also want subdivision surfaces.
Modo review

Questions people ask

Is FreeCAD or Modo better?
Neither clearly leads. FreeCAD starts at Free and Modo at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FreeCAD or Modo?
FreeCAD has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for FreeCAD and $29/month for Modo.
Does FreeCAD or Modo run on more platforms?
FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Modo runs on Windows, MacOS, Linux.
Can I use FreeCAD for free?
Yes. FreeCAD has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Modo starts at $29/month.
What is FreeCAD best used for?
FreeCAD is most often used for mechanical engineering design, architectural modelling, product design and prototyping, cam/cnc path generation. Of those, mechanical engineering design and architectural modelling are not what Modo is typically brought in for.
What can FreeCAD do that Modo cannot?
FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. Modo covers Polygon modeling, Subdivision surfaces, Sculpting, UV tools. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support, Linux support.
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