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CAD · head to head

FreeCAD vs Kdenlive

FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

CAD

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Kdenlive logo

Kdenlive

Video Production

Free, open-source non-linear video editor from the KDE community

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: FreeCAD no pricing published; product is completely free and open-source; Kdenlive relies on volunteer development so release cadence and bug fixes can be slower than commercial tools.
  • They diverge on capability: FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Kdenlive covers Multi-track timeline.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FreeCAD and Kdenlive actually diverge.

Attributes where FreeCAD and Kdenlive differ
AttributeFreeCADKdenlive
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linuxwindows, mac, linux
CategoryCADVideo Production
Founded2002Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), 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 FreeCAD

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

Only in Kdenlive

  • Multi-track timeline
  • Proxy editing
  • Wide format support
  • Titler tool
  • Effects and transitions
  • Cross-platform

What people use each for

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

FreeCAD

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

Kdenlive

  • Free video editing for hobbyistsnot FreeCAD
  • Linux-native video productionnot FreeCAD
  • Educational video editingnot FreeCAD
  • Community/open-source project video worknot FreeCAD

Where each one falls short

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

FreeCAD

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

Kdenlive

  • Relies on volunteer development so release cadence and bug fixes can be slower than commercial tools.
  • Lacks built-in advanced VFX/compositing found in tools like DaVinci Resolve.
  • Performance and stability can vary depending on system configuration and GPU drivers.
  • No official cloud collaboration or review features.

Pricing, plan by plan

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

Kdenlive

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • All effects and transitions
    • Community support

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 Kdenlive if

  • You need multi-track timeline.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux.
  • You also want proxy editing.
Kdenlive review

Questions people ask

Is FreeCAD or Kdenlive better?
Neither clearly leads. FreeCAD starts at Free and Kdenlive at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FreeCAD or Kdenlive?
FreeCAD starts at Free and Kdenlive at Free.
Does FreeCAD or Kdenlive run on more platforms?
FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Kdenlive runs on windows, mac, linux.
Can I use FreeCAD for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
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 Kdenlive is typically brought in for.
What can FreeCAD do that Kdenlive cannot?
FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. Kdenlive covers Multi-track timeline, Proxy editing, Wide format support, Titler tool.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Kdenlive: Is Kdenlive free to use?

Yes, Kdenlive is completely free and open source, distributed under the GPL license with no cost to download or use, though donations to KDE e.V. are welcomed.

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
Kdenlive: What platforms does Kdenlive support?

Kdenlive runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, and BSD.

Source
Kdenlive: Where can I get help with Kdenlive?

Users can consult the user manual at docs.kdenlive.org, join the community Matrix channel, or ask on the KDE discussion forum.

Source
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