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CAD · head to head

FreeCAD vs LDtk

FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

CAD

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
LDtk logo

LDtk

Game Development

Modern 2D level editor from the creator of Dead Cells

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: FreeCAD no pricing published; product is completely free and open-source; LDtk no web, iOS, or Android build; it is an Electron desktop app for Windows/macOS/Linux only
  • They diverge on capability: FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, LDtk covers Auto-layers.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FreeCAD and LDtk actually diverge.

Attributes where FreeCAD and LDtk differ
AttributeFreeCADLDtk
CategoryCADGame Development
Founded20022020

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (open-source), free tier (Yes), platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux), 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 LDtk

  • Auto-layers
  • IntGrid layers
  • Entity system
  • Enums
  • World map
  • Rule-based tiling
  • JSON export
  • Hot reloading

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

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

FreeCAD

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

LDtk

  • 2D platformer and top-down level buildingnot FreeCAD
  • Placing customizable entities such as spawns, enemies, items, and triggersnot FreeCAD
  • Auto-tiling and auto-rendering via a visual rule systemnot FreeCAD
  • Multi-level 'worlds' with seamless level transitionsnot FreeCAD
  • Native Aseprite (.aseprite) import with live reloadingnot 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

LDtk

  • No web, iOS, or Android build; it is an Electron desktop app for Windows/macOS/Linux only
  • Native format is JSON; use with other formats such as Tiled TMX requires a separate importer or custom parsing
  • Engine integration depends on separate official importers/libraries per engine (Unity, Godot, MonoGame, Bevy, GameMaker, Haxe, Playdate)
  • dev-x.y.z branches on GitHub are explicitly flagged as potentially unstable and not for production

Pricing, plan by plan

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

LDtk

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the LDtk review.

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 LDtk if

  • You need auto-layers.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want intgrid layers.
LDtk review

Questions people ask

Is FreeCAD or LDtk better?
Neither clearly leads. FreeCAD starts at Free and LDtk at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FreeCAD or LDtk?
FreeCAD starts at Free and LDtk at Free.
Does FreeCAD or LDtk run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
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 LDtk is typically brought in for.
What can FreeCAD do that LDtk cannot?
FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. LDtk covers Auto-layers, IntGrid layers, Entity system, Enums. Both handle Windows support, Linux support.

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
LDtk: Does LDtk cost anything to use?

LDtk is completely free to use without any limitations. The license is Apache 2.0 open source.

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
LDtk: Can I support LDtk development?

LDtk operates on a pay-what-you-want basis. Users can optionally purchase or become a direct sponsor to support the developer's work, but payment is not required.

Source
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