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FreeCAD vs Lumion

FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

Software

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Lumion logo

Lumion

Software

Architectural visualization made easy

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; Lumion enterprise tier is priced by quote only, labelled Let's talk in the vendor's own pricing data, alongside otherwise self-serve tiers with published dollar and pound figures
  • They diverge on capability: FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Lumion covers Real-time rendering.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FreeCAD and Lumion actually diverge.

Attributes where FreeCAD and Lumion differ
AttributeFreeCADLumion
Starting priceFree$29/month
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows
Founded20021998

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 Lumion

  • Real-time rendering
  • Content library
  • Effects
  • Video animation
  • VR export
  • LiveSync
  • Revit
  • SketchUp

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

FreeCAD

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

Lumion

  • Architectural visualizationnot FreeCAD
  • Client presentationsnot 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

Lumion

  • Enterprise tier is priced by quote only, labelled Let's talk in the vendor's own pricing data, alongside otherwise self-serve tiers with published dollar and pound figures

Pricing, plan by plan

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

Lumion

$29/month
  • Standard$1499/month
    • Core features
  • Pro$2999/month
    • Full features
    • More content

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 Lumion if

  • You need real-time rendering.
  • You work on Windows.
  • You also want content library.
Lumion review

Questions people ask

Is FreeCAD or Lumion better?
Neither clearly leads. FreeCAD starts at Free and Lumion at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FreeCAD or Lumion?
FreeCAD has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for FreeCAD and $29/month for Lumion.
Does FreeCAD or Lumion run on more platforms?
FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Lumion runs on Windows.
Can I use FreeCAD for free?
Yes. FreeCAD has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Lumion 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 Lumion is typically brought in for.
What can FreeCAD do that Lumion cannot?
FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. Lumion covers Real-time rendering, Content library, Effects, Video animation. Both handle Windows support.
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