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3D & CAD · head to head

FreeCAD vs OnShape

FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

3D & CAD

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
OnShape logo

OnShape

3D & CAD

Full-cloud 3D CAD platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: FreeCAD no vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only; OnShape the free plan is non commercial only and makes every document publicly accessible, so nothing designed on it can be kept private
  • They diverge on capability: FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FreeCAD and OnShape actually diverge.

Attributes where FreeCAD and OnShape differ
AttributeFreeCADOnShape
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWeb, IOS, Android
Founded20022012

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 OnShape

  • Cloud-native CAD
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Version control
  • Part studios
  • Assemblies
  • Drawings
  • FeatureScript
  • Mobile access

What people use each for

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

FreeCAD

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

OnShape

  • Cloud based parametric CAD without local workstation installsnot FreeCAD
  • Collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documentsnot 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

OnShape

  • The free plan is non commercial only and makes every document publicly accessible, so nothing designed on it can be kept private
  • The Standard plan is $1,500 per user per year and Professional $2,500
  • Simulation, rendering, CAM and advanced PDM all require the Professional plan
  • SSO, analytics and advanced administration are Enterprise only with no published price

Pricing, plan by plan

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

OnShape

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited features
    • Public documents
  • Standard$1500/month
    • Private documents
    • Full features
  • Professional$2100/month
    • Advanced simulation
    • Enterprise features

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 OnShape if

  • You need cloud-native cad.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want real-time collaboration.
OnShape review

Questions people ask

Is FreeCAD or OnShape better?
Neither clearly leads. FreeCAD starts at Free and OnShape at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FreeCAD or OnShape?
FreeCAD starts at Free and OnShape at Free.
Does FreeCAD or OnShape run on more platforms?
FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. OnShape runs on Web, IOS, Android.
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 OnShape is typically brought in for.
What can FreeCAD do that OnShape cannot?
FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Real-time collaboration, Version control, Part studios.
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