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FreeCAD vs Shapr3D

FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

Software

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Shapr3D logo

Shapr3D

Software

CAD software for iPad and Mac

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; Shapr3D the free Basic plan is limited to 2 projects
  • They diverge on capability: FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Shapr3D covers Direct modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FreeCAD and Shapr3D actually diverge.

Attributes where FreeCAD and Shapr3D differ
AttributeFreeCADShapr3D
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxIPadOS, MacOS, Windows
Founded20022015

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Shapr3D

  • Direct modeling
  • Parametric history
  • Visualization
  • 2D drawings
  • Apple Pencil support
  • Import/export
  • Annotations
  • Fusion 360

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • MacOS support

What people use each for

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

FreeCAD

  • Mechanical engineering designnot Shapr3D
  • Architectural modellingnot Shapr3D
  • Product design and prototypingnot Shapr3D
  • CAM/CNC path generationnot Shapr3D

Shapr3D

  • Direct modelling CAD on iPad with Apple Pencilnot FreeCAD
  • Producing manufacturable solid models and technical drawingsnot FreeCAD
  • Sharing CAD projects with collaborators on desktop and tabletnot 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

Shapr3D

  • The free Basic plan is limited to 2 projects
  • Free plan exports only basic resolution 3MF and STL, so no STEP or IGES output
  • Free plan caps generative renders at 3 per day; Pro raises this to 50 per day and only Enterprise is unlimited
  • Importing SLDPRT and SLDASM SolidWorks files requires Pro
  • Importing NX, JT, CREO, Solid Edge and Rhino files requires Enterprise
  • Exporting ACIS, FBX, Parasolid and PRC requires Enterprise
  • On premises and single tenant data storage is Enterprise only
  • Enterprise pricing is by quote with no published rate

Pricing, plan by plan

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

Shapr3D

Free
  • FreeFree
    • 2 active designs
    • Basic features
  • Pro$25/month
    • Unlimited designs
    • All export formats
  • Business$199/month
    • Team features
    • Visualization

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 Shapr3D if

  • You need direct modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on IPadOS, MacOS, Windows.
  • You also want parametric history.
Shapr3D review

Questions people ask

Is FreeCAD or Shapr3D better?
Neither clearly leads. FreeCAD starts at Free and Shapr3D at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FreeCAD or Shapr3D?
FreeCAD starts at Free and Shapr3D at Free.
Does FreeCAD or Shapr3D run on more platforms?
FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Shapr3D runs on IPadOS, MacOS, Windows.
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 Shapr3D is typically brought in for.
What can FreeCAD do that Shapr3D cannot?
FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. Shapr3D covers Direct modeling, Parametric history, Visualization, 2D drawings. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support.
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