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CAD · head to head

FreeCAD vs SketchUp

FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

CAD

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
SketchUp logo

SketchUp

Construction

3D design software for everyone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: FreeCAD no pricing published; product is completely free and open-source; SketchUp studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux
  • They diverge on capability: FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, SketchUp covers 3D modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FreeCAD and SketchUp actually diverge.

Attributes where FreeCAD and SketchUp differ
AttributeFreeCADSketchUp
Pricing modelopen-sourcefreemium
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWeb, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only)
CategoryCADConstruction
Founded20021978

Identical on both: starting price (Free), 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 SketchUp

  • 3D modeling
  • 2D documentation
  • Rendering
  • Animation
  • Extension warehouse
  • 3D Warehouse
  • LayOut
  • V-Ray

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 SketchUp
  • Architectural modellingnot SketchUp
  • Product design and prototyping
  • CAM/CNC path generationnot SketchUp

SketchUp

  • 3D architectural design and visualizationnot FreeCAD
  • Product design and prototyping
  • Interior design planningnot FreeCAD
  • Real estate visualizationnot FreeCAD

Both are used for product design and prototyping, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.

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

SketchUp

  • Studio tier limited to Windows only; not available for macOS or Linux
  • Go tier restricted to iPad and web—no desktop application access
  • LayOut (documentation tool) only available in Pro and Studio tiers
  • 1000+ extensions library only available in Pro and Studio; Go has limited extension access

Pricing, plan by plan

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

SketchUp

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the SketchUp 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 SketchUp if

  • You need 3d modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only).
  • You also want 2d documentation.
SketchUp review

Questions people ask

Is FreeCAD or SketchUp better?
Neither clearly leads. FreeCAD starts at Free and SketchUp at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FreeCAD or SketchUp?
FreeCAD starts at Free and SketchUp at Free.
Does FreeCAD or SketchUp run on more platforms?
FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. SketchUp runs on Web, iPad, Windows, macOS (Pro only).
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 SketchUp is typically brought in for.
What can FreeCAD do that SketchUp cannot?
FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. SketchUp covers 3D modeling, 2D documentation, Rendering, Animation. Both handle Windows support, MacOS 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
SketchUp: How much does SketchUp cost?

SketchUp publishes three core annual plans, priced per user and billed annually: Go at $10.75 per month, Pro at $33.25 per month and Studio at $68.25 per month.

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
SketchUp: Is there a free version of SketchUp?

There is a 7 day free trial of the core features. SketchUp is also free for K-12 use when accessed with a Google Workspace for Education or Microsoft Education account.

Source
SketchUp: What is the difference between SketchUp Pro and Studio?

Studio adds a Revit importer, point cloud modelling, photorealistic visuals, animations and panoramas on top of Pro. Studio runs on Windows only, while Pro is available on web, iPad and desktop.

Source
SketchUp: What does SketchUp Go include compared with Pro?

Go is limited to iPad and web, with premade furnishings and materials, cloud storage, a mobile viewer and real time sharing. Pro adds desktop modelling, the LayOut documentation tool and access to over 1000 extensions.

Source
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