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CAD · head to head

FreeCAD vs Stencyl

FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

CAD

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Stencyl logo

Stencyl

Game Development

Create games with visual programming

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: FreeCAD no pricing published; product is completely free and open-source; Stencyl the free Starter tier can publish to the web only
  • They diverge on capability: FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Stencyl covers Visual block programming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FreeCAD and Stencyl actually diverge.

Attributes where FreeCAD and Stencyl differ
AttributeFreeCADStencyl
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Flash
CategoryCADGame Development
Founded20022011

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 Stencyl

  • Visual block programming
  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite animation
  • Sound and music
  • Tilemap editor
  • Actor system
  • Haxe support

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 Stencyl
  • Architectural modellingnot Stencyl
  • Product design and prototypingnot Stencyl
  • CAM/CNC path generationnot Stencyl

Stencyl

  • Game development for independent creatorsnot FreeCAD
  • Cross-platform game publishing (iOS, Android, Web, Desktop)not FreeCAD
  • Indie game studio platformnot 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

Stencyl

  • The free Starter tier can publish to the web only
  • Desktop publishing requires the Indie plan at $99 a year
  • iOS and Android publishing require the Studio plan at $199 a year
  • Licences are annual, so continuing to publish means continuing to pay

Pricing, plan by plan

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

Stencyl

Free
  • Starter (Free)Free
    • Publish to Web only
    • Includes Stencyl branding splash screen
  • Indie$99/year
    • Publish to Web and Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)
    • Early access to latest releases
    • No watermarks or forced Stencyl branding
  • Studio (Most Popular)$199/year
    • Publish to iOS, Android, Web and Desktop
    • Early access to latest releases
    • No watermarks or forced Stencyl branding

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 Stencyl if

  • You need visual block programming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Flash.
  • You also want drag-and-drop interface.
Stencyl review

Questions people ask

Is FreeCAD or Stencyl better?
Neither clearly leads. FreeCAD starts at Free and Stencyl at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FreeCAD or Stencyl?
FreeCAD starts at Free and Stencyl at Free.
Does FreeCAD or Stencyl run on more platforms?
FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Stencyl runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Flash.
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 Stencyl is typically brought in for.
What can FreeCAD do that Stencyl cannot?
FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. Stencyl covers Visual block programming, Drag-and-drop interface, Physics engine, Sprite animation. 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
Stencyl: How much does Stencyl cost?

Stencyl offers a free Starter plan, Indie at $99/year, and Studio at $199/year. All platforms include annual subscriptions with no royalties or per-game fees.

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
Stencyl: What platforms can I publish to with each Stencyl plan?

Starter publishes to Web only. Indie adds Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux). Studio includes all Indie platforms plus iOS and Android mobile.

Source
Stencyl: Does Stencyl offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes, both Indie and Studio plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee from the date of purchase, provided you have not published any games.

Source
Stencyl: Can I use Stencyl after my subscription expires?

Yes, your games will continue to work after your subscription expires. However, you cannot publish new games or updates without an active subscription.

Source
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