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CAD · head to head

FreeCAD vs Three.js

FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

CAD

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Three.js logo

Three.js

AR VR

JavaScript 3D library for WebGL and WebXR

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: FreeCAD no pricing published; product is completely free and open-source; Three.js forward rendering pipeline only, no deferred rendering support
  • They diverge on capability: FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Three.js covers WebGL rendering.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which FreeCAD and Three.js actually diverge.

Attributes where FreeCAD and Three.js differ
AttributeFreeCADThree.js
Pricing modelopen-sourcefree
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWeb, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android
CategoryCADAR VR
Founded20022010

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 Three.js

  • WebGL rendering
  • Scene graph
  • Materials system
  • Animation system
  • WebXR
  • Post-processing
  • Physics
  • Loaders

What people use each for

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

FreeCAD

  • Mechanical engineering designnot Three.js
  • Architectural modellingnot Three.js
  • Product design and prototypingnot Three.js
  • CAM/CNC path generationnot Three.js

Three.js

  • VR Gamingnot FreeCAD
  • AR Marketingnot FreeCAD
  • Virtual Trainingnot FreeCAD
  • 3D Visualizationnot FreeCAD
  • Immersive Experiencesnot 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

Three.js

  • Forward rendering pipeline only, no deferred rendering support
  • No built-in collision detection or spatial indexing, requiring external physics libraries
  • WebGL dependency means no support for non-WebGL environments

Pricing, plan by plan

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

Three.js

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full library
    • WebXR module
    • Examples

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 Three.js if

  • You need webgl rendering.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android.
  • You also want scene graph.
Three.js review

Questions people ask

Is FreeCAD or Three.js better?
Neither clearly leads. FreeCAD starts at Free and Three.js at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, FreeCAD or Three.js?
FreeCAD starts at Free and Three.js at Free.
Does FreeCAD or Three.js run on more platforms?
FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Three.js runs on Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, 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 Three.js is typically brought in for.
What can FreeCAD do that Three.js cannot?
FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. Three.js covers WebGL rendering, Scene graph, Materials system, Animation system.

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
Three.js: Is Three.js free to use?

Yes. Three.js is released under the MIT license, an open-source license that permits unlimited commercial and personal use with no licensing 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
Three.js: Does Three.js include physics simulation?

No. Three.js is a rendering library only. Physics, collision detection, and spatial indexing must be implemented with external libraries like Rapier, Ammo, or JoltPhysics.

Source
Three.js: Can I use Three.js for offline development?

Yes. Local development requires a local web server for CORS compliance. You can use npm with a build tool like Vite, or run a local Python server for development.

Source
Three.js: Does Three.js support WebXR for VR/AR?

Yes. Three.js documentation includes WebXR APIs for building VR and AR experiences in web browsers.

Source
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