Software · head to head
FreeCAD vs Vectorworks
The short version
- Only FreeCAD has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: FreeCAD no vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only; Vectorworks the Internet Archive's capture of Vectorworks' products page on 12 December 2019 named seven distinct editions and add-on modules, Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Fundamentals, Designer, Vision, and the Braceworks/ConnectCAD add-ons, each with its own 'Buy Now' link, but no price figure appeared on the page itself.
- They diverge on capability: FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Vectorworks covers BIM modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which FreeCAD and Vectorworks actually diverge.
| Attribute | FreeCAD | Vectorworks |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | Free | $29/month |
| Pricing model | open-source | subscription |
| Free tier | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, MacOS |
| Founded | 2002 | 1985 |
Identical on both: 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 Vectorworks
- BIM modeling
- 2D/3D design
- Documentation
- Rendering
- GIS integration
- Entertainment design
- Landscape tools
- Lumion
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 Vectorworks
- Architectural modellingnot Vectorworks
- Product design and prototypingnot Vectorworks
- CAM/CNC path generationnot Vectorworks
Vectorworks
- Building designnot FreeCAD
- Landscape designnot FreeCAD
- Stage designnot 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
Vectorworks
- The Internet Archive's capture of Vectorworks' products page on 12 December 2019 named seven distinct editions and add-on modules, Architect, Landmark, Spotlight, Fundamentals, Designer, Vision, and the Braceworks/ConnectCAD add-ons, each with its own 'Buy Now' link, but no price figure appeared on the page itself.
Pricing, plan by plan
FreeCAD
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.
Vectorworks
$29/month- Architect$2495/month
- BIM
- Architecture tools
- Landmark$2495/month
- Landscape design
- GIS
- Design Suite$3295/month
- All modules combined
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.
Choose Vectorworks if
- You need bim modeling.
- You work on Windows, MacOS.
- You also want 2d/3d design.
Questions people ask
- Is FreeCAD or Vectorworks better?
- Neither clearly leads. FreeCAD starts at Free and Vectorworks at $29/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, FreeCAD or Vectorworks?
- FreeCAD has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for FreeCAD and $29/month for Vectorworks.
- Does FreeCAD or Vectorworks run on more platforms?
- FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Vectorworks runs on Windows, MacOS.
- Can I use FreeCAD for free?
- Yes. FreeCAD has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Vectorworks starts at $29/month.
- 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 Vectorworks is typically brought in for.
- What can FreeCAD do that Vectorworks cannot?
- FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. Vectorworks covers BIM modeling, 2D/3D design, Documentation, Rendering. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support.