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Software · head to head

OnShape vs FreeCAD

OnShape logo

OnShape

Software

Full-cloud 3D CAD platform

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

Software

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: OnShape the free plan is non commercial only and makes every document publicly accessible, so nothing designed on it can be kept private; FreeCAD no vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only
  • They diverge on capability: OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which OnShape and FreeCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where OnShape and FreeCAD differ
AttributeOnShapeFreeCAD
Pricing modelsubscriptionopen-source
PlatformsWeb, IOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, Linux
Founded20122002

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 OnShape

  • Cloud-native CAD
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Version control
  • Part studios
  • Assemblies
  • Drawings
  • FeatureScript
  • Mobile access

Only in FreeCAD

  • Parametric modeling
  • Part design
  • Assembly
  • Drafting
  • FEM simulation
  • Path/CAM
  • Architecture
  • BIM

What people use each for

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

OnShape

  • Cloud based parametric CAD without local workstation installsnot FreeCAD
  • Collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documentsnot FreeCAD

FreeCAD

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

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

OnShape

  • The free plan is non commercial only and makes every document publicly accessible, so nothing designed on it can be kept private
  • The Standard plan is $1,500 per user per year and Professional $2,500
  • Simulation, rendering, CAM and advanced PDM all require the Professional plan
  • SSO, analytics and advanced administration are Enterprise only with no published price

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

Pricing, plan by plan

OnShape

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Limited features
    • Public documents
  • Standard$1500/month
    • Private documents
    • Full features
  • Professional$2100/month
    • Advanced simulation
    • Enterprise features

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

Which should you pick?

Choose OnShape if

  • You need cloud-native cad.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, IOS, Android.
  • You also want real-time collaboration.
OnShape review

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

Questions people ask

Is OnShape or FreeCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. OnShape starts at Free and FreeCAD at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, OnShape or FreeCAD?
OnShape starts at Free and FreeCAD at Free.
Does OnShape or FreeCAD run on more platforms?
OnShape runs on Web, IOS, Android. FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use OnShape for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is OnShape best used for?
OnShape is most often used for cloud based parametric cad without local workstation installs, collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documents. Of those, cloud based parametric cad without local workstation installs and collaborative mechanical design with version history and shared documents are not what FreeCAD is typically brought in for.
What can OnShape do that FreeCAD cannot?
OnShape covers Cloud-native CAD, Real-time collaboration, Version control, Part studios. FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting.
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