Softwr

CAD · head to head

SolveSpace vs Tiled

S

SolveSpace

CAD

Open source parametric CAD with a constraint solver in a few megabytes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Tiled logo

Tiled

Game Development

Flexible level editor for 2D games

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: SolveSpace the in-house geometry kernel fails on complex boolean operations and fillets, and the failure is sometimes silent bad geometry rather than an error message, so models must be checked before export or manufacture.; Tiled no official iOS or Android builds; desktop-only distribution
  • They diverge on capability: SolveSpace covers Constraint solver, Tiled covers Tile layers.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SolveSpace and Tiled actually diverge.

Attributes where SolveSpace and Tiled differ
AttributeSolveSpaceTiled
Pricing modelOpen source, no licence feeopen-source
CategoryCADGame Development
FoundedUnknown2008

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux), 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 SolveSpace

  • Constraint solver
  • Solid modelling
  • Assemblies
  • Export formats
  • Cross-platform
  • Small footprint

Only in Tiled

  • Tile layers
  • Object layers
  • Terrain tool
  • Auto-mapping
  • Wang tiles
  • Custom properties
  • Scripting (JavaScript)
  • Multiple export formats

What people use each for

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

SolveSpace

  • Designing 3D printed parts on a machine that cannot run mainstream CADnot Tiled
  • Teaching constraint-based parametric modelling without buying licences for a classroomnot Tiled
  • Checking that a mechanical linkage moves as intended before cutting metalnot Tiled
  • Producing dimensionally accurate STEP or STL output from a small open source toolchainnot Tiled

Tiled

  • Tile-based maps for RPGs, platformers, and Breakout-style gamesnot SolveSpace
  • Orthogonal, isometric, and hexagonal map layoutsnot SolveSpace
  • Object layers (rectangles, ellipses, polygons, points) for collision boxes, spawn points, and triggersnot SolveSpace
  • Large 'infinite' maps and multi-map world projectsnot SolveSpace
  • Export to game engines via built-in/scripted exporters using the open TMX formatnot SolveSpace

Where each one falls short

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

SolveSpace

  • The in-house geometry kernel fails on complex boolean operations and fillets, and the failure is sometimes silent bad geometry rather than an error message, so models must be checked before export or manufacture.
  • There is no proper drawing and dimensioning workflow, so manufacturing documentation has to be produced in another application.
  • Development is volunteer-led and intermittent; long gaps between releases are normal and there is no support contract available at any price.
  • Assembly-level import of external CAD is very limited, so it does not fit a supply chain that exchanges native or assembly-level models with suppliers.
  • The interface follows its own conventions rather than mainstream CAD ones, so existing SolidWorks or Fusion users spend time unlearning habits for a tool with a lower ceiling.

Tiled

  • No official iOS or Android builds; desktop-only distribution
  • No official browser-based version of the editor itself, despite exporting to many engine formats
  • Building from source requires a Qt 6.2+ / C++ / Qbs toolchain
  • Multi-license codebase (GPL 2.0 application plus Apache 2.0 and BSD components), so redistributors must track which license applies per file

Pricing, plan by plan

SolveSpace

Free
  • SolveSpaceFree
    • Full application under the GPL
    • No seat limit
    • Windows, macOS and Linux builds

Tiled

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • Free and open source level editor
    • GNU license free software
    • Download from itch.io or GitHub

Which should you pick?

Choose SolveSpace if

  • You need constraint solver.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want solid modelling.
SolveSpace review

Choose Tiled if

  • You need tile layers.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want object layers.
Tiled review

Questions people ask

Is SolveSpace or Tiled better?
Neither clearly leads. SolveSpace starts at Free and Tiled at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SolveSpace or Tiled?
SolveSpace starts at Free and Tiled at Free.
Does SolveSpace or Tiled run on more platforms?
Both run on Windows, macOS, Linux, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use SolveSpace for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is SolveSpace best used for?
SolveSpace is most often used for designing 3d printed parts on a machine that cannot run mainstream cad, teaching constraint-based parametric modelling without buying licences for a classroom, checking that a mechanical linkage moves as intended before cutting metal, producing dimensionally accurate step or stl output from a small open source toolchain. Of those, designing 3d printed parts on a machine that cannot run mainstream cad and teaching constraint-based parametric modelling without buying licences for a classroom are not what Tiled is typically brought in for.
What can SolveSpace do that Tiled cannot?
SolveSpace covers Constraint solver, Solid modelling, Assemblies, Export formats. Tiled covers Tile layers, Object layers, Terrain tool, Auto-mapping.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SolveSpace: Is it really free for commercial work?

Yes. It is released under the GPL with no licence fee and no seat limit. Support is community only.

Tiled: How much does Tiled cost?

Tiled is completely free. It is a free and open source level editor licensed under GNU free software principles.

Source
SolveSpace: Can it replace Fusion 360 or SolidWorks?

No. It handles parts and simple assemblies well. Complex geometry, drawings and supply chain interoperability are outside its range.

Tiled: Where can I download Tiled?

Tiled can be downloaded at no cost from itch.io or from the project's GitHub repository. There is no cost barrier to downloading, installing, or using Tiled.

Source
SolveSpace: What hardware does it need?

Very little. It runs on old laptops and small Linux machines where mainstream CAD will not start.

Tiled: How is Tiled funded?

Tiled is funded through sponsorships from over 200 sponsors who donate approximately 3,600 USD per month. This currently funds the lead developer for 2 days per week of work.

Source
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