Softwr

CAD · head to head

SolveSpace vs Weka

S

SolveSpace

CAD

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Weka logo

Weka

Machine Learning

Collection of machine learning algorithms

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.; Weka the package management system needs an internet connection to download and install packages, so an air-gapped install gets only the core distribution
  • They diverge on capability: SolveSpace covers Constraint solver, Weka covers Classification.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SolveSpace and Weka actually diverge.

Attributes where SolveSpace and Weka differ
AttributeSolveSpaceWeka
Pricing modelOpen source, no licence feeopen-source
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxLinux, Mac, Windows
CategoryCADMachine Learning
FoundedUnknown1993

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 SolveSpace

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

Only in Weka

  • Classification
  • Regression
  • Clustering
  • Association rules
  • Feature selection
  • Java
  • R
  • Python

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 Weka
  • Teaching constraint-based parametric modelling without buying licences for a classroomnot Weka
  • Checking that a mechanical linkage moves as intended before cutting metalnot Weka
  • Producing dimensionally accurate STEP or STL output from a small open source toolchainnot Weka

Weka

  • Teaching and exploring classic machine learning algorithms through a GUInot SolveSpace
  • Running data mining experiments and preprocessing without writing codenot 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.

Weka

  • The package management system needs an internet connection to download and install packages, so an air-gapped install gets only the core distribution
  • Weka is split into a stable 3.8 branch that receives only bug fixes and compatibility-safe upgrades and a 3.9 development branch that may receive features that break compatibility
  • Weka requires a 64-bit Java VM; the bundled installers ship Bellsoft OpenJDK 25 per platform and architecture

Pricing, plan by plan

SolveSpace

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

Weka

Free
  • Open SourceFree
    • All ML algorithms
    • GUI and CLI
    • Java API

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 Weka if

  • You need classification.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Linux, Mac, Windows.
  • You also want regression.
Weka review

Questions people ask

Is SolveSpace or Weka better?
Neither clearly leads. SolveSpace starts at Free and Weka at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SolveSpace or Weka?
SolveSpace starts at Free and Weka at Free.
Does SolveSpace or Weka run on more platforms?
SolveSpace runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. Weka runs on Linux, Mac, Windows.
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 Weka is typically brought in for.
What can SolveSpace do that Weka cannot?
SolveSpace covers Constraint solver, Solid modelling, Assemblies, Export formats. Weka covers Classification, Regression, Clustering, Association rules.

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.

Weka: What is the cost of Weka software?

Weka is provided at no cost as open-source software released under the GNU General Public License, making it freely available for download and use.

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.

Weka: Are there commercial licensing options available?

Yes, the project offers information about commercial licenses for organizations requiring non-GPL terms, which can be found in their commercial applications documentation.

Source
SolveSpace: What hardware does it need?

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

Weka: What support resources are available to users?

Multiple support avenues exist including comprehensive documentation, frequently asked questions, dedicated help resources, and access to courses for learning the platform.

Source
Weka: Is source code access provided?

Yes, developers have full access to source code through the Git repository, along with development documentation and code credits for contributors.

Source
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