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CAD · head to head

SolveSpace vs ZBrush

S

SolveSpace

CAD

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ZBrush logo

ZBrush

CAD

Industry standard for digital sculpting

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only SolveSpace has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • 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.; ZBrush subscription model required; no perpetual licence option available
  • They diverge on capability: SolveSpace covers Constraint solver, ZBrush covers Digital sculpting.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which SolveSpace and ZBrush actually diverge.

Attributes where SolveSpace and ZBrush differ
AttributeSolveSpaceZBrush
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelOpen source, no licence feesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, LinuxWindows, macOS, iPadOS
FoundedUnknown1986

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (CAD).

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 ZBrush

  • Digital sculpting
  • Dynamesh
  • ZRemesher
  • PolyPaint
  • Live Boolean
  • Sculptris Pro
  • UV Master
  • High polygon handling

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

ZBrush

  • Digital character and creature sculptingnot SolveSpace
  • High-polygon organic form designnot SolveSpace
  • Texture painting and PolyPaint worknot SolveSpace
  • Game asset creation and 3D modellingnot 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.

ZBrush

  • Subscription model required; no perpetual licence option available
  • iPad version requires separate subscription to ZBrush for iPad

Pricing, plan by plan

SolveSpace

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

ZBrush

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the ZBrush review.

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 ZBrush if

  • You need digital sculpting.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, iPadOS.
  • You also want dynamesh.
ZBrush review

Questions people ask

Is SolveSpace or ZBrush better?
Neither clearly leads. SolveSpace starts at Free and ZBrush at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, SolveSpace or ZBrush?
SolveSpace has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for SolveSpace and On request for ZBrush.
Does SolveSpace or ZBrush run on more platforms?
SolveSpace runs on Windows, macOS, Linux. ZBrush runs on Windows, macOS, iPadOS.
Can I use SolveSpace for free?
Yes. SolveSpace has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. ZBrush starts at On request.
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 ZBrush is typically brought in for.
What can SolveSpace do that ZBrush cannot?
SolveSpace covers Constraint solver, Solid modelling, Assemblies, Export formats. ZBrush covers Digital sculpting, Dynamesh, ZRemesher, PolyPaint.

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.

ZBrush: What is included in a ZBrush subscription?

Every ZBrush subscription includes ZBrush on desktop, iPad, and Windows on Arm devices with premium features, rendering with Redshift, ZBrush Classroom, and Cineversity training.

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.

ZBrush: Is there a free trial available?

Yes. Download the Maxon App to start your 14-day free trial. Every trial includes ZBrush and the full Maxon One suite.

Source
SolveSpace: What hardware does it need?

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

ZBrush: Can I use ZBrush on multiple devices?

ZBrush licensing is dual platform, so you can run on desktop and iPad simultaneously or switch between them at any time.

Source
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