3D & CAD · head to head
Vectorworks vs FreeCAD
The short version
- Only FreeCAD has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- Each has a real cost: 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.; FreeCAD no vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only
- They diverge on capability: Vectorworks covers BIM modeling, FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Vectorworks and FreeCAD actually diverge.
| Attribute | Vectorworks | FreeCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $29/month | Free |
| Pricing model | subscription | open-source |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Platforms | Windows, MacOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Founded | 1985 | 2002 |
Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (3D & 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 Vectorworks
- BIM modeling
- 2D/3D design
- Documentation
- Rendering
- GIS integration
- Entertainment design
- Landscape tools
- Lumion
Only in FreeCAD
- Parametric modeling
- Part design
- Assembly
- Drafting
- FEM simulation
- Path/CAM
- Architecture
- BIM
Both cover
- Windows support
- MacOS support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Vectorworks
- Building designnot FreeCAD
- Landscape designnot FreeCAD
- Stage designnot FreeCAD
FreeCAD
- Mechanical engineering designnot Vectorworks
- Architectural modellingnot Vectorworks
- Product design and prototypingnot Vectorworks
- CAM/CNC path generationnot Vectorworks
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
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.
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
Vectorworks
$29/month- Architect$2495/month
- BIM
- Architecture tools
- Landmark$2495/month
- Landscape design
- GIS
- Design Suite$3295/month
- All modules combined
FreeCAD
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Vectorworks if
- You need bim modeling.
- You work on Windows, MacOS.
- You also want 2d/3d design.
Choose FreeCAD if
- You need parametric modeling.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
- You also want part design.
Questions people ask
- Is Vectorworks or FreeCAD better?
- Neither clearly leads. Vectorworks starts at $29/month and FreeCAD at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Vectorworks or FreeCAD?
- FreeCAD has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $29/month for Vectorworks and Free for FreeCAD.
- Does Vectorworks or FreeCAD run on more platforms?
- Vectorworks runs on Windows, MacOS. FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
- 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 Vectorworks best used for?
- Vectorworks is most often used for building design, landscape design, stage design. Of those, building design and landscape design are not what FreeCAD is typically brought in for.
- What can Vectorworks do that FreeCAD cannot?
- Vectorworks covers BIM modeling, 2D/3D design, Documentation, Rendering. FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. Both handle Windows support, MacOS support.