FreeCAD vs Allplan Engineering

Struggling to choose between FreeCAD and Allplan Engineering? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

FreeCAD is a Development solution with tags like 3d-modeling, cad, parametric-design, open-source.

It boasts features such as Parametric 3D modeling, Assembly modeling, Part modeling, Drafting, Finite element analysis, Sketcher, Robot simulation, Architecture design, Mesh modeling and pros including Free and open source, Highly customizable, Large community support, Multi-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), Wide range of plugins and addons.

On the other hand, Allplan Engineering is a Development product tagged with bim, cad, civil-engineering, structural-engineering, steel, concrete, timber, bridge-design, infrastructure.

Its standout features include 3D modeling, Structural analysis, Quantity takeoff, Documentation tools, Specialized for steel, concrete, timber, bridge, and infrastructure projects, and it shines with pros like Powerful BIM and CAD capabilities, Integrated tools for modeling, analysis, takeoff, and documentation, Specialized for structural and civil engineering workflows, Can handle complex infrastructure projects.

Feature	FreeCAD	Allplan Engineering
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Development	Development

Product Overview

FreeCAD

Description: FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily for mechanical engineering product design. It allows you to sketch geometry constrained 2D shapes and use them to build solid 3D objects. Key features include part modeling, assembly modeling, drafting, finite element analysis, and more.

Allplan Engineering

Description: Allplan Engineering is a BIM and CAD software solution for structural and civil engineers. It offers modeling, structural analysis, quantity takeoff, and documentation tools for steel, concrete, timber, bridge, and infrastructure projects.

Key Features Comparison

FreeCAD Features

• Parametric 3D modeling
• Assembly modeling
• Part modeling
• Drafting
• Finite element analysis
• Sketcher
• Robot simulation
• Architecture design
• Mesh modeling

Allplan Engineering Features

• 3D modeling
• Structural analysis
• Quantity takeoff
• Documentation tools
• Specialized for steel, concrete, timber, bridge, and infrastructure projects

Pros & Cons Analysis

FreeCAD

Pros

• Free and open source
• Highly customizable
• Large community support
• Multi-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Wide range of plugins and addons

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Limited tutorials and documentation
• Not as intuitive as some commercial options
• Rendering and textures not a focus

Allplan Engineering

Pros

• Powerful BIM and CAD capabilities
• Integrated tools for modeling, analysis, takeoff, and documentation
• Specialized for structural and civil engineering workflows
• Can handle complex infrastructure projects

Cons

• Steep learning curve
• Expensive compared to more basic CAD software
• Most useful for larger firms doing major building/infrastructure projects

Pricing Comparison

FreeCAD

• Open Source

Allplan Engineering

• Subscription-Based