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.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

FreeCAD

FreeCAD

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.

Categories:
3d-modeling cad parametric-design open-source

FreeCAD Features

  1. Parametric 3D modeling
  2. Assembly modeling
  3. Part modeling
  4. Drafting
  5. Finite element analysis
  6. Sketcher
  7. Robot simulation
  8. Architecture design
  9. Mesh modeling

Pricing

  • Open Source

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

Allplan Engineering

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.

Categories:
bim cad civil-engineering structural-engineering steel concrete timber bridge-design infrastructure

Allplan Engineering Features

  1. 3D modeling
  2. Structural analysis
  3. Quantity takeoff
  4. Documentation tools
  5. Specialized for steel, concrete, timber, bridge, and infrastructure projects

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based

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