Onshape vs FreeCAD

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

Onshape is a Development solution with tags like 3d-modeling, cad, cloudbased, collaboration, design, drawing.

It boasts features such as Cloud-based - runs entirely in the browser, Real-time collaboration - multiple users can edit models simultaneously, Version control - track changes and revert to previous versions, Import/export various CAD file formats, Create assemblies from multiple parts, Generate 2D drawings from 3D models, Integrated data management, Mobile apps available and pros including Easy to use and intuitive interface, No installation required since it runs in the browser, Secure cloud storage for designs, Great collaboration features, Affordable pricing, Regular updates and new features.

On the other hand, FreeCAD is a Development product tagged with 3d-modeling, cad, parametric-design, open-source.

Its standout features include Parametric 3D modeling, Assembly modeling, Part modeling, Drafting, Finite element analysis, Sketcher, Robot simulation, Architecture design, Mesh modeling, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, Highly customizable, Large community support, Multi-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux), Wide range of plugins and addons.

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.

Onshape

Onshape

Onshape is a computer-aided design (CAD) software system that runs completely in the cloud. It allows users to create 3D models and 2D drawings and collaborate with others in real-time. The basic version is free for personal and hobbyist use.

Categories:
3d-modeling cad cloudbased collaboration design drawing

Onshape Features

  1. Cloud-based - runs entirely in the browser
  2. Real-time collaboration - multiple users can edit models simultaneously
  3. Version control - track changes and revert to previous versions
  4. Import/export various CAD file formats
  5. Create assemblies from multiple parts
  6. Generate 2D drawings from 3D models
  7. Integrated data management
  8. Mobile apps available

Pricing

  • Free
  • Professional
  • Enterprise

Pros

Easy to use and intuitive interface

No installation required since it runs in the browser

Secure cloud storage for designs

Great collaboration features

Affordable pricing

Regular updates and new features

Cons

Requires constant internet connection

Limited offline functionality

Not as full-featured as desktop CAD software

File export options are limited in free version


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