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At a Glance
Market Segments
Small-Business (67.9% of reviews)
Small-Business (43.4% of reviews)
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
No pricing available
FreeCAD
Star Rating
(58)4.1 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (67.9% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Not enough data
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about FreeCADSOLIDWORKS
Star Rating
(621)4.5 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (43.4% of reviews)
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about SOLIDWORKSSummary
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
- Users report that SOLIDWORKS excels in "3D/solid modeling tools" with a score of 9.7, making it a preferred choice for professionals who require advanced modeling capabilities. In contrast, FreeCAD's score of 7.8 in the same category indicates it may not meet the needs of users looking for high-end modeling features.
- Reviewers mention that SOLIDWORKS offers superior "Drawing Tools" with a score of 9.7, which is crucial for creating detailed technical drawings. FreeCAD, with a score of 7.3, may fall short for users who prioritize high-quality drawing capabilities.
- G2 users highlight that SOLIDWORKS provides a more seamless "File Export" experience, scoring 8.7 compared to FreeCAD's 8.4. This difference can significantly impact workflows that involve sharing designs with clients or collaborators.
- Users on G2 report that SOLIDWORKS has a more robust "Quality of Support" with a score of 8.1, which is essential for users who may need assistance during their design processes. FreeCAD's score of 8.0 suggests it may not offer the same level of support, potentially leading to longer resolution times for issues.
- Reviewers say that SOLIDWORKS shines in "Integration" capabilities, particularly with CAD & PLM systems, scoring 9.5. This is a significant advantage for businesses looking to streamline their design and production processes, whereas FreeCAD's integration options may not be as comprehensive.
- Users report that SOLIDWORKS has a more user-friendly "Ease of Use" rating of 8.6, making it more accessible for new users. FreeCAD's score of 7.8 indicates that it may have a steeper learning curve, which could deter some potential users.
Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
FreeCAD
No pricing availableSOLIDWORKS
No pricing availableFree Trial
FreeCAD
No trial information availableSOLIDWORKS
No trial information availableRatings
Meets Requirements
8.4
42
8.8
517
Ease of Use
7.8
43
8.6
521
Ease of Setup
Not enough data
8.2
93
Ease of Admin
Not enough data
7.9
46
Quality of Support
8.0
35
8.1
457
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Not enough data
8.3
46
Product Direction (% positive)
8.1
42
8.6
512
Features by Category
CAD to CAM
Not enough data
9.1
41
Not enough data
8.8
41
Not enough data
8.9
41
CNC Programming
Not enough data
8.6
37
Not enough data
8.6
37
Not enough data
8.4
36
Machining
Not enough data
8.6
38
Not enough data
8.7
38
Not enough data
8.7
38
Design
8.4
23
9.5
100
8.1
25
9.4
100
8.0
23
9.3
96
7.5
21
8.1
96
Edit
8.3
23
8.5
94
7.2
21
8.3
87
8.0
23
9.3
95
7.5
23
8.3
82
Collaboration
8.2
20
8.6
91
7.7
22
9.0
93
8.2
21
8.4
87
Library
Not enough data
8.8
27
Not enough data
8.5
26
Not enough data
8.3
27
Not enough data
8.6
22
CAD
Not enough data
8.9
23
Not enough data
9.4
29
Not enough data
9.0
28
Integration
Not enough data
8.5
25
Not enough data
9.6
27
Not enough data
8.5
23
Data
Not enough data
9.1
25
Not enough data
8.6
24
Not enough data
8.2
24
Not enough data
8.9
24
Not enough data
8.1
22
Not enough data
8.6
23
Logistics
Not enough data
9.1
25
File Support - Additive Manufacturing
Not enough data
8.8
60
Not enough data
8.6
46
Not enough data
8.4
51
File Editing - Additive Manufacturing
Not enough data
7.6
54
Not enough data
8.6
58
Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing
Not enough data
7.6
48
Not enough data
8.8
57
Software Type - Additive Manufacturing
Not enough data
7.7
47
Not enough data
8.6
52
Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing
Not enough data
6.1
19
Not enough data
6.1
19
Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
Not enough data
File Options
8.3
19
8.8
43
8.4
19
9.1
42
8.1
18
9.0
41
7.9
18
9.3
43
6.9
14
8.3
34
7.9
18
8.2
40
Tools
7.3
19
9.4
42
7.5
19
9.0
40
7.8
19
9.2
42
Design
8.0
19
9.4
42
Design
Not enough data
7.7
11
Not enough data
7.7
11
Tools
Not enough data
9.2
12
Not enough data
8.8
12
Library
Not enough data
8.1
12
Platform
Not enough data
8.5
12
Not enough data
7.9
11
Customization
Not enough data
7.6
11
Not enough data
8.2
11
Design
Not enough data
9.2
59
Not enough data
9.0
60
Not enough data
8.8
60
Not enough data
7.6
58
Tools
Not enough data
8.0
53
Not enough data
7.9
55
Not enough data
7.4
48
Work
Not enough data
7.5
40
Not enough data
7.8
41
Not enough data
8.3
49
Not enough data
8.1
43
Not enough data
8.4
46
Environment
Not enough data
8.3
52
Not enough data
8.4
50
Not enough data
8.2
48
Not enough data
8.6
52
Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
Not enough data
9.3
25
Not enough data
8.5
24
Not enough data
9.3
25
Not enough data
9.0
24
Not enough data
7.6
24
File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
Not enough data
8.5
24
Not enough data
8.4
24
Not enough data
8.1
25
Not enough data
8.2
23
Not enough data
7.6
26
Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
Not enough data
8.3
21
Not enough data
8.3
21
Not enough data
7.5
22
Not enough data
8.2
22
Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)
Not enough data
8.3
22
Not enough data
8.3
22
Not enough data
7.8
22
Not enough data
8.8
23
Categories
Categories
Shared Categories
FreeCAD and SOLIDWORKS are categorized as Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD), CAD Viewers, and General-Purpose CAD
Unique Categories
FreeCAD has no unique categories
SOLIDWORKS is categorized as Simulation & CAE, Sketching, PCB Design, Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM), CAD Libraries, CAD Data Exchange, and Additive Manufacturing
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
FreeCAD
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
SOLIDWORKS
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
Small-Business
(50 or fewer emp.)
Mid-Market
(51-1000 emp.)
Enterprise
(> 1000 emp.)
Reviewers' Industry
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
15.1%
Design
15.1%
Information Technology and Services
7.5%
Industrial Automation
7.5%
Machinery
5.7%
Other
49.1%
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
22.8%
Design
12.1%
Automotive
6.6%
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
6.0%
Medical Devices
5.8%
Other
46.8%
Alternatives
Discussions
Does anybody have any experience with the FEA module in FreeCad?
1 Comment
JB
The FEA module is quite usable in its current state. You should be able to do the tasks you mentioned. Follow the wiki and tutorials first to get the hang of...Read more
FREECAD FOR PROFESSIONAL
1 Comment
AJ
hi.
i just want to know that can i use FreeCAD for professional uses for free or it is open for practice/student only
Read more
new user
1 Comment
G2
Looks impressive. I look forward to getting involved. Interested in Vintage 1930s cars. i'm in AustraliaRead more
What is SOLIDWORKS used for?
3 Comments
YP
SOLIDWORKS IS USED FOR MULTIPLE WORK LIKE 2D & 3D CAD MODELING, ASSEMBLY MODELING, SHWWET METAL MODELING, SURFACE MODELING, RENDERING, SIMULATION, 3D...Read more
best use o this software
2 Comments
OS
Making 2D sketches and extruding them to make 3d sketches.Read more
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