# FreeCAD vs SOLIDWORKS Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that SOLIDWORKS excels in overall user satisfaction, boasting a significantly higher G2 Score compared to FreeCAD. Users appreciate its **intuitive interface** that simplifies complex 3D modeling and assembly tasks, making it a preferred choice for professionals.
- **According to verified reviews** , SOLIDWORKS users highlight the software's extensive features, including powerful tools for **parametric modeling** and simulations. This versatility allows users to create intricate designs and easily modify dimensions, enhancing productivity.
- **Users say** that FreeCAD is a great option for beginners due to its **free access** and user-friendly interface. Many find it effective for basic CAD tasks, such as **3D modeling** and engineering drawings, making it a solid starting point for those new to CAD software.
- **Reviewers mention** that while FreeCAD is a capable tool, it lacks the advanced features and support that SOLIDWORKS offers. Users have noted that FreeCAD can be limiting for more complex projects, particularly in areas like **file conversion** and detailed simulations.
- **G2 reviewers highlight** the quality of support provided by SOLIDWORKS, with many users praising the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team. In contrast, FreeCAD users have expressed concerns about the availability of support resources, which can be a challenge for those needing assistance.
- **According to recent user feedback** , SOLIDWORKS shines in its ability to handle **file conversions** seamlessly, allowing users to work with various CAD formats efficiently. This feature is particularly beneficial for professionals who often collaborate with teams using different software.



| | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.1 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 61 | 644 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (67.9% of reviews) | Small-Business (44.2% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### FreeCAD

**Not enough data**

### SOLIDWORKS

Pros:
- Ease of Use (37 reviews)
- Features (29 reviews)

Cons:
- Performance Issues (17 reviews)
- Slow Performance (15 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 8.3 (45 reviews) | 8.8 (535 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 7.6 (46 reviews) | 8.6 (540 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 7.9 (7 reviews) | 8.3 (112 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | Not enough data | 8.0 (47 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 7.7 (37 reviews) | 8.2 (475 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | Not enough data | 8.3 (47 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 8.2 (45 reviews) | 8.6 (529 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### FreeCAD

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### SOLIDWORKS

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FreeCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.7/10 | 53 |

#### CAD to CAM

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **CAD-CAM Import** | Not enough data | 9.0 (42 reviews) | 
| **CAM Data Exchange** | Not enough data | 8.8 (42 reviews) | 
| **CAD/CAM Compatibility** | Not enough data | 8.9 (43 reviews) | 

#### CNC Programming

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **CNC Workflows** | Not enough data | 8.7 (39 reviews) | 
| **CNC Feature Recognition** | Not enough data | 8.6 (38 reviews) | 
| **Programming Control** | Not enough data | 8.4 (37 reviews) | 

#### Machining

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Job Set-up** | Not enough data | 8.6 (39 reviews) | 
| **Operations** | Not enough data | 8.7 (39 reviews) | 
| **Tooling and Toolpaths** | Not enough data | 8.8 (39 reviews) | 

### General-Purpose CAD

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FreeCAD** | 7.9/10 | 29 |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 112 |

#### Design

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 8.4 (23 reviews) | 9.5 (107 reviews) | 
| **Modeling** | 8.2 (28 reviews) | 9.4 (107 reviews) | 
| **Visualize ** | 8.0 (23 reviews) | 9.2 (103 reviews) | 
| **Rendering** | 7.5 (21 reviews) | 8.1 (100 reviews) | 

#### Edit

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **File Import ** | 8.4 (24 reviews) | 8.5 (98 reviews) | 
| **Push/Pull** | 7.2 (21 reviews) | 8.4 (90 reviews) | 
| **Views** | 8.0 (23 reviews) | 9.3 (101 reviews) | 
| **Grips ** | 7.5 (23 reviews) | 8.3 (85 reviews) | 

#### Collaboration

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Annotate** | 8.2 (20 reviews) | 8.6 (94 reviews) | 
| **Documentation ** | 7.7 (22 reviews) | 9.0 (96 reviews) | 
| **Data Extract** | 8.2 (21 reviews) | 8.4 (90 reviews) | 

### CAD Libraries

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FreeCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.9/10 | 35 |

#### Library

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Categorize** | Not enough data | 8.9 (29 reviews) | 
| **Search** | Not enough data | 8.6 (28 reviews) | 
| **Deduplication** | Not enough data | 8.4 (28 reviews) | 
| **Feedback** | Not enough data | 8.6 (23 reviews) | 

#### CAD

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Types** | Not enough data | 8.8 (24 reviews) | 
| **Models** | Not enough data | 9.4 (30 reviews) | 
| **Compatibility** | Not enough data | 9.1 (29 reviews) | 

#### Integration

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Catalogs** | Not enough data | 8.5 (26 reviews) | 
| **CAD & PLM** | Not enough data | 9.6 (29 reviews) | 
| **ERP** | Not enough data | 8.6 (25 reviews) | 

### CAD Data Exchange

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FreeCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.8/10 | 34 |

#### Data

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D Format** | Not enough data | 9.3 (29 reviews) | 
| **Data Quality** | Not enough data | 8.8 (27 reviews) | 
| **Extra Information** | Not enough data | 8.3 (26 reviews) | 
| **Standard Format** | Not enough data | 9.0 (27 reviews) | 
| **Translate** | Not enough data | 8.3 (24 reviews) | 
| **Validation** | Not enough data | 8.7 (25 reviews) | 

#### Logistics

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | 9.1 (25 reviews) | 

### Additive Manufacturing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FreeCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 7.9/10 | 66 |

#### File Support - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **STL Compatible** | Not enough data | 8.7 (61 reviews) | 
| **3MF Compatible** | Not enough data | 8.5 (47 reviews) | 
| **OBJ Compatible** | Not enough data | 8.4 (52 reviews) | 

#### File Editing - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mesh Repair** | Not enough data | 7.5 (55 reviews) | 
| **File Editing** | Not enough data | 8.6 (60 reviews) | 

#### Software Integrations - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Standalone Slicer** | Not enough data | 7.6 (49 reviews) | 
| **Inetgrated 3D Modeling** | Not enough data | 8.8 (58 reviews) | 

#### Software Type - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Cloud-based Platform** | Not enough data | 7.7 (48 reviews) | 
| **Downloadable Application** | Not enough data | 8.6 (53 reviews) | 

#### Generative AI - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text-to-Image** | Not enough data | 6.0 (20 reviews) | 
| **AI Text-to-3D** | Not enough data | 6.1 (20 reviews) | 

#### Building Preparation - Additive Manufacturing

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Material Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Building Simulation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Slicing Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### CAD Viewers

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FreeCAD** | 7.8/10 | 19 |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 9.0/10 | 49 |

#### File Options

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Import files** | 8.3 (19 reviews) | 8.9 (44 reviews) | 
| **Export files** | 8.4 (19 reviews) | 9.1 (43 reviews) | 
| **View 2D files** | 8.1 (18 reviews) | 9.1 (43 reviews) | 
| **View 3D files** | 7.9 (18 reviews) | 9.3 (44 reviews) | 
| **Batch convert files** | 6.9 (14 reviews) | 8.3 (35 reviews) | 
| **File size** | 7.9 (18 reviews) | 8.3 (41 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Dimensioning tools** | 7.3 (19 reviews) | 9.5 (43 reviews) | 
| **Change units** | 7.5 (19 reviews) | 9.1 (41 reviews) | 
| **3D/solid modeling tools** | 7.8 (19 reviews) | 9.2 (43 reviews) | 

#### Design

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Drawing** | 8.0 (19 reviews) | 9.4 (43 reviews) | 

### PCB Design

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FreeCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 15 |

#### Design

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **PCB layout editing** | Not enough data | 7.9 (12 reviews) | 
| **Schematic editor** | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D modeling tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (13 reviews) | 
| **Component placement** | Not enough data | 8.7 (13 reviews) | 

#### Library

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Component libraries** | Not enough data | 8.2 (13 reviews) | 

#### Platform

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Board size** | Not enough data | 8.6 (13 reviews) | 
| **Layers** | Not enough data | 8.1 (12 reviews) | 

#### Customization

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom commands** | Not enough data | 7.8 (12 reviews) | 
| **Custom interface** | Not enough data | 8.3 (12 reviews) | 

### Simulation & CAE

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FreeCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.2/10 | 64 |

#### Design

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (62 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | 9.0 (62 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 8.8 (62 reviews) | 
| **Rendering tools** | Not enough data | 7.7 (60 reviews) | 

#### Tools

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Fluid analysis** | Not enough data | 8.0 (54 reviews) | 
| **Finite element analysis** | Not enough data | 7.9 (56 reviews) | 
| **Multibody dynamics** | Not enough data | 7.4 (49 reviews) | 

#### Work

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Discrete event modeling** | Not enough data | 7.6 (41 reviews) | 
| **Continuous event modeling** | Not enough data | 7.8 (42 reviews) | 
| **Mechanical event simulation** | Not enough data | 8.3 (51 reviews) | 
| **Manufacturing process simulation** | Not enough data | 8.1 (44 reviews) | 
| **Integrate** | Not enough data | 8.4 (47 reviews) | 

#### Environment

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | 8.3 (53 reviews) | 
| **Task** | Not enough data | 8.4 (51 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | 8.2 (49 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | 8.6 (53 reviews) | 

### Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **FreeCAD** | N/A | N/A |
| **SOLIDWORKS** | 8.4/10 | 45 |

#### Tools - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **3D/solid modeling Tools** | Not enough data | 9.4 (36 reviews) | 
| **Rendering Tools** | Not enough data | 8.7 (28 reviews) | 
| **Drawing Tools** | Not enough data | 9.2 (30 reviews) | 
| **Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 9.1 (26 reviews) | 
| **Text Editing Tools** | Not enough data | 7.7 (25 reviews) | 

#### File Options - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Export Files** | Not enough data | 8.6 (31 reviews) | 
| **Import Files** | Not enough data | 8.6 (27 reviews) | 
| **File Interoperability** | Not enough data | 8.3 (29 reviews) | 
| **Backwards compatibility** | Not enough data | 8.0 (26 reviews) | 
| **File size** | Not enough data | 7.3 (32 reviews) | 

#### Customization - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Custom Commands** | Not enough data | 8.4 (23 reviews) | 
| **Custom Scripts** | Not enough data | 8.4 (24 reviews) | 
| **Custom Menus** | Not enough data | 7.6 (24 reviews) | 
| **Custom Interface** | Not enough data | 8.2 (24 reviews) | 

#### Environment - Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)

| Feature | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Hardware support** | Not enough data | 8.0 (27 reviews) | 
| **Task-based interfaces** | Not enough data | 8.4 (23 reviews) | 
| **Manage Multiple Profiles** | Not enough data | 7.9 (23 reviews) | 
| **Command Clarity** | Not enough data | 9.0 (27 reviews) | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (3):** [Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/mechanical-computer-aided-design-mcad), [CAD Viewers](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-viewers), [General-Purpose CAD Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/general-purpose-cad)


**Unique to SOLIDWORKS (7):** [Simulation & CAE Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/simulation-cae), [Sketching Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sketching), [PCB Design Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/pcb-design), [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam), [CAD Libraries](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-libraries), [CAD Data Exchange Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-data-exchange), [Additive Manufacturing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/additive-manufacturing)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | FreeCAD | SOLIDWORKS | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 67.9% | 44.2% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 16.1% | 33.9% | 
| **Enterprise** | 16.1% | 21.9% | 

### By Industry

#### FreeCAD

- **Design:** 16.1%
- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 14.3%
- **Industrial Automation:** 8.9%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 7.1%
- **Automotive:** 5.4%
- **Machinery:** 5.4%
- **Higher Education:** 5.4%
- **Architecture & Planning:** 3.6%
- **Civil Engineering:** 3.6%
- **Computer Software:** 3.6%
- **Other:** 26.8%

#### SOLIDWORKS

- **Mechanical or Industrial Engineering:** 23.2%
- **Design:** 11.7%
- **Automotive:** 6.6%
- **Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing:** 5.9%
- **Medical Devices:** 5.8%
- **Machinery:** 5.6%
- **Higher Education:** 4.6%
- **Aviation & Aerospace:** 4.5%
- **Oil & Energy:** 3.0%
- **Consumer Goods:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 26.8%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to FreeCAD

- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [DraftSight](https://www.g2.com/products/draftsight/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (209 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews)
- [Rhinoceros](https://www.g2.com/products/rhinoceros/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (192 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1936 reviews)
- [QCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/qcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (13 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1326 reviews)

### Alternatives to SOLIDWORKS

- [Autodesk Fusion](https://www.g2.com/products/autodesk-fusion/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (519 reviews)
- [Onshape](https://www.g2.com/products/onshape/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (695 reviews)
- [Designcenter Solid Edge](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter-solid-edge/reviews) — 4.3/5 stars (606 reviews)
- [Inventor](https://www.g2.com/products/inventor/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (440 reviews)
- [Creo](https://www.g2.com/products/creo-2025-08-26/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (200 reviews)
- [AutoCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/autocad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (1936 reviews)
- [SketchUp](https://www.g2.com/products/sketchup/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1326 reviews)
- [Designcenter](https://www.g2.com/products/designcenter/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (600 reviews)
- [IronCAD](https://www.g2.com/products/ironcad/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (43 reviews)
- [CATIA](https://www.g2.com/products/catia/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (256 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### FreeCAD

- Title: [Is FreeCAD easy to learn?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-freecad-easy-to-learn) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "its easy, if you are familiar with other CAD software"
- Title: [Is FreeCAD reliable?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-freecad-reliable) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "No, it has all kinds of silly errors that sometimes pop up when you change something that is unrelated to the error.
FreeCAD-pros admit this in their..."
- Title: [new user](https://www.g2.com/discussions/29807-new-user) — 1 comment, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Looks impressive. I look forward to getting involved. Interested in Vintage 1930s cars. i'm in Australia"
- Title: [FREECAD FOR PROFESSIONAL](https://www.g2.com/discussions/29803-freecad-for-professional) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "hi.
i just want to know that can i use FreeCAD for professional uses for free or it is open for practice/student only
"
- Title: [CAD Services That Will Bring You to the Future – Cadsourcing](https://www.g2.com/discussions/28081-cad-services-that-will-bring-you-to-the-future-cadsourcing) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "You can check here for more details!
https://cadsourcing.com/cad-services-that-will-bring-you-to-the-future/"

### SOLIDWORKS

- Title: [What is SOLIDWORKS used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-solidworks-used-for) — 3 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "A person can use SolidWorks for many things, Part modeling, Assembly Testing, rendering, Creating working animation of any machine or product. Start..."
- Title: [How to stop or cancel a ongoing command.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-to-stop-or-cancel-a-ongoing-command) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "By pressing escape key."
- Title: [best use o this software](https://www.g2.com/discussions/35425-best-use-o-this-software) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Making 2D sketches and extruding them to make 3d sketches."
- Title: [Where is the Features toolbar in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/where-is-the-features-toolbar-in-solidworks) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Right-click in the window border, click Toolbars, and select or clear a toolbar name.
Click Tools > Customize. On the Toolbars tab, select the toolbars to..."
- Title: [What are features in Solidworks?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-features-in-solidworks) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Solidworks have so many feature like sketch tool, Part modeling, Assembly modeling, Drawing Tool, Sheet metal, weldments, Surface modeling, Rendering Tool,..."

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/freecad-vs-solidworks)