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Compare FreeCAD and SOLIDWORKS

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At a Glance
FreeCAD
FreeCAD
Star Rating
(58)4.1 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (67.9% of reviews)
Information
Pros & Cons
Not enough data
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about FreeCAD
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS
Star Rating
(623)4.5 out of 5
Market Segments
Small-Business (43.5% of reviews)
Information
Pros & Cons
Entry-Level Pricing
No pricing available
Learn more about SOLIDWORKS
AI Generated Summary
AI-generated. Powered by real user reviews.
  • 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.
Pricing
Entry-Level Pricing
FreeCAD
No pricing available
SOLIDWORKS
No pricing available
Free Trial
FreeCAD
No trial information available
SOLIDWORKS
No trial information available
Ratings
Meets Requirements
8.4
42
8.8
518
Ease of Use
7.8
43
8.6
522
Ease of Setup
Not enough data
8.1
94
Ease of Admin
Not enough data
7.9
46
Quality of Support
8.0
35
8.1
458
Has the product been a good partner in doing business?
Not enough data
8.3
46
Product Direction (% positive)
8.1
42
8.6
513
Features by Category
Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)Hide 9 FeaturesShow 9 Features
Not enough data
8.7
51
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
7.9
26
8.8
104
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
Not enough data
8.8
32
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
Not enough data
8.7
30
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
Additive ManufacturingHide 14 FeaturesShow 14 Features
Not enough data
7.9
65
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
59
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
Not enough data
8.0
14
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
Not enough data
8.2
61
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
Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD)Hide 18 FeaturesShow 18 Features
Not enough data
8.3
30
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
25
Not enough data
8.5
25
Not enough data
8.1
26
Not enough data
8.2
23
Not enough data
7.5
27
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
FreeCAD
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS
FreeCAD and SOLIDWORKS are categorized as Mechanical Computer-aided Design (MCAD), CAD Viewers, and General-Purpose CAD
Unique Categories
FreeCAD
FreeCAD has no unique categories
Reviews
Reviewers' Company Size
FreeCAD
FreeCAD
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
67.9%
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
15.1%
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
17.0%
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
43.5%
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
34.4%
Enterprise(> 1000 emp.)
22.1%
Reviewers' Industry
FreeCAD
FreeCAD
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%
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS
Mechanical or Industrial Engineering
22.9%
Design
12.0%
Automotive
6.6%
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing
5.9%
Medical Devices
5.8%
Other
46.7%
Alternatives
FreeCAD
FreeCAD Alternatives
Onshape
Onshape
Add Onshape
Autodesk Fusion
Autodesk Fusion
Add Autodesk Fusion
Designcenter Solid Edge
Designcenter Solid Edge
Add Designcenter Solid Edge
Inventor
Inventor
Add Inventor
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS Alternatives
Autodesk Fusion
Autodesk Fusion
Add Autodesk Fusion
Onshape
Onshape
Add Onshape
Designcenter Solid Edge
Designcenter Solid Edge
Add Designcenter Solid Edge
Inventor
Inventor
Add Inventor
Discussions
FreeCAD
FreeCAD Discussions
CAD Services That Will Bring You to the Future – Cadsourcing
1 Comment
Wesley H.
WH
You can check here for more details! https://cadsourcing.com/cad-services-that-will-bring-you-to-the-future/Read more
Does anybody have any experience with the FEA module in FreeCad?
1 Comment
Jose B.
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
Abhishek j.
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
SOLIDWORKS
SOLIDWORKS Discussions
What is SOLIDWORKS used for?
3 Comments
Yagnik P.
YP
SOLIDWORKS IS USED FOR MULTIPLE WORK LIKE 2D & 3D CAD MODELING, ASSEMBLY MODELING, SHWWET METAL MODELING, SURFACE MODELING, RENDERING, SIMULATION, 3D...Read more
How to stop or cancel a ongoing command.
2 Comments
Gaurav P.
GP
By pressing escape key.Read more
best use o this software
2 Comments
Onkar S.
OS
Making 2D sketches and extruding them to make 3d sketches.Read more