Today, our focus will be on free CAD software. The acronym stands for Computer-Aided Design which is a software used for 3D printing.
It can be relied upon to generate accurate prototypes that represent ideas saved on your computer. Once created, the models can be saved or exported as 3D printer files which could be FBX, OBJ, PLY, and STL to name a few.
From here, you can sit back and let your printer read the files and print the items as required. Choosing the right 3D printing software is important for detecting and correcting any flaws in your design before printing.
It also eases the handling of intricate projects by ensuring that each component is a perfect fit for the other parts.
Also, CAD’s mathematical modelling ensures that printing delivers accurate results based on the designer’s specifications.
Although this software has been around for years now, CAD trends in 2024 involve the leveraging of cloud technology by CAD vendors.
This aims to ease the sharing of vital info at the user level while addressing manufacturing challenges and responding to the need for upgraded efficiency.
How to Choose the Best Software for You?
When looking for the best free CAD software for beginners or professionals, it is important to understand the essential software features for successful design and printing.
These features determine the ease with which the CAD creates complex models and ensure compatibility with 3D printing technology.
In the sections below, we’ll discuss some popular CAD software and related elements for each. You’ll see how to choose the most suitable option based on user interface, functionality, and compatibility with 3D printers among others.
1. FreeCAD
FreeCAD is one of the most popular open-source CAD software in the world. It was launched over two decades ago and is an all-purpose modeller application.
Although it is designed for mechanical engineering, it is also widely used for 3D printing and engineering-related purposes.
FreeCAD operates on Windows, Linux, and MacOS and allows users to extend its functionality through Python programming language.
Strength
Over the years, FreeCAD has earned the title of best CAD for beginners and that’s not without reason. Some of its major advantages reported by users are as follows:
• Its open-source parameters offer a significant margin for customization and scriptability.
• The software brings sophisticated features generally found in professional software within the reach of any individual interested in 3D design and modelling.
• FreeCAD is outstanding in working between meshes, solids, and surfaces.
• It can import CAD formats and fix errors with ease, unlike many other CAD software.
• Comprehensive modelling tools suitable for various projects.
• As free CAD software, it is ideal for users who want to try 3D printing without having to commit to a payment plan. Also, it has a vast social media community with many YouTube tutorial videos.
Limitations
While FreeCAD is an undeniably valuable tool for all levels of users passionate about 3D printing, it has a few limitations. These include:
• Steeper learning curve for beginners.
• Interface may not be as user-friendly as others and as such requires some update.
• Switching from 2D to 3D might be a little challenging.
• Its functionality is limited and at some point, may require some extra hardware configurations.
2. Tinkercad
Tinkercad is a 3D modelling program launched in 2011. It uses a basic constructive solid geometry method in constructing models and is one of the best free CAD software for architecture, electronics, and coding.
One of its most valuable features is the ease with which newbies can create and share 3D models. Not only does it have a gentle learning curve, but it also has a lot stored up for users with little or no engineering knowledge.
Strength
A few key features include:
• Very user-friendly and ideal for beginners.
• Quick setup and easy to use for simple designs.
• It is compatible with many devices, even iOS and has app versions for Android and iPad.
• Tinkercad comes with basic models and shapes in design software, creatively facilitating the assembly of ideas.
• It is a valuable tool for modifying 3D models and enables file conversion to STL, OBJ, or SVG formats.
• With Tinkercad, you can save, share, or print your designs right away.
• Additional tools brought by Tinkercad include code blocks, circuits and programming, and a simulation lab (Sim Lab).
Limitations
Tinkercad has the following inconveniences:
• Limited features compared to more advanced software.
• Not suitable for complex 3D modelling.
• Not as compatible with iOS as with Windows devices.
3. Autodesk Fusion 360
Autodesk Fusion 360 or Fusion is a CAD designed principally for commercial purposes.
It is also the only CAD created by Autodesk that combines computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), printed circuit board (PCB), computer-aided engineering (CAE), and collaboration and data management software.
If it weren’t primarily a business tool, it would have been the best free CAD software for mechanical design.
Strength
Some of its key features include load stimulation, animation and CNC machining. A few others are:
• Robust features that combine CAD and CAM capabilities.
• It has an intuitive user-friendly interface with different tools displayed based on the component used.
• Excellent collaboration tools for teams.
• Offers real-life simulations enabling users to test how solid their design is. Its built-in tools are powerful and can be relied on for realistic rendering.
Limitations
The major cons of Fusion 360 are:
• Requires account setup, not entirely free for commercial use.
• The learning curve can be challenging for new users.
• Some users report that its vast range of uses does not make it less vulnerable to frequent crashes.
• Unlike most CAD 3D software that allows users to customize their keyboard controls, Fusion 360 does not.
• Fusion 360 requires an uninterrupted internet connection otherwise data loss may occur.
4. Blender
Blender is one of the best free CAD software for home design. It’s open-source and an asset in fixing bugs and creating new 3D printing projects.
It supports almost all aspects of 3D development processes thanks to its robust functionality and range of tools.
Blender is a good fit for both animated and static models and has a video editor that widens its field of application. It was released in 1994 and supports 36 languages.
Strength
A few benefits of Blender are as follows:
• Versatile software supporting high-quality 3D modelling and animation.
• It is free and relatively easy to learn with extensive online tutorials and community support.
• Intuitive features including dynamic paint, camera tracking, sculpting, and particle effects.
• Its powerful rendering engine allows the creation of exceptionally realistic 3D scenes, images, and animations.
• Blender works with several languages including Python, JavaScript, and C#.
Limitations
Its cons are as follows:
• More suited for artistic creations than engineering CAD models. ‘
• Interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Not ideal for incorporating designs from similar CAD programs.
• It is not quite suited for simulating real-life applications like internal stress.
• The CAD stretcher only measures angles and lengths in 2D.
5. Onshape
Onshape is a large-scale modern cloud application that allows designers, clients and or internal teams to collaborate concurrently from conception to realization.
The software’s built-in tools streamline communication facilitating faster response and feedback. It is delivered as a SaaS and is ideal for product and machinery design.
Strength
The advantages of Onshape include:
• Cloud-based, allowing for easy collaboration.
• Includes version control and comprehensive tools for 3D design.
• Compatible with diverse devices and has apps for iOS and Android mobiles.
• Onshape offers robust customization and automation tools one of which is FeatureScript used to create all standard features of Onshape.
• It is relatively affordable with out-of-the-box pricing solutions to suit specific teams.
Limitations
Some of its drawbacks are:
• Limited functionality in the free version.
• Requires internet access to use since it is fully cloud-based.
• The matting system limits the user’s ability to edit mates individually.
• No option for customizing keyboard shortcuts.
6. OpenSCAD
OpenSCAD is another software for 3D model creation. It is available for Linux/Unix, Mac OS X, and Windows and unlike most free CAD software, it focuses more on CAD features than the artistic aspects of 3D modelling.
This makes OpenSCAD one of the best free CAD software in 2024 for anyone aiming to produce 3D machinery models. It is not an interactive modeller but instead reads script files and generates 3D models from them.
Strength
Here are some of the benefits of OpenSCAD:
• Script-based CAD modelling, great for precise control over designs.
• Ideal for users with programming knowledge.
• It’s open-source and downloadable offering free use whenever.
• OpenSCAD’s programming language allows creative ways for codes to be fed into the pipeline.
Limitations
Its drawbacks include:
• Not intuitive for users unfamiliar with programming.
• Limited visual editing features compared to GUI-based software.
• Its complex shapes can be challenging for beginners.
• Limited file format compatibility particularly with STEP files.
Best Free CAD Software Categories
So far, we’ve had a look at some of the best CAD software in 2024 and now, let’s go for a different approach by ranking the software by category.
Best Free CAD Software for Beginners
Onshape, Tinkercad, and FreeCAD are among the most convenient 3D printing software for novices. They are user-friendly and have a gentle learning curve enabling gradual but progressive mastering.
Best Free CAD Software for Woodworking
Although there are diverse opinions on the best free CAD software for woodworking, Sketup appears to be one of the most preferred. It is praised for its 3d program and vast learning community.
Sketup’s rendering package is also up to snuff allowing clear visualization of the expected outcome. The software is flexible, adaptive, and interactive, and provides room for creativity.
Best Free CAD Software for Home Design
As far as home design is concerned, you must recall that each home is different and the applicable colours, lightning effects, storage space, and layout contribute to the uniqueness of the design.
On the list of the best free CAD software for home design are Planner 5D, Floorplanner, and Sketup. These allow visualization of the 3D home design while offering tools to optimize the building process. Each also has editing tools that ease customization.
Best Free CAD Software for Mac
Some of the best free CAD software for Mac users are LibreCAD, Blender, and FreeCAD. Blender stands out with its comprehensive 3D modelling tools and regular updates with new features.
FreeCAD’s parametric modelling capabilities make it suitable for applications in engineering. Also, it supports multiple format types. LibreCAD brings a simplified interface for 2D CAD modelling.
Best Free CAD Software 2024
FreeCAD is among the best free CAD software for 3d printing. It features valuable tools like CAM which is not available in most free CAD software. Autodesk Fusion 360 is also one of the top three.
It is precise and powerful with many features including tool orientation, adaptive clearing, and data management. Next comes OpenSCAD with its ability to generate scripts using AI prompts.
Best Free CAD Software for Architecture
Some of the popular free CAD options for architectural design are Sweet Home 3D, AutoCAD, and Sketup.
Sweet Home 3D is not only free but also easy to use and allows the creation of photorealistic videos and images. Designs can be simulated under different environmental conditions.
AutoCAD is preferred for its extensive toolset and precision while Sketup has impressive 3D modelling and visualization capabilities.
Best Free CAD Software for iPad
Choosing the best free CAD software for iPad undeniably has a lot to do with mobile compatibility. One of the first software adapted for such devices is Shapr3D.
It is available for free use and has a pro version. It allows the use of the Apple Pencil and has a predictive menu that suggests tools and transformations to save time and speed up the realisation process.
A similar app is uMake which has a plethora of features including a surfacing tool for manually or automatically generating surfaces.
Onshape’s free version can also be used on iPad. Its mechanical cloud-based modelling application allows multiple users to collaborate while creating, editing, and sharing models.
Best Free CAD Software on Reddit
One thing that’s very valuable with free CAD software is the availability of a community of users who interact and help each other. Some of the best free CAD software Reddit users talk about are Onshape, Tinkercad, FreCAD, and Autodesk Fusion 360.
Best Free CAD Software for Mechanical Design
Blender is one of the top free CAD software for mechanical design. It is suitable for both newbies and professionals and can be relied upon for fast modelling leading to printable 3D models.
Although limited to 2D projects, LibreCAD is a good deal for creating manufacturing drawings. It handles complex 2D designs and is available in Linux, Windows, and Mac.
Best Free CAD Software for 3D Printing
Blender is considered the best CAD software for 3D printing due to its versatility and huge toolset. It has an incredible speed and powerful rendering allowing realistic visualization of scenes, images, and videos.
FreeCAD remains one of the most common entry points for new designers. It features a variety of workbenches and supports several file formats including STL, STEP, and OBJ.
Conclusion
Nowadays, many CAD software exist which is why it’s important to understand the specific needs of your project when choosing from the available options.
A few elements beginners should consider are the price, ease of use, learning curve, and user-friendliness.
Users diving into complex projects should consider the software’s ability to handle huge data and facilitate collaboration between several users.
It’s also necessary to go for software with features that are specifically adapted to the nature of your project: mechanical engineering, home design, architecture, etc.
One of the best ways to do this is by basing your trials on user reviews and being flexible to the contrasts that distinguish one CAD software from another.
What is the Easiest Free CAD Software To Learn?
FreeCAD, Blender, and Tinkercad are among the free CAD software with the friendliest user interface and features. Tinkercad is ideal for all levels of users and generates instantly printable designs.
What is the Best CAD Software For Free?
Sketup is one of the top free CAD software for woodworking while LibreCAD seems to be a better option for mechanical design. In other words, the best software varies on the nature of the project involved.
Is FreeCAD Completely Free?
FreeCAD uses a Lesser General Public License (LGPL). This implies that anyone can download and use FreeCAD without restriction, free of charge. FreeCAD is one-source and as such all derivatives which are not of the same nature are prohibited.
Is FreeCAD Good for Beginners?
FreeCAD is a descent open-source free CAD software with lots of tutorials on the internet and a vast user community, making it suitable for first-time users. It helps with the creation of designs from scratch and allows realistic simulations. However, transitioning from 2D to 3D may be a little challenging with FreeCAD.