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Guide // CAD software comparison

The best free CAD software in 2026

You don't always need a paid licence to do real CAD work. This guide ranks the strongest free options — FreeCAD, Fusion 360's personal tier, Onshape Free, LibreCAD and SketchUp — by what you can actually model, machine and export for free, written by instructors who train designers on these tools.

Explore our CAD coursesSee the AutoCAD alternatives guide

Ranked by capability

The free options, worst to first

These are ranked by how much real CAD work you can do for free — parametric 3D, file exchange and CAM matter more than polish.

#1 FreeCAD

Free, open-source (GPL). No tiered upsell.

Open-source parametric 3D modeler built around a modular workbench system. The most capable no-cost option for users who want real parametric CAD without a licence.

Best for
Hobbyists, students and cost-conscious engineers who need parametric 3D
File compatibility
Native .FCStd; imports/exports STEP, IGES, .stl, .dxf

Strengths

  • Genuine parametric modelling with a history tree you can edit
  • Modular workbenches: Part Design, Sheet Metal, FEM, BIM, Assembly
  • Exports STEP/IGES/.stl/.dxf — real exchange formats

Limits

  • UI is dated and rough around the edges
  • Assembly modelling is functional but not fluid
  • No integrated CAM (pair with a separate toolpath tool)

#2 Fusion 360 (personal tier)

Free for qualified personal use; paid tiers for commercial use.

Autodesk's cloud-connected CAD/CAM platform with a free personal tier for qualified hobby users. The only free option with integrated CAM toolpaths.

Best for
Makers and hobbyists who want CAD + CAM in one tool
File compatibility
Native .f3d; imports STEP, IGES, .dwg

Strengths

  • Integrated 2.5-axis to 5-axis CAM in the same file as your model
  • Cloud version history and collaboration
  • Modern UI that transfers directly to commercial Fusion

Limits

  • Free tier is restricted — limited active documents, single-user only
  • Requires an internet connection for the cloud workflow
  • Not licensed for commercial work

#3 Onshape Free

Free (public documents); paid tiers for private work.

Fully cloud-native parametric CAD in the browser. The Free tier is public-only — your documents are visible to the community — but the modelling engine is professional grade.

Best for
Cloud-first users comfortable with public documents
File compatibility
Imports STEP, IGES, Parasolid; exports STEP, .stl

Strengths

  • Professional parametric engine, runs in any browser
  • Real-time multi-user editing
  • Version history and branching built in

Limits

  • Free tier forces all documents public
  • No CAM on the free tier
  • Requires a constant internet connection

#4 LibreCAD

Free, open-source (GPL).

Open-source 2D CAD application. Lightweight, fast, and a genuine free option for 2D drafting that reads and writes .dxf files.

Best for
2D drafting where you only need lines, dimensions and .dxf
File compatibility
Native .dxf; exports .dxf, PDF, SVG

Strengths

  • Free and open-source, very lightweight
  • Native .dxf read/write
  • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux

Limits

  • 2D only — no parametric 3D
  • Limited file format support beyond .dxf
  • Simple toolset compared to AutoCAD

#5 SketchUp Free (web)

Free web tier; paid Pro for desktop and imports.

Browser-based direct 3D modeller aimed at architecture and concept modelling. Fast for massing and presentation, but not engineering-grade.

Best for
Architectural concept modelling and quick 3D sketches
File compatibility
Native .skp; exports .stl, .obj, .dwg (paid)

Strengths

  • Fast, intuitive push/pull direct modelling
  • Free web tier, no install needed
  • Huge library of community components

Limits

  • Direct modelling, not parametric — no history tree
  • Not suitable for manufacturing drawings
  • Curved/surface modelling is limited

How to choose

Which free tool fits your work?

  1. 01

    If you want real parametric 3D for free

    FreeCAD. It's the only fully free option with a parametric history tree and STEP export that professionals accept. The UI is rough — the concepts are real.

  2. 02

    If you want CAD + CAM for free

    Fusion 360's personal tier. It's the only free option with integrated toolpaths, provided you qualify for personal use and don't mind the cloud.

  3. 03

    If you only need 2D drafting

    LibreCAD. Lightweight, fast, reads and writes .dxf, and won't pretend to be a 3D modeler.

  4. 04

    If you want cloud CAD and don't mind public files

    Onshape Free. A professional engine in the browser, with the trade-off that your work is public.

  5. 05

    If you do architectural concept modelling

    SketchUp's web tier gets you to a 3D massing fast — just don't expect manufacturing drawings.

Common questions

Free CAD software, answered

Is free CAD software good enough for real work?

For learning, prototyping and hobby projects — yes. FreeCAD and Fusion 360's personal tier produce STEP files professional shops accept. For commercial production, most shops eventually move to a paid licence.

Which free CAD software is best for beginners?

Fusion 360's personal tier has the most approachable UI and transfers directly to commercial Fusion. FreeCAD is more powerful long-term but its UI is a harder first experience.

Can I get free CAM?

Yes — Fusion 360's personal tier includes integrated CAM toolpaths. FreeCAD pairs with separate CAM tools. LibreCAD, Onshape Free and SketchUp do not include CAM.

Are these really free, or free trials?

All five are genuinely free tiers (not trials), with usage limits. Fusion 360 and Onshape restrict the free tier's features and document visibility; FreeCAD and LibreCAD are fully open-source with no limits.

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