forkalt.

LGPL-2.1freeRuns locallyImage & Design

FreeCAD: Open-Source SolidWorks Alternative

LGPL-2.1 parametric 3D CAD/BIM/CAM modeler. Latest GitHub release 1.1.4.

FreeCAD editing a bearing model with the tree, 3D view, and Draft preferences dialog
Official project image. Source · License: LGPL-2.1.
License
LGPL-2.1
Stars
34,543 (2026-10-20)
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux
First seen
2012-09-09

TL;DR. FreeCAD is LGPL-2.1 parametric 3D CAD/BIM/CAM modeler. Latest GitHub release 1.1.4. License: LGPL-2.1 (verified). Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux. Price: free. Runs locally: yes. It is an alternative to SOLIDWORKS.

NameFreeCAD
LanguageC++
LicenseLGPL-2.1
Pricingfree
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux
Runs locallyYes
Stats34,543 stars · 6,237 forks (as of 2026-10-20)
First seen2012-09-09
Repositoryhttps://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a free parametric 3D CAD application. Official hosts we opened on 2026-10-20: FreeCAD/FreeCAD (34,543 stars, 6,237 forks, created 2012-09-09, last push 2026-10-19T23:53:57Z), LICENSE (LGPL-2.1), release 1.1.4 (2026-09-28), freecad.org, and the feature list.

The GitHub description: “a free and opensource multiplatform 3D parametric modeler.” The wiki feature list (opened 2026-10-20) names an Open CASCADE B-rep kernel, a constraint Sketcher, workbenches (including BIM/IFC and CAM), and import/export of STEP, IGES, OBJ, STL, DXF, SVG and others. Those are copied labels.

Listed on SolidWorks alternatives next to SolidCraft. 2D DWG drafting is a different hub: AutoCAD alternatives (LibreCAD, CADCraft).

FAQ

Is FreeCAD free?

Yes. LICENSE is GNU LGPL v2.1 (opened 2026-10-20). Not legal advice.

What is the current release?

GitHub Releases latest is 1.1.4 (published 2026-09-28T13:58:35Z) with Windows installer, macOS DMGs, and Linux AppImages. The feature-list wiki also names 1.1 (March 2026) and a 26.3 development line. We have not run 1.1.4.

Does it replace SolidWorks?

We have no sourced bake-off. FreeCAD is a long-standing parametric modeler (Open CASCADE kernel, workbenches, STEP/IGES). SolidCraft is a new Rust B-rep app. Pick maturity vs a new codebase. See SolidWorks alternatives.

Sources & verification

Last verified 2026-10-20 · Last updated 2026-10-20· Edited by forkalt editors · Editorial policy

License notes are not legal advice. Read the original LICENSE. Trademark & disclaimer.