SolidWorks is very powerful CAD software with many tools for 3D modeling, simulation, assembly, and manufacturing solutions. As this is a paid program, designers are searching for free alternatives to SolidWorks that have a similar toolkit.
I’ve compiled a list of programs that offer the same or even more advanced functions. With the software described here, you can project 2D and 3D models easily.
Our review covers programs that are suitable not only for professional users but also for beginners. All programs are open-source, cross-platform, and easy to install.
FreeCAD is excellent open source CAD software, which is considered by many users as a great free SolidWorks alternative. The program is specifically developed for engineering and product design but can also be used in architecture or other similar industries.
Main Features of FreeCAD:
FreeCAD has functional-parametric modeling tools with modular software architecture. This makes it easier to provide additional features without changing the underlying system. This 3D modeling software incorporates numerous tools for creating 2D templates or extracting project details from a 3D model to create 2D drawings.
FreeCAD actively uses all open-source libraries, including Coin3D, Open Inventor, Qt, UI-framework, and more. Besides, it can be used as a library for other programs.
This software is multiplatform and currently compatible with various operation systems. Besides, the program has identical interface and functionality on all platforms.
LibreCAD is open-source free CAD software that can function on devices with various OS. It is based on Qt, which is a cross-platform framework for developing apps and UI.
Main Features of LibreCAD:
Starting from the latest Nightly build, LibreCAD can read DWF and other files. It records DXF files, but the program can also export other popular formats including PNG, PDF, JPF, and others. As LibreCAD mainly aimed at creating 2D animation, it boasts quick functioning and has a lightweight installer. You can also take advantage of the extensive library of templates with more than five thousand standard parts.
As one of the best alternatives to SolidWorks, this program has layers, blocks, splines, polylines, ellipse, circle and transformation tools, advanced binding systems, and more. LibreCAD is available in more than thirty languages and compatible with various platforms. The code is open under the GPLv2 license.
OpenSCAD is a free SolidWorks alternative for producing solid 3D CAD objects. The program is compatible with various platforms. OpenSCAD focuses not on the artistic components of 3D modeling, but on CAD aspects.
Main Features of OpenSCAD:
OpenSCAD is a 3D compiler that reads a script file describing an object and displays a 3D model from that script file. Thus, you get complete control over the simulation process and can easily modify any step or create projects that are defined by customizable parameters.
OpenSCAD has two main modeling methods: the first one is constructive solid geometry (also known as CSG), and the second method is extrusion of 2D paths. Autocad DXF files are used as the data exchange format for these 2D paths.
In addition to 2D extrusion trajectories, you can also read project parameters from DXF files. In addition to DXF files, OpenSCAD can read and create 3D models in STL and OFF file formats.
SolveSpace is a program with open source code for 2D and 3D Computer-Aided Design. This SolidWorks alternative creates constraint-based parametric simulation with simple mechanical modeling capabilities.
Main Features of SolveSpace:
SolveSpace doesn’t require unpacking and installation. Besides, the program saves all the sketches and models in files with SLVS extension. Moreover, SolveSpace can import DWG and DXF files.
The program has a Space Solver option that serves for generating 2D sketches and 2D templates (vector graphics) with parameters in mm or inches. It uses segments, rectangles, circles, arcs, Bezier curves, and various convenient parametric limiters. Projects are exported as PDF, PLT, PNG, SVG, and STEP files.
Creation of 3D models by squeezing and rotating sketches, logical addition and subtraction of bodies in SolveSpace works instantly with fairly decent drawing quality.
pCon.planner is one of the most feature-rich free alternatives to SolidWorks. There you can find tools for creating complex furniture concepts and visualize them in photorealistic quality. The advantage of this program is that it supports the majority of popular file formats. Besides, pCon.planner is a multi-language program.
Main Features of PCon.planner:
pCon.planner is professional free architectural design software that allows you to project in three-dimensional space in just several clicks. Fitted with convenient export functions, the program is capable of transferring all data about products and commercial info from the plan to ERP and other CAD systems.
pCon.planner offers direct access to the pCon.catalog, which is an innovative online catalog with products and solutions from reliable manufacturers. Here users can view various practical projects and draw inspiration by realizing their ideas.
Once the interior design is ready, you can visualize it directly in the program window. You can change the viewpoint and look at the projected area from a different angle.
BRL-CAD is a powerful free SolidWorks alternative that is compatible with various platforms. This open-source cross-platform solid-state modeling system offers a great range of useful features, including interactive geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, image and signal processing tools, a set of tests for system performance analysis, and libraries for reliable geometric elements.
Main Features of BRL-CAD:
BRL-CAD supports many geometric representations with an extensible set of solid CSG primitives - parallelepipeds, ellipsoids, cones, and more. It is possible to combine all geometric objects. This functional alternative to SolidWorks contains a rich collection of more than 400 tools, utilities, and applications.
This is actively developing cross-platform program that is compatible with numerous platforms. BRL-CAD is distributed in binary and source code as free open source software, supported by the approved Open Source Initiative (OSI) license.
Blender is a famous 3D modeling program with a straightforward interface, great tools, functions, and animation features. Blender is an all-encompassing design option for visualization and animation.
Main Features of Blender:
With this free SolidWorks alternative, you can create design concepts for 3D printing, import 3D models, and reconstruct physical objects. If you compare Blender vs SolidWorks, you will realize that the second tool is better as it is a free program suitable for a great variety of tasks.
Blender is compatible with the majority of OS. The interface uses OpenGL for providing uniformity. The program supports all 3D modeling functions including animation, simulation, rendering, composition, even video redaction, and game creation.
API Blender also serves for writing Python scenarios. Users appreciate the unified process of modeling and flexible layout development. The interface is fitted with multiple functions that’s why it is quite complicated to master. Besides, Blender has an active online community that is ready to help whenever you need.
