Ratings and Reviews 5 Ratings

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features
design
support

Ratings and Reviews 1 Rating

Total
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design
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What is SOLIDWORKS?

SOLIDWORKS, a flagship solution by Dassault Systèmes, is the definitive 3D CAD and product development platform that has powered innovation for over 30 years. It equips engineers, manufacturers, and designers with an end-to-end suite for modeling, simulation, product lifecycle management, and digital manufacturing. With SOLIDWORKS 2026, the platform evolves even further through cutting-edge AI-driven features like selective model loading, fastener recognition, and the AURA AI design assistant, helping users work smarter and faster. Integrated natively with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, SOLIDWORKS enables seamless collaboration between teams, secure cloud data access, and real-time project synchronization. Engineers can now automate repetitive workflows, improve design accuracy, and simulate complex assemblies directly in one environment. Its expanded capabilities in 3D rendering, documentation, and additive manufacturing bridge the gap between design intent and production execution. A robust ecosystem of partners, extensions, and training resources supports users across industries—from aerospace and automotive to consumer goods and energy. SOLIDWORKS also offers tailored programs for students, startups, and makers, ensuring accessible innovation at every level. With millions of active users and a thriving global community, it remains the go-to platform for turning concepts into real-world solutions. SOLIDWORKS 2026 reaffirms its commitment to design excellence—combining intelligence, precision, and collaboration for the next generation of product innovation.

What is FreeCAD?

FreeCAD is a powerful, open-source parametric 3D modeling application designed for the creation of real-world objects in different sizes. The parametric modeling capability allows users to easily track the history of their designs and make adjustments to various parameters, thus streamlining the modification process. Users can create constrained 2D sketches that form the basis for building additional objects, enhancing the design workflow. The software includes a variety of tools for modifying dimensions and extracting detailed specifications from 3D models, which contributes to the generation of precise, production-ready drawings. As a cross-platform solution that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, FreeCAD provides robust customization and extensibility features. It supports numerous open file formats such as STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE, facilitating seamless integration into diverse projects. Tailored for different applications, including product design, mechanical engineering, and architecture, FreeCAD appeals to a wide range of users. Whether you are a casual hobbyist, a seasoned CAD expert, a student, or a teacher, FreeCAD's intuitive interface ensures that everyone can utilize its capabilities effectively. The software thrives on community-driven development, continuously improving through user feedback and contributions, which helps it meet the evolving needs of its extensive user base. This commitment to ongoing enhancement makes FreeCAD not only a tool but also a collaborative platform for innovation in design.

Media

Media

Integrations Supported

BoltsEtAl
MeshCAM
SprutCAM X
Virtofy
DFMPro
DraftAid
Emulate3D
Fishbowl
GoSaaS Integrator
Kenesto
PDM Studio
PEDYN P2000
Poliigon
RayViz
SimLab Composer
Store Visualizer
Total ETO
Unifize
VisualCAM
iGRAF

Integrations Supported

BoltsEtAl
MeshCAM
SprutCAM X
Virtofy
DFMPro
DraftAid
Emulate3D
Fishbowl
GoSaaS Integrator
Kenesto
PDM Studio
PEDYN P2000
Poliigon
RayViz
SimLab Composer
Store Visualizer
Total ETO
Unifize
VisualCAM
iGRAF

API Availability

Has API

API Availability

Has API

Pricing Information

Pricing not provided.
Free Trial Offered?
Free Version

Pricing Information

Pricing not provided.
Free Trial Offered?
Free Version

Supported Platforms

SaaS
Android
iPhone
iPad
Windows
Mac
On-Prem
Chromebook
Linux

Supported Platforms

SaaS
Android
iPhone
iPad
Windows
Mac
On-Prem
Chromebook
Linux

Customer Service / Support

Standard Support
24 Hour Support
Web-Based Support

Customer Service / Support

Standard Support
24 Hour Support
Web-Based Support

Training Options

Documentation Hub
Webinars
Online Training
On-Site Training

Training Options

Documentation Hub
Webinars
Online Training
On-Site Training

Company Facts

Organization Name

Dassault Systèmes

Date Founded

1981

Company Location

France

Company Website

www.solidworks.com

Company Facts

Organization Name

FreeCAD

Date Founded

2011

Company Website

sourceforge.net/projects/free-cad/

Categories and Features

3D Modeling

2D Drawing
Animation
Annotations
Bill of Materials
Character Modeling
Collaboration Tools
Component Library
Data Import / Export
For 3D Printing
For Architects
For Manufacturers
Reference Management
Simulation

Architecture

2D Drawing
3D Modeling
BIM Modeling
Bills of material
Building Information Modeling
Client Management
Contact Management
Contract Management
Document Management
Drafting
Manufacturing Design Data
Presentation Tools
Project Management
Proposal Management
Quotes/Proposals
Visualization / Presentation

CAD

2 1/2-Axis Milling
2D Drawing
3-Axis Milling
3D Modeling
4-Axis Milling
5-Axis Milling
Civil
Collaboration
Database Connectivity
Design Analysis
Design Export
Document Management
Electrical
Hole Making
Mechanical
Mechatronics
Presentation Tools
Simulate Cycles
Spiral Output
Structural Engineering
Toolpath Simulation
User Defined Cycles

Engineering

2D Drawing
3D Modeling
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Collaboration
Design Analysis
Design Export
Document Management
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics
Presentation Tools
Structural Engineering

Categories and Features

CAD

2 1/2-Axis Milling
2D Drawing
3-Axis Milling
3D Modeling
4-Axis Milling
5-Axis Milling
Civil
Collaboration
Database Connectivity
Design Analysis
Design Export
Document Management
Electrical
Hole Making
Mechanical
Mechatronics
Presentation Tools
Simulate Cycles
Spiral Output
Structural Engineering
Toolpath Simulation
User Defined Cycles

CAD Viewers

Annotate
Batch Conversion
Collaboration Tools
Editing
Track Changes
View .DWF Files
View .DWG Files
View .IGES Files
View .STEP Files
View .STL Files
View 2D Files
View 3D Files

Engineering

2D Drawing
3D Modeling
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Collaboration
Design Analysis
Design Export
Document Management
Electrical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Mechatronics
Presentation Tools
Structural Engineering

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