DesignSpark Mechanical vs LibreCAD: Which Should You Use?
The verdict
DesignSpark Mechanical and LibreCAD are both home & construction design tools, compared here side by side. DesignSpark Mechanical is free, with limits (Paid) and is a desktop install with no browser version; LibreCAD is truly free (Free) and is a desktop install with no browser version. The biggest difference is cost: LibreCAD is truly free, while DesignSpark Mechanical is free, with limits (from Paid).
Free tiers & pricing last verified Jun 23, 2026.
Pick DesignSpark Mechanical if…
Free, with limitsFree gesture-based 3D modeling
Pick LibreCAD if…
Truly freeFree 2D drafting and floor plans
Side by side
DesignSpark Mechanical
Free, with limitsThe Explorer plan is permanently free with no hidden fees, importing STEP/IGES/STL and exporting; advanced tools require paid Creator/Engineer plans.
LibreCAD
Truly freeCompletely free and GPLv2 open source with full 2D drafting; it is 2D-only with no 3D modeling.
Read the full reviews
DesignSpark Mechanical
The Explorer plan is permanently free with no hidden fees, importing STEP/IGES/STL and exporting; advanced tools require paid Creator/Engineer plans.
LibreCAD
Completely free and GPLv2 open source with full 2D drafting; it is 2D-only with no 3D modeling.
DesignSpark Mechanical vs LibreCAD: questions, answered
What is the main difference between DesignSpark Mechanical and LibreCAD?
The biggest difference is cost: LibreCAD is truly free, while DesignSpark Mechanical is free, with limits (from Paid).
Is DesignSpark Mechanical or LibreCAD free?
DesignSpark Mechanical is free, with limits and LibreCAD is truly free. DesignSpark Mechanical: The Explorer plan is permanently free with no hidden fees, importing STEP/IGES/STL and exporting; advanced tools require paid Creator/Engineer plans. LibreCAD: Completely free and GPLv2 open source with full 2D drafting; it is 2D-only with no 3D modeling.
Can you export CAD files from DesignSpark Mechanical or LibreCAD?
DesignSpark Mechanical exports STL, OBJ; LibreCAD exports DXF, SVG, PDF. Only LibreCAD exports CAD (DWG/DXF).