FreeCAD vs Onshape: Which Should You Use?
The verdict
FreeCAD and Onshape are both home & construction design tools, compared here side by side. FreeCAD is truly free (Free) and is a desktop install with no browser version; Onshape is free, with limits (Paid) and runs in any web browser with nothing to install. The biggest difference is cost: FreeCAD is truly free, while Onshape is free, with limits (from Paid).
Free tiers & pricing last verified Jun 23, 2026.
Pick FreeCAD if…
Truly freeHobbyists and engineers wanting free parametric CAD/BIM
Pick Onshape if…
Free, with limitsHobbyists and learners wanting cloud CAD
Side by side
FreeCAD
Truly freeFully free and open source with no sign-up or paywall; includes a dedicated BIM/architecture workbench plus general 3D parametric modeling.
Onshape
Free, with limitsFree plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone.
Read the full reviews
FreeCAD
Fully free and open source with no sign-up or paywall; includes a dedicated BIM/architecture workbench plus general 3D parametric modeling.
Onshape
Free plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone.
FreeCAD vs Onshape: questions, answered
What is the main difference between FreeCAD and Onshape?
The biggest difference is cost: FreeCAD is truly free, while Onshape is free, with limits (from Paid).
Is FreeCAD or Onshape free?
FreeCAD is truly free and Onshape is free, with limits. FreeCAD: Fully free and open source with no sign-up or paywall; includes a dedicated BIM/architecture workbench plus general 3D parametric modeling. Onshape: Free plan gives full browser CAD for non-commercial use, but all documents are stored publicly and visible to everyone.
Can you export CAD files from FreeCAD or Onshape?
FreeCAD exports DXF, OBJ, STL; Onshape exports —. Only FreeCAD exports CAD (DWG/DXF).