FreeCAD vs QCAD: Which Should You Use?
The verdict
FreeCAD and QCAD 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; QCAD is free, with limits (Paid) and is a desktop install with no browser version. The biggest difference is cost: FreeCAD is truly free, while QCAD 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 QCAD if…
Free, with limitsFree 2D drafting with optional pro upgrade
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.
QCAD
Free, with limitsThe open-source Community Edition is free forever for 2D drafting; the Professional add-on runs only 15 minutes at a time in trial mode until purchased.
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.
QCAD
The open-source Community Edition is free forever for 2D drafting; the Professional add-on runs only 15 minutes at a time in trial mode until purchased.
FreeCAD vs QCAD: questions, answered
What is the main difference between FreeCAD and QCAD?
The biggest difference is cost: FreeCAD is truly free, while QCAD is free, with limits (from Paid).
Is FreeCAD or QCAD free?
FreeCAD is truly free and QCAD 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. QCAD: The open-source Community Edition is free forever for 2D drafting; the Professional add-on runs only 15 minutes at a time in trial mode until purchased.
Can you export CAD files from FreeCAD or QCAD?
FreeCAD exports DXF, OBJ, STL; QCAD exports DXF, DWG, PDF. Both can produce CAD (DWG/DXF) files.