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Best free CAD software to download in 2024 for 3D printing

Introduction

Free CAD software solutions have come a long way, offering robust features that rival many of their premium counterparts. These tools can help you design fast and precisely, making them invaluable for a variety of applications in product design, simulation, 3d rendering, and of course 3D printing. 

Here, we explore some of the best free CAD software available, focusing on their ease of use, the power of their features, and their suitability for 3D printing. Whether you’re drafting simple models or aiming to create complex structures, these tools offer the versatility and efficiency you need to bring your ideas to life.

Additionally, we will review six different software programs and apps, and will rank them based on relevant criteria. This includes usability for beginners as well as the advanced, powerful features available for experienced users. 

Most of these programs are available for Windows, Mac and Linux.

How to choose the best software for you ?

1. FreeCAD

Our Ranking : 4,75 /5 

FreeCAD logo
Really Free
100%
Ease of use
80%
Powerful Features
100%
Suitable for 3D printing
100%

FreeCAD is a powerful, open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler designed for creating real-life objects of any size. Geared towards mechanical engineering and product design, it allows for easy modification through parametric modeling. With a user-friendly interface, FreeCAD supports building information modeling (BIM) and finite element analysis (FEA). Completely free to download and use, it’s an ideal choice for engineers, architects, and hobbyists seeking a versatile CAD solution. To learn more, check out our Freecad tutorial.

Strength

  • Really free (open source)
  • Powerfull & precise
  • Works with parametric modeling

Limitations

  • Can be challenging to grasp how the software functions especially if you're a beginner
  • Software is sometimes unstable (however improved in the latest versions)

2. Tinkercad

Our Ranking : 4,25 /5 

Tinkercad logo
Really Free ?
100%
Ease of use
100%
Powerful Features
60%
Suitable for 3D printing
80%

TinkerCAD is an easy-to-use 3D design, electronics, and coding software that’s perfect for beginners and professionals alike. This online app helps you create stunning 3D models, simulate circuits, and bring your ideas to life with Tinkercad’s user-friendly interface and powerful tools.

To learn more, check out our Tinkercad tutorial!

Strength

  • Ease of use
  • Very intuitive user interface
  • Web based
  • Easy to export to 3d print

Limitations

  • Seems to have limited functions
  • Because of limited features, the use in 3d printing can be limited

Struggling to create the perfect 3D file? Let our expert design studio lend a hand. We specialize in turning your ideas or drawings into stunning 3D models with precision and creativity. Partner with us today and watch your vision come to life effortlessly!

Sculpteo Studio

3. Autodesk Fusion 360

Our Ranking : 4,25 /5 

fusion360_logo
Really Free ?
60%
Ease of use
80%
Powerful Features
100%
Suitable for 3D printing
100%

Fusion 360, is an all-in-one cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) and CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering) software. Ideal for engineers, designers, and makers, Fusion 360 offers advanced modeling, simulation, and manufacturing tools to streamline your workflow and bring your innovative ideas to life. The program offers a wide range of extensions to include manufacturing modules that can help you no matter what technology will be used for your project, whether it’s 3D printing, CNC or injection moulding.

To learn more, check out our Fusion 360 tutorial! 

Strength

  • Powerful & precise
  • A lot of features

Limitations

  • Not really free (free only for personnal use)
  • No online version
  • Software is sometimes unstable

4. Blender

Our Ranking : 3,75 /5

Blender Logo
Really Free ?
100%
Ease of use
60%
Powerful Features
80%
Suitable for 3D printing
60%

Blender is an all-in-one free 3D creation suite. From modeling, sculpting, and animation to rendering, compositing, and video editing, Blender offers powerful tools for artists, designers, and developers. Explore its open-source capabilities supported by a robust community that contributes to the development, with tutorials and shares assets. 

Although Blender is not specifically a CAD software, it is commonly used in the 3D printing industry for designing everything from figurines to more industrial applications. You can learn more on our Blender tutorial !

Strength

  • Great rendering tool
  • Can be used for animation as well
  • Really free (open source)
  • Easy to edit a mesh and fix file problems

Limitations

  • Not really a CAD software
  • Difficult to be precise

5. Onshape

Our Ranking : 3,25 /5

Onshape logo
Really Free ?
40%
Ease of use
80%
Powerful Features
100%
Suitable for 3D printing
40%

Onshape is a cloud-based 3D CAD software that offers robust design tools and real-time collaboration, ideal for modern product development teams. It provides secure data management and version control, enabling efficient and effective design processes. It has got a very smooth user interface 

Onshape’s Product Management System (PDM) functionality provides a robust, collaborative, and secure environment for managing product design data, significantly enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the design process.

Strength

  • Web based
  • Search tool bar for functions
  • Very precise
  • Very neat design interface

Limitations

  • Not really free (free version available for 180 days as of today)
  • Could not find the export button
  • Powerfull tool but a bit complex to apprehend

6. OpenSCAD

Our Ranking : 3,25 /5

OpenSCAD logo
Really Free ?
100%
Ease of use
20%
Powerful Features
60%
Suitable for 3D printing
60%

OpenSCAD is a powerful, script-based 3D CAD modeler ideal for engineers, designers, and hobbyists. Unlike traditional modeling tools, OpenSCAD uses a textual description language to create precise, parameterized models. Its open-source nature provides extensive community support, making it a popular choice for creating complex geometries and detailed technical parts. Discover the efficiency and flexibility of OpenSCAD on our related tutorial !

Strength

  • Really Free
  • Possible to use AI prompt to generate scripts to make CAD models
  • Powerful tool

Limitations

  • Ease of use
  • Programming skills are indispensable (only suitable for developpers)
  • Tough learning curve

Conclusion

The chart below highlights key elements of the free cad software that are crucial for 3D printing, such as ease of use and the program’s ability to generate files that are compatible with 3D printers. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced CAD software user, this selection encompasses the main features needed to create the shapes you envision.

Free cad Software comparison chart

We hope that this little free CAD selection helped you to make your choice and will help you to give life to all of your 3D printing projects. You can access many more great features by using other free software like Sketchup, Sculptris, Leopoly / leocad, 3D Slash, solvespace and 3d builder just to name a few. 

Is your 3D model ready? You can print it using our online 3D printing service, you just have to upload your 3D files on our site and you will get your parts in a few days. At Sculpteo, we are offering you a wide range of 3D printing technologies, 3D printers and 3D printing materials in order to allow you to make the most of the additive manufacturing technology.

What is the easiest free CAD software to learn?

What is the best CAD software for free?

Is FreeCAD completely free?

Is Freecad good for begginners ?

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