SOLIDWORKS Alternatives

    For 3D computer-aided design, SolidWorks is one of the leading pieces of CAD software. Though it also supports 2D designs, there are alternatives that support 2D designs that have more robust functionality in that regard.

    SolidWorks is only available for Windows, but there are several alternatives available on devices that run macOS, Linux-based operating systems, Android's Google Play Store, and the App Store (with CAD applications that are specifically optimized for iPad as well).

    This page was last updated Jun 17, 2021
    1. FreeCAD is a general purpose parametric 3D CAD modeler. The development is completely Open Source (LGPL License).
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      FreeCAD vs SOLIDWORKS opinions
      Most users think FreeCAD is a great alternative to SOLIDWORKS.
      AS far as I have tried, FreeCAD is the only FOSS alternative to Solidworks/Catia/PTC that has a funtional workflow. It is the best of a poor bunch.
      Positive comment • over 4 years ago

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      It's free for both personal and commercial use
      Positive comment • over 1 year ago

      4
    2. SketchUp (formerly Google Sketchup) is a 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architectural, interior design, civil and mechanical engineering, film, and video game design—and available in a freeware version, SketchUp Make, and a paid...
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      SketchUp vs SOLIDWORKS opinions
      Some users think SketchUp is a great alternative to SOLIDWORKS, some don't.
      It doesn't have the same tools, short-cuts and general software.
      Negative comment • almost 2 years ago

      1
    4. Onshape is a professional CAD system – Parts, Assemblies, Drawings – with version control and collaboration built in. Each Onshape plan (Free for STUDENTS, Professional & Enterprise) gives you all of the CAD and data management functionality with no time limit.
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      Onshape vs SOLIDWORKS opinions
      Most users think Onshape is a great alternative to SOLIDWORKS.
      thantik Fully cross platform parametric cad solution which runs in the browser. Includes any OS which can run a modern browser, including BSD, Linux, OS X, Android, and more. Not open source. Not free. But some of us need a professional-level solution regardless of those ideals.
      Positive comment • about 2 years ago

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      It's just like Solidworks, near same terminology, icons, placement, etc. Not to mention it's free (for the most basic version) and on the cloud.
      Positive comment • over 4 years ago

      -2
      It's free (fully functional) , multiplatform (even on mobiles)
      Positive comment • about 4 years ago

      -8

    5. LibreCAD

      • Free • Open Source
      • Mac
      • Windows
      • Linux
      • PortableApps.com
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      LibreCAD (originally QCad then CADuntu) is an open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux. It is based on Qt, which is a leading cross-platform application and UI development framework.
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      LibreCAD vs SOLIDWORKS opinions
      Some users think LibreCAD is a great alternative to SOLIDWORKS, some don't.
      Seth 2D application, not 3D like Solidworks
      Negative comment • about 2 years ago

      0
    6. Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE featuring collaborative editing and cloud-based computation. Free license available for students and hobbyists.
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      Autodesk Fusion 360 vs SOLIDWORKS opinions
      Most users think Autodesk Fusion 360 is a great alternative to SOLIDWORKS.
      Easy, great support, many tutorials, mobile showroom app, ezports to every format possible, CAD and CAM (very powerfull)
      Positive comment • over 4 years ago

      0
    8. AutoCAD is a leading CAD (computer-aided design) software used professionally throughout architectural, electrical, mechanical and other engineering and design industries. It was once available under a perpetual license but is now accessed solely through a subscription.
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      Autodesk AutoCAD vs SOLIDWORKS opinions
      Some users think Autodesk AutoCAD is a great alternative to SOLIDWORKS, some don't.
      bobbwwj555 The Function Differently under the hood.
      Negative comment • about 5 years ago

      -1
    9. Autodesk® Inventor® products offer a comprehensive, flexible set of software for 3D mechanical design, product simulation, tooling creation, and design communication.
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      Autodesk Inventor vs SOLIDWORKS opinions
      Almost everyone thinks Autodesk Inventor is a great alternative to SOLIDWORKS.
      Autodesk Inventor has a very similar structure to SolidWorks, down to the Design Tree. You can import & export parts easily, perform assembly models, etc. with a very similar structure to SolidWorks; however, it is slightly less user friendly in my opinion. It is also not going to be the best cost-effective solution as Autodesk does not allow for perpetual licenses (meaning, you have to pay every year to use the software). After a couple of years, it's better to just purchase SolidWorks.
      Positive comment • over 2 years ago

      0
      You can find almost all features of SolidWorks inthis application. The most exciting feature is that all university students can get it free for 3 years!!!
      Positive comment • about 4 years ago

      1

    10. OpenSCAD

      • Free • Open Source
      • Mac
      • Windows
      • Linux
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      OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects. It is free software and available for Linux/UNIX, MS Windows and MacOS.
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    11. SolveSpace is a parametric 3D CAD program with extrude, revolve, union and difference functions. Save/Export as DXF, PDF, SVG, STL, STEP. Mesh generation expected by most 3d printers. Constraint solver point tracing for motion analysis.
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      SolveSpace vs SOLIDWORKS opinions
      Most users think SolveSpace is a great alternative to SOLIDWORKS.
      sgtdre It shows that it can open .step files and I have a few GrabCad files that I want to check out and see it I can at least save to other file formats, ;ie .dwg
      Positive comment • over 4 years ago

      2
    12. Shapr3D is a revolutionary 3D modeling software created exclusively for your iPad Pro and your Apple Pencil. Shapr3D is the only truly mobile CAD app - a quick but precise way to create 3D models for engineering, design, 3D prints, and more.
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    Showing 10 of 90 alternatives