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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).

SOLIDWORKS alternatives are mainly CAD Software but may also be 3D Modelers or Interior Design Apps. Filter by these if you want a narrower list of alternatives or looking for a specific functionality of SOLIDWORKS.
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SOLIDWORKS is a leading 3D CAD software for design, analysis and product data management. SOLIDWORKS solutions can help...

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  1. FreeCAD icon

    FreeCAD

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    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Online
    • BSD
    • PortableApps.com
    101 alternatives to FreeCAD 

    FreeCAD is a general purpose parametric 3D CAD modeler. The development is completely Open Source (LGPL License). FreeCAD is aimed directly at mechanical engineering and product design but also fits in a wider range of uses around engineering, such as architecture or other...

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    Features
    1.  Parametric ModelingFreeCAD can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
    2.  Procedural ModelingFreeCAD can create or modify 3D models and textures based on a sequence of rules.
    3.  PortableFreeCAD can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
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    FreeCAD vs SOLIDWORKS opinions
    Most users think FreeCAD is a great alternative to SOLIDWORKS.
    jrmz

    Unfortunately not usable, after several years of using freecad, I quickly saw its limits. It is not a parametric software, indeed the topological naming problem makes this software fundamentally broken. The realthunder fork fixes some of these problems. fork or not, some advanced actions are still impossible and the different workbench are too isolated, some objects created with a workbench can't be modified by another one.

    Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

    Negative comment• ago
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    Guest

    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• ago
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    Guest

    It's free for both personal and commercial use

    Positive comment• ago
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    5
  2. SketchUp icon

    SketchUp

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    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Online
    162 alternatives to SketchUp 

    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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    Features
    Main UI
    SketchUp vs SOLIDWORKS opinions
    Some users think SketchUp is a great alternative to SOLIDWORKS, some don't.
    Guest

    It doesn't have the same tools, short-cuts and general software.

    Negative comment• ago
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    1
  4. Onshape icon

    Onshape

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    • Android
    • iPhone
    • Android Tablet
    • iPad
    31 alternatives to Onshape 

    Onshape is a professional CAD system – Parts, Assemblies, Drawings – with version control and collaboration built in. Each Onshape plan (Free, Education, Professional, and Enterprise) gives you all of the CAD and data management functionality with no time limit.

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    Features
    1.  Parametric ModelingOnshape can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
    2.  Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Onshape simultaneously.
    3.  Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
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    Working in an assembly to visualize a room layout making use of assembly configurations.
    Onshape vs SOLIDWORKS opinions
    Most users think Onshape is a great alternative to SOLIDWORKS.
    Guest

    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• ago
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    Guest

    It's free (fully functional) , multiplatform (even on mobiles)

    Positive comment• ago
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    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• ago
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    -2
  5. LibreCAD icon

    LibreCAD

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    • PortableApps.com
    111 alternatives to LibreCAD 

    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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    Features
    1.  PortableLibreCAD can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
    2.  LightweightLibreCAD consumes less device resources compared to similar apps.
    3.  Support for LayersLibreCAD supports the organization of elements through a hierarchical order that can be manipulated/viewed independently.
    On Mac
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    On windows 7
    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• ago
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  6. Autodesk Fusion 360 icon

    Autodesk Fusion 360

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    • Mac
    • Windows
    23 alternatives to Autodesk Fusion 360 

    Integrated CAD, CAM, and CAE featuring collaborative editing and cloud-based computation. Free license available for students and hobbyists.

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    Features
    1.  Parametric ModelingAutodesk Fusion 360 can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
    2.  Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Autodesk Fusion 360 simultaneously.
    3.  Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
    4.  3D SculptingAutodesk Fusion 360 offers tools to push, pull, smooth, grab or pinch to manipulate a 3D model.
    Freeform modeling & sculpting
    Solid modeling
    Parametric modeling
    Autodesk Fusion 360 vs SOLIDWORKS opinions
    Most users think Autodesk Fusion 360 is a great alternative to SOLIDWORKS.
    Guest

    Easy, great support, many tutorials, mobile showroom app, ezports to every format possible, CAD and CAM (very powerfull)

    Positive comment• ago
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  8. Autodesk AutoCAD icon

    Autodesk AutoCAD

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    118 alternatives to Autodesk AutoCAD 

    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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    Features
    1.  Support for scriptingAutodesk AutoCAD supports scripts and macros to automate or customize tasks.
    2.  Real time collaborationMultiple users can work together in Autodesk AutoCAD simultaneously.
    3.  Parametric ModelingAutodesk AutoCAD can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
    4.  Ad-freeAutodesk AutoCAD doesn't contain any form of external advertising.
    5.  Cloud SyncSync your data (notes, documents, bookmarks, etc.) across your different devices and to the cloud.
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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• ago
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    -1
  9. OpenSCAD icon

    OpenSCAD

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    • Windows
    • Linux
    41 alternatives to OpenSCAD 

    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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    Features
    Rendering a model
  10. Autodesk Inventor icon

    Autodesk Inventor

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    55 alternatives to Autodesk Inventor 

    Autodesk® Inventor® products offer a comprehensive, flexible set of software for 3D mechanical design, product simulation, tooling creation, and design communication. Inventor takes you beyond 3D to Digital Prototyping by enabling you to design, visualize, and simulate...

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    Features
    1.  Parametric ModelingAutodesk Inventor can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
    Screenshot
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    Autodesk Inventor vs SOLIDWORKS opinions
    Almost everyone thinks Autodesk Inventor is a great alternative to SOLIDWORKS.
    Guest

    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• ago
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    Guest

    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• ago
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  11. BRL-CAD icon

    BRL-CAD

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    • Linux
    • BSD
    71 alternatives to BRL-CAD 

    BRL-CAD is a powerful cross-platform open source solid modeling system that includes interactive geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, image and signal-processing tools, a system performance analysis benchmark suite, libraries for...

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    Features
    PA-63 Extractor
  12. SolveSpace icon

    SolveSpace

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    • Mac
    • Windows
    • Linux
    68 alternatives to SolveSpace 

    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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    Features
    1.  PortableSolveSpace can be used from a USB stick or similar with no prior installation.
    2.  Parametric ModelingSolveSpace can change the shape of model geometry as soon as the dimension value is modified.
    Screenshot
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    Screenshot
    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• ago
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Showing 10 of 92 alternatives
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