Open Source CAD Tools

Users recommend and debate free/open-source CAD software like FreeCAD, OpenSCAD, and CadQuery, comparing their usability and features to proprietary tools such as Fusion 360 and Solidworks.

➡️ Stable 0.7x Open Source
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Keywords

LOT TNP FOSS astocad.com SolveSpace UI OnShape UX ActorNightly CAD cad fusion cam 360 modeling drawings software learning 3d 2d

Sample Comments

Kliment Sep 17, 2020 View on HN

Alternatively, try FreeCAD. It's an amazingly capable software, and you don't have to fear it will one day be bought by autodesk and ruined.

StavrosK Sep 18, 2020 View on HN

I'm not talking about OpenSCAD though. Try OnShape/Fusion360/Solidworks, FreeCAD is much less usable and featureful than those.

pawadu Oct 6, 2016 View on HN

Have you tried freecad? I think it uses openscad as backend but has a slightly better (and faster) UI.

swagmoney69 Jan 23, 2026 View on HN

Open SCAD is great, but also give cadquery a shot. It's my personal favorite right now

IshKebab Mar 12, 2023 View on HN

I've used FreeCAD. It's pretty terrible.

rowanG077 Nov 14, 2019 View on HN

Check out CadQuery. It's miles better then OpenSCAD.

fragmede Nov 30, 2025 View on HN

I know this isn't the question you asked, but FreeCAD has made great strides.

sebmaynard Jul 28, 2025 View on HN

Try LibreCAD, FreeCAD, or OpenSCAD - I've had success doing what I understand you're doing, with all 3

matt3210 Oct 3, 2023 View on HN

We need better CAD as code. OpenSCAD comes to mind.

nirvdrum Nov 19, 2025 View on HN

Have you tried since the 1.0 release? There were quite a few improvements that were locked behind weekly builds for a long time. AstoCAD[1] might be another option for you. It's basically FreeCAD with a streamlined UI.[1] -- https://www.astocad.com/