FreeCAD
3D & parametric CADOpen-source parametric 3D modeller for real-life objects
- Stars
- ★ 34.5k
- Licence
- LGPL-2.1+
- Updated
- Commercial OK
- STEP
- STL
Alternative to SolidWorks, Fusion 360
Free alternatives to CATIA
Last updated · 2 options
Quick answer: There are 2 free options here. FreeCAD and BRL-CAD are listed first; check formats, platforms and licence for your own work.
Dassault Systèmes' high-end CAD platform used in aerospace and automotive. Here are 2 free options, most-starred first.
BRL-CAD
3D & parametric CADConstructive solid geometry modelling system with decades of history
- Licence
- LGPL-2.1
- Status
- Open source
- Commercial OK
Alternative to CATIA
FAQ
Is there a free alternative to CATIA?
Yes. CADAlts lists 2 options: FreeCAD and BRL-CAD.
Which CATIA alternatives are open source?
FreeCAD (LGPL-2.1+) and BRL-CAD (LGPL-2.1).
Which CATIA alternatives run on a Mac?
FreeCAD and BRL-CAD (all of them).
Related categories: 3D & parametric CAD
Check file compatibility before switching. Free tools import STEP, DXF and other neutral formats well, but native SolidWorks, Altium or Revit files, drawing standards and PDM workflows may not carry over cleanly.