HeeksCAD
What HeeksCAD is
HeeksCAD is free, open-source 3D CAD/CAM software for parametric modeling on Windows and Linux systems. It supports Windows, Ubuntu, Debian, and OpenSUSE, with local workflows rather than cloud collaboration. The program imports STEP and IGES solid models, along with DXF lines, arcs, ellipses, splines, and polylines. You can create primitive solids, extrude sketches, loft between sketches, and change solids with blending or boolean operations. Models can be saved or exported as IGES, STEP, STL, and DXF files. HeeksCNC adds drilling, profile, and pocket machining operations and can post-process them to g-code. Users can configure a post processor for any machine by editing script files. Solid material-removal simulation and g-code backplots are available in the graphics window. The interface uses wxWidgets, OpenCASCADE handles solid modeling, and opencamlib handles surface machining. A free trial is available, while HeeksCNC 1.4 costs £10, paid once.
Who it suits
It suits users on supported Windows or Linux distributions who need parametric CAD and machining tools. It is also aimed at people working with milling machines and exchange formats such as STEP, IGES, DXF, and STL.
What it does well
- Free plan and free trial available
- Imports STEP, IGES, and DXF geometry
- Exports IGES, STEP, STL, and DXF
- Includes drilling, profile, and pocket operations
- Provides material-removal simulation and g-code backplots
What to know first
- No cloud collaboration
- Trial adds unwanted text to each g-code file
- Building from source requires software skills
- HeeksCNC 1.4 costs £10, paid once
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| HeeksCNC 1.4 | Windows CAD/CAM application; creates NC code for milling machines | £10, paid once |
As sites.google.com lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
HeeksCAD combines parametric modeling with a substantial set of CAD/CAM operations and broad file-format support. Its local-only workflow and trial restrictions matter when choosing it for shared or production use.
Facts from HeeksCAD's own pages
- Cloud collaboration
- No · sites.google.com, 24 Sept 2026
- File import and export
- Import: STEP, IGES, DXF; export/save: IGES, STEP, STL, DXF · sites.google.com, 24 Sept 2026
- File output
- It saves IGES, STEP, and STL files. · sites.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Founder and audience context
- Dan Heeks is identified as the founder and says he runs a small precision engineering workshop with a Bridgeport milling machine and a hobby milling machine. · sites.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · sites.google.com, 24 Sept 2026
- Machine configuration
- Users can configure a post processor for any machine by editing script files. · sites.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Machining operations
- It provides drilling, profile, and pocket operations and can post-process to g-code. · sites.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Model imports
- It imports solid models from STEP and IGES files and supports DXF lines, arcs, ellipses, splines, and polylines. · sites.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Modeling
- It can create primitive solids, extrude sketches, loft solids between sketches, and modify solids using blending or boolean operations. · sites.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Modeling method
- parametric · sites.google.com, 24 Sept 2026
- Platforms
- The maker describes the paid HeeksCNC application as being for Windows and says Ubuntu packages are available for the Linux version. · sites.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- HeeksCNC is described as open source 3D CAD/CAM software. · sites.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Simulation
- It provides solid simulation of material removal and can display g-code backplots in the graphics window. · sites.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Source code
- The maker links to source code and build instructions on GitHub and says building the software requires software skills. · sites.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker says the purchase supports online help, replies to buyers' emails, and bug fixes. · sites.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows, Ubuntu, Debian, OpenSUSE · sites.google.com, 24 Sept 2026
- Technology
- The software uses wxWidgets for its interface, OpenCASCADE for solid modeling, and opencamlib for surface machining. · sites.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
- Trial limits
- The trial adds unwanted text to each g-code file and opens a browser when Post Process or Simulate is pressed. · sites.google.com, 11 Oct 2026
Where HeeksCAD stands on Freedom251
- 3D CAD Software#33 of 79