Free and open first

Best 3D CAD Software in 2026

Designing parts, surfaces, or assemblies calls for different 3D CAD capabilities. Compare modeling method, assembly design, and surface modeling, then consider sheet-metal tools if that work is relevant. Onshape, Rhino 3D, and Shapr3D are among the entries to examine. File import and export can matter when designs move between tools, while cloud collaboration and supported platforms relate to how you work with others and access the software. Free-plan availability and paid-from pricing provide further comparison points as you weigh the capabilities and costs against your design tasks.

79 apps
Research read 28 Sept 2026
How the order is worked out

1

OpenSCAD

Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3

Choose OpenSCAD for script-driven, parameterized CAD work, particularly designs such as machine parts.

8.6 Free plan Visit site
2

Solid Edge
by Solid Edge
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb+1

7.6 Free plan · 30-day trial Visit site
3

Rhino 3D
by Rhino 3D
Free plan APIiPhoneLinux+3

Rhino 3D lists modeling and related tools alongside several permanent-license options and a 90-day evaluation.

7.6 From $995 · 90-day trial Visit site
4

SOLIDWORKS
by SOLIDWORKS
Free plan MacWebWindows

SOLIDWORKS combines locally installed design tools with cloud collaboration options and browser-based xDesign tools.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $2,820/user/yr Visit site
5

Onshape
by Onshape
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb

Onshape combines parametric CAD with collaboration and built-in design-data management. Check the plan terms carefully if you need private documents or commercial use.

7.5 Free plan · paid from $1,500/user/yr Visit site
6

FreeCAD
by FreeCAD
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose FreeCAD if you need a free, open-source desktop modeler with parametric editing, broad open-format support, and technical simulation tools. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
7

OwlCAD

Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

7.4 Free plan Visit site
8

Zoo Design Studio
by Zoo Design Studio
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

Zoo Design Studio combines conventional CAD tools, optional KCL scripting, and an AI agent, with a free plan and broad file-format support.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
9

Shapr3D
by Shapr3D
Free plan MacWindows

Shapr3D combines 3D CAD modeling, offline work, and broad file-format support. Review the Free plan limit and Pro trial billing terms before choosing a plan.

7.2 Free plan · paid from $299/user/yr · 14-day trial Visit site
10

T-FLEX CAD

Free plan LinuxWindows

T-FLEX CAD covers mechanical modeling, drafting, assemblies, manufacturing features, and extensive file translation.

7.2 Free plan · pricing on request · 30-day trial Visit site
11

CadQuery

Free plan APILinuxMac+2

CadQuery provides a free, script-first route to parametric CAD with assemblies, surfaces, visualization, and extensive file exchange.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
12

Oblikovati

Free plan APILinuxMac+1

Oblikovati offers broad mechanical CAD capabilities, file exchange, and automation under open licenses at no software cost.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
13

noBS CAD

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Pick noBS CAD if you want local, free parametric CAD for mechanical parts, assemblies, or drawings and can work with pre-alpha software.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
14

Materializr

Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2

Materializr offers a broad parametric toolkit without a paid starting tier. Platform requirements and its young software status are the main practical considerations.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
15

SolveSpace

Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1

Choose SolveSpace for free parametric CAD with constrained sketches, associative assemblies, mechanism simulation, and a broad set of export formats.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
16

nTop
by nTop
Free plan LinuxWindows

Choose nTop if your work involves parametric geometry and exploring many engineering design variants, with support for a broad range of import formats.

7.0 Pricing on request Visit site
17

build123d

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose build123d if you want a free, open-source way to create parametric CAD models in Python, with manufacturing exports and several modeling styles.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
18

BRL-CAD
by BRL-CAD
Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose BRL-CAD if you need a free, cross-platform solid-modeling system with ray tracing, geometry analysis, and broad geometry support.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
19

OpenVSP
by OpenVSP
Free plan APILinuxMac+1

OpenVSP provides parametric aircraft modeling with broad scripting, automation, and file-format support at no cost.

7.0 Free plan Visit site
20

nanoCAD
by nanoCAD
Free plan Windows

nanoCAD offers a no-cost 2D tier alongside paid options with additional modules for 3D work.

6.9 Free plan · paid from $289/yr · 30-day trial Visit site
21

DesignSpark Mechanical

Free plan Windows

DesignSpark Mechanical offers a free entry plan for direct modeling, with advanced file options and assembly tools in paid tiers.

6.9 Free plan · 7-day trial Visit site
22

Zenve3D
by Zenve3D
Free plan iPhoneMacWeb

Zenve3D provides an editable parametric workflow and file interchange in its free tier, with defined limits on projects and imported geometry. Pro raises those limits for $14.99 a month.

6.9 Free plan Visit site
23

SolidFace

Free plan Windows

Choose SolidFace for Windows-based parametric CAD with solid and surface modeling, assembly tools, and controlled cloud collaboration.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
24

cycleCAD

Free plan Web

cycleCAD offers a broad set of sketch, solid-modeling and assembly tools in a free browser app.

6.8 Free plan Visit site
25

TweakCAD

Free plan Self-hostedWeb

TweakCAD provides browser and local options for parametric design without a server dependency. FreeCAD import remains limited, and its documentation and video walkthroughs are still in progress.

6.8 Free plan Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

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