Side by side
DesignSpark Mechanical vs TweakCAD
Both stand on 3d cad software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Windows
DesignSpark Mechanical offers a free entry plan for direct modeling, with advanced file options and assembly tools in paid tiers. Check plan-specific format support and Windows compatibility before choosing it.
Visit DesignSpark Mechanical 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.
Visit TweakCADThe facts
| DesignSpark Mechanical | TweakCAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Self-hosted, Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 3 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | rs-online.com | tweakcad.com |
| On 3d cad software | #21 of 79 | #25 of 79 |
DesignSpark Mechanical: what it does well
- Explorer is free with no hidden fees.
- Supports 2D and 3D modeling.
- Part library contains over one billion models.
- Engineer includes assembly constraints and exploded views.
- Drawing annotations support four named standards.
What to know first
- Cloud collaboration is not available.
- Creator and Engineer prices are not printed.
- Assembly Tool is available in Engineer.
TweakCAD: what it does well
- Free and open source under AGPL-3.0
- Browser editor works offline
- Can run locally with Docker or Podman
- Unpublished hosted designs stay private
What to know first
- FreeCAD import currently covers only sketches, pads, and pockets
- Broader FreeCAD coverage and round-trip are planned
- Documentation and video walkthroughs are in progress
- No published community projects currently
Alternatives to DesignSpark Mechanical Alternatives to TweakCAD The whole list