Side by side
MLCad vs RapCAD
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 LinuxWindows
MLCad provides model editing, instruction output, generators, and image export without a listed purchase cost. Check the required LDraw installation and the older supported operating systems before using it.
Visit MLCad Free plan LinuxMacWindows
RapCAD offers a source-friendly, procedural approach to rapid-prototype modeling with 2D, 3D and Boolean geometry support. Its workflow is aimed at users comfortable defining models as text rather than through graphical CAD tools.
Visit RapCADThe facts
| MLCad | RapCAD | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | lm-software.com | rapcad.org |
| On 3d cad software | #32 of 79 | #28 of 79 |
MLCad: what it does well
- Free plan listed as free
- LDraw and MPD file compatibility
- Drag-and-drop part editing
- Prints models and generates part lists
- Exports BMP, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, and PNG
What to know first
- Requires LDraw/LEdit and part definitions first
- Listed Windows support covers older releases
- Third-party language add-ons are not supported
RapCAD: what it does well
- Free GPLv3 software
- Text designs suit source control
- 2D and 3D objects together
- Boolean 3D geometry operations
- Windows, Ubuntu Linux and macOS
What to know first
- Uses a scene language instead of graphical CAD
- Ubuntu support lists specific distributions
- Rendering converts to floating-point precision