Side by side
OpenVSP vs SolidFace
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.
OpenVSP provides parametric aircraft modeling with broad scripting, automation, and file-format support at no cost. Check the Python version requirement and platform compatibility before building it into a workflow.
Visit OpenVSPChoose SolidFace for Windows-based parametric CAD with solid and surface modeling, assembly tools, and controlled cloud collaboration. The SolidFace Drawing Student 2027 plan is listed at 0.00 USD and supports conventional drawings. The Full Perpetual plan can save drawings with advanced functions and costs 99.00 USD once, plus local country tax.
Visit SolidFaceThe facts
| OpenVSP | SolidFace | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Windows | Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | SolidFace Drawing Full Perpetual: $99, paid once |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Maker | OpenVSP | Not published |
| Website | openvsp.org | solidface.com |
| On 3d cad software | #19 of 79 | #23 of 79 |
OpenVSP: what it does well
- Free open-source aircraft geometry software
- Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Ubuntu
- Offers C++, Python, MATLAB, and scripting APIs
- Includes headless analysis and optimization automation
- Imports and exports several engineering formats
What to know first
- Python API version must match the compiled version
- License provides no warranty
- No free trial is listed
SolidFace: what it does well
- Supports top-down and bottom-up solid and surface modeling.
- Includes assembly design, in-context part design, and BOM tools.
- Simulates movement and tests mechanisms and assemblies for collisions.
- Collaboration includes version history, branching, merging, and an edit audit trail.
- Imports and exports X_T, X_B, DWG, DWT, DXF, STL, and BMP.
What to know first
- Requires Windows 10 64-bit.
- Student drawings using advanced functions cannot be saved.
- Student drawings can be opened only in the Student Version.
- The Full Perpetual drawing license costs 99.00 USD once, plus local country tax.
Alternatives to OpenVSP Alternatives to SolidFace The whole list