FreeCAD vs Onshape

Both are parametric modellers, at opposite ends of the question of where your work lives. FreeCAD is open source and writes files to your own disk; Onshape exists only in a browser, with no local files and version control built in. Workshops that want independence take FreeCAD; distributed teams that want collaboration without administration take Onshape.

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Both are reviewed in full in our CAD ranking: FreeCAD and Onshape.

1. 01

   Where the files sit

   FreeCAD writes ordinary files to your disk under a licence nobody can revoke. Onshape keeps everything on its servers, treats a reliable internet connection as essential, and exports neutral formats without the parametric history, so the design intent stays behind if you leave. For sites with unreliable connectivity or data residency restrictions, and for anyone planning an exit, FreeCAD is the safer position.

   Edge: FreeCAD

2. 02

   Several engineers on one design

   Onshape offers branching, merging and simultaneous editing with no file locking or check-in, records every edit automatically and needs no PDM server, which is why it suits teams spread across countries. FreeCAD saves ordinary files, so sharing and revision control are whatever you arrange around those files yourself. For distributed engineering with revision control, Onshape is the stronger tool.

   Edge: Onshape

3. 03

   Price and the free options

   FreeCAD costs nothing for any use and carries no support contract. Onshape's free plan is for non-commercial use only and makes every document public; private commercial work starts at the Standard plan, listed at $1,500 per user per year, with Professional at $2,500. For private commercial work on no budget, FreeCAD is the only one of the two that is actually free.

   Edge: FreeCAD

4. 04

   Support and built-in extras

   FreeCAD's help is a community forum and wiki, and its gaps are documented: uneven workbench quality, drawing output that takes effort and limited surfacing. Onshape's paid plans include direct in-product support, and Professional adds simulation, rendering, CAM and release management. FreeCAD has FEM and CAM workbenches at no cost, but expect to invest more of your own time.

   Edge: Onshape

5. 05

   Devices and file formats

   FreeCAD installs on Windows, macOS and Linux and reads and writes STEP, IGES, DXF, IFC and other open formats. Onshape runs in current desktop browsers and has iOS and Android apps, and it also imports native files from SOLIDWORKS, Inventor, Creo, NX and Solid Edge. Onshape reaches more devices and more proprietary formats; FreeCAD works without any connection.

   Depends on the buyer

Is Onshape's free plan a real alternative to FreeCAD?

Only for hobby or learning work where public designs are acceptable. Onshape states that its free plan is for non-commercial use and that all documents on it are publicly accessible.

FreeCAD is free and open source for any work and keeps files on your own disk.

Can I work offline in FreeCAD and Onshape?

FreeCAD runs locally and stores ordinary files on your disk, so it does not depend on a connection. Onshape runs in the cloud and describes a reliable, stable internet connection as essential, which rules it out for sites with unreliable connectivity.

Which is better for a small team, FreeCAD or Onshape?

A co-located workshop making parts and fixtures, with time to learn, fits FreeCAD and pays no licence.

A team spread over several locations that needs branching, merging and simultaneous editing fits Onshape from $1,500 per user per year, provided the loss of parametric history on export is an accepted risk.

Can I move models between FreeCAD and Onshape?

Yes, as geometry. Both handle STEP and IGES: FreeCAD reads and writes them, and Onshape lists them for import and export.

Onshape says imported neutral files arrive without parametric features and are changed with its direct editing tools, so the feature history does not transfer in either direction.

• FreeCAD home page: FreeCAD platforms, open file formats and absence of fees.
• FreeCAD GitHub repository: LGPL-2.1 licence and forum as the place for help.
• FreeCAD features page: FreeCAD FEM and CAM workbenches.
• FreeCAD downloads page: FreeCAD supported operating systems.
• Onshape pricing page: Onshape plan prices, free plan limits, support and Professional extras.
• Onshape data management page: branching, merging, no file locking and no PDM server.
• Onshape help, supported file formats: Onshape import and export formats.
• Onshape tech tip on editing imported files: imported neutral files arrive without parametric features.
• Onshape system requirements article: internet connection essential; supported browsers and mobile apps.