Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

FreeCAD VS Assetforge

Compare FreeCAD VS Assetforge and see what are their differences

FreeCAD logo FreeCAD

An open-source parametric 3D modeler

Assetforge logo Assetforge

Asset Forge allows anyone to create 3D models and 2D sprites using building blocks.
  • FreeCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-23
  • Assetforge Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-03

FreeCAD features and specs

  • Open Source
    FreeCAD is free to use and its source code is open to the public, allowing for customization and extension by the community.
  • Cross-Platform
    FreeCAD is available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
  • Parametric Modeling
    Users can create models with parameters that can be adjusted on-the-fly, offering a high degree of flexibility and ease of use.
  • Modular Architecture
    FreeCAD's modular design allows users to add or remove functionality through modules and extensions, catering to specific needs.
  • Community Support
    An active community of users and developers offers a wealth of tutorials, documentation, and forums for support.
  • Multi-Domain
    FreeCAD supports a wide range of engineering domains, including architecture, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering.

Possible disadvantages of FreeCAD

  • Steep Learning Curve
    The software can be challenging for new users due to its complex interface and extensive features.
  • Performance Issues
    FreeCAD can be slower in terms of performance, especially when handling large or complex models.
  • Limited Documentation
    While community support is strong, official documentation can sometimes be lacking or incomplete.
  • Occasional Bugs
    Users may encounter bugs and stability issues, especially when using less stable versions or experimental features.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    Although FreeCAD covers many basics, it may not offer all the advanced features available in commercial CAD software.
  • Not Industry Standard
    FreeCAD might not be accepted as an industry standard in many professional environments, which could limit its use for certain projects.

Assetforge features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    AssetForge provides an intuitive user interface that allows users to create 3D models without advanced knowledge in 3D design software.
  • Versatility
    The software supports both novice users and experienced developers, offering a range of simple block-building to more complex object creation.
  • Export Options
    Users can export their creations in various formats such as OBJ and FBX, making it compatible with a range of game engines and 3D software.
  • Pre-made Assets
    AssetForge includes a library of pre-made assets that can be customized, allowing for quick prototyping and design efficiency.
  • Cost-effective
    Compared to other 3D modeling software, AssetForge is reasonably priced, offering a budget-friendly option for hobbyists and indie developers.

Possible disadvantages of Assetforge

  • Limited Advanced Features
    AssetForge lacks some advanced features available in more sophisticated 3D modeling tools like Blender or Autodesk Maya.
  • Customization Constraints
    While it provides a variety of pre-made assets, the level of customization may be limited compared to full-featured 3D modeling programs.
  • Performance
    Some users have reported performance issues, particularly with larger, more complex models, which can slow down the software.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Use
    Although it is user-friendly for beginners, mastering more advanced techniques can require additional learning and practice.
  • Asset Availability
    The library of available assets, while extensive, may not cover all niche or highly specific needs that can be addressed by specialized modeling programs.

Analysis of FreeCAD

Overall verdict

  • FreeCAD is considered a good choice for users who want a versatile and cost-effective tool for 3D modeling and design, particularly where open-source flexibility and community support are valued. However, it may not be on par with professional, high-end CAD software in terms of specific advanced features and intuitive interface, which could lead to a steeper learning curve for some users.

Why this product is good

  • FreeCAD is a popular open-source parametric 3D modeler that is highly valued for its flexibility and wide range of applications in engineering and product design. Being open-source, it benefits from a community-driven development approach that continually adds new features and improvements. It supports a wide range of file formats and is compatible with many operating systems, enhancing its accessibility. It's particularly appreciated among hobbyists, makers, and those working in engineering fields who need a cost-effective CAD solution.

Recommended for

  • Hobbyists
  • Small business owners
  • Engineering students
  • Freelancers in design and engineering fields
  • Anyone looking for a cost-effective, open-source CAD solution

Analysis of Assetforge

Overall verdict

  • Assetforge is generally considered a good tool for individuals or small teams who need to produce 3D assets quickly and without a steep learning curve. However, it might not be suitable for professionals seeking highly detailed or complex custom models due to its modular approach and reliance on pre-existing components.

Why this product is good

  • Assetforge is a 3D modeling tool designed for game developers and hobbyists who want to create game assets without the complexity of traditional 3D modeling software. It is highly efficient for users who need to prototype or iterate designs quickly, offering a wide range of pre-made blocks and components that can be easily assembled into various models. Its interface is user-friendly, making it accessible even for beginners in 3D modeling.

Recommended for

  • Indie game developers looking for a quick way to create game assets.
  • Hobbyists interested in experimenting with 3D modeling without extensive training.
  • Educators teaching basic concepts of game design and 3D modeling.
  • Prototyping small to medium-sized projects that don't require intricate details.

FreeCAD videos

Is FreeCAD any good?

More videos:

  • Review - FreeCAD vs Fusion360 - What is the Best FREE CAD Program?
  • Review - FREECAD review | the best free cad software to download for free ! | mechanical modeling program

Assetforge videos

No Assetforge videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

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Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to FreeCAD and Assetforge)
3D
92 92%
8% 8
Architecture
90 90%
10% 10
3D Modeling
93 93%
7% 7
CAD
91 91%
9% 9

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare FreeCAD and Assetforge

FreeCAD Reviews

15 Best Sketchup Alternatives 2022
From the description “FreeCAD” you can decipher that this software is free to use. Hence, you can use it on Windows, Mac, and Linux amongst other operating systems.
9 Free CAD Software to Download
Although it is open source and free, FreeCAD is on par with other popular CAD programs due to its capability in creating real 3D solids, support for meshes, 2D drafting, right hand coordinate system plus many more features.
10 Free AutoCAD Alternatives
Its tools and concepts are quite similar to those of AutoCAD. So those who are already familiar with CAD will feel very comfortable using it. The FreeCAD source code can be downloaded, used and transformed as the user wants, because it is free. One of its most striking features is that by having a free source code, FreeCAD users have constantly changing software available...
Source: solidface.com

Assetforge Reviews

We have no reviews of Assetforge yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Assetforge should be more popular than FreeCAD. It has been mentiond 12 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

FreeCAD mentions (2)

  • SOLIDWORKS for Linux
    Important note[0] from author: > With the help of my script, You get a way to install Solidworks on your Linux system. > Certain packages and programs that are required will be set up for You, but it's important to know, that my script only helps You to get the program to run and nothing more! Personally I may recommend try & use SolveSpace[1,2] and FreeCAD[3] — free & open-source 2D/3D... - Source: Hacker News / over 3 years ago
  • STL to Gcode for CNC Router?
    Also FreeCAD has a gcode workbench for full 3D. I've used it a little and would describe it as "usable once you work out the quirks". Https://freecadweb.org/. Source: about 4 years ago

Assetforge mentions (12)

  • What is a good 3D modeling software for beginners(FREE)?
    Asset Forge $19.95 https://assetforge.io/ Put together pre-made blocks to design new objects. Obviously since it uses pre-made blocks you can't make arbitrary models. But the included library of blocks is so huge that I usually find what I need. Source: over 2 years ago
  • What are good softwares for designing 2D rooms?
    I strongly, strongly recommend AssetForge. It's an incredible kitbashing visualization tool. Source: over 2 years ago
  • easy & simple 3D design software
    Asset Forge is an awesome piece of software if you're cool with the low poly art style it uses. Doesn't support rigging or animation, though, so you'd have to use something else to do that. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • [Gamenerdz][DOTD] DUNGEONS & DRAGONS MINIATURES: ICONS OF THE REALMS #18 BONEYARD - GREEN DRACOLICH PREMIUM SET - $38.97
    Yes! It's also not expensive to buy most models and a lot of creators will offer a set of models at a discounted rate. There's also some pretty great beginner friendly modeling programs out there now that are more like kit bashing such as https://assetforge.io/. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • What is exciting you lately?
    Cool workflow stuff! Unity editor scripting and tools, automating builds and updates, cool asset makers like Kenny's Asset Forge, mucking about with a game making program called RPG in a box to dream out ideas... That kind of thing! :). Source: almost 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing FreeCAD and Assetforge, you can also consider the following products

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone

LibreCAD - An open source 2D CAD application for Windows, Apple and Linux.

Sweet Home 3D - Sweet Home 3D is a free interior design application that helps to draw the plan of house, arrange furniture on it and visit the results in 3D.

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

Floorplanner - Floor plan interior design software. Design your house, home, room, apartment, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, office or classroom online for free or sell real estate better with interactive 2D and 3D floorplans.

SolidWorks - Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. develops and markets 3D CAD design software, analysis software, and product data management software. SolidWorks is the leading supplier of 3D CAD product design engineering software.