Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

OpenJSCAD.org VS FreeCAD

Compare OpenJSCAD.org VS FreeCAD and see what are their differences

OpenJSCAD.org logo OpenJSCAD.org

OpenSCAD + JavaScript = OpenJSCAD, edit locally or remote online, preview in browser direct via...

FreeCAD logo FreeCAD

An open-source parametric 3D modeler
  • OpenJSCAD.org Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-03-05
  • FreeCAD Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-23

OpenJSCAD.org features and specs

  • Scriptability
    OpenJSCAD.org allows for designs to be created programmatically using JavaScript, which provides great flexibility and precision in creating complex geometries.
  • Online Platform
    The tool offers a web-based environment where users can access their designs without needing to install complicated software, making it convenient and accessible.
  • Parametric Design
    Users can easily create parametric designs, which are adjustable by simply changing variables, allowing for rapid prototyping and iterative design.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, it encourages community contributions and allows users to modify and improve the software to fit their needs.
  • 3D Printing Integration
    OpenJSCAD.org is well-suited for producing designs that can be exported directly for 3D printing, simplifying the pipeline from concept to physical object.

Possible disadvantages of OpenJSCAD.org

  • Learning Curve
    There is a steeper learning curve for users unfamiliar with programming, as designing requires knowledge of JavaScript.
  • Limited GUI
    Compared to traditional CAD programs with feature-rich GUIs, OpenJSCAD lacks intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, which can make design processes more time-consuming for some users.
  • Performance
    For complex or large designs, the performance can be lacking as it runs in the browser, which might not handle heavy computations well.
  • Debugging Challenges
    Debugging code-based designs can be more challenging compared to fixing visual design errors in traditional CAD software due to the text-based nature of scripting.
  • Customization Requirements
    To achieve certain advanced functionalities, users might need to dive into customizing or extending the core functionalities, requiring deep technical skills.

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.

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

OpenJSCAD.org videos

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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

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to OpenJSCAD.org and FreeCAD)
3D
4 4%
96% 96
3D Modeling
7 7%
93% 93
Architecture
4 4%
96% 96
CAD
5 5%
95% 95

User comments

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Reviews

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

OpenJSCAD.org Reviews

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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

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, FreeCAD seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 2 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.

OpenJSCAD.org mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of OpenJSCAD.org yet. Tracking of OpenJSCAD.org recommendations started around Mar 2021.

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

What are some alternatives?

When comparing OpenJSCAD.org and FreeCAD, you can also consider the following products

OpenSCAD - OpenSCAD is a software for creating solid 3D CAD objects.

SketchUp - 3D for Everyone

ImplicitCAD - ImplicitCAD is a programmatic CAD program, implemented in Haskell.

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

CadQuery - CadQuery is a parametric cad script framework

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