Onshape alternatives

All Onshape alternatives

1. 

   

   Autodesk Fusion

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   Autodesk Fusion, formerly Fusion 360, is a product design and engineering platform that combines parametric and freeform 3D modeling, simulation, generative design, electronics design and CAM toolpaths for CNC machining. Projects are stored in the cloud with version history and team sharing. It is used by engineers, makers and small manufacturers, and a free personal-use license with reduced features is available.

   6 Autodesk Fusion alternatives

   Pros

   • CAD, CAM, simulation and electronics design in one application
   • Cloud storage with version history makes sharing designs simple
   • Free personal-use license is a good fit for hobbyists and makers

   Cons

   • The free personal license is non-commercial and has reduced features
   • Cloud-based file storage limits offline work and control over files
   • Available on Windows and macOS only, with no Linux version

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   3D Modeling & Animation

   Platforms

   WindowsMac

   Features

   CAD & parametric modelingRenderingTeam collaboration

   Visit websiteMore about Autodesk Fusion
2. 

   

   FreeCAD

   34.2KstarsLike

   FreeCAD is a free, open source parametric 3D modeler for mechanical engineering, product design, architecture (BIM) and 3D printing. It is organized into workbenches for part design, sketching, assemblies, technical drawings, finite element analysis and CAM, and can be fully scripted in Python. Version 1.0, released in 2024, added a built-in assembly workbench and fixes for the topological naming problem.

   6 FreeCAD alternatives

   Pros

   • Free and open source parametric CAD with no license fees
   • Workbenches cover parts, assemblies, drawings, FEM and CAM
   • Fully scriptable in Python for automation and custom tools

   Cons

   • Interface feels less polished than commercial CAD packages
   • Workflows differ between workbenches, which slows down learning

   Cost / License

   FreeOpen source

   Categories

   3D Modeling & Animation

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinux

   Features

   CAD & parametric modelingOffline modePlugins & extensions

   Visit websiteMore about FreeCAD
3. 

   

   SketchUp

   4.5(18K) · App StoreLike

   SketchUp is a 3D modeling tool from Trimble built around simple push-pull geometry, used by architects, interior designers, landscape designers and woodworkers. The 3D Warehouse offers a large library of ready-made models, and the Extension Warehouse adds plugins for rendering, layout and analysis. A free web version exists for personal use; paid plans add the desktop app, LayOut for 2D drawings and the iPad app.

   8 SketchUp alternatives

   Pros

   • Push-pull modeling is quick to pick up for beginners
   • 3D Warehouse offers a vast library of ready-made models
   • Extensions add rendering, layout and analysis tools

   Cons

   • The free web version is limited to personal use
   • Struggles with complex curved and organic shapes
   • The desktop app and LayOut require a paid subscription

   Cost / License

   FreemiumProprietary

   Categories

   3D Modeling & Animation

   Platforms

   WebWindowsMaciPhone

   Features

   CAD & parametric modelingPlugins & extensionsTemplates

   Visit websiteMore about SketchUp
4. 

   

   Tinkercad

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   Tinkercad is a free web app from Autodesk that teaches 3D design by combining basic shapes, making it a common first step into CAD for students, teachers and 3D printing hobbyists. Besides 3D modeling, it includes Circuits for simulating Arduino and electronics projects and Codeblocks for creating designs with block-based code. Classroom tools let teachers manage students, and an iPad app is available.

   6 Tinkercad alternatives

   Pros

   • Completely free and runs in the browser
   • Shape-based modeling is ideal for first steps in 3D design
   • Circuits simulates Arduino and electronics projects

   Cons

   • Too basic for complex or precise engineering models
   • Needs an internet connection and an Autodesk account

   Cost / License

   FreeProprietary

   Categories

   3D Modeling & Animation

   Platforms

   WebiPhone

   Features

   CAD & parametric modelingTemplatesVisual scripting

   Visit websiteMore about Tinkercad
5. 

   

   Blender

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   Blender is a free, open source 3D creation suite covering modeling, sculpting, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering with Cycles and EEVEE, compositing and video editing. Its Grease Pencil tools also allow 2D animation inside a 3D space. Developed by the Blender Foundation and a large community, it is used by hobbyists, studios and game developers and can be extended with Python add-ons.

   12 Blender alternatives

   Pros

   • Completely free and open source, with no license or subscription
   • Covers modeling, sculpting, animation, rendering and video editing
   • Large community with countless tutorials and Python add-ons

   Cons

   • Dense interface that takes newcomers time to learn
   • Less established than Maya or 3ds Max in some studio pipelines

   Cost / License

   FreeOpen source

   Categories

   3D Modeling & Animation

   Platforms

   WindowsMacLinux

   Features

   AnimationPlugins & extensionsRenderingSculpting

   Visit websiteMore about Blender
6. 

   

   Autodesk 3ds Max

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   Autodesk 3ds Max is a 3D modeling, animation and rendering application for Windows, used for architectural and product visualization, interior design and game asset creation. It offers polygon and spline modeling, a modifier stack, the Arnold renderer and a large ecosystem of third-party plugins and renderers such as V-Ray and Corona. MAXScript and Python scripting support custom workflows.

   9 Autodesk 3ds Max alternatives

   Pros

   • Deep modeling toolset built around a flexible modifier stack
   • Huge plugin ecosystem, including the V-Ray and Corona renderers
   • Long-standing standard for architectural visualization work

   Cons

   • Runs on Windows only, with no macOS or Linux version
   • Subscription-only licensing is expensive for freelancers
   • Steep learning curve and an interface that shows its age

   Cost / License

   Free trialProprietary

   Categories

   3D Modeling & Animation

   Platforms

   Windows

   Features

   AnimationPlugins & extensionsRendering

   Visit websiteMore about Autodesk 3ds Max