SOLIDWORKS Alternatives
SOLIDWORKS
For 3D computer-aided design, SolidWorks is one of the leading pieces of CAD software. Though it also supports 2D designs, there are alternatives that support 2D designs that have more robust functionality in that regard.
SolidWorks is only available for Windows, but there are several alternatives available on devices that run macOS, Linux-based operating systems, Android's Google Play Store, and the App Store (with CAD applications that are specifically optimized for iPad as well).
Best SOLIDWORKS Alternatives for Linux
Looking for a program that is like SOLIDWORKS? We have our top picks here. If you need another program that has some of the features of SOLIDWORKS on your device, read what we recommend in this post.
FreeCAD
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxFreeCAD is a general purpose parametric 3D CAD modeler. The development is completely Open Source (LGPL License). FreeCAD is aimed directly at mechanical engineering and product design but also fits in a wider range of uses around engineering, such as architecture or other engineering specialties. FreeCAD features tools similar to Catia, SolidWorks or Solid Edge, and therefore also falls into the category of MCAD, PLM, CAx and CAE.
Features:
- 3D modelling
- Parametric Modeling
- Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
- DWG support
- FEM
- Procedural modeling
- Windows XP Compatibility
- 3d Drawing
- Bim
- Drawing 2D
BRL-CAD
FreeOpen SourceMacWindowsLinuxBRL-CAD is a powerful cross-platform open source solid modeling system that includes interactive geometry editing, high-performance ray-tracing for rendering and geometric analysis, image and signal-processing tools, a system performance analysis benchmark suite, libraries for robust geometric representation, with more than 20 years of active development.
Features:
- Benchmark analytics
- Image Processing
- 3D modelling
BricsCAD
CommercialMacWindowsLinuxBricsCAD the first all-in-one CAD design solution in .dwg that answers all your needs; 2D drafting, 3D modeling, mechanical design, and BIM. The BricsCAD® family of products brings a cost-effective, multi-platform CAD solution to Windows, macOS, and Linux. BricsCAD is available as a permanent/perpetual license & subscription license, for networked or stand-alone computers. You can also add All-In Maintenance for ease of keeping up-to-date.
Features:
- 3D modelling
- Bim
- BIM import
- Drawing 2D
- DWG support
- Mechanical Design
- Mechanical Simulation
Onshape
Free PersonalMacWindowsLinuxWebAndroid iPhoneAndroid TabletiPadOnshape is a professional CAD system – Parts, Assemblies, Drawings – with version control and collaboration built in. Each Onshape plan (Free for STUDENTS, Professional & Enterprise) gives you all of the CAD and data management functionality with no time limit. - Onshape is the first full-cloud 3D CAD system. It runs in a web browser and on any mobile device. - Onshape uses cloud-native Documents, not files.
Features:
- Cloud sync
- Parametric Modeling
- Web-Based
- Cloud based
- Customizable
- Drawing Board
- Mechanical Simulation
- Real time collaboration
- Software as a Service
- Version and Source control
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