Is FreeCAD really free?

Yes — FreeCAD is listed as a free/free alternative to Fusion 360's competitor: Onshape. We verify the link weekly.

How long does it take to switch from Fusion 360's competitor: Onshape?

Plan for a weekend including a short parallel pilot. Most teams keep the old tool read-only for two weeks before cancelling.

You stop paying

$25/mo

= $300/seat every year

Realistic effort

a weekend

including a 2-week pilot

Alternatives verified

link-checked weekly

1
Prepare
Inventory your design system
List the components, styles and libraries your team actually reuses in Fusion 360's competitor: Onshape. That subset is what you'll rebuild first in the new tool.
2
Prepare
Export frames and assets to open formats
Export key frames as SVG (vectors) and images as PNG. Export design tokens (colors, type scale) to JSON or CSS variables so they survive the move.
3
Pilot
Rebuild one real project
Open FreeCAD and recreate one live project — components, styles and all. Skip toy files; real work reveals the real gaps.
4
Pilot
Run a two-week pilot in parallel
New work goes to FreeCAD; the old tool stays read-only. Expect the first week to feel slower, then to even out.
5
Migrate
Import or rebuild your library
Bring SVG exports into FreeCAD and rebuild shared components/styles from your exported tokens. Archive originals for reference.
6
Cut the cost
Cancel at the renewal boundary
Cancel Fusion 360's competitor: Onshape before the next renewal — with prices rising yearly, timing the cancellation IS part of the savings.

Export tip: Export frames as SVG and assets as PNG/SVG from the paid tool — open formats almost every free design tool imports.

A free, open-source CAD program for creating 3D models

Capability	FreeCAD
Free / open source	A free, open-source CAD program for creating 3D models
Real-time collaboration	Not mentioned in the verified description — check the project docs.
AI-assisted features	Not mentioned in the verified description — check the project docs.
Works offline / desktop app	Not mentioned in the verified description — check the project docs.
Self-hosted option	Not mentioned in the verified description — check the project docs.
Plugin / extension ecosystem	Not mentioned in the verified description — check the project docs.
No watermarks or limits	Not mentioned in the verified description — check the project docs.
Team permissions & admin	Not mentioned in the verified description — check the project docs.

Feature rows are derived from the verified project description — treat ✓ as confirmed and check the project docs before you commit.

A free, open-source software for creating 3D models using a programming language

A free, open-source 3D creation software for modeling, rigging, animation, and more