Open-source alternatives to SketchUp
Open alternatives5
FreeCAD is a free design program for making 3D models of real objects, such as parts, buildings and machines, and for creating drawings from them. It takes time to learn but is capable.
Has 5 of 7
How many people bookmarked its code on GitHub. It shows how popular it is, not how good it is or how well it replaces the app.
How hard it is to start using it. Easy: install it like a normal app, or use it in your browser. Advanced: you run it on your own server, use the command line, or it is a tool for developers.
Its code changed within the last year, so someone is still looking after it.
Does the whole job.
Ordered by how fully it replaces the app, Verified, setup and, when there are enough, people's votes.
LibreCAD is a free program for flat, 2D technical drawings such as floor plans and part outlines. It opens and saves the common DXF drawing files. It does not do 3D.
Has 1 of 7 · Change a size, the model updates ✗ +4
How many people bookmarked its code on GitHub. It shows how popular it is, not how good it is or how well it replaces the app.
How hard it is to start using it. Easy: install it like a normal app, or use it in your browser. Advanced: you run it on your own server, use the command line, or it is a tool for developers.
Its code changed within the last year, so someone is still looking after it.
Does part of the job.
Ordered by how fully it replaces the app, Verified, setup and, when there are enough, people's votes.
OpenSCAD makes 3D models from a short written description instead of drawing with a mouse. It suits 3D printing and exact, repeatable parts.
Has 1 of 7 · Opens AutoCAD files ✗ +4
How many people bookmarked its code on GitHub. It shows how popular it is, not how good it is or how well it replaces the app.
How hard it is to start using it. Easy: install it like a normal app, or use it in your browser. Advanced: you run it on your own server, use the command line, or it is a tool for developers.
Its code changed within the last year, so someone is still looking after it.
Does part of the job.
Ordered by how fully it replaces the app, Verified, setup and, when there are enough, people's votes.
SolveSpace is a small, fast program for designing 3D parts by sketching shapes and setting exact measurements. It is simpler than FreeCAD and good for mechanical parts.
Has 2 of 7 · Strength simulation ✗
How many people bookmarked its code on GitHub. It shows how popular it is, not how good it is or how well it replaces the app.
How hard it is to start using it. Easy: install it like a normal app, or use it in your browser. Advanced: you run it on your own server, use the command line, or it is a tool for developers.
Its code changed within the last year, so someone is still looking after it.
Does part of the job.
Ordered by how fully it replaces the app, Verified, setup and, when there are enough, people's votes.
QCAD is a program for 2D technical drawings that feels close to classic AutoCAD. The free Community Edition is open source; extra tools such as extra file formats come in a paid Professional edition.
Has 1 of 7 · Change a size, the model updates ✗ +3
How many people bookmarked its code on GitHub. It shows how popular it is, not how good it is or how well it replaces the app.
How hard it is to start using it. Easy: install it like a normal app, or use it in your browser. Advanced: you run it on your own server, use the command line, or it is a tool for developers.
Its code changed within the last year, so someone is still looking after it.
Does part of the job.
Ordered by how fully it replaces the app, Verified, setup and, when there are enough, people's votes.
Switching from SketchUp
Get your data out
- In SketchUp Pro choose File, Export, 3D Model and pick OBJ, STL, DAE (COLLADA) or FBX.
You get: OBJ, STL, DAE, FBX.
SourceWhat won't come over
- OBJ does not keep NURBS or advanced entities.
- Help pages disagree on which formats need a paid plan; STL is available on the free tier and iPad.