123D vs FreeCAD : Which is Better?

123D icon

123D

Autodesk 123D was a suite of hobbyist CAD and 3D modeling tools. Developed by Autodesk, Inc.

License: Free Personal

Apps available for Mac OS X Windows iPad

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FreeCAD icon

FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. Developed by Juergen Riegel, Werner Mayer

License: Open Source

Categories: Photos & Graphics

Apps available for Mac OS X Windows Linux

123D VS FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a powerful open-source CAD tool suitable for engineering and architectural design, with strong parametric modeling and community support. In contrast, 123D was focused on user-friendliness and sculpting, making it ideal for beginners and quick prototyping, though it lacks the advanced features and support of FreeCAD.

123D

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Good for beginners
  • Strong sculpting capabilities
  • Integrated with Autodesk ecosystem
  • Allows easy sharing and collaboration
  • Quick prototyping features
  • Simplified workflows
  • Supports 3D printing directly
  • Cloud storage options
  • Visual modeling tools

Cons:

  • Limited advanced CAD features
  • No longer actively developed
  • Less support for parametric modeling
  • Reliant on Autodesk for updates
  • Limited export options
  • Integration issues with other software
  • Less capable for professional use
  • Fewer customization options
  • Can be slow with large projects
  • Limited community support

FreeCAD

Pros:

  • Highly customizable
  • Strong parametric modeling capabilities
  • Extensive community support
  • Multi-platform availability
  • Rich in CAD features
  • Flexible scripting options
  • Good for technical drawings
  • Supports various file formats
  • Has simulation tools
  • Regular updates and improvements

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Less intuitive interface
  • Limited sculpting tools
  • Not as polished as commercial software
  • Can be resource-intensive
  • Occasional bugs
  • Limited official support compared to paid options
  • Fewer tutorials available compared to mainstream software
  • Less emphasis on visual aesthetics
  • Modeling can be complex for simple tasks

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