FreeCAD

FreeCAD is a general-purpose, open-source parametric 3D computer-aided design (CAD) modeler. Unlike standard 3D modeling tools designed for artistic rendering or animation (such as Blender or Maya), FreeCAD is strictly an engineering tool designed for designing real-life objects of any size. It allows you to modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters, a feature known as parametric modeling. Created originally by Jürgen Riegel, Werner Mayer, and Yorik van Havre, the project has evolved significantly since its inception in 2002, becoming the preeminent open-source alternative to proprietary giants like SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, and CATIA. Built on top of the OpenCASCADE geometry kernel, FreeCAD features a modular architecture that allows plugins (called 'workbenches') to be added to the core application. This means the application can be adapted for a wide range of uses, from mechanical engineering and product design to architecture (BIM) and even finite element analysis (FEM). For Mac users, FreeCAD is particularly significant because it offers a native, offline, and privacy-respecting CAD solution that runs flawlessly on macOS, including full native support for Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, and M4 chips) by 2026. Unlike cloud-based alternatives that tether users to subscriptions and internet connections, FreeCAD ensures you own your data completely. Its reliance on standard formats like STEP, IGES, OBJ, STL, and IFC makes it a critical interoperability tool in any modern engineering workflow, serving as a bridge between various proprietary systems.