Both programs build parts from constrained 2D sketches and keep an editable feature history, which suits printable brackets, enclosures and fixtures that change over time.
They differ most in licensing. FreeCAD's website says there are no licensing fees, no sign-up and no restrictions. Fusion's free personal-use license is for home-based, non-commercial projects only, and business use requires a paid subscription.
FreeCAD and Autodesk Fusion side by side
| Feature | FreeCAD | Autodesk Fusion |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | FreeCAD open-source project; builds signed by the FreeCAD project association AISBL | Autodesk |
| License | LGPL-2.1 (open source) | Proprietary |
| Price | Free; no sign-up | Paid subscription; free personal-use license for qualifying non-commercial users |
| Operating systems | Windows 10 or later, macOS 12 or later (Intel and Apple Silicon), Linux (x86_64 and aarch64 AppImage) | Windows 11 23H2 or later, macOS 14 or later |
| Published system requirements | 64-bit system; no hardware minimums listed | 8 GB RAM minimum on Windows (4 GB on Mac), 8.5 GB disk, internet connection |
| Latest release | 1.1.4, released September 28, 2026 | Build v.2706.1.17, October 29, 2026 |
| Modeling approach | Parametric history with constrained sketches; OpenCASCADE kernel | Parametric timeline, with optional direct modeling |
| Other tools | Workbenches for FEM, CAM/CNC, BIM and more; Python API | Manufacture (CAM), Electronics, Simulation, Generative Design |
| File formats | Reads and writes STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, DAE and others | Personal use exports STEP, STL, OBJ, F3D, IPT, FBX, SMT, SKP and sketch DXF |
| Account and data | No sign-up required | Hubs and projects accessed through the Data Panel; offline work available |
Checked November 2, 2026 against FreeCAD 1.1.4 (released September 28, 2026) and Fusion build v.2706.1.17 (October 29, 2026, from Autodesk's release notes). Autodesk's product and pricing pages blocked automated access, so a paid Fusion price is not given here.
Licensing and cost
FreeCAD's repository carries the GNU Lesser General Public License, version 2.1, and its website says there are no licensing fees, no vendor lock-in and no sign-up. You can use it for any project.
Autodesk describes Fusion for personal use as free for qualifying users doing home-based, non-commercial work, on a 3-year term you renew by reapplying. Only 10 documents can be editable at once, and simulation, generative design, extensions and cloud rendering are excluded. Commercial work needs a paid subscription.
Platforms and requirements
FreeCAD 1.1.4 ships 64-bit builds for Windows 10 and later, macOS 12 Monterey and later on Intel and Apple Silicon, and Linux AppImages for x86_64 and aarch64. Its README adds that most Linux distributions also offer FreeCAD in their software center. The 1.1.4 release notes include two security fixes for maliciously crafted FCStd files, so updating matters if you open files from others.
Fusion supports Windows 11 version 23H2 and macOS 14 Sonoma or later. Autodesk lists 8 GB of RAM as the Windows minimum and 32 GB or more as recommended, plus minimum internet speeds, and you reach hubs, projects and designs through the Data Panel.
Modeling and extra tools
FreeCAD organizes tools into workbenches, with sketch-based part design plus finite element analysis, CAM/CNC and BIM workbenches. Its README says it is built on the OpenCASCADE geometry kernel and offers a broad Python API for scripting.
Fusion tracks each feature in a parametric timeline you can edit and reorder, and also offers a direct modeling mode without history. Its workspaces include Manufacture, Electronics and Simulation, though Autodesk excludes simulation and generative design from the personal-use license.
Getting to the printer
Both export STL and STEP for slicing. FreeCAD lists STL, OBJ and STEP among the open formats it reads and writes. Fusion's personal-use license keeps FFF additive setups, and its 2026 release notes add post processors for Bambu Lab A1 and CrealityOS printers and 3MF Slice Extension export.
Which should you choose?
Choose FreeCAD if…
- You want CAD with no license terms limiting commercial use, document counts or renewal.
- You work on Linux, including ARM64 machines.
- You want to script or extend your CAD with Python and keep files on your own computer.
Choose Autodesk Fusion if…
- You want CAM, electronics and additive print setup alongside modeling in one program.
- Your work is non-commercial and fits the personal-use limits, or you will pay for a subscription.
- You want printer post processors such as those Autodesk added for Bambu Lab and Creality machines.
Common questions
Can I use FreeCAD for commercial work?
FreeCAD is open-source software under the LGPL-2.1, and its website says there are no licensing fees or restrictions. Review the license text if you redistribute modified versions.
Does Fusion for personal use allow selling prints?
Autodesk describes the personal-use license as for home-based, non-commercial projects. Check Autodesk's eligibility terms before using it for paid work.
Which is easier to run on an older computer?
FreeCAD publishes only operating system minimums, starting at Windows 10 and macOS 12. Fusion requires Windows 11 23H2 or macOS 14 and lists 8 GB of RAM as the Windows minimum.
Sources
- FreeCAD 1.1.4 release notes FreeCAD project on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- Fusion 2026 release notes Autodesk Fusion Help · Checked 2026-11-02
- FreeCAD repository, README and LICENSE FreeCAD project on GitHub · Checked 2026-11-02
- Fusion for personal use: license changes and limits Autodesk Fusion Help · Checked 2026-11-02
- FreeCAD official website FreeCAD project · Checked 2026-11-02
- FreeCAD downloads (supported systems) FreeCAD project · Checked 2026-11-02
- System requirements for Autodesk Fusion Autodesk Fusion Help · Checked 2026-11-02
- Fusion parametric and direct modeling (design history) Autodesk Fusion Help · Checked 2026-11-02
- The Fusion interface (Data Panel, timeline, workspaces) Autodesk Fusion Help · Checked 2026-11-02
This comparison summarizes the cited documentation; it is not a lab test. Features and prices change between releases; check the developer’s site for the current version.