ActCAD Software vs. FreeCAD

Some dimensions move for no apparent reason. 3d modeling could be improved upon. As a 2D program I use it daily and prefer it to 3D modeling programs for drawing details.

I see FreeCad as the perfect solution for a startup with limited resources that want to save as much as possible and doesn't mind using non-standard 3D CAD software, i.e., it's not required by customers to use specific software for compatibility. It's perfect for hobbyist use and makers who don't care about brands and pay monthly fees. I see it as very well suited for small businesses that need FEA (finite element analysis) and can't/don't want to pay huge amounts of money for it, just like us. I see FreeCad as less appropriate for big corporations or well-established businesses that need standardized solutions, compatibility with clients or good version management. Don't get me wrong, it can get the job done, but it will be much slower than state-of-the-art CAD systems.

Incentivized

• This is one of the most complete packages that I've used, very intuitive, thus saying user-friendly is somewhat on the mild side, as it is a pleasure to use
• Functionality is straightforward and all pertinent information are right on the screen
• Its ease-of-use cuts down on documentation time thus allowing me to spend more time where it's really needed

• Importing CAD formats
• Converting mesh formats to solid and surface objects geometry
• Fixing errors in geometry cad

Incentivized

• My major complaint is sometimes the dimensions do not stay where I place them.
• 3D modeling is complicated for me.
• Need to specify wall types and be able to create custom walls.
• Need to have a roof manager to make trusses or hand-stack framing.

• Overall, the UI feels very old and non-polished.
• There are some quirky behaviors, like being unable to select a plane by having the cursor over it; it has to be over the edges of the plane.
• It's overwhelming having those many modules and options for doing things that appear to be similar.

Incentivized

Usability is awkward. Perhaps if you learn it as your first CAD, it will feel OK. Still, it comes from commercial CAD products like mine (Onshape, Solid Works, Inventor, Solid Edge). You will feel it is less intuitive, with a less polished UI, difficult to customize and, this is a subjective one, less serious. I'd love to see it improve the usability and UI. I believe the engine behind it is powerful, but how you interact with the software is still lacking.

Incentivized

It's the best alternative to cost-prohibitive CAD software.

Freecad is used often when receiving files from multiple sources and the need to work with cad in various forms from meshes to solid cad. Often when receiving scans of 3d objects the format is easy to work with and convert to traditional cad later on. There is no other cad that can bridge the gap between all the cad formats that we found yet.

Incentivized

• Its ease-of-use allows me more time to focus on project needs and completion

• It has allowed us to do some cad work that no other systems has allowed us to do and is key to getting that done fast
• It has lots of online support through forums and blogs for trouble shooting
• It could have an updated interface to make the functionality more user friendly for first time users

Incentivized