KiCad vs FreeCAD
Side-by-side comparison for macOS
KiCad
9.0Electronics design automation suite
FreeCAD
8.03D parametric modeller
| Metric | KiCad | FreeCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Developer Tools | Media & Design |
| AI Score | 9.0 | 8.0 |
| 30-day Installs | 1.4K | 2.4K |
| 90-day Installs | 2.8K | 5.3K |
| 365-day Installs | 7.1K | 13.8K |
| Version | 10.0.1 | 1.1.1 |
| Auto-updates | No | No |
| Deprecated | No | No |
| GitHub Stars | 2.6K | 29.0K |
| GitHub Forks | 597 | 5.3K |
| Open Issues | - | 3.8K |
| License | GPL-3.0 | LGPL-2.1 |
| Language | C++ | C++ |
| Last GitHub Commit | 1mo ago | 1mo ago |
| First Seen | Nov 4, 2014 | Aug 9, 2023 |
Reviews
KiCad
KiCad is a comprehensive open-source suite for electronics design automation, offering tools for circuit design and PCB layout. It's widely used by both hobbyists and professionals, making it a versatile tool for various electronic projects.
KiCad provides tools for designing and simulating electronic circuits and printed circuit boards.
Pros
- + Comprehensive set of tools for PCB design and simulation
- + Open-source and free to use
- + Active and supportive community
- + Cross-platform compatibility
Cons
- - Development primarily on GitLab, with GitHub as a mirror
- - No automatic updates feature
FreeCAD
FreeCAD is a feature-rich, open-source 3D parametric modeler that offers a comprehensive toolset for CAD enthusiasts and professionals. It supports a wide range of design workflows, including product design, architecture, and mechanical engineering, making it an excellent alternative to proprietary CAD software.
FreeCAD enables users to create, modify, and analyze 3D models using parametric design principles.
Pros
- + Open-source and free to use
- + Rich set of tools and plugins for various design workflows
- + Cross-platform compatibility
- + Active and supportive community
Cons
- - Steep learning curve for new users
- - Occasional instability in newer versions