UltiMaker Cura vs FreeCAD
Side-by-side comparison for macOS
UltiMaker Cura
7.03D printer and slicing GUI
FreeCAD
8.03D parametric modeller
| Metric | UltiMaker Cura | FreeCAD |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Media & Design | Media & Design |
| AI Score | 7.0 | 8.0 |
| 30-day Installs | 157 | 2.4K |
| 90-day Installs | 448 | 5.3K |
| 365-day Installs | 1.9K | 13.8K |
| Version | 5.12.1 | 1.1.1 |
| Auto-updates | No | No |
| Deprecated | No | No |
| GitHub Stars | 6.9K | 29.0K |
| GitHub Forks | 2.2K | 5.3K |
| Open Issues | 3.7K | 3.8K |
| License | LGPL-3.0 | LGPL-2.1 |
| Language | Python | C++ |
| Last GitHub Commit | 1mo ago | 1mo ago |
| First Seen | Dec 26, 2017 | Aug 9, 2023 |
Reviews
UltiMaker Cura
UltiMaker Cura is a comprehensive 3D printing software offering slicing, printer control, and extensive customization options. It supports a wide range of 3D printers and materials, making it a powerful tool for both hobbyists and professionals in the 3D printing community.
Provides a graphical user interface for slicing 3D models and controlling 3D printers.
Pros
- + Advanced slicing capabilities and customization options.
- + Supports a wide range of 3D printers and materials.
- + Extensive plugin ecosystem for additional functionality.
- + Actively maintained with regular updates.
- + Open-source under the LGPL-3.0 license, fostering community contributions.
Cons
- - High number of unresolved GitHub issues, indicating potential maintenance challenges.
- - A critical issue with black screen on certain hardware configurations remains unresolved.
- - Auto-updates are disabled, requiring manual checks for updates.
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