FreeVisit Website
Reviews onSourceForge
1 review trackedThe Bottom Line
Entry price
Free, no paid tier
Biggest pro
Completely free and open-source (GPLv3)
Biggest con
May have a steeper learning curve compared to commercial CAD software
TL;DR - Solvespace
- Free parametric 2D/3D CAD software.
- Supports modeling, assembly, and mechanism design.
- Exports to various formats for 3D printing and CAM.
Pricing: Free forever
Best for: Individuals & startups
What is Solvespace?
SolveSpace is a free, parametric 2D/3D CAD tool designed for a variety of engineering and design tasks. It allows users to model 3D parts using extrudes, revolves, helixes, and Boolean operations, as well as create 2D parts for export in formats like DXF, PDF, and SVG. The software is particularly useful for designing 3D-printed parts, preparing CAM data for manufacturing, and simulating mechanical linkages.
Its constraint solver enables the design and analysis of planar or spatial linkages with various joint types. SolveSpace helps replace manual trigonometric calculations and spreadsheets with live, dimensioned drawings, making it suitable for engineers, designers, and hobbyists who need precise control over their geometric models and assemblies.
Available on: Web, Windows, macOS, Linux
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Completely free and open-source (GPLv3)
- Parametric design capabilities for precise control
- Robust constraint solver for mechanism design
- Supports a wide range of import and export formats
- Associative assembly allows changes to propagate automatically
Cons
- May have a steeper learning curve compared to commercial CAD software
- User interface might be less polished than paid alternatives
- Community support might be smaller than for widely adopted commercial tools
Ratings Across the Web
1(1 reviews)
Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more
Key Features
Sketch sections with lines, rectangles, circles, arcs, Bezier segments, and TrueType textApply constraints and dimensions including distance, angle, tangency, parallel, perpendicular, and equalityBuild solid models using extrude, lathe (solid of revolution), helix, and Boolean operations (union, difference, intersection)Parametric and associative assembly with six degrees of freedom, mirroring, and scalingAnalyze measurements, mechanism paths, sketch area, solid volume, degrees-of-freedom, and interference checksExport 2D vector drawings (DXF, EPS, PDF, SVG, HPGL, STEP), toolpaths (G-code), 3D wireframes (DXF, STEP), triangle meshes (STL, OBJ), and NURBS surfaces (STEP)
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Jun 16, 2026
Free
Free
- modeling 3d parts
- modeling 2d parts
- 3d-printed parts
- preparing CAM data
- mechanism design
- plane and solid geometry
Reviews
$99Free with your review
Write a reviewReview Solvespace, get a free AI guide
Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.
Best Solvespace Alternatives
Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.
FreeCADFree
Design real-life objects with an open-source parametric 3D modeler.
LibreCADFree
Free and open-source 2D CAD software for Windows, Apple, and Linux.
BRL-CADFree
Open-source solid modeling system for unambiguous 3D geometry and high-performance ray-tracing.
OpenSCADFree
The programmer's solid 3D CAD modeller for creating precise 3D objects.
QCADFree
Open-source 2D CAD software for technical drawings and computer-aided manufacturing.
Still deciding?
Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.
Explore More
Solvespace FAQ
How does Solvespace facilitate the design of 3D-printed parts?
Solvespace allows users to model 3D parts using extrudes, revolves, helixes, and Boolean operations, which are fundamental for creating printable geometries. It also supports exporting designs in various formats suitable for 3D printing and CAM data preparation.
What kind of user benefits most from Solvespace's parametric design capabilities?
Engineers, designers, and hobbyists who require precise control over their geometric models and assemblies benefit most from Solvespace's parametric design. This feature enables them to replace manual trigonometric calculations with live, dimensioned drawings.
How is Solvespace priced?
Solvespace is completely free to use, as it is an open-source software distributed under the GPLv3 license. There are no paid plans or required subscriptions to access its features.
Which teams would find Solvespace suitable for their design workflows?
Teams involved in mechanical engineering, product design, or any field requiring precise 2D/3D modeling and mechanism design would find Solvespace suitable. Its robust constraint solver and associative assembly features support complex design tasks.
How does Solvespace compare to FreeCAD in terms of user experience?
Solvespace may present a steeper learning curve compared to some commercial CAD software, and its user interface might be less polished than paid alternatives like FreeCAD. However, it offers robust parametric design and a strong constraint solver for mechanism design.
Can Solvespace be used for simulating mechanical linkages?
Yes, Solvespace can be used for simulating mechanical linkages. Its constraint solver enables the design and analysis of both planar and spatial linkages with various joint types, making it effective for mechanism design.
What are the primary limitations of Solvespace?
Solvespace may have a steeper learning curve compared to commercial CAD software, and its user interface might be less polished than paid alternatives. Additionally, its community support might be smaller than for widely adopted commercial tools.
Source: solvespace.com