Top 5 FREE CAD applications for BEGINNERS

Have you tried to use onshape? Thanks

For me it is FreeCAD. Yes, the learning curve is steep, but it's also rewarding. I don't trust companies whose business model is based on licencing. That's why AutoDesk is not an option.

Have you tried soidedge? I just installed their hobbyist version and it looks ok, but is still eveluating.

For me it was FreeCAD. When I started 3D Printing (6?? years ago), I forced myself to learn CAD, since I wanted to use the 3D Printer as a tool and not a gimmick to print predesigned stuff. Semi free stuff like Fusion360 were not an option. The lack of linux support and having a closed source solution in the hand of a company claiming it will be free forever was not trustworthy. TinkerCad wasn't an option due to the overall add/sub a shape method. So i ended up with FreeCAD, which had a ton of issues back then. These days it works more or less perfect, when using the RealThunder edition and avoid the official branch, which looks like to be ahead, but is years behind due to the lack of the TNP fix.

Great review! Thank you. I have used tinkercad and was wondering what was the next step up, so you have given me lots to check out