# Altium Designer vs FreeCAD

| Attribute | Altium Designer | FreeCAD |
|---|---|---|
| **vioscaleAI score** | 53.3 (56% (medium)) | 55.7 (33% (low)) |
| activity.commits_last_30d | - | 100 |
| adoption.dependent_repos | - | 4 |
| adoption.github_stars | - | 34,290 |
| content.faq | `[{"answer":"A cloud-hosted design platform that enables electronics teams to collaborate on PCB projects with enhanced security features for US government regulations like ITAR and EAR. It integrates with cloud PLM systems to synchronize component data and manufacturing information. It is indexed under CAD Software.","source":"https://www.altium.com/altium-designer","question":"What is Altium Designer?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Altium Designer offers a free tier, so you can start without paying. Paid plans are also available: Altium Agile Teams and Altium Agile Enterprise. Pricing changes often, so verify at source before relying on it.","source":"https://www.altium.com/altium-designer","question":"Is Altium Designer free?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Altium Designer supports the web and Windows. Platforms we have not confirmed are simply not listed here rather than ruled out.","source":"https://www.altium.com/altium-designer","question":"What platforms does Altium Designer support?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Not fully, on what we have confirmed. Altium Designer is offered as cloud / SaaS and hybrid, and a hybrid deployment usually means some components can run on your own infrastructure while the rest stays vendor-hosted. We have not confirmed a completely self-hosted option, so check with the vendor if that is a requirement.","source":"https://www.altium.com/altium-designer","question":"Can Altium Designer be self-hosted?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"We have confirmed 15 integrations for Altium Designer, including Altium 365, EAGLE, KiCad, OrCAD, PADS, Zuken CR-5000, Siemens NX and Autodesk Inventor, plus 7 more. This is what we could verify from public sources, so the vendor may support others we have not indexed.","source":"https://www.altium.com/altium-designer","question":"What does Altium Designer integrate with?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"We have independently confirmed SOC 2 and GDPR for Altium Designer. Certifications we do not list are ones we have not been able to verify from public sources, which is not the same as Altium Designer not holding them. Always confirm compliance directly before you rely on it.","source":"https://www.altium.com/de/platform/security-compliance","question":"What security certifications does Altium Designer have?","confidence":0.7},{"answer":"Altium Designer is available in the United States. Its primary market is the United States.","source":"https://www.altium.com/altium-designer","question":"Where is Altium Designer available?","confidence":0.75}]` | `[{"answer":"FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeling application that enables users to design real-world objects with precise dimensions and parameters. It supports bidirectional 2D-to-3D workflows, includes specialized workbenches for various domains (mechanical design, architecture, CAM), and seamlessly integrates with numerous file formats. It is indexed under CAD Software.","source":"https://www.freecad.org","question":"What is FreeCAD?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"FreeCAD is open source, so it can be self-hosted and used at no licence cost. It is released under the LGPL-2.1 licence. Pricing changes often, so verify at source before relying on it.","source":"https://www.freecad.org","question":"Is FreeCAD free to use?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"FreeCAD supports Windows, macOS and Linux. Platforms we have not confirmed are simply not listed here rather than ruled out.","source":"https://www.freecad.org","question":"What platforms does FreeCAD support?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Yes. FreeCAD can be deployed self-hosted, so it does not have to run on the vendor's infrastructure.","source":"https://www.freecad.org","question":"Can FreeCAD be self-hosted?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"We have confirmed 8 integrations for FreeCAD, including STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC and DAE. This is what we could verify from public sources, so the vendor may support others we have not indexed.","source":"https://www.freecad.org","question":"What does FreeCAD integrate with?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Yes. FreeCAD is published under the LGPL-2.1 licence, a copyleft licence, so check its terms before embedding it in a closed-source product. Licence terms can change between releases, so verify against the repository for the version you intend to use.","source":"https://github.com/freecad/FreeCAD","question":"Is FreeCAD open source?","confidence":0.95}]` |
| deployment.options | `{"cloud":true,"hybrid":true}` | `{"self_hosted":true}` |
| description.long | A PCB design tool for desktop computers combining schematic, layout, and analysis capabilities with cloud-based collaboration features for team review and version control. | FreeCAD is a free, open-source 3D parametric modeling tool that allows users to create and modify parametric designs. It supports multiple platforms and features a community-driven ecosystem of modules and macros. |
| features.capabilities | `{"soc2_type_ii":true,"deployment_model":"cloud_processing_hybrid","pcb_electrical_circuit_design_sync":true,"2d_drafting_and_dimensioning_blueprints":true}` | `{"iso_27001":false,"soc2_type_ii":false,"pricing_model":"completely_free_oss","deployment_model":"native_desktop_local","authoring_vs_coordination":"model_authoring","3d_parametric_object_modeling":true,"ifc_openbim_standard_compliance":true,"point_cloud_lidar_scan_ingestion":true,"fea_stress_and_thermal_simulation":true,"parametric_history_based_timeline":true,"pcb_electrical_circuit_design_sync":false,"cam_toolpath_generation_cnc_milling":true,"dwg_dxf_autocad_standard_file_import":true,"bim_architectural_information_modeling":true,"2d_drafting_and_dimensioning_blueprints":true,"automated_hard_and_soft_clash_detection":false,"nurbs_and_surface_mathematical_modeling":true,"stl_export_for_standardized_3d_printing":true,"4d_time_scheduling_and_5d_cost_estimation":false,"mep_mechanical_electrical_plumbing_detailing":false,"structural_steel_and_concrete_rebar_detailing":false}` |
| integrations.count | 2 | 8 |
| integrations.list | `[{"name":"Altium 365"},{"name":"EAGLE"},{"name":"KiCad"},{"name":"OrCAD"},{"name":"PADS"},{"name":"Zuken CR-5000"},{"name":"Siemens NX"},{"name":"Autodesk Inventor"},{"name":"Onshape"},{"name":"Arena"},{"name":"Duro"},{"name":"Jira"},{"name":"Slack"},{"name":"SiliconExpert"},{"name":"Z2Data"},{"name":"Duro PLM","native":true,"category":"plm","direction":"bidirectional"},{"name":"Cloud PLM Connector","native":true,"category":"plm","direction":"bidirectional"}]` | `[{"name":"STEP"},{"name":"IGES"},{"name":"STL"},{"name":"SVG"},{"name":"DXF"},{"name":"OBJ"},{"name":"IFC"},{"name":"DAE"}]` |
| language.primary | - | C++ |
| license.spdx | - | LGPL-2.1 |
| market.availability | `{"primaryMarkets":["US"],"availabilityScope":"global","availableCountries":[],"notAvailableCountries":[]}` | `{"hqCountry":"BE","primaryMarkets":[],"availabilityScope":"global","availableCountries":[],"notAvailableCountries":[]}` |
| platform.support | `{"web":true,"windows":true}` | `{"mac":true,"linux":true,"windows":true}` |
| pricing | `{"type":"subscription","plans":[{"free":false,"name":"Altium Designer Author","summary":"$995/year per additional Altium Designer Author","features":["Advanced PCB design","Schematics and layout","Simulation and analysis","ECAD-MCAD CoDesign","Version control","Design review and collaboration"],"minSeats":1,"commitment":"annual","components":[{"kind":"per_unit","unit":"author","amount":995,"period":"year","currency":"USD"}],"description":"1 Altium Designer Author license with 1 workspace for shared projects and collaboration, plus unlimited workspace users for review, commenting, and task management","contactSales":false}],"summary":"Free 30-day trial, then $995/year per additional Altium Designer Author","currency":"USD","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://www.altium.com/altium-designer","retrievedAt":"2026-09-24T12:03:29.951Z","freeTrialDays":30,"startingPrice":{"unit":"author","amount":995,"period":"year","currency":"USD"},"billingPeriods":["year"]}` | `{"type":"open_source","plans":[{"free":false,"name":"Sponsor - Bronze","summary":"From 1 USD/1 EUR per month","components":[{"kind":"fixed","amount":1,"period":"month","currency":"USD"}],"contactSales":false},{"free":false,"name":"Sponsor - Silver","summary":"From 25 USD/25 EUR per month","components":[{"kind":"fixed","amount":25,"period":"month","currency":"USD"}],"contactSales":false},{"free":false,"name":"Sponsor - Gold","summary":"From 100 USD/100 EUR per month","components":[{"kind":"fixed","amount":100,"period":"month","currency":"USD"}],"contactSales":false},{"free":false,"name":"Sponsor - Platinum","summary":"From 200 USD/200 EUR per month","components":[{"kind":"fixed","amount":200,"period":"month","currency":"USD"}],"contactSales":false}],"summary":"Free and open source. Optional sponsorships from 1 USD/month","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://www.freecad.org","retrievedAt":"2026-10-14T21:29:56.149Z","startingPrice":{"amount":1,"period":"month","currency":"USD"}}` |
| pricing.free_tier | yes | yes |
| pricing.model | freemium | open_source |
| pricing.price_level | high | free |
| pricing.starting_price | `{"amount":995,"currency":"USD"}` | `{"amount":1,"currency":"USD"}` |
| pricing.transparent | yes | yes |
| release.cadence_days | - | 5 |
| release.history | - | `[{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.10.14","date":"2026-10-14T00:46:23Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.10.14"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/26.3rc1","date":"2026-10-08T14:40:27Z","type":"prerelease","version":"26.3rc1"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.10.07","date":"2026-10-07T00:56:59Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.10.07"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.10.01","date":"2026-10-01T12:47:28Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.10.01"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.09.30","date":"2026-09-30T00:56:31Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.09.30"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/1.1.4","date":"2026-09-28T13:58:35Z","type":"stable","version":"1.1.4"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.09.23","date":"2026-09-23T00:49:32Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.09.23"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.09.16","date":"2026-09-16T06:36:36Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.09.16"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.09.09","date":"2026-09-09T00:56:51Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.09.09"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.09.02","date":"2026-09-02T03:54:40Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.09.02"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.08.26","date":"2026-08-26T01:46:26Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.08.26"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.08.20","date":"2026-08-20T05:32:11Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.08.20"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.08.12","date":"2026-08-12T06:16:55Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.08.12"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.08.05","date":"2026-08-05T00:46:24Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.08.05"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.07.29","date":"2026-07-29T00:48:02Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.07.29"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/1.1.3","date":"2026-07-25T04:53:36Z","type":"stable","version":"1.1.3"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/1.1.2","date":"2026-07-23T15:01:22Z","type":"stable","version":"1.1.2"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.07.22","date":"2026-07-22T00:48:07Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.07.22"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.07.15","date":"2026-07-15T00:44:04Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.07.15"},{"url":"https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/releases/tag/weekly-2026.07.09","date":"2026-07-09T19:33:50Z","type":"prerelease","version":"weekly-2026.07.09"}]` |
| security.certifications | `[{"name":"SOC 2 Type II","level":"Type II","status":"active"},{"name":"CMMC Level 1","status":"active"},{"name":"STAR Level 1","status":"active"},{"name":"FedRAMP","status":"in_progress"}]` | - |
| security.gdpr | yes | - |
| security.soc2 | yes | - |
| security.trust_center | https://www.altium.com/capabilities/compliance-security/govcloud | - |
| security.vulnerabilities | - | `{"count":0,"source":"https://advisories.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/advisories?ecosystem=conda&package_name=freecad&per_page=100","last_12m":0,"max_severity":null}` |

## Capabilities (CAD Software)

| Capability | Altium Designer | FreeCAD |
|---|:--:|:--:|
| **Capabilities** |  |  |
| Deployment model | Cloud processing hybrid | Native desktop local |
| Parametric history based timeline | - | ✓ |
| Nurbs and surface mathematical modeling | - | ✓ |
| 2d drafting and dimensioning blueprints | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cam toolpath generation cnc milling | - | ✓ |
| Bim architectural information modeling | - | ✓ |
| Fea stress and thermal simulation | - | ✓ |
| Pcb electrical circuit design sync | ✓ | ✗ |
| Stl export for standardized 3d printing | - | ✓ |
| Dwg dxf autocad standard file import | - | ✓ |
| SOC2 type ii | ✓ | ✗ |
| ISO 27001 | - | ✗ |
| Pricing model | - | Completely free oss |

*Source: vioscaleAI. Generated 2026-10-16T18:33:38.119Z. "-" = undocumented, not absent.*