# FreeCAD vs IfcOpenShell

| Attribute | FreeCAD | IfcOpenShell |
|---|---|---|
| **vioscaleAI score** | 55.7 (33% (low)) | 57.2 (75% (high)) |
| activity.commits_last_30d | 100 | 100 |
| adoption.dependent_repos | 4 | 73 |
| adoption.github_stars | 34,290 | 2,855 |
| content.faq | `[{"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}]` | `[{"answer":"IfcOpenShell is an open source library and geometry engine for developing digital platforms in the built environment. It provides comprehensive APIs and tools for IFC data manipulation, geometric analysis, model coordination, and format conversion. It is indexed under Bim Software.","source":"https://ifcopenshell.org/","question":"What is IfcOpenShell?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"IfcOpenShell is open source, so it can be self-hosted and used at no licence cost. It is released under the LGPL-3.0 licence. Pricing changes often, so verify at source before relying on it.","source":"https://ifcopenshell.org/","question":"Is IfcOpenShell free to use?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"IfcOpenShell supports Windows, macOS, Linux and a command-line interface. Platforms we have not confirmed are simply not listed here rather than ruled out.","source":"https://ifcopenshell.org/","question":"What platforms does IfcOpenShell support?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Yes. IfcOpenShell can be deployed cloud / SaaS and self-hosted, so it does not have to run on the vendor's infrastructure.","source":"https://ifcopenshell.org/","question":"Can IfcOpenShell be self-hosted?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"We have confirmed 10 integrations for IfcOpenShell, including Blender, Oracle P6, Microsoft Project, Asta PowerProject, IDS, BCF, bSDD and CityJSON, plus 2 more. This is what we could verify from public sources, so the vendor may support others we have not indexed.","source":"https://ifcopenshell.org/","question":"What does IfcOpenShell integrate with?","confidence":0.6},{"answer":"Yes. IfcOpenShell is published under the LGPL-3.0 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/ifcopenshell/IfcOpenShell","question":"Is IfcOpenShell open source?","confidence":0.95}]` |
| deployment.options | `{"self_hosted":true}` | `{"cloud":true,"self_hosted":true}` |
| description.long | 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. | IfcOpenShell is an open source library and geometry engine for developing digital platforms in the built environment. It provides comprehensive APIs and tools for IFC data manipulation, geometric analysis, model coordination, and format conversion. |
| features.capabilities | `{"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}` | `{"pricing_model":"perpetual_license","deployment_model":"cloud_web_viewer","authoring_vs_coordination":"model_authoring","3d_parametric_object_modeling":false,"ifc_openbim_standard_compliance":true,"automated_hard_and_soft_clash_detection":true,"4d_time_scheduling_and_5d_cost_estimation":true,"mep_mechanical_electrical_plumbing_detailing":true}` |
| integrations.count | 8 | 10 |
| integrations.list | `[{"name":"STEP"},{"name":"IGES"},{"name":"STL"},{"name":"SVG"},{"name":"DXF"},{"name":"OBJ"},{"name":"IFC"},{"name":"DAE"}]` | `[{"name":"Blender"},{"name":"Oracle P6"},{"name":"Microsoft Project"},{"name":"Asta PowerProject"},{"name":"IDS"},{"name":"BCF"},{"name":"bSDD"},{"name":"CityJSON"},{"name":"COBie"},{"name":"Code_Aster"}]` |
| language.primary | C++ | C++ |
| license.spdx | LGPL-2.1 | LGPL-3.0 |
| market.availability | `{"hqCountry":"BE","primaryMarkets":[],"availabilityScope":"global","availableCountries":[],"notAvailableCountries":[]}` | - |
| platform.support | `{"mac":true,"linux":true,"windows":true}` | `{"cli":true,"mac":true,"linux":true,"windows":true}` |
| pricing | `{"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"}}` | `{"type":"open_source","freeTier":true,"sourceUrl":"https://ifcopenshell.org/","retrievedAt":"2026-08-24T09:46:26.970Z"}` |
| pricing.free_tier | yes | yes |
| pricing.model | open_source | commercial |
| pricing.price_level | free | free |
| pricing.starting_price | `{"amount":1,"currency":"USD"}` | - |
| pricing.transparent | yes | - |
| release.cadence_days | 5 | 1 |
| 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"}]` | `[{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610141628","date":"2026-10-14T16:30:26Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610141628"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610141217","date":"2026-10-14T12:19:34Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610141217"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610140758","date":"2026-10-14T08:00:22Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610140758"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/ifcsverchok-0.9.1.261013","date":"2026-10-13T12:51:02Z","type":"stable","version":"ifcsverchok-0.9.1.261013"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610131250","date":"2026-10-13T12:52:15Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610131250"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610121536","date":"2026-10-12T15:38:08Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610121536"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610102211","date":"2026-10-10T22:13:30Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610102211"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101358","date":"2026-10-10T13:59:40Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101358"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101354","date":"2026-10-10T13:56:16Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101354"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101246","date":"2026-10-10T12:48:29Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101246"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101246","date":"2026-10-10T12:48:29Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610101246"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100615","date":"2026-10-10T06:17:23Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100615"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100602","date":"2026-10-10T06:04:23Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100602"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100055","date":"2026-10-10T00:57:01Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100055"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100043","date":"2026-10-10T00:45:18Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610100043"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610091501","date":"2026-10-09T15:03:07Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610091501"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610091449","date":"2026-10-09T14:51:13Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610091449"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610071432","date":"2026-10-07T14:33:42Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610071432"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610071217","date":"2026-10-07T12:18:52Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610071217"},{"url":"https://github.com/IfcOpenShell/IfcOpenShell/releases/tag/bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610062336","date":"2026-10-06T23:38:02Z","type":"stable","version":"bonsai-0.9.1-alpha2610062336"}]` |
| 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}` | `{"count":0,"source":"https://advisories.ecosyste.ms/api/v1/advisories?ecosystem=pypi&package_name=ifcopenshell&per_page=100","last_12m":0,"max_severity":null}` |

## Capabilities (Bim Software)

| Capability | FreeCAD | IfcOpenShell |
|---|:--:|:--:|
| **Capabilities** |  |  |
| Deployment model | native_desktop_local | Cloud web viewer |
| Authoring vs coordination | Model authoring | Model authoring |
| 3d parametric object modeling | ✓ | ✗ |
| Automated hard and soft clash detection | ✗ | ✓ |
| 4d time scheduling and 5d cost estimation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Point cloud lidar scan ingestion | ✓ | - |
| Ifc openbim standard compliance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mep mechanical electrical plumbing detailing | ✗ | ✓ |
| Structural steel and concrete rebar detailing | ✗ | - |
| Vr ar headset model walkthroughs | - | - |
| SOC2 type ii | ✗ | - |
| ISO 27001 | ✗ | - |
| Pricing model | completely_free_oss | Perpetual license |

*Source: vioscaleAI. Generated 2026-10-16T04:03:19.097Z. "-" = undocumented, not absent.*