PSA on that 'free' 3D CAD software with the weird license

Spent $500 on a project file I couldn't open or export after the trial ended. Anyone know a solid, truly free alternative for basic mechanical stuff?

3 comments

3 Comments

carr.brooke1mo ago

Fusion's hobby license is solid, but watch the 10 editable document limit. For purely basic shapes, FreeCAD is a steep learning curve but it's truly open source, no account needed. Just be ready for a different workflow than the polished commercial stuff.

simonb921mo ago

@derekl79 makes a good point about reading the fine print, but what kind of project costs $500 to get locked out of? Were you trying to open something super complex?

derekl791mo ago

Man, that's rough but I gotta ask, did you really need to spend that much before checking the license? Those trial locks are usually in the fine print. For basic stuff, Fusion 360 has a free hobbyist license that works fine, just don't use it for a business. I've messed with it for designing custom brackets and it gets the job done without any surprise bills.