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

Drew Clark · 2026-04-04T11:00:14.211016+00:00

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?

carr.brooke6mo 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.

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simonb926mo 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?

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derekl796mo 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.

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