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Head-to-head · Building Information Modeling Software

OpenBuildings Designer vs FreeCAD

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 2 checks side by side
Higher score OpenBuildings Designer #4 in Building Information Modeling Software 9.0/10 Paid ✓ 1 of 3 features Visit site
FreeCAD #7 in Building Information Modeling Software 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 3 features Visit FreeCAD

OpenBuildings Designer leads on 0 checks, FreeCAD on 1, and 1 is even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreOpenBuildings Designer · 9.0/10
  • Free planonly FreeCAD
  • Most featuresOpenBuildings Designer · 1 of 3

OpenBuildings Designer scores higher on our rubric for building information modeling software: 9.0 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #7.

FreeCAD offers free plan; OpenBuildings Designer doesn't.

OpenBuildings Designer is the better fit for large teams coordinating cross-discipline building design. FreeCAD is the better fit for cost-conscious users needing flexible BIM tools.

  • OpenBuildings Designer fits best

    Large teams coordinating cross-discipline building design

  • FreeCAD fits best

    Cost-conscious users needing flexible BIM tools

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature OpenBuildings Designer 9.0/10 Visit ↗ FreeCAD 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.0 8.4
Ranking #4 in Building Information Modeling Software #7 in Building Information Modeling Software
Best for Large teams coordinating cross-discipline building design Cost-conscious users needing flexible BIM tools
Pricing model Paid Free
Starting price $3,844/yr Free plan
Free plan — ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Phone, Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7 Community, Docs
Built for Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features OpenBuildings Designer 1/3 · FreeCAD 0/3
OpenBIM support Not checked yet Not checked yet
Cloud collaboration ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Model version history Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Model authoring Not checked yet Not checked yet
Platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Supported file formats Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Models architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines in 3D
  • Combines clash detection, energy analysis, and quantity reporting
  • Exchanges IFC, COBie, DWG, RFA, and SketchUp data
  • Free, open-source software for Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Combines BIM with parametric modeling and engineering workbenches
  • Supports IFC exchange, Python scripting, macros, and add-ons
Cons
  • The published annual license price is $3,844
  • Runs on Windows, with no mobile access listed
  • Broad multidisciplinary scope may exceed narrower design needs
  • Desktop-only deployment
  • BIM is one workbench within a wider engineering toolkit
  • Rendering relies on external engines or add-ons
Our verdict

OpenBuildings Designer is Bentley Systems' multidisciplinary BIM software for architects, structural engineers, mechanical and electrical designers, and construction teams. It brings building modeling, coordinated documentation, analysis,…

Read the review →

FreeCAD is a free, open-source desktop application for parametric 3D modeling and computer-aided design. Its BIM and architectural modeling tools sit alongside workbenches for product design, mechanical engineering, finite-element…

Read the review →
  1. OpenBuildings DesignerBuilding Information Modeling Software 9.0Paid
  2. FreeCADBuilding Information Modeling Software 8.4Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • OpenBuildings Designer — where it wins

    • Models architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical disciplines in 3D
    • Combines clash detection, energy analysis, and quantity reporting
    • Exchanges IFC, COBie, DWG, RFA, and SketchUp data

    Where it doesn't

    • The published annual license price is $3,844
    • Runs on Windows, with no mobile access listed
    • Broad multidisciplinary scope may exceed narrower design needs

  • FreeCAD — where it wins

    • Free, open-source software for Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Combines BIM with parametric modeling and engineering workbenches
    • Supports IFC exchange, Python scripting, macros, and add-ons

    Where it doesn't

    • Desktop-only deployment
    • BIM is one workbench within a wider engineering toolkit
    • Rendering relies on external engines or add-ons
  • OpenBuildings Designer9.0/10 · Paid

    Multidiscipline BIM with clash detection and energy analysis, at an annual license price of $3,844.

    Visit siteFull verdict →
  • FreeCAD8.4/10 · Free plan

    A flexible desktop engineering toolkit with BIM, architectural modeling, and IFC exchange.

    Visit FreeCADFull verdict →

More comparisons

All building information modeling software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update