{
    "products": [
        {
            "slug": "freecad",
            "name": "FreeCAD",
            "kind": "app",
            "website": "https://www.freecad.org/",
            "page": "https://listme.name/software/freecad",
            "tagline": "Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler for engineering parts",
            "summary": "FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler for engineering design, released under the LGPL-2.1 license. It runs on Linux, macOS and Windows, and its source code is maintained on GitHub.",
            "developer": "FreeCAD community",
            "platforms": [
                "linux",
                "macos",
                "windows"
            ],
            "pricing": "open-source",
            "price_note": "Free and open source under the LGPL-2.1 license",
            "free_to_use": true,
            "open_source": true,
            "license": "LGPL-2.1",
            "source": "https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD",
            "strengths": [
                "Parametric modeling with editable features",
                "Free and open source under LGPL-2.1"
            ],
            "limits": [
                "Workbenches make the learning curve steeper",
                "Less polished than commercial CAD tools"
            ],
            "checked": "2026-10-10",
            "connected_to_publisher": false,
            "overview": "FreeCAD builds models from sketches, constraints and features, so a change to one dimension updates the parts that depend on it. It targets mechanical engineering, architecture and similar work. The project's GitHub repository lists Linux, macOS and Windows among its supported systems, and the software is free to use and modify under the LGPL.\n\nThe interface has a learning curve, and workflows differ between workbenches, so new users often need tutorials. FreeCAD is less polished than commercial CAD packages for surface modeling and visual finish. It fits users who need a free parametric tool for mechanical parts and do not need artistic modeling."
        },
        {
            "slug": "spline",
            "name": "Spline",
            "kind": "web",
            "website": "https://spline.design/",
            "page": "https://listme.name/software/spline",
            "tagline": "Browser-based 3D design tool with real-time collaboration",
            "summary": "Spline is a 3D design tool that runs in the browser, with real-time collaboration and export of interactive 3D for web pages. The site describes it as free 3D design software.",
            "platforms": [
                "web"
            ],
            "pricing": "free",
            "price_note": "Described by the site as free 3D design software",
            "free_to_use": true,
            "open_source": false,
            "strengths": [
                "Runs in the browser with no installation",
                "Real-time collaboration"
            ],
            "limits": [
                "Limited for detailed film or character work",
                "Performance depends on the browser and device"
            ],
            "checked": "2026-10-10",
            "connected_to_publisher": false,
            "overview": "Spline lets designers model, animate and texture 3D scenes in the browser without installing anything. The site says it supports real-time collaboration and exports interactive 3D for websites. It is aimed at web designers and marketing teams that need 3D visuals without learning a desktop modeler.\n\nBrowser-based editing depends on the internet connection and the graphics performance of the device, and complex scenes can run slowly. Spline is less capable than Blender or Cinema 4D for detailed character or film work. It suits quick 3D for web interfaces and is a low-effort way to try 3D design."
        }
    ],
    "differences": [
        "Only FreeCAD runs on Windows.",
        "Only FreeCAD runs on macOS.",
        "Only FreeCAD runs on Linux.",
        "Only Spline runs on Web.",
        "FreeCAD is open source; Spline is not.",
        "FreeCAD: free and open source. Spline: free."
    ],
    "shared_rankings": [
        {
            "list": "3d-modeling-software",
            "name": "3D modeling software",
            "page": "https://listme.name/best/3d-modeling-software",
            "of": 10,
            "results": [
                {
                    "product": "freecad",
                    "rank": 8,
                    "score": 82,
                    "verdict": "Free parametric CAD for mechanical parts, licensed under LGPL-2.1 and available on Linux, macOS and Windows. Its workbenches take time to learn, and surface modeling is less refined than Rhino's.",
                    "best_for": "Free parametric engineering parts",
                    "spec": {
                        "platforms": "Windows, macOS, Linux",
                        "open_source": true,
                        "cost": "Free, LGPL-2.1"
                    }
                },
                {
                    "product": "spline",
                    "rank": 10,
                    "score": 77.5,
                    "verdict": "A browser-based 3D tool with real-time collaboration and interactive web export, described as free to use. It handles simpler scenes better than detailed characters or film work.",
                    "best_for": "Browser 3D for web visuals",
                    "spec": {
                        "platforms": "Web browser",
                        "open_source": false,
                        "cost": "Free to use"
                    }
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "ranks_higher_in_closest_shared_list": "freecad",
    "page": "https://listme.name/compare/freecad-vs-spline",
    "json": "https://listme.name/api/v1/compare/freecad-vs-spline.json",
    "notes": [
        "Scores are editorial and only comparable inside one list. Products with connected_to_publisher true receive a disclosed ranking lift: https://listme.name/methodology"
    ],
    "source": "https://listme.name",
    "license": "Free to read and cite with attribution to listme.name.",
    "docs": "https://listme.name/developers"
}