I've been using FreeCAD for a few years for most of my 3D printing CAD and it always left we with mixed feelings. My main problem is how messy it feels and how unclear the workflow is. A lot of...
I've been using FreeCAD for a few years for most of my 3D printing CAD and it always left we with mixed feelings.
My main problem is how messy it feels and how unclear the workflow is. A lot of tools are duplicated across multiple workbenches and they all work in slightly different and incompatible ways. The 0.17 update has helped a lot by concentrating a most of the basic features into an overhauled "Part Design" workbench, but quite a few features are still lacking in comparison to proprietary software.
Kicad on the other hand is really impressive. I don't have any experience with other electronics CAD software, but once I got used to the keyboard shortcuts and UI I found it very easy to work in.
Other "professional grade" FOSS software that's worth looking into in my opinion is Blender and Ardour. I've been using both regularly for around 10 years and they're great pieces of software.
I've been using FreeCAD for a few years for most of my 3D printing CAD and it always left we with mixed feelings.
My main problem is how messy it feels and how unclear the workflow is. A lot of tools are duplicated across multiple workbenches and they all work in slightly different and incompatible ways. The 0.17 update has helped a lot by concentrating a most of the basic features into an overhauled "Part Design" workbench, but quite a few features are still lacking in comparison to proprietary software.
Kicad on the other hand is really impressive. I don't have any experience with other electronics CAD software, but once I got used to the keyboard shortcuts and UI I found it very easy to work in.
Other "professional grade" FOSS software that's worth looking into in my opinion is Blender and Ardour. I've been using both regularly for around 10 years and they're great pieces of software.