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FreeCAD vs Bentley View Comparison

Last updated:

FreeCAD

4.4(145 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Small Business

FreeCAD is an open-source 3D parametric modeling tool for designing objects from small components to large structures. It supports 2D sketching, 3D modeling, and file formats including STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, and DXF, and…

Bentley View

3.5(3 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Large Enterprises
  • Small Business

Bentley View is a free CAD viewer that opens DWG, DXF, IFC, DGN, i-models, and over 50 other file formats including raster images and Bentley iModels. Users can search for objects within designs, measure distances and ar…

FreeCAD leads on user satisfaction with a 4.4-star rating across 145 reviews.

FreeCAD vs Bentley View — at a glance

FeatureFreeCADBentley View
Rating4.4 / 53.5 / 5
Reviews1453
Starting priceContact for pricingContact for pricing
Free trial No No
Free version No No
Best forLarge Enterprises, Small Business, Medium BusinessLarge Enterprises, Small Business, Medium Business
CategoryGeneral-Purpose CAD SoftwareGeneral-Purpose CAD Software
PlatformsInstalled - Windows, Installed - MacBrowser Based (Cloud)
API
Support modesOnlineOnline
Data residencyGlobal

Key differences between FreeCAD and Bentley View

  • User satisfaction: FreeCAD scores higher with a 4.4-star average.
  • Deployment: FreeCAD supports Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; Bentley View supports Browser Based (Cloud).

FreeCAD vs Bentley View — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most General-Purpose CAD Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

FreeCAD
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Talk to an expert
Bentley View
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Talk to an expert

Free PDF comparison

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Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

FreeCAD

Best for flexible, cost-effective parametric 3D modeling in small to mid-sized teams.

Choose if
  • You need a free, open-source CAD tool with no licensing fees.
  • Your projects require parametric modeling for both small prototypes and large structures.
  • Your team consists of design engineers or product developers comfortable with a medium learning curve.
Consider alternatives if
  • You require advanced simulation or specialized industry-specific CAD features.
  • Your team depends on extensive vendor support and formal training services.

Bentley View

Free, multi-format CAD viewer ideal for precise model viewing and measurement.

Choose if
  • You need a no-cost tool to view DWG, IFC, DGN, and i-model files accurately.
  • Your workflow requires precise measurement and object search within 3D CAD models.
  • You are a CAD technician or project manager needing simple, streamlined viewing.
Consider alternatives if
  • You require CAD editing or design creation capabilities beyond viewing and measuring.
  • Your team depends on integrated collaboration, version control, or cloud-based workflows.

FreeCAD: Best for flexible, cost-effective parametric 3D modeling in small to mid-sized teams. Bentley View: Free, multi-format CAD viewer ideal for precise model viewing and measurement.

Description

FreeCAD is an open-source 3D parametric modeling tool for designing objects from small components to large structures. It supports 2D sketching, 3D modeling, and file formats including ... Read More about FreeCAD

Bentley View is a free CAD viewer that opens DWG, DXF, IFC, DGN, i-models, and over 50 other file formats including raster images and Bentley iModels. Users can search for objects within ... Read More about Bentley View

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • No free trial

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

3.5

(3)

Best Company Size

1-50 employees51-500 employees
Small BusinessLarge Enterprises
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Step 1 of 4

How big is your team?

We tailor recommendations to companies your size.

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How do FreeCAD and Bentley View Compare on Features?

Total Features

4 Features

3 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

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Get Quote

Compare FreeCAD and Bentley View on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

      Pricing Plans

      • Not Available
      • Not Available

      Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Large Enterprises
      • Small Business
      • Medium Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals
      • Large Enterprises
      • Small Business
      • Medium Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals

      Platforms Supported

      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Windows
      • Mobile - Android
      • Installed - Mac
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Installed - Windows
      • Mobile - Android
      • Installed - Mac
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Browser Based (Cloud)

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Not Available
      • Not Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      Security & Compliance

      Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

      Data Residency

      🌐 Global

      FreeCAD User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      4.4

      (based on 145 reviews)

      3.5

      (based on 3 reviews)

      Rating Distribution

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      0

      Used FreeCAD or Bentley View? Tell buyers what actually differs.

      Media and Screenshots

      Screenshots

      screenshot

      1 Screenshots

      No screenshots available.

      Top Alternatives to FreeCAD and Bentley View in 2026

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      Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

      Frequently asked questions

      Which is better, FreeCAD or Bentley View?
      FreeCAD edges out the other on user ratings (4.4 vs 3.5). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do FreeCAD and Bentley View offer a free trial?
      Neither FreeCAD nor Bentley View currently lists a free trial.
      What is the starting price of FreeCAD vs Bentley View?
      FreeCAD starts at Contact for pricing. Bentley View starts at Contact for pricing.
      What are the top alternatives to FreeCAD?
      Top alternatives to FreeCAD include QCAD, Repetier-Host, LibreCAD, MeshLab, BuildBee.
      What are the top alternatives to Bentley View?
      Top alternatives to Bentley View include DraftSight, nTopology, Shapespark, K-Display View, Jinolo.