Leta
Compare
Leta and five other CAD programs
Leta beside FreeCAD, SolidCraft, Alibre Atom3D, Autodesk Fusion and Onshape, the programs people who design parts for 3D printing, small shops and their own machines most often weigh it against. Each was checked against its maker’s own website, documentation and release notes on November 1, 2026.
In short
Leta
A perpetual license on Windows and Linux that runs entirely offline, with sheet metal, assemblies with routing and a hardware library, and full drawings in one program. CAM, simulation and a macOS version are planned and not built yet. It has no rendering, and it is in beta.
FreeCAD
Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux, with CAM and simulation built in. Sheet metal, fasteners and frames come from addons its community writes, and fillets in Part Design have one radius.
SolidCraft
Free and open source, on the desktop and in a browser, with sheet metal, assemblies, rendering and an MCP server. It was first released in October 2026 and changes daily; drawings are still being built, and older versions can’t open newer files.
Alibre Atom3D
Alibre’s $199 edition for Windows: parts, assemblies and basic drawings. Sheet metal, configurations, the hardware library and GD&T are in Alibre’s $1,150 and $2,300 editions.
Autodesk Fusion
CAM, simulation, electronics and rendering beside the modeling, in one subscription. Files live in Autodesk’s cloud, it works offline for up to two weeks, and there is no Linux version. Free personal use is non-commercial and limited to 10 editable documents.
Onshape
Runs in a browser on any system, with phone and tablet apps, and versions, branches and editing together on every plan. It needs an internet connection, the Free plan makes every document public, and paid plans start at $1,500 a year.
- Yesbuilt in
- Partlysome of it, or with limits
- Addonfree, from the community
- Costs extrain a higher-priced edition, or a paid add-on
- In progressbeing built
- Plannedannounced, not started
- Nonot built in, or not found in its documentation
The tables are wider than this screen: scroll each one sideways.
Price and ownership
In US dollars before tax, as each maker listed them on November 1, 2026.
| Price and ownership | Letaletacad.com | FreeCADOpen source | SolidCraftOpen source, Tangency Labs | Atom3DAlibre | FusionAutodesk | OnshapePTC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $149Early access, one payment. $199 from version 1.0 | Free | Free | $199Or $10 a month, $100 a year | $680 a yearOr $85 a month | $1,500 a yearProfessional $2,500 a year |
| How it’s sold | Perpetual licenseYours to keep | Open sourceLGPL | Open sourceMIT or Apache 2.0 | Perpetual licenseOr a subscription | SubscriptionNo perpetual license | SubscriptionBilled yearly |
| Updates | 3 years includedThen $59 for 3 more years, or keep the version you have | FreeThree releases a year planned | FreeA release most days | $60 for the first yearOptional; later years priced in its customer portal | While subscribed | While subscribed |
| Free use | 30-day evaluationEvery feature, one per computer | Everything | Everything | 30-day trialThen a free viewer | Personal useNon-commercial, 10 editable documents, fewer exports | Free planNon-commercial, every document public |
| Commercial use | YesSame license, for one person on two computers | YesNo restrictions | YesNo restrictions | Not stated on its pagesSold as hobby CAD | YesPaid plans only | YesPaid plans only |
| Source code and files | ClosedParts are plain-text JSON any editor can read | OpenFCStd: a zip of XML and BREP files | Open.sc: a zip holding JSON | ClosedAlibre Design's own formats | ClosedFiles live in Autodesk’s cloud | ClosedNo native file to download |
| Current version | 0.9.7 beta | 1.1.426.3 at release candidate | 0.29.0First released October 9, 2026 | 29.1October 2026 | Monthly updatesOctober 2026 release | Updated in placeRuns on Onshape’s servers |
Where it runs
| Where it runs | Letaletacad.com | FreeCADOpen source | SolidCraftOpen source, Tangency Labs | Atom3DAlibre | FusionAutodesk | OnshapePTC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | YesWindows 10 and 11 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | YesIn a browser |
| macOS | PlannedA waitlist is open | YesmacOS 12 and later | YesmacOS 11 and later | No | YesApple silicon only from March 2027 | YesIn a browser |
| Linux | YesUbuntu 22.04 and later, Mint, Pop!_OS | YesAppImage | Yes | No | No | YesIn a browser |
| In a web browser | No | No | Yes | No | PartlyCommercial and education accounts | YesPhone and tablet apps too |
| Works offline | YesEntirely. The license needs no connection | Yes | Yes | PartlyActivation, and a check about once a month | PartlyUp to two weeks | No |
| Works without an account | Yes | Yes | Yes | NoRegistration and a customer portal | NoAutodesk Account | No |
| Files kept on your own computer | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | NoLocal copies by export | NoExports carry no history |
Sketching
| Sketching | Letaletacad.com | FreeCADOpen source | SolidCraftOpen source, Tangency Labs | Atom3DAlibre | FusionAutodesk | OnshapePTC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constraints and dimensions | YesInferred constraints, one Dimension tool | YesExpressions in dimensions | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Splines and ellipses | YesExact, with G2 and G3 curvature | YesB-splines, ellipses, conic arcs | YesFit and control points, conics | PartlyBasic; advanced splines in Professional | Yes | Yes |
| Text | YesAny installed font | PartlyDraft ShapeString; a sketcher tool is in 26.3 testing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DXF into a sketch | Yes | Yes | YesSVG too | PartlyCopied in from an opened DXF | Yes | Yes |
| 3D sketches | Yes | No | PartlyLines, splines and points; 3D constraints to come | Not listed | Yes | Partly3D fit splines, as features |
Part modeling
| Part modeling | Letaletacad.com | FreeCADOpen source | SolidCraftOpen source, Tangency Labs | Atom3DAlibre | FusionAutodesk | OnshapePTC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extrude, revolve, sweep and loft | YesBlend with guides and matching points | YesPad, pocket, revolve, pipe, loft | YesSweeps with rails and twist | YesHelical sweeps too | Yes | YesSweeps with twist and scale |
| Hole tool with standard sizes | YesISO and inch, tapped, counterbored, countersunk | YesISO, UTS, BSP and NPT | YesISO, some UNC, UNF and BSP sizes | YesSince 28.1 | Yes | Yes |
| Modeled threads | Yes14 standards, with fits for FDM and resin printing | YesFrom the Hole tool | PartlyISO metric, faceted | Yes | Yes | AddonCommunity features; built-in threads are cosmetic |
| Fillets | YesConstant, variable, conic, partial-length | PartlyConstant in Part Design; variable in the Part workbench | YesConstant and variable, with listed limits | YesConstant and variable | YesVariable, chord length, G2, rule | YesVariable, conic, curvature |
| Shell, draft and ribs | Yes | PartlyThickness and draft; no rib tool | PartlyRibs; shell and draft on simpler shapes | PartlyShell; draft in Professional; no rib tool | YesRibs, webs and snap fits too | Yes |
| Patterns and mirror | YesAlong curves and sketches too | YesPath and point patterns in 26.3 | YesAlong paths too | YesLinear and circular | Yes | Yes |
| Several bodies, combined | YesCombine, cut, intersect | Yes | Yes | ProfessionalBooleans in Alibre Professional, $1,150 | Yes | YesMany parts in one Part Studio |
| Surface modeling | YesFill to G3, control point nets (Preview) | YesSurface workbench, Curves addon | PartlyA Surface tab of about 19 commands | Higher editionsNot in Atom3D | YesSurfaces and T-splines | Yes |
| Push-pull on faces | YesKept as a feature in the history | NoDefeaturing removes faces | YesPress Pull, kept in the timeline | ExpertIn Alibre Expert, $2,300 | YesDirect modeling too | YesMove, delete and replace faces |
| Parameters and equations | YesRelations with IF and ELSE, project parameter files | YesSpreadsheets, expressions, variable sets | YesUnits, expressions, CSV import | YesEquations | Yes | YesVariables, FeatureScript |
| Configurations of one part | YesConfig tables of parts and assemblies | YesSpreadsheet configuration tables | YesConfiguration tables | ExpertIn Alibre Expert, $2,300 | YesPaid plans only | YesParts and assemblies |
| Meshes made into solids | YesMesh bodies, Repair Mesh, Mesh to Solid | YesMesh workbench | PartlyMeshes come in as mesh bodies | NoNo mesh import | YesMesh workspace | YesMixed mesh modeling |
Sheet metal
| Sheet metal | Letaletacad.com | FreeCADOpen source | SolidCraftOpen source, Tangency Labs | Atom3DAlibre | FusionAutodesk | OnshapePTC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flanges, hems and bends | YesFlanges, miter flanges, hems, jogs, bends on lines | AddonSheetMetal addon | YesEdge, contour and path flanges, hems; miters to come | ExpertIn Alibre Expert, $2,300 | Yes | Yes |
| Forming tools | YesLouvers, dimples, lances, extruded holes | AddonSheetMetal addon | No | ExpertIn Alibre Expert, $2,300 | Not found | YesLouvers, lances, embosses |
| Flat pattern to DXF | YesExact flat pattern, DXF and cut list | AddonUnfolder, DXF and SVG | YesDXF and a bend table | ExpertIn Alibre Expert, $2,300 | Yes | YesDXF and DWG |
| Bend allowance, deduction and K-factor | YesBend allowance, deduction or tables | AddonK-factor tables | PartlyK-factor; bend allowance to come | ExpertIn Alibre Expert, $2,300 | PartlyK-factor rules | YesSet for each bend |
Assemblies
| Assemblies | Letaletacad.com | FreeCADOpen source | SolidCraftOpen source, Tangency Labs | Atom3DAlibre | FusionAutodesk | OnshapePTC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mates and joints | YesMates, plus joints with limits | YesAssembly workbench, since 1.0 | Yes | Yes | YesJoints | Yes |
| Motion | YesDrag, motion studies with plots | YesSimulation, since 1.1 | YesMotion studies with plots | PartlyDrag to see motion | YesMotion studies | PartlyAnimated mates |
| Gears, belts and other couplings | YesGears, racks, screws, cams, belts, chains | YesGears, rack and pinion, screw, belt | YesGears, racks, screws, cams | ExpertIn Alibre Expert, $2,300 | PartlyMotion links between joints | YesGear, rack and screw relations |
| Interference check | YesInterference and clearance | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exploded views | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | YesNot in personal use | Yes |
| Standard hardware library | Yes101 families, metric and inch | AddonFasteners addon | PartlyISO metric fasteners and bearings | ExpertIn Alibre Expert, $2,300 | YesFasteners, McMaster-Carr parts | YesANSI, DIN, ISO and PEM |
| Bill of materials | YesTo CSV or Excel, and on drawings | YesAs a spreadsheet | YesCSV or JSON | ProfessionalIn Alibre Professional, $1,150 | YesPaid plans only | Yes |
| Pipe, hose and cable routing | YesPipe, tube, hose, cable and wire harness | AddonPiping addons; no wire harness | No | No | Not found | PartlyRouting curves for pipe and wire; no harness |
| Tube frames and weldments | YesTube frames with cope templates (Preview). Structural shapes and weld beads planned | AddonFrameForge and other addons | In progressFrame members; joints and cut list to come | ExpertWeldments in Alibre Expert, $2,300 | AddonThird-party add-ins | YesFrames with a cut list |
Drawings
| Drawings | Letaletacad.com | FreeCADOpen source | SolidCraftOpen source, Tangency Labs | Atom3DAlibre | FusionAutodesk | OnshapePTC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drawings that follow the model | Yes | YesTechDraw | In progressA drawing workspace is being built | Yes | YesLimited in personal use | Yes |
| Section, detail and auxiliary views | YesPlus offset, half and cropped views | YesSection, detail and broken views | In progress | PartlySection and broken; detail and auxiliary in Professional | YesBreak views too | YesAligned and broken-out sections too |
| GD&T | YesWith surface finish and weld symbols | PartlyFrames built from balloons and symbols | In progress | ProfessionalIn Alibre Professional, $1,150 | YesPaid plans only | Yes |
| BOM and hole tables | YesBOM, hole, bend and revision tables | PartlyBOM as a spreadsheet view | In progress | PartlyTables typed by hand; BOM tables in Professional | YesParts lists and hole tables | Yes |
| Drawing export | YesPDF, DXF, SVG and PNG | YesPDF, DXF and SVG | PartlyThe current view as DXF | YesPDF, 3D PDF, DXF, DWG, SVG | YesPDF, DWG, DXF | YesPDF, DWG, DXF |
Import and export
| Import and export | Letaletacad.com | FreeCADOpen source | SolidCraftOpen source, Tangency Labs | Atom3DAlibre | FusionAutodesk | OnshapePTC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEP | Yes | Yes | YesWith names, colors and the assembly tree | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| IGES | Yes | Yes | Yes | ProfessionalIn Alibre Professional, $1,150 | YesExport on paid plans | Yes |
| Mesh formats | STL in; STL, 3MF, OBJ out3MF with a part for each body | STL, 3MF, OBJ in and outglTF, PLY and more | STL, 3MF, OBJ in and outglTF in | STL and OBJ outNo mesh import, no 3MF | STL, 3MF, OBJ in and outFBX and USDZ out | STL, OBJ in; STL, 3MF, OBJ outglTF out |
| STEP made into editable features | YesExtrudes, holes, rounds, chamfers and sheet metal | No | NoSTEP comes in without history | No | In progressAutoTimeline, a technical preview | No |
| Other programs’ own files | NoExport STEP from the other program | No | PartlyFreeCAD and Rhino files | YesSolidWorks files; more in Professional | YesSolidWorks, CATIA, Creo, NX and more, paid plans | YesSolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, NX, CATIA |
Beyond modeling
| Beyond modeling | Letaletacad.com | FreeCADOpen source | SolidCraftOpen source, Tangency Labs | Atom3DAlibre | FusionAutodesk | OnshapePTC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAM toolpaths | PlannedToolpaths for CNC mills and routers | YesBuilt in | PlannedNext on its roadmap | Add-onMeshCAM, $250 | YesUp to 3+2 axis; 5-axis in a $1,465 a year extension | ProfessionalIn Professional, $2,500 a year |
| Simulation (FEA) | PlannedStress and deflection studies of parts | YesBuilt in, with CalculiX and Elmer | NoDeferred | No | YesAdvanced studies in a $1,465 a year extension | ProfessionalLinear static and modal, in Professional, $2,500 a year |
| Photorealistic rendering | NoTextured appearances in the modeling window | AddonRender addon | YesGPU path tracing | ExpertKeyShot in Alibre Expert, $2,300 | Yes | ProfessionalIn Professional, $2,500 a year |
| Version control and PDM | PlannedLeta Depot, on Git | AddonGit through addons | No | ExpertAlibre PDM in Alibre Expert, $2,300 | YesCloud versions; Fusion Manage for more | YesVersions, branches and merges on every plan |
| Several people editing at once | No | No | In progressLive co-editing in review | No | YesPaid plans, rolling out in 2026 | YesOn every plan |
| Scripting | YesLeta script | YesPython | YesJSON command scripts, a command line | ProfessionalPython in Alibre Professional, $1,150 | YesPython, C++, TypeScript | YesFeatureScript, REST API |
| AI apps can drive it (MCP) | YesThrough MCP, each step a feature | AddonMCP bridge addon | YesBuilt-in MCP server | No | YesAutodesk’s MCP servers | PlannedAnnounced in March 2026 |
| AI assistant inside | In progressLeta Assist add-on | No | YesAgent chat, with a model of your own | No | YesAutodesk Assistant, metered in tokens | YesAI Advisor |
| Send to a 3D printer’s slicer | YesOne click to the slicer, printer build volumes | AddonSlicer addons | YesSend to Slicer | No | Yes3D Print, and printing toolpaths | No |
Notes
How this was checked
Every column was filled from its maker’s own website, documentation, release notes and price pages on November 1, 2026, and from Leta’s features and release notes. Where a maker’s pages disagree with each other, the table leaves the claim out or says what is listed. FreeCAD addons are free, written by its community and installed from its Addon Manager. Leta’s planned work is listed under Not in Leta yet.
Prices and features change. If something here is wrong or out of date, write to support@letacad.com and it will be corrected.
FreeCAD, SolidCraft, Alibre Atom3D, Autodesk Fusion and Onshape are trademarks of their owners, named here only to compare. Leta is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any of them.
Show the sourcesHide the sources
FreeCAD: downloads, release notes 1.1, release notes 26.3, import and export, external workbenches, SheetMetal addon.
SolidCraft: repository, roadmap, features, releases.
Alibre Atom3D: Atom3D, edition comparison, prices, licensing.
Autodesk Fusion: overview and prices, personal use compared, subscription questions, file formats.
Onshape: plans and prices, plan questions, requirements, exporting.
See it on your own parts
Every feature, for 30 days. Beta builds go out by email.