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SolveSpace

SolveSpace is a free, GPL‑licensed parametric 2D/3D CAD program that lets you model parts, assemblies, and mechanisms with constraints.

Open sourceFreeFlatpak
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License
GPL-3.0-or-later
Latest version
3.2 (March 27, 2026)
Developer
The SolveSpace Community, originally by Jonathan Westhues and other authors
Installs
950 (Flathub, 30 days)
Install Website ↗
Main window with an empty document
Main window with an empty document
Property Browser with an empty document
Property Browser with an empty document
Viewing and editing constraints on a model
Viewing and editing constraints on a model
3D view of a stand made from notched angle iron, from the "ex-stand" project
3D view of a stand made from notched angle iron, from the "ex-stand" project

What is SolveSpace?

SolveSpace started in the early 2000s as a lightweight alternative to commercial CAD packages. It has grown steadily, with the latest release 3.2 in March 2026, and remains maintained by a small community of contributors. The tool is aimed at engineers, hobbyists, and makers who need precise parametric drawings without a subscription. It runs on Linux, Windows, and macOS, but the Linux package is the most polished. Compared to Fusion 360, SolveSpace feels more like a traditional CAD program: the interface is keyboard‑centric, the feature set is smaller, but it delivers solid geometry and constraint solving for 2D and 3D designs.

Best for: Engineers and makers who need a free, cross‑platform parametric CAD tool for mechanical parts and assemblies.

Key features of SolveSpace

  • Parametric 2D and 3D modeling
  • Extrude, revolve, and Boolean operations
  • Constraint solver for planar and spatial linkages
  • Assembly support with fit verification
  • Export to STL, DXF, SVG, and other common formats
  • CAM export for laser cutting and waterjet
  • Free and open‑source (GPL‑3.0)
  • Available as a Flatpak and native packages for Debian/Ubuntu

Pros

  • No licensing costs or cloud requirements
  • Strong constraint solving for mechanical design
  • Cross‑platform availability
  • Stable, well‑documented command‑line and GUI workflows

Cons

  • Limited user interface polish compared to commercial tools
  • Learning curve for constraint logic
  • Sparse 3D mesh editing capabilities
  • No cloud collaboration features

Windows programs SolveSpace replaces

Autodesk Fusion 360

How to install SolveSpace on Linux

Flatpak (Flathub)flatpak install flathub com.solvespace.SolveSpace
Ubuntu / Mintsudo apt install solvespace
Debiansudo apt install solvespace

Tips for Windows users

When moving from Fusion 360, start by exporting your designs as STEP or IGES files and import them into SolveSpace for refinement. The keyboard shortcuts differ: use Ctrl+S for save, F5 to recompute the model, and the right‑click context menu for most commands. Assembly files are handled via the Assembly panel; you’ll need to manually set up constraints that were previously auto‑applied in Fusion 360. Exporting to STL for 3D printing works the same way, but remember SolveSpace only handles solid geometry, not mesh editing.

Recent releases

  • 3.2 —

    Major new stable release. Includes parallel and perpendicular constraints for faces, expands many existing constraints to operate on more than two entities at once. Basic kerning in text elements. STEP files export as solid models. A variety of UI…

  • 3.1 —

    Major new stable release. Includes new arc and line length ratio and difference constraints, comments associated with point entities. Adds "exploded view" to sketches, and support for displaying measurements in "feet-inches". Adds a pitch parameter to helix…

  • 3.0 —

    Major new stable release. Includes new intersection boolean operation, new types of groups, solid model suppression, usability improvements (especially regarding redundant constraints and automatic constraints), and more. Also includes performance and…

  • 3.0~rc2 —

    Second release candidate for the 3.0 stable release.

SolveSpace: frequently asked questions

Can I import Fusion 360 files into SolveSpace?

Fusion 360 can export STEP, IGES, or STL files, all of which SolveSpace can read. Importing directly from the native Fusion 360 format is not supported.

Does SolveSpace support 3D printing?

Yes, you can export STL or other triangle mesh formats suitable for most slicers.

Is there a way to automate parameter changes?

SolveSpace supports scripting via its command line and a small API; you can batch‑process changes but it isn’t as user‑friendly as Fusion 360’s parametric scripting.

Can I use SolveSpace for 2D CAM?

SolveSpace can export 2D vector drawings (DXF, SVG) that are ready for laser cutters or waterjet machines.

Updated