KeePassXC is a free password manager that keeps everything in one encrypted file on your computer, no cloud: portal passwords, licence keys, equipment codes.
VSCodium is VS Code as a fully open build with no telemetry. For engineers: Python, Julia, MATLAB, LaTeX and firmware in one editor, with debugger and Git.
Fritzing lets you draw a circuit as it looks on the breadboard, then go on to a schematic and PCB. Ideal for Arduino projects and teaching; when to use KiCad.
MeshLab is a free tool for 3D triangle meshes: cleaning and repairing scans, building surfaces from point clouds, simplifying models and fixing STL.
Git is the free version control tool behind most software. For engineers: track changes to scripts, input files and documents, and go back to any version.
OBS Studio is free screen recording and streaming software with no watermark or time limit. For engineers: software tutorials, model walkthroughs and lectures.
7-Zip is a fully free Windows compression tool: opens ZIP, RAR, 7z and ISO, compresses better than ZIP and encrypts with AES-256 for sending large drawing sets.
Notepad++ is a free Windows text editor that engineers love: FEM input files, large data files, search and replace across many files, and column editing.
GIMP is a free Photoshop-class image editor. For engineers: fixing perspective and lens distortion in site photos, marking defects and preparing report images.
Onshape is professional parametric CAD in the browser with a free plan and no time limit, but every document on it is public. Who it suits; when to use FreeCAD.
UltiMaker Cura is a free 3D-printing slicer: layer, infill and support settings, and profiles for hundreds of printers. For engineers printing prototypes.
LTspice is a free SPICE simulator from Analog Devices, the top choice for power supplies, amplifiers and filters. How to use it, limits and open alternatives.
