Free Software Comparisons — Every “Best Of” List in One Place

Choose a subject. Behind every tile is a full comparison article: we read the main comparison pages on the web, checked each program on its official site, and summed up the advantages, the disadvantages and exactly what is free. 39 subjects, in Hebrew and English.

Everyday Tools for Engineers

PDF EditingEdit, merge, compress, signRead the comparison →ZIP and RAROpen and compress archivesRead the comparison →Screen RecordingScreen video and screenshotsRead the comparison →Photo EditingPhotos, RAW and panoramasRead the comparison →Video EditingEdit, convert, compressRead the comparison →File ConvertersDocuments, images, audio, unitsRead the comparison →OCRText and tables from scansRead the comparison →Text and Code EditorsScripts, data and LaTeXRead the comparison →Backup and SyncFiles, disks and projectsRead the comparison →Disk ToolsCleanup, partitions, USB, healthRead the comparison →Passwords and EncryptionAccounts, 2FA, encrypted filesRead the comparison →Remote DesktopRemote access and supportRead the comparison →

Design, Drafting and BIM

CAD SoftwareEvery web comparison, summarisedRead the comparison →AutoCAD Alternatives2D drafting and DWGRead the comparison →SolidWorks AlternativesParametric 3D modellingRead the comparison →Revit and Open BIMBuilding models and IFCRead the comparison →IFC and BIM ViewersViewing, checking, clashesRead the comparison →3D Printing and CNCSlicers, CAM and controlRead the comparison →

Analysis, Simulation and Calculation

Structural AnalysisFor students and engineersRead the comparison →Finite Elements (FEA)ANSYS and Abaqus alternativesRead the comparison →Fluid Dynamics (CFD)Fluent alternativesRead the comparison →MATLAB AlternativesOctave, Python, ScilabRead the comparison →Data and PlottingOrigin and Excel alternativesRead the comparison →Engineering CalculatorsCalculators in the browserRead the comparison →Electronics and PCBSchematics, boards, simulationRead the comparison →RoboticsROS, Gazebo, MuJoCoRead the comparison →Process SimulationAspen HYSYS alternativesRead the comparison →Fire and SmokeFDS, Smokeview, CONTAMRead the comparison →

Water, Environment, Energy and Transport

GIS and MappingWhat replaces ArcGISRead the comparison →Hydrology and DrainageHEC-RAS, SWMM, EPANETRead the comparison →GroundwaterMODFLOW and ModelMuseRead the comparison →Coastal EngineeringWaves, currents, beachesRead the comparison →Building EnergyEnergyPlus, THERM, RadianceRead the comparison →TransportationSUMO, MATSim, pavementsRead the comparison →

Management, Documentation and Study

Project ManagementMS Project alternativesRead the comparison →Report WritingReports, theses, referencesRead the comparison →DiagramsVisio alternativesRead the comparison →Student LicencesWhat you really getRead the comparison →Where to Find Software19 sources, licence checksRead the comparison →