this post was submitted on 10 Apr 2024
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FOSS CAD softwares. I know FreeCAD exists but it’s very unintuitive compared to the proprietary ones. I am thankful that it exists but it’s a long way apart to become a household name like Blender.
I wish I could start writing one but I don’t have a clear picture of requirements to plan and start writing one. If anyone is expert in this field please link some research papers and guidelines for someone to start fresh.
Blender is not CAD software though, it's 3D modelling software. They're not quite the same thing, and they're intended for (and excel at) different things.
I know. I’m just comparing the reputation and how polished they are wrt to each other. Given they have similar scopes with modeling and graphics and everything.
But they don't really have similar scopes... One is for technical models, based on extruded 2D drawings, the other is for abstract 3D modelling. Sure in both if them the end product is a 3D model, but they're achieved in vastly different ways with completely different skillsets and different use cases.
I think you’re missing their point, they weren’t saying that Blender is cad, it’s just a good comparison, as a successful piece of software in the the same broad, general category (3D modeling)
We want what Blender is to mesh modeling, rendering, etc, but for parametric cad, manufacturing, etc. Basically Fusion 360 but open source, without any of Autodesk’s bs. Ideally it would even work together with Blender for rendering.
The comment I originally commented on compared them as if they were similar tool, (before it was edited), which I simply pointed out it is not. It's like saying a plane and a helicopter are the same, sure they both are able to lift off the ground, but the similarities kind of stop there.
Because the purpose/function of the software isn't exactly the point of this particular discussion.
A lot of FOSS applications have what I'd call GIMP syndrome. The software is functional and powerful, but it's got the UX of a urinary tract infection, and the developers seem to have an outright religious need to KEEP the software in a perfectly capable but unusable state. GIMP is the example of this behavior, the developers have outright said terribleness is their vision and it shall not be altered. So GIMP is the technically correct yet permanently non-valid answer to "What's a FOSS alternative to Adobe Photoshop?"
Blender is one of the rare examples of a FOSS application that overcame GIMP syndrome. Blender is not only powerful and capable, but though a UI overhaul became decent to use as well. As a result it is seeing genuine adoption because it actually is the best answer to the question "what software will do this task?"
That's what this thread right now is talking about, wishing that FreeCAD would similarly reach that level of "not just surprisingly okay for free software, but actually objectively good" that Blender has.
You're right, not sure why all the down votes. I think people don't get how big a difference 3d modeling is from technical drawings.