Open Source Software
Free, open-source tools for making things and doing science: 3D and graphics, astronomy, GIS, mathematics, simulation, optics, chemistry, biology, electronics and more.
Everything here is free to download and use, and its source code is published under an open-source licence — so it can be inspected, modified and shared. Licences differ (GPL, MIT, BSD, Apache and others); check a project's own licence before building it into something you distribute.
Some excellent free tools are left out because they are free but not open source (LTspice, VMD, UCSF ChimeraX, GeoGebra, LM Studio, for example). Where a project has no separate website, the link goes to its source repository.
01 3d Modeling, Animation and Rendering
- Blender blender.org3D modeling, sculpting, animation, physics simulation, rendering (Cycles and EEVEE), compositing and video editing in one package.
- Godot Engine godotengine.org2D and 3D game engine, also handy for interactive simulations and visualizations.
- MeshLab meshlab.netCleaning, repairing, simplifying and measuring 3D meshes and scanned point clouds.
- CloudCompare cloudcompare.orgPoint-cloud and mesh processing and comparison; widely used for lidar and photogrammetry data.
- Meshroom alicevision.orgPhotogrammetry: builds textured 3D models from ordinary photographs.
- Synfig Studio synfig.org2D vector animation with bones, morphing and automatic in-betweening.
02 Images, Photography and Graphic Design
- GIMP gimp.orgRaster image editor for photo retouching, compositing and image manipulation.
- Krita krita.orgDigital painting and illustration, with brush engines, layers and animation.
- Inkscape inkscape.orgVector illustration in SVG; diagrams, figures, posters and laser-cutter artwork.
- darktable darktable.orgRaw photo development and non-destructive photo workflow, a Lightroom alternative.
- RawTherapee rawtherapee.comHigh-quality raw image processing with fine control over demosaicing and noise.
- ImageMagick imagemagick.orgCommand-line image conversion and batch processing for almost any image format.
- Scribus scribus.netDesktop publishing for newsletters, posters, brochures and print-ready PDFs.
03 Video, Audio and Streaming
- Kdenlive kdenlive.orgMulti-track non-linear video editor with effects, titles and proxy editing.
- Shotcut shotcut.orgCross-platform video editor with wide format support and no import step.
- OBS Studio obsproject.comScreen recording and live streaming; the standard tool for talks, tutorials and broadcasts.
- Audacity audacityteam.orgAudio recording and editing; also useful for looking at signals and spectra.
- Ardour ardour.orgProfessional digital audio workstation for multi-track recording and mixing.
- FFmpeg ffmpeg.orgThe command-line engine behind most video software: convert, cut, encode and stream.
- HandBrake handbrake.frVideo transcoder for shrinking and converting video files.
- VLC videolan.orgMedia player that plays nearly anything, including streams and damaged files.
04 Writing, References and Publishing
- LibreOffice libreoffice.orgFull office suite: word processor, spreadsheet, presentations, drawing and database.
- TeX Live tug.orgThe standard LaTeX distribution for typesetting papers, theses and books.
- TeXstudio texstudio.orgLaTeX editor with live preview, completion and error navigation.
- LyX lyx.orgDocument processor that writes LaTeX for you behind a near-WYSIWYG view.
- Overleaf Community Edition github.comThe open-source core of Overleaf, for running a collaborative LaTeX editor yourself.
- Pandoc pandoc.orgUniversal document converter: Markdown, LaTeX, Word, HTML, EPUB and more.
- Quarto quarto.orgScientific and technical publishing from Markdown with live Python, R or Julia code.
- Zotero zotero.orgReference manager that captures citations from the web and formats bibliographies.
- JabRef jabref.orgBibTeX and BibLaTeX reference manager, made for LaTeX users.
- Joplin joplinapp.orgNote-taking with Markdown, notebooks, and encrypted sync.
05 Astronomy, Planetariums and Sky Data
- Stellarium stellarium.orgRealistic planetarium for desktop and web; also controls telescopes.
- KStars kstars.kde.orgPlanetarium plus Ekos, a complete astrophotography and observatory-control suite.
- Celestia celestiaproject.spaceReal-time 3D travel through the solar system and the galaxy.
- Gaia Sky zah.uni-heidelberg.de3D universe visualization built on the ESA Gaia star catalogue.
- OpenSpace openspaceproject.comInteractive data visualization of the known universe, used in planetarium domes.
- WorldWide Telescope worldwidetelescope.orgExplore multi-wavelength sky surveys and build guided tours.
- Cartes du Ciel / SkyChart ap-i.netStar-chart program for planning observing sessions.
- Virtual Moon Atlas ap-i.netDetailed lunar atlas with formation data and observing aids.
- Astropy astropy.orgThe core Python package for astronomy: units, coordinates, FITS files, time and cosmology.
- SAOImageDS9 ds9.si.eduThe standard astronomical image viewer for FITS data.
- Astrometry.net astrometry.netWorks out exactly where in the sky an image was taken (plate solving).
- Aladin Sky Atlas aladin.cds.unistra.frInteractive sky atlas overlaying surveys and catalogues from CDS Strasbourg.
06 Astrophotography and Observatory Control
- Siril siril.orgAstronomical image calibration, stacking and processing.
- DeepSkyStacker deepskystacker.free.frCalibrates, aligns and stacks deep-sky exposures.
- N.I.N.A. nighttime-imaging.euImaging-session automation: sequences, autofocus, plate solving and meridian flips.
- PHD2 openphdguiding.orgAutoguiding for telescope mounts.
- INDI indilib.orgDevice-control protocol and drivers for telescopes, cameras, focusers and domes.
- ASCOM Platform ascom-standards.orgStandard Windows interfaces that let astronomy programs control observatory hardware.
07 Spaceflight, Orbits and Mission Software
- GMAT (General Mission Analysis Tool) sourceforge.netNASA's trajectory design and optimization tool, used on real missions.
- 42 github.comNASA Goddard's spacecraft attitude and orbit dynamics simulation for control-system design.
- Basilisk github.comSpacecraft simulation framework for astrodynamics and flight-software testing.
- Orekit orekit.orgSpace flight dynamics library: orbits, propagation, attitude and ground stations.
- Skyfield rhodesmill.orgPrecise positions of planets and satellites in Python.
- SpiceyPy github.comPython interface to NASA's SPICE toolkit for spacecraft geometry and ephemerides.
- NASA core Flight System (cFS) github.comNASA Goddard's reusable flight-software framework, flown on many missions.
- F Prime github.comJPL's flight-software framework, used on the Ingenuity Mars helicopter.
- NASA Trick github.comNASA Johnson's simulation environment for vehicle and system simulations.
- Orbiter github.comRealistic space flight simulator, now open source.
- OpenRocket openrocket.infoModel and high-power rocket design and flight simulation.
08 Gis, Mapping and Earth Observation
- QGIS qgis.orgFull desktop GIS for viewing, editing, analyzing and printing maps.
- GeoLibre geolibre.appLightweight cloud-native GIS that runs in the browser, on desktop and mobile and in Jupyter, with 1,000+ geoprocessing tools.
- leafmap leafmap.orgInteractive mapping and geospatial analysis in Jupyter with very little code.
- GRASS GIS grass.osgeo.orgLong-established GIS for raster, vector and terrain analysis and remote sensing.
- GDAL gdal.orgThe library and command-line tools that read and convert nearly every geospatial format.
- PostGIS postgis.netSpatial database extension for PostgreSQL.
- SAGA GIS saga-gis.sourceforge.ioGIS with a large library of terrain and environmental analysis tools.
- Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) generic-mapping-tools.orgPublication-quality maps and plots for Earth, ocean and planetary science.
- ESA SNAP step.esa.intESA's toolbox for Sentinel and other Earth-observation satellite data.
- MapLibre maplibre.orgOpen map-rendering libraries for interactive web and mobile maps.
09 Mathematics and Symbolic Computing
- SageMath sagemath.orgMathematics system combining hundreds of open-source packages behind one Python interface.
- GNU Octave octave.orgHigh-level numerical language largely compatible with MATLAB.
- Scilab scilab.orgNumerical computation with Xcos for block-diagram system modeling.
- Maxima maxima.sourceforge.ioComputer algebra: symbolic integration, series, equations and matrices.
- SymPy sympy.orgSymbolic mathematics in Python.
- PARI/GP pari.math.u-bordeaux.frFast computations in number theory.
- GAP gap-system.orgComputational discrete algebra and group theory.
- Lean lean-lang.orgInteractive theorem prover and programming language for formal proofs.
10 Scientific Programming
- Python python.orgGeneral-purpose language at the center of most modern scientific computing.
- Julia julialang.orgFast, high-level language designed for numerical and scientific computing.
- Project Jupyter jupyter.orgNotebooks that mix live code, equations, plots and text.
- NumPy numpy.orgArrays and numerical computing in Python.
- SciPy scipy.orgIntegration, optimization, signal processing, statistics and more in Python.
- Matplotlib matplotlib.orgPublication-quality plotting in Python.
- Spyder spyder-ide.orgScientific Python IDE with a variable explorer, aimed at MATLAB users.
- VSCodium vscodium.comFully open-source build of the VS Code editor.
- Git git-scm.comVersion control for code, papers and data.
- GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) gcc.gnu.orgC, C++ and Fortran compilers.
- conda-forge conda-forge.orgCommunity package collection for installing scientific software across platforms.
11 Statistics, Data and Visualization
- R r-project.orgLanguage and environment for statistics and graphics.
- RStudio Desktop github.comThe open-source IDE for R.
- pandas pandas.pydata.orgData tables and analysis in Python.
- JASP jasp-stats.orgPoint-and-click statistics, frequentist and Bayesian, an SPSS alternative.
- jamovi jamovi.orgFriendly statistical spreadsheet built on R.
- PSPP gnu.orgFree replacement for SPSS.
- Stan mc-stan.orgBayesian statistical modeling and inference.
- ROOT root.cernCERN's data-analysis framework for very large datasets.
- DuckDB duckdb.orgFast analytical SQL database that runs inside your program, ideal for big CSV and Parquet files.
- ParaView paraview.orgVisualization of large 2D and 3D scientific datasets.
- VisIt visit-dav.github.ioParallel visualization and analysis of simulation output.
- gnuplot gnuplot.infoClassic command-line plotting tool.
- LabPlot labplot.orgInteractive data plotting and analysis, an Origin alternative.
- Veusz veusz.github.ioScientific plotting package for publication-quality figures.
- Orange orangedatamining.comVisual data mining and machine learning with drag-and-drop workflows.
12 Machine Learning and Ai
- PyTorch pytorch.orgDeep-learning framework widely used in research.
- TensorFlow tensorflow.orgGoogle's machine-learning platform.
- JAX github.comNumPy-like arrays with automatic differentiation and GPU/TPU compilation.
- scikit-learn scikit-learn.orgClassical machine learning in Python.
- Hugging Face Transformers github.comPretrained language, vision and audio models.
- llama.cpp github.comRuns large language models locally on ordinary hardware.
- Ollama ollama.comEasy local running and management of open language models.
- ComfyUI github.comNode-based interface for local image and video generation models.
13 Physics Simulation and Engineering Analysis
- OpenFOAM openfoam.orgComputational fluid dynamics toolbox.
- SU2 su2code.github.ioCFD and aerodynamic shape optimization, from Stanford.
- Elmer FEM elmerfem.orgMultiphysics finite-element solver: heat, structures, electromagnetics and fluids.
- CalculiX calculix.deFinite-element structural and thermal analysis.
- code_aster code-aster.orgIndustrial-strength structural mechanics finite-element solver.
- FEniCS fenicsproject.orgSolve partial differential equations by writing the math almost as you would on paper.
- Gmsh gmsh.info3D finite-element mesh generator with a built-in CAD engine.
- MOOSE mooseframework.inl.govIdaho National Laboratory's multiphysics simulation framework.
- OpenModelica openmodelica.orgModeling and simulation of complex dynamic systems in the Modelica language.
- Geant4 geant4.web.cern.chSimulation of particles passing through matter: detectors, shielding and medical physics.
- LAMMPS lammps.orgClassical molecular dynamics for materials and soft matter.
14 Optics, Photonics and Electromagnetics
- Meep meep.readthedocs.ioFinite-difference time-domain electromagnetic simulation, from MIT.
- MPB mpb.readthedocs.ioPhotonic band structures and electromagnetic eigenmodes.
- Optiland github.comOptical design, optimization and analysis in Python, with GPU-accelerated differentiable ray tracing.
- RayOptics ray-optics.readthedocs.ioGeometrical ray tracing and lens design in Python.
- POPPY poppy-optics.readthedocs.ioPhysical optics propagation for telescopes and coronagraphs, from the Space Telescope Science Institute.
- HCIPy hcipy.orgHigh-contrast imaging and adaptive-optics simulation.
- prysm prysm.readthedocs.ioPhysical optics, wavefront and image-quality modeling.
- LightPipes opticspy.github.ioSimulation of laser beam propagation, diffraction and interference.
- KLayout klayout.deLayout viewer and editor for photonic and integrated-circuit masks (GDS and OASIS).
- gdsfactory gdsfactory.github.ioPython design flow for photonic and electronic chips.
15 Chemistry, Materials and Molecular Modeling
- Avogadro avogadro.ccMolecule editor and visualizer for computational chemistry.
- RDKit rdkit.orgCheminformatics and machine learning on molecules.
- Open Babel openbabel.orgConverts between more than a hundred chemical file formats.
- PyMOL (open-source edition) github.comMolecular visualization for proteins and small molecules.
- Jmol jmol.sourceforge.netInteractive 3D viewer for chemical structures.
- GROMACS gromacs.orgVery fast molecular dynamics, especially for biomolecules.
- Quantum ESPRESSO quantum-espresso.orgElectronic-structure calculations with density functional theory.
- CP2K cp2k.orgAtomistic simulation of solids, liquids and molecules.
- Psi4 psicode.orgQuantum chemistry with a Python interface.
- pymatgen pymatgen.orgMaterials analysis library behind the Materials Project.
- ASE (Atomic Simulation Environment) gitlab.comPython tools for setting up, running and analyzing atomistic simulations.
16 Biology, Medicine and Neuroscience
- Biopython biopython.orgPython tools for sequences, structures and biological databases.
- Bioconductor bioconductor.orgR packages for genomics and high-throughput biological data.
- Galaxy galaxyproject.orgWeb platform for reproducible bioinformatics without programming.
- IGV (Integrative Genomics Viewer) igv.orgViewer for genomic data such as sequencing alignments and variants.
- Cytoscape cytoscape.orgNetwork visualization for molecular interactions and pathways.
- QIIME 2 qiime2.orgMicrobiome analysis from raw DNA sequence data.
- Fiji (ImageJ) fiji.scScientific image analysis, especially microscopy.
- napari napari.orgFast multi-dimensional image viewer for Python.
- QuPath qupath.github.ioDigital pathology and whole-slide image analysis.
- CellProfiler cellprofiler.orgMeasures cells and other features in large sets of biological images.
- 3D Slicer slicer.orgMedical image visualization, segmentation and 3D reconstruction.
- MNE-Python mne.toolsEEG and MEG data analysis.
- PsychoPy psychopy.orgBuilds and runs behavioral and psychology experiments.
17 Earth, Climate and Weather Science
- xarray xarray.devLabeled multi-dimensional arrays, the workhorse for climate and ocean data.
- Pangeo pangeo.ioCommunity and software stack for big-data geoscience in the cloud.
- MetPy unidata.github.ioMeteorological calculations and weather plots in Python.
- Cartopy scitools.org.ukMap projections and geospatial plotting for Python.
- ObsPy obspy.orgSeismology data processing.
- Community Earth System Model (CESM) cesm.ucar.eduNCAR's global climate model.
- WRF Model mmm.ucar.eduNumerical weather prediction and atmospheric research model.
- MITgcm mitgcm.orgOcean and atmosphere general circulation model.
18 Electronics, Radio and Lab Instrumentation
- KiCad kicad.orgSchematic capture and printed-circuit-board design.
- LibrePCB librepcb.orgBeginner-friendly schematic and PCB design.
- ngspice ngspice.sourceforge.ioSPICE circuit simulator.
- Qucs-S ra3xdh.github.ioCircuit and RF simulator with a graphical schematic editor.
- Arduino IDE arduino.ccPrograms Arduino and many other microcontroller boards.
- PlatformIO platformio.orgProfessional embedded development for many boards and frameworks.
- MicroPython micropython.orgPython running directly on microcontrollers.
- GNU Radio gnuradio.orgSoftware-defined radio signal processing.
- sigrok / PulseView sigrok.orgLogic-analyzer and oscilloscope software for cheap and professional hardware.
- PyVISA pyvisa.readthedocs.ioControls lab instruments (scopes, supplies, analyzers) from Python.
- EPICS epics-controls.orgControl system for accelerators, telescopes and large experiments.
- Bluesky blueskyproject.ioExperiment orchestration and data collection, from US national laboratories.
19 Cad and Fabrication
- FreeCAD freecad.orgParametric 3D CAD with finite-element, CAM and architecture tools.
- OpenSCAD openscad.orgSolid 3D models written as code.
- SolveSpace solvespace.comLightweight parametric 2D and 3D CAD.
- LibreCAD librecad.org2D drafting and DXF drawing.
- PrusaSlicer github.comTurns 3D models into printer instructions for most FDM and resin printers.
- OrcaSlicer github.comFeature-rich slicer for a wide range of 3D printers.
- UltiMaker Cura github.comPopular 3D-printing slicer.
- LaserGRBL lasergrbl.comSends images and vector paths to GRBL-based laser engravers.
20 Web, Data and Self-Hosting
- SQLite sqlite.orgSmall, reliable database in a single file; the one this board runs on.
- PostgreSQL postgresql.orgPowerful relational database server.
- Node.js nodejs.orgJavaScript on the server; the engine this board runs on.
- three.js threejs.org3D graphics in the web browser; the solar system viewer is built with it.
- Leaflet leafletjs.comLightweight interactive web maps.
- Caddy caddyserver.comWeb server with automatic HTTPS.
- nginx nginx.orgHigh-performance web server and reverse proxy.
- Nextcloud nextcloud.comSelf-hosted file sync, calendars and collaboration.
- Discourse discourse.orgModern discussion-forum software.
- Hugo gohugo.ioFast static website generator.
21 Everyday Tools, Security and Operating Systems
- Firefox mozilla.orgIndependent open-source web browser.
- Thunderbird thunderbird.netEmail, calendar and contacts.
- 7-Zip 7-zip.orgFile archiver with high compression.
- KeePassXC keepassxc.orgOffline password manager.
- Bitwarden bitwarden.comCloud-synced open-source password manager.
- Syncthing syncthing.netPrivate file synchronization between your own devices.
- Debian debian.orgStable, community-run Linux distribution.
- Ubuntu ubuntu.comPopular Linux distribution for desktops and servers.
- Fedora fedoraproject.orgUp-to-date Linux distribution with a strong scientific community.
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