CAD

FreeCAD – parametric 3D modeler

The FreeCAD application is an open source 3D-Solid and general purpose design CAD/CAE.

FreeCAD is aimed directly at mechanical engineering and product design but also fits in a wider range of uses around engineering, such as architecture or other engineering specialities.

FreeCAD has tools similar to those offered by Catia, SolidWorks or Solid Edge.

The software makes extensive use of open source libraries include OpenCascade, Coin3D, Qt, and Python.

Features include:

  • GUI application with 3D viewer.
  • Command line version with low memory footprint usable as server.
  • Macro recording.
  • Workbenches.
  • Modeling features:
    • Offset (trivial or after Jung/Shin/Choi).
    • Boolean operations (add, cut, intersect).
    • Primitive creation.
  • Creation of primitives:
    • Parametric creation of box, sphere and cone.
    • Topologic creation of vertex, edges, wires and planes.
    • Modeling with extrudes and fillets.
  • Meshes.
  • Boolean operations like:
    • Union – fuse shapes together.
    • Difference – substraction of two shapes.
    • Intersection – cut out the common parts of two shapes.
  • Import: ASCII or binary STL (Stereo lithography format), OBJ format, Limited NASTRAN support, Open Inventor meshes, FreeCAD mesh kernel native.
  • Export: ASCII or binary STL (Stereo lithography format), OBJ format, Limited NASTRAN support, VRML meshes, FreeCAD mesh kernel native, Mesh as Python module.
  • Evaluation and Repair:
    • Tests solid.
    • Tests non-two-manifolds.
    • Tests self intersections.
    • Hole filling.
    • Uniform orientation.
  • Raytracing.
  • Run as a Python module.
  • Plugin/Module framework for late loading of features/data-types.
  • Built in scripting.

Website: www.freecad.org
Support: Documentation, GitHub Code Repository
Developer: Juergen Riegel, Berthold Grupp, Yorik van Havre, mohd_najib and others
License: GNU General Public License v2.0

FreeCAD
Click image for full size

FreeCAD is written in C++ and Python. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

Return to CAD


Popular series
Free and Open Source SoftwareThe largest compilation of the best free and open source software in the universe. Each article is supplied with a legendary ratings chart helping you to make informed decisions.
ReviewsHundreds of in-depth reviews offering our unbiased and expert opinion on software. We offer helpful and impartial information.
Alternatives to Proprietary SoftwareReplace proprietary software with open source alternatives: Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Autodesk, Oracle, Atlassian, Corel, Cisco, Intuit, and SAS.
GamesAwesome Free Linux Games Tools showcases a series of tools that making gaming on Linux a more pleasurable experience. This is a new series.
Artificial intelligence iconMachine Learning explores practical applications of machine learning and deep learning from a Linux perspective. We've written reviews of more than 40 self-hosted apps. All are free and open source.
Guide to LinuxNew to Linux? Read our Linux for Starters series. We start right at the basics and teach you everything you need to know to get started with Linux.
Alternatives to popular CLI tools showcases essential tools that are modern replacements for core Linux utilities.
System ToolsEssential Linux system tools focuses on small, indispensable utilities, useful for system administrators as well as regular users.
ProductivityLinux utilities to maximise your productivity. Small, indispensable tools, useful for anyone running a Linux machine.
AudioSurveys popular streaming services from a Linux perspective: Amazon Music Unlimited, Myuzi, Spotify, Deezer, Tidal.
Saving Money with LinuxSaving Money with Linux looks at how you can reduce your energy bills running Linux.
Home ComputersHome computers became commonplace in the 1980s. Emulate home computers including the Commodore 64, Amiga, Atari ST, ZX81, Amstrad CPC, and ZX Spectrum.
Now and ThenNow and Then examines how promising open source software fared over the years. It can be a bumpy ride.
Linux at HomeLinux at Home looks at a range of home activities where Linux can play its part, making the most of our time at home, keeping active and engaged.
Linux CandyLinux Candy reveals the lighter side of Linux. Have some fun and escape from the daily drudgery.
DockerGetting Started with Docker helps you master Docker, a set of platform as a service products that delivers software in packages called containers.
Android AppsBest Free Android Apps. We showcase free Android apps that are definitely worth downloading. There's a strict eligibility criteria for inclusion in this series.
Programming BooksThese best free books accelerate your learning of every programming language. Learn a new language today!
Programming TutorialsThese free tutorials offer the perfect tonic to our free programming books series.
Linux Around The WorldLinux Around The World showcases usergroups that are relevant to Linux enthusiasts. Great ways to meet up with fellow enthusiasts.
Stars and StripesStars and Stripes is an occasional series looking at the impact of Linux in the USA.
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments