As you may know, FreeCAD is a powerful, open-source parametric 3D CAD software designed for creating detailed models of real-life objects, both simple and complex. Similar to LibreCAD, which focuses on 2D design, FreeCAD expands the possibilities into the 3D realm, offering more advanced tools for mechanical engineering, architecture, product design, and other technical fields.
One of FreeCAD’s key strengths is its parametric modeling approach, which allows users to make precise changes by revisiting and adjusting the design history. Whether you’re working on intricate mechanical parts, architectural blueprints, or simulations, FreeCAD provides a range of customizable workbenches tailored to different design needs.
In addition to being free and open-source, FreeCAD is cross-platform, running on Linux, Windows, and macOS. It supports popular CAD formats like STEP, STL, OBJ, and DXF, making it easy to integrate with other design workflows. The software also benefits from an active community that continuously develops plugins, documentation, and user support.
For those familiar with LibreCAD and looking to step into 3D design, FreeCAD is a natural next step, offering a powerful and cost-effective alternative to proprietary CAD software.
The main features of FreeCAD:
- Parametric Modeling: Easily modify designs by adjusting parameters in the design history.
- Customizable Workbenches: Tailor your workspace with tools specific to different tasks, such as mechanical engineering, architecture, and simulations.
- Cross-Platform Support: Runs seamlessly on Linux, Windows, and macOS.
- Broad File Format Compatibility: Supports popular formats like STEP, STL, OBJ, DXF, and more, allowing smooth integration with other CAD tools.
- Open-Source and Community-Driven: Benefit from an active community that provides plugins, extensive documentation, and ongoing development.
- Similar to LibreCAD (but 3D): While LibreCAD focuses on 2D design, FreeCAD takes it further by offering advanced 3D modeling capabilities.
The latest version
Here are 20 highlights introduced in FreeCAD 1.0, based on the official release notes:
- Topological Naming Problem (TNP) Fix: Major improvements have been made to tackle the topological naming issue by integrating Realthunder’s algorithm into the main FreeCAD build.
- New Assembly Workbench: A built-in Assembly workbench has been added, featuring motion simulation capabilities based on Dr. Eike Sion Kou’s contributions.
- New FreeCAD Logo: A modernized logo, selected through a public contest, along with updated branding guidelines.
- Rotation Indicator: A visual indicator now appears when rotating the 3D view, with customization and on/off toggle options.
- Selection Filter: A new feature that simplifies selecting vertices, edges, and faces in complex models.
- Detached Task Panel: The task panel can now function as an independent widget, offering a more flexible UI layout.
- Enhanced Object Manipulation: Added options to drag objects along predefined planes (XY, YZ, ZX) for more precise control.
- Overlay Widget Support: Improved UI with support for overlay widgets, enhancing the user interface experience.
- Improved Sketcher Module: Better constraint management, auto-removal of redundant constraints, and faster sketch updates.
- New Snapping Options: Enhanced snapping for Draft and Arch workbenches, including midpoint and intersection snapping.
- Improved Part Design Features: More robust support for fillets, chamfers, and parametric features.
- New Preferences System: A revamped settings dialog with a cleaner structure and search functionality.
- Material System Enhancements: Improved material handling for Arch and FEM workbenches, including presets and better visualization.
- Support for Real-Time Simulation: FEM (Finite Element Method) workbench enhancements for better real-time simulation feedback.
- Expanded File Format Support: Improved compatibility with STEP, IGES, and other widely used CAD formats.
- Enhanced Path Workbench: New tools and optimizations for CNC path generation, including adaptive toolpath strategies.
- Python Console Updates: Enhanced Python API and console with syntax highlighting and improved code completion.
- TechDraw Improvements: New symbols, better dimensioning tools, and customizable line styles for 2D drawings.
- Improved Performance: Faster loading times, smoother viewport interactions, and better memory management.
- Community Contributions: Numerous bug fixes, UI tweaks, and minor features contributed by the vibrant FreeCAD community.
These updates make FreeCAD 1.0 more powerful, flexible, and user-friendly, continuing to build on its reputation as a top open-source CAD solution. For more information, I suggest you also have a look at the regular WIP articles posted on the freecad blog.
How to Install FreeCAD 1.0 on Ubuntu 24.10, Ubuntu 24.04, Ubuntu 22.04, and Derivative Systems via Snap
What is Snap?
Snap is a package management system developed by Canonical, the creators of Ubuntu. It simplifies software installation by packaging applications along with all their necessary dependencies, reducing compatibility issues across different Linux distributions.
A key benefit of Snap packages is that they run in a sandboxed environment, which enhances security and stability. Additionally, Snap packages update automatically in the background, ensuring users always have the latest version of an application without manual updates.
However, Snap applications may use more disk space due to bundled dependencies and may have slightly slower startup times compared to traditional DEB packages.
Prepare Snap (if needed)
On Ubuntu, Snap is pre-installed. However, if you’re using a Linux distribution where Snap is not integrated by default, you can install it with the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install snapd After installing Snap, enable and start the Snap service by running:
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd How to Install FreeCAD via Snap
FreeCAD is officially available as a Snap package, making installation simple. Open a terminal and run the following command:
sudo snap install freecad How to Uninstall FreeCAD Using Snap
If you ever need to remove FreeCAD, use the following command:
sudo snap remove freecad How to Install FreeCAD 1.0 on Ubuntu 24.10, Ubuntu 24.04, Ubuntu 22.04, and Derivative Systems via Flatpak
What is Flatpak?
Flatpak is another popular package management system designed to offer consistent and secure application distribution across multiple Linux distributions. Unlike Snap, which is maintained by Canonical, Flatpak is an open-source project supported by the Freedesktop community.
Flatpak applications run in their own sandboxed environment, which prevents them from interfering with system files and enhances security. This isolation allows Flatpak apps to run on any Linux distribution that supports Flatpak.
One advantage of Flatpak is its decentralized approach—users can download apps from Flathub, the main Flatpak repository, rather than relying on distribution-specific repositories. Like Snap, Flatpak applications may use more disk space due to bundled dependencies.
etup Flatpak and Install FreeCAD
To install FreeCAD using Flatpak, follow these steps:
Install Flatpak (if not already installed):
sudo apt install flatpakAdd the Flathub repository:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoInstall FreeCAD from Flathub:
flatpak install flathub org.freecad.FreeCADHow to Uninstall FreeCAD Using Flatpak
If you decide to remove FreeCAD later, use the following command:
flatpak uninstall org.freecad.FreeCAD Conclusion
Both Snap and Flatpak provide convenient ways to install FreeCAD on Ubuntu and derivative systems. Snap offers seamless background updates and comes pre-installed on Ubuntu, while Flatpak provides broader compatibility across various Linux distributions through Flathub.
Each method runs FreeCAD in a secure, sandboxed environment to enhance stability and prevent conflicts with system files.
If you prefer easy integration with Ubuntu’s ecosystem and automatic updates, Snap might be your go-to choice.
However, if you value a more decentralized approach and want access to a wide range of applications beyond the Snap Store, Flatpak is an excellent alternative. Either way, both options ensure that you can run the latest version of FreeCAD with minimal hassle.
