FreeCAD is a free, open-source parametric 3D modeler made primarily to design real-life objects of any size. “Parametric” means your model keeps its history: you can go back, change a dimension or parameter, and the design updates. You sketch constrained 2D shapes, build 3D objects from them, and extract dimensions and details to create production-ready drawings. The project stresses that there are no licensing fees and no vendor lock-in.
FreeCAD suits makers designing parts for 3D printing, engineering students, and professionals who want a CAD tool they can adapt; the project publishes Python scripting documentation. Expect a learning curve if you are coming from a commercial CAD package.
How to get the official version
The FreeCAD download page lists the current stable version, 1.1.3. All downloads are for 64-bit systems and are hosted on the project’s GitHub release:
- Windows: an x86_64 installer or a portable .7z archive. Windows 10 is the minimum supported version.
- macOS: DMGs for Apple Silicon and Intel. macOS 12 Monterey is the minimum.
- Linux: AppImages for x86_64 and aarch64. Snap and Flatpak packages are also documented on the FreeCAD wiki.
With winget: winget install FreeCAD.FreeCAD. A separate FreeCAD.FreeCAD.Weekly package installs development builds.
Weekly development builds
FreeCAD publishes weekly builds from its latest code so users can test fixes and new features. The project warns that they are not suitable for production use, can be slower, use more memory and be less stable, and that you should back up your files regularly if you use them.
Add-ons
Additional workbenches and macros from the community can be installed from inside FreeCAD with the Addon Manager, so you rarely need to download extensions from other websites.
Price and account
FreeCAD is free and open source. It has no accounts, subscriptions or paid edition. The FreeCAD project association accepts donations and sponsorships to fund development.
Verify your download
Each release file has a matching -SHA256.txt file on GitHub. The values for 1.1.3 are in the table below. The downloads are large (the Windows installer is about 495 MB), so a hash check is worth the few seconds it takes.
Questions
Is FreeCAD good for 3D printing?
Yes. You can design the part in FreeCAD, export it as a mesh file, and prepare it for printing in a slicer such as PrusaSlicer or UltiMaker Cura.
Does FreeCAD run on 32-bit Windows?
No. The download page says all downloads are for 64-bit systems.
Where is the source code?
Primarily on GitHub, mirrored on GitLab, Codeberg and SourceForge.
