FreeCAD
| Version | 0.15(as of 5/30/2019) |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| License | Open Source |
| Category | Graphics |
Main Features
- Support for IGES, STEP, OBJ, DXF, SVG, and STL formats
- 2D components for sketching 2D shapes
- Built-in Python console
- Undo and Redo framework
- Customizable GUI
- Extensibility through plugins
Software Overview
FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeler used to design real-life objects. The program dates back to 2001 and is maintained and developed by a community of developers.
The program supports a large amount of standard industry formats such as IGES, STEP, OBJ, DXF, SVG, STL, and DAE. FreeCAD provides various modules including a robot simulation module for studying robotic movements, a drawing sheets module for putting 2D views of a 3D model on a sheet, and a rendering module for exporting 3D objects for rendering with external renderers. The program also features Sketcher, a tool that utilizes 2D components for sketching 2D shapes and creating 2D production drawings from a 3D model.
FreeCAD is primarily used by mechanical engineers, architects, and product designers. It supports many of the most prominent industry formats and gives you a quality set of tools. FreeCAD is a powerful free application that will prove useful to CAD users, especially those in the mechanical engineering field.
Primary File Type
Supported File Types
| Extension | File Type |
|---|---|
| .FCSTD | FreeCAD Document |
| .DAE | Digital Asset Exchange File |
| .DXF | Drawing Exchange Format File |
| .FCSTD1 | FreeCAD Backup Document |
| .IFC | Industry Foundation Classes File |
| .IGES | IGES Drawing |
| .IGS | IGES Drawing |
| .OBJ | Wavefront 3D Object File |
| .PRT | Solid Edge Part File |
| .SCAD | OpenSCAD Script |
| .SLDPRT | SolidWorks Part |
| .STEP | STEP 3D Model |
| .STL | Stereolithography File |
| .STP | STEP 3D CAD File |
| .SVG | Scalable Vector Graphic |
| .VRML | VRML File |