OSS TanbouOverview
FreeCAD is a parametric 3D CAD application whose dimensions, constraints, and operation history can be revised later. It turns 2D geometry into 3D models and extends them into drawings and specialized workbenches, supporting mechanical design, architecture, education, and 3D printing.
Features and best fit
Based on official documentation; not hands-on tested · Content checked:
Return to design history and revise intent
The official README describes a fully parametric model whose parameters can be changed by going back into history, operations that build 3D objects from 2D shapes, and production-ready drawings derived from 3D models. OpenCASCADE, Coin3D, Python, and Qt underpin specialized workbenches and Python extensibility.
Sources: [1]
For open mechanical, product, and architectural workflows
FreeCAD is a candidate for parts and fixtures, 3D-print models, architecture and BIM, education, and personal fabrication where dimensions change repeatedly. It also suits organizations that want Python automation or custom workbenches around an open toolchain.
Sources: [1]
Distinguish stable and weekly builds and test file compatibility
Use official releases for routine work and weekly builds for deliberate evaluation of newer behavior, while keeping backups and exchange-format exports for important models. Check compatibility across operating systems, OpenCASCADE, and add-on workbenches. The main FreeCAD code is LGPL-2.1; bundled components may carry their own notices.
Official sources
- [1]FreeCAD README(2026-09-13)
- [2]FreeCAD LICENSE(2026-09-13)
Supplemental curator note
Selected for pairing a clear Free-plus-CAD brand with specialized 3D, BIM, CAM, and mechanical-engineering discovery paths.
Growth
Growth trends · Last 30 days
33,478 Stars
Trend data is still being collected.
Development activity
Last 90 days · weekly
- Commits (last 30 days)
- 529
- Open PRs
- 560
Development activity is still being collected.
Built with
Categories and tags
Categories
GitHub data
GitHub dataView detailed GitHub data
GitHub Topics
- freecad
- engineering
- opencascade
- architecture
- cad
- bim
- fem
- 3d
- 3d-printing
- linux
- coin
- windows
- Stars
- 33,478
- Forks
- 6,025
- Watchers
- 559
- Open issues
- 3,498
- Primary language
- C++
- License
- LGPL-2.1
- Repository last updated
- Sep 13, 2026
Explore next
- Blender20,309 Stars
A free and open-source 3D creation suite integrating modeling, animation, rendering, and video editing.
C++ - ImageMagick17,409 Stars
A C software suite for creating, editing, composing, and converting many image formats through command-line tools and APIs.
C - GIMP6,412 Stars
A raster image editor for photo correction, compositing, drawing, format conversion, scripts, and plugins.
C
Report incorrect information
Tell us if any listing information is incorrect or outdated.