Build parametric 3D models
FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeler. Its parametric approach lets a model be built from editable design history and constraints rather than only from fixed geometry.
The application is used for product design, mechanical engineering, architecture-related work, and other CAD tasks. It organizes tools into workbenches for different types of modeling and design workflows.
FreeCAD is a desktop CAD application with a broad feature set, so the appropriate workbench and workflow depend on the kind of model being made. Projects should be saved in a suitable format for the next step, whether that is continued editing, sharing, or manufacturing preparation.
- Best for
- Makers, students, and technical users who want a free parametric 3D CAD environment.
- Good to know
- FreeCAD is CAD software, so its workbench-based interface has a learning curve compared with simple 3D viewers.
FreeCAD builds models from a history of editable features, so a design can be revised by changing dimensions rather than redrawing geometry.
How to get started
- Run the Windows x64 installer with Python 3.11, then open FreeCAD and create a new document.
- Choose the workbench that matches the task: Part Design for solid features, Sketcher for constrained 2D profiles, Draft for simple 2D work.
- Sketch a profile, constrain it fully, then pad or revolve it into a solid and adjust parameters from the model tree.
Save early and keep the native file. Export to STEP or STL only once the model is settled, and re-open the export to confirm the geometry survived.
Questions & answers
Is FreeCAD free for commercial work?
Yes. FreeCAD is licensed under LGPL-2.1-or-later, which allows commercial use. Bundled third-party components can carry their own notices.
Which workbench should a beginner use?
Start with Part Design and Sketcher for mechanical parts. Draft, Spreadsheet, TechDraw and other workbenches are worth adding once the basic parametric workflow is familiar.
Can FreeCAD open files from other CAD programs?
It imports and exports several exchange formats, including STEP and IGES. Complex proprietary features may not survive the translation, so verify the imported model before building on it.