Key FreeCAD Features

These freecad features pack a professional-grade toolset into a free, open-source package — no subscription tier separates the basic tools from the advanced ones. Every freecad features capability described below is available from the first launch, on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

FreeCAD real-world modeling

Made to build for the real world

FreeCAD models are grounded in real-world dimensions. The unit system is flexible — work in millimeters, inches, feet, or mix them freely across a single model. Every exported file carries the same precision as the model, whether destined for a 3D printer, a CNC machine, or a technical drawing.

FreeCAD geometry kernel Open CASCADE

A powerful solid-based geometry kernel

The geometry engine behind FreeCAD is Open CASCADE Technology — the same kernel used in some commercial CAD packages. It handles solid geometry, BREP (Boundary Representation), NURBS surfaces, and boolean operations with full mathematical precision. There's no approximation involved; models are analytically exact.

FreeCAD parametric modeling

A wildly parametric environment

Every object in a FreeCAD model is parametric from the start. Dimensions, angles, counts, and even feature toggles can be driven by named variables and formulas. Change a single spreadsheet value and watch every part that references it update. This is the core of what makes FreeCAD useful for iterative design rather than one-off modeling.

FreeCAD assembly workbench

Assembly solutions for every need

The Assembly workbench — built into FreeCAD 1.0 — uses the Ondsel Solver to enforce 3D constraints between parts. Mate faces, align axes, fix relative positions with coincident or distance constraints. The solver resolves the assembly geometry in real time as you add or modify components.

FreeCAD BIM architecture workbench

Also for architects — built-in BIM

FreeCAD 1.0 unified the Arch and BIM workbenches into a single environment for building design. It supports IFC import and export natively, works with walls, slabs, roofs, and structural elements as typed objects, and integrates with open BIM pipelines. IFC4 is fully supported for export.

FreeCAD Python scripting

Python everywhere

FreeCAD's Python integration is deep and consistent. Every object in the model tree is scriptable, every workbench function is callable from Python, and macros can be recorded or written from scratch. The API is stable enough to build full custom workbenches on top of — several community workbenches have thousands of active users.

FreeCAD file formats STEP STL DXF IFC

50+ file formats supported

Format support in FreeCAD is broad by design. STEP and IGES keep models interoperable with other CAD tools. STL, 3MF, and OBJ cover additive manufacturing and visualization. DXF and SVG handle 2D documentation. IFC connects to BIM platforms. OpenSCAD CSG enables code-driven geometry. Most formats are available for both import and export.

FreeCAD sketcher 2D constraints

Constraint-based 2D Sketcher

The Sketcher is built around a constraint solver that enforces exact geometric relationships — parallel lines stay parallel, dimensions stay as specified, concentric circles share the same center. A fully constrained sketch has no remaining degrees of freedom, which means the resulting 3D solid is fully defined and predictable.

Download FreeCAD — Free for Windows, Mac & Linux

Every feature described on this page is included in the standard FreeCAD download — free, open-source, and available for commercial use under LGPL2+. There is no paid upgrade that unlocks advanced tools. Assembly, BIM, FEM, Path, and the Python API are all part of the same download as the rest.

Download FreeCAD Free