FreeCAD for MAC
Free, open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler for product design, engineering and 3D printing, with assemblies and drawings.
FreeCAD Overview
FreeCAD is a free parametric 3D modeler for designing real-world objects of any size, from small parts for 3D printing to machines and buildings. Parametric means your model is built from a history of steps and dimensions, so you can change a measurement later and the whole model updates. FreeCAD has workbenches for part design, sketching, assemblies, technical drawings, simulation (FEM), CNC machining (CAM) and architecture (BIM), and it opens and saves standard formats such as STEP, IGES, STL and DXF.
FreeCAD is free and open source under the LGPL-2.1 license, developed by a worldwide community. It needs macOS 12 Monterey or later and has separate downloads for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs. Version 1.1.4 is the last planned maintenance release of the 1.1 series.
Key Features
FreeCAD brings professional CAD tools to everyone, for free.
- Parametric modeling: change any dimension and the model rebuilds itself.
- Sketcher: draw 2D sketches with constraints as the base of your 3D parts.
- Part Design: build solid parts with pads, pockets, fillets and patterns.
- Assembly: put several parts together and check how they fit.
- TechDraw: create 2D technical drawings with dimensions from your models.
- FEM and CAM: simulate stresses and generate CNC toolpaths.
- BIM: model buildings and architectural projects.
- File formats and Python: STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ and DXF, plus Python scripting and add-ons.
What’s New in Version 1.1.4
FreeCAD 1.1.4 is a security and maintenance release.
- Two security fixes for problems that could be triggered by opening a maliciously crafted FCStd file
- Faster frames-per-second label
- Fixed visibility icons for link group items
- Fixed TechDraw projection groups jumping to the origin
- The last planned maintenance release of the 1.1 series
FreeCAD FAQ
Is FreeCAD free?
Yes. FreeCAD is free and open source under the LGPL-2.1 license, for personal and commercial use.
Which macOS version does FreeCAD need?
FreeCAD needs macOS 12 Monterey or later.
Does FreeCAD run on Apple Silicon?
Yes. There are separate downloads for Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
What does parametric modeling mean?
Your model remembers how it was built. If you change a dimension in a sketch or feature, everything that depends on it updates automatically.
Can I use FreeCAD for 3D printing?
Yes. Design your part, then export it as STL or 3MF and open it in your slicer.
Can FreeCAD open STEP and DXF files?
Yes. FreeCAD imports and exports STEP, IGES, STL, OBJ, DXF and many other formats.
Does FreeCAD have assemblies?
Yes. Since version 1.0 FreeCAD includes an Assembly workbench for putting parts together.
Why should I update to FreeCAD 1.1.4?
It fixes two security problems that could be triggered by opening a maliciously crafted FreeCAD file. All earlier versions are affected.
Can I extend FreeCAD?
Yes. FreeCAD can be scripted in Python, and the Addon Manager installs extra workbenches and macros from the community.
Where does the FreeCAD download on freecad.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official FreeCAD download page at https://www.freecad.org/downloads.php. freecad.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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