FreeCAD has been updated to version 1.1.
The open-source 3D CAD tool has become increasingly popular in recent times, likely due to a combination of increasing use of desktop 3D printers and rising costs for paid options.
The latest release includes quite a few improvements and fixes. Here’s a list of the items we found notable:
- Better support for the Wayland Linux display system that’s gradually replacing X11/X.Org in many distributions.
- Preferences now includes a search function.
- Core Datum tools are now included that allow use of datum coordinate systems, planes, and lines.
- The Transform tool has been completely reworked, and you can now automatically align the dragger with any element.
- The Quick Measure feature now displays more data about selected elements.
- Selection of objects has been improved by adding a temporary transparency to see through nearby objects.
- The Python API has been completely replaced.
- Assemblies are easier with a new insert part tool.
- Assemblies can now use simulations for motions and even create animations.
- Significant upgrades to the BIM Workbench.
- For CNC work, the CAM Workbench’s tool management was replaced with a new toolkit editor and selector.
- Sketch now includes a Projection tool, Intersection tool, and more improvements.
In addition, there were significant improvements to the FEM, Material, and Part Workbenches, and much, much more. This appears to be a fairly significant update to the open-source tool.
FreeCAD has many supporters, and that’s partly because it is available for all platforms at no charge. However, like most CAD systems, it does take a bit of time to learn how to make your way around the tool. If you’re finding basic tools like Tinkercad are no longer meeting your needs and don’t want to pay for a commercial product, you might consider using FreeCAD.
