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Your model history and changing its parameters. Parametric modelingĪllows you to easily modify your design by going back into ©freecadweb.FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeler. About The FreeCAD TeamįreeCAD is originally created by Jürgen Riegel, Werner Mayer, and Yorik van Havre. What’s new in version 0.20:įor more information please visit. In order to export FreeCAD models to Blender, you need to use an exchange format such as STL, OBJ, and DAE. Both applications are open-source, they are free and always will be.
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Although you can create renders directly from FreeCAD, Blender provides more advanced rendering capabilities.
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FreeCAD and Blender workflowįreeCAD allows you to export your models to Blender for rendering. For more information on FreeCAD BIM workflow please visit FreeCAD BIM migration guide. FreeCAD supports importing and exporting of IFC files, which is an open file format used by BIM software. You need to install it from Addon Manager. If you are going to work with BIM, you need to install the BIM workbench. You can find many examples of projects developed with FreeCAD in the FreeCAD forum.įreeCAD can be used for Building Information Modeling (BIM) too. FreeCAD is available for Windows, Mac OS and Linux. It is not a one-way work delivered to you by its developers. FreeCAD is being developed and updated by a community of dedicated users. By installing BIM workbench you can add BIM capabilities to FreeCAD. The FEM workbench provides finite element analysis (FEA) workflow. You can perform different kinds of analysis on your model. Using the Spreadsheet workbench or the Schedule tool (Arch workbench) you can extract all kinds of data and quantities from your model. You can create your own workbench with your favourite tools from other workbenches. You can switch workbenches anytime during the work. Also there are external workbenches, such as BIM workbench, that can be installed from the Addon Manager. For example, built-in workbenches include Arch, Draft, FEM, Spreadsheets, etc. Workbenches are collections of tools with specific purpose and workflows. Similarly to CATIA, tools are grouped into workbenches. FreeCAD is not targeted at a specific profession – it can be used by mechanical engineers, civil engineers, structural engineers and architects. You can generate 2D drawings (plans and sections) in DWG or DXF file formats and export them as PDF from your 3D model. You can export them to a wide range of file formats, or 3D-print them. You can create a 3D object from a 2D sketch. There is no limitation in model size – you can model engineering parts or buildings. It is primarily made for mechanical design, but it can also be used for product design, architecture and interior design. For a full list of supported file formats please visit. It supports the following file formats: DWG, DXF, SVG, STL, OBJ, DAE, DAT, CSV, 3DS, IV and IFC (among others). However, the true power of FreeCAD are parametric relationships and modular nature that allows you to adapt workflow for different environments: 2D drawing, 3D modeling, animation and Building Information Modeling (BIM).įreeCAD’s native file format is FreeCAD Standard file format (.FCStd). Compared to these commercial solutions, many capabilities are missing. You can easily modify your design by going back into your model history and changing its parameters.įreeCAD is a free alternative to AutoCAD, CATIA, SolidWorks, Inventor and Revit. Almost any property of any object can be plugged into another property. Parametric modeling software means your 3D and 2D objects are driven by parameters, or properties. FreeCAD is a parametric 3D modeling software that is open-source and can be used for commercial use.
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