FreeCAD Basics

Loveland CreatorSpace — 3D Modeling Guide

FreeCAD is a powerful, open‑source parametric CAD tool ideal for members who want full control over their designs without relying on commercial software. It is excellent for mechanical parts, enclosures, brackets, and any model requiring precise dimensions and parametric editing.

This page introduces the fundamentals needed to begin designing in FreeCAD.

1. What FreeCAD Is

• A free, open‑source parametric CAD program

• Similar in workflow to Fusion 360, SolidWorks, and Onshape

• Uses workbenches for specialized tasks (Part Design, Sketcher, Mesh, Draft, etc.)

• Ideal for functional, mechanical, and dimension‑critical parts

FreeCAD is perfect for members who want a fully open toolchain or prefer offline CAD.

2. Getting Started

Install FreeCAD

• Download from freecad.org

• Install the latest stable release

First Launch

You’ll see:

• Combo View (left) — tree + property editor

• 3D View (center)

• Workbench Selector (top)

Switch to Part Design to begin parametric modeling.

3. Workbenches Overview

FreeCAD uses workbenches to organize tools.

Most Important Workbenches for 3D Printing

• Part Design — parametric solids, sketches, features

• Sketcher — 2D sketch creation and constraints

• Part — direct modeling, boolean operations

• Mesh Design — STL import/export and mesh cleanup

4. Sketching Fundamentals

Sketches are the foundation of parametric modeling.

Creating a Sketch

1. Switch to Part Design

2. Create a new body

3. Click Create Sketch

4. Choose a plane (XY, XZ, YZ)

Drawing Tools

• Line

• Rectangle

• Circle

• Arc

• Polygon

Constraints

Use constraints to lock geometry:

• Horizontal / Vertical

• Parallel / Perpendicular

• Tangent

• Equal

• Coincident

• Dimensional constraints

A fully constrained sketch turns green.

5. Turning Sketches Into 3D Parts

Pad (Extrude)

• Turns a sketch into a solid

Pocket (Cut)

• Removes material using a sketch

Revolve

• Spins a sketch around an axis

Fillet / Chamfer

• Strengthens corners or improves printability

Mirror

• Mirrors features across a plane

6. Parametric Design

FreeCAD is fully parametric.

Using Constraints & Expressions

• Dimensions can reference other dimensions

• Use expressions like Sketch.Length * 0.5

Spreadsheet Workbench

• Create named parameters

• Link them to sketches and features

This makes designs easy to update and customize.

7. Multi‑Body & Assemblies

FreeCAD supports multi‑body workflows.

Bodies

• Independent solids within a single file

Assemblies

FreeCAD has multiple assembly workbenches:

• A2Plus (popular community add‑on)

• Assembly 4 (parametric, stable)

Assemblies allow testing fit, alignment, and motion.

8. Preparing Models for 3D Printing

Check Geometry

• Ensure bodies are solids (not surfaces)

• Avoid extremely thin features

Export

1. Switch to Mesh Design

2. Select the body

3. File → Export → STL or OBJ

Mesh Cleanup

• Use Analyze → Evaluate & Repair Mesh

• Fix non‑manifold edges or holes

9. Common Beginner Mistakes

• Leaving sketches under‑constrained

• Mixing Part and Part Design tools incorrectly

• Forgetting to create a Body before sketching

• Over‑complicating sketches instead of using multiple features

10. Learning Resources

Official FreeCAD Documentation

• FreeCAD wiki

• Tutorials for Part Design and Sketcher

Community Resources

• YouTube tutorials for beginners

• FreeCAD forum (excellent support)

CreatorSpace Support

Members experienced with FreeCAD can help with:

• Parametric workflows

• Assemblies

• Mesh cleanup and STL export

11. Orientation Completion

Members should demonstrate:

• Ability to create and constrain sketches

• Use of Pad, Pocket, Fillet, and Revolve

• Understanding of parametric expressions

• Exporting a clean STL for printing