FreeCAD is a 3D modeling software for designing engineering products and pieces.

There are many 3D CAD modeling tools (SolidWorks, Solid Edge, etc.), but almost all are paid software. The truth is that these tools are complete and comply with their functioning perfectly, which thousands of design and engineering companies use.

Thanks to FreeCAD, it's possible to get similar functionality to the commercial programs, free of charge, since it is an open-source program that started its development in 2002. Even so, this program continues in its development phase and does not possess all the features of the business CAD software. This doesn't mean that high-quality projects can't be developed with this software. The development of this tool moves faster every day, thanks to the great community formed over the years, and it's contributing to the project's code.

The interface used in this software is the usual interface used in this kind of tool: 3D view of the designed object, hierarchy and history of the objects created, objects properties editor, and a console that displays an error or warning message. Python console that shows the python command executed by the software, and where we will be able to introduce our python commands for manipulating the objects in the document; to do this, we must study the python API provided by the software.

Even though the program is focused on CAD design, we can make 2D designs or even 3D shapes of organic objects (animals, humans, etc.). All this can be done thanks to the fact that the program has different “Workbenches.” These “Workbenches” are focused on performing a particular job; to do this, the program will load the necessary tools to carry out this work. For example, if we want to create meshes, we will use a specific “Workbench” for this task, and the program will load the tools we need to carry it out. However, if we make a 2D object design, the program will load another set of tools.

The program has great documentation on the main menu and the official web. Good documentation for this type of program is important because it speeds up the learning process. If we know how to use any other CAD software, we will find it very easy to get used to the interface of this program.

Without a doubt, this is a great program to use as an alternative to commercial programs. It will be very useful for students who want to get started in the world of CAD, as this tool provides them with a work environment similar to paid CAD programs.

FreeCAD has the advantage that it can be used on all major operating systems: Windows, Mac, and Linux, as it's compatible with these systems and includes a single installer for each of them.