Feature list: Difference between revisions

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This is an extensive, hence not complete, list of features FreeCAD implements. If you want to look into the future see the [[Development roadmap]].
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== General features ==
This is an extensive, but not complete, list of features which FreeCAD implements.


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=== Base ===
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* Run as GUI Application with 3D Viewer
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* Run as Command line Version with low memory footprint usable as Server
* Run as a Python module
* Plugin/Module framework for late loading of features/data-types
* Built-in Scripting
* Modular MSI Installer


== Release notes == <!--T:2-->
=== Document ===
* Undo/Redo framework
* Transaction management
* Parametric associative document objects
* Compound (ZIP based) document save format


<!--T:3-->
=== Gui ===
* [[Release_notes_0.21|Release 0.21]] - August 2023
* GUI is fully customizable/scriptable
* [[Release_notes_0.20|Release 0.20]] - June 2022
* Workbench concept
* [[Release_notes_0.19|Release 0.19]] - March 2021
* Built-in python console
* [[Release_notes_0.18|Release 0.18]] - March 2019
* User interaction mirroring on the console
* [[Release_notes_0.17|Release 0.17]] - April 2018
* Full macro recording & editing
* [[Release_notes_0.16|Release 0.16]] - April 2016
* [[Release_notes_0.15|Release 0.15]] - March 2015
* [[Release_notes_0.14|Release 0.14]] - March 2014
* [[Release_notes_0.13|Release 0.13]] - January 2013
* [[Release_notes_0.12|Release 0.12]] - December 2011
* [[Release_notes_0.11|Release 0.11]] - March 2011


== Key features == <!--T:4-->
== Features in Modules ==
As the functionality of FreeCAD is separated in Module which deal with special data types and applications, here is the
the list of application/data-type depended features:


<!--T:5-->
=== Meshes ===
* [[Image:Feature1.jpg|left]] A complete [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_CASCADE Open CASCADE Technology]-based '''geometry kernel''' allowing complex 3D operations on complex shape types, with native support for concepts like [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boundary_representation Boundary Representation] (BREP), [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-uniform_rational_B-spline Non-uniform rational basis spline] (NURBS) curves and surfaces, a wide range of geometric entities, boolean operations and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fillet_(mechanics) fillets], and built-in support of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_10303 STEP] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGES IGES] formats {{clear}}
The [[Mesh Module]] handles all kind of meshes.
* [[Image:Feature3.jpg|left]] A full '''parametric model'''. All FreeCAD objects are natively parametric, meaning their shape can be based on [[Property|properties]] or even depend on other objects. All changes are recalculated on demand, and recorded by an undo/redo stack. New object types can be added easily, and can even be [[Scripted_objects|fully programmed in Python]].{{clear}}
* [[Image:Feature4.jpg|left]] A '''modular architecture''' that allows plugin extensions (modules) to add functionality to the core application. An extension can be as complex as a whole new application programmed in C++ or as simple as a [[Power_users_hub|Python script]] or self-recorded [[Macros|macro]]. You have complete access to almost any part of FreeCAD from the built-in '''Python''' interpreter, macros or external scripts, be it [[Topological_data_scripting|geometry creation and transformation]], the 2D or 3D representation of that geometry ([[Scenegraph|scenegraph]]) or even the [[PySide|FreeCAD interface]].{{clear}}
* [[Image:Feature5.jpg|left]] Import/export to '''standard formats''' such as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_10303 STEP], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IGES IGES], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obj OBJ], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STL_%28file_format%29 STL], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dxf DXF], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Svg SVG], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COLLADA DAE], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industry_Foundation_Classes IFC] or [http://people.sc.fsu.edu/~jburkardt/data/off/off.html OFF], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASTRAN NASTRAN], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRML VRML] in addition to FreeCAD's native {{FileName|[[File Format FCStd|FCStd]]}} file format. The level of compatibility between FreeCAD and a given file format can vary, since it depends on the module that implements it.{{clear}}
* [[Image:Feature7.jpg|left]] A [[Sketcher_Workbench|Sketcher]] with integrated constraint-solver, allowing you to sketch geometry-constrained 2D shapes. The constrained 2D shapes built with Sketcher may then be used as a base to build other objects throughout FreeCAD.{{clear}}
* [[Image:Feature8.jpg|left]] A [[TechDraw_Workbench|technical drawing module]] with options for detail views, cross sectional views, dimensioning and others, allowing you to generate 2D views of existing 3D models. The module then produces ready-to-export SVG or PDF files.{{clear}}
* [[Image:Feature-arch.jpg|left]] An [[Arch_Workbench|Architecture module]] that allows [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Building_Information_Modeling Building Information Modeling] (BIM)-like workflow, with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industry_Foundation_Classes Industry Foundation Classes] (IFC) compatibility.{{clear}}
* [[Image:Feature-CAM.jpg|left]] A [[CAM_Workbench|CAM module]] dedicated to mechanical machining for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_manufacturing Computer Aided Manufacturing] (CAM). Using the Path module you may output, display and adjust the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G-code G code] used to control the target machine.{{clear}}
* [[Image:Feature_spreadsheet.png|left]] An [[Spreadsheet_Workbench|Integrated Spreadsheet]] and an [[Expressions|expression parser]] which may be used to drive formula-based models and organize model data in a central location.{{clear}}


== General features == <!--T:6-->
==== Modeling ====
[[Image:Screenshot_mesh.jpg|200px|right]]


<!--T:7-->
Modeling features:
* '''multi-platform'''. FreeCAD runs and behaves exactly the same way on Windows, Linux, macOS and other platforms.
* offset (trivial or after Jung/Shin/Choi)
* Boolean operations (add, cut, intersect)
* Primitive creation


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==== IO ====
* '''full GUI application'''. FreeCAD has a complete Graphical User Interface based on the [https://www.qt.io/ Qt] framework, with a 3D viewer based on [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Inventor Open Inventor]; allowing fast rendering of 3D scenes and a very accessible scene graph representation.
The mesh module features following:


<!--T:9-->
Imports:
* '''runs as a command line application'''. In command line mode, FreeCAD runs without its interface but with all its geometry tools. In this mode it has a relatively low memory footprint and can be used, for example, as a server to produce content for other applications.
* Ascii or binary [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STL_%28file_format%29 STL (Stereo Lithography format)] *.stl, *.ast
* The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obj OBJ format] *.obj
* Limited [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASTRAN NASTRAN] support *.nas
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_Inventor Open Inventor] meshes *.iv
* FreeCAD mesh kernel nativ *.bms


<!--T:10-->
Exports:
* '''can be imported as a [[Embedding FreeCAD|Python module]]'''. FreeCAD can be imported into any application that can run Python scripts. As in command line mode, the interface part of FreeCAD is unavailable, but all geometry tools are accessible.
* Ascii or binary [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/STL_%28file_format%29 STL (Stereo Lithography format)] *.stl, *.ast
* The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obj OBJ format] *.obj
* Limited [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASTRAN NASTRAN] support *.nas *.brl
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRML VRML] meshes *.wrl
* FreeCAD mesh kernel nativ *.bms
* Mesh as python module *.py


<!--T:11-->
==== Evaluation and Repair ====
* '''workbench concept'''. In the FreeCAD interface, tools are grouped by [[Workbenches|workbenches]]. This allows you to display only the tools used to accomplish a certain task, keeping the workspace uncluttered and responsive, and allowing the application to load rapidly.
* Tests solid
* Tests non two-manifold
* Tests self intersections
* Hole filling
* Uniform orientation


<!--T:12-->
=== CAD ===
* '''plugin/module framework for late loading of features/data-types'''. FreeCAD is divided into a core application with modules that are loaded only when needed. Almost all tools and geometry types are stored in modules. Modules behave like plugins; in addition to delayed loading, individual modules can be added to or removed from an existing installation of FreeCAD.
The [[Part Module]] deals with everything around CAD-modeling and the CAD data structures.


<!--T:13-->
[[Image:Part_BooleanOperations.png|300px|right|An example of union, intersection and difference]]
* '''parametric associative document objects'''. All objects in a FreeCAD document can be defined by parameters. Those parameters can be modified and recomputed at any time. Since object relationships are maintained, the modification of one object will automatically propagate to any dependent objects.


<!--T:14-->
=== Drawing ===
* '''parametric primitive creation'''. Primitive objects such as box, sphere, cylinder, etc. can be created by specifying their geometry constraints.
The [[Drawing Module]] is in place for bring the 3D world on a paper/drawing. It also is
intended for reporting to paper or web.


<!--T:15-->
* '''graphical modification operations'''. FreeCAD can perform translation, rotation, scaling, mirroring, offset (either trivial or as described in [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/240754626_Self-intersection_Removal_in_Triangular_Mesh_Offsetting Jung/Shin/Choi]) or shape conversion, in any plane of the 3D space.


<!--T:16-->
=== Cam ===
* '''[[Constructive solid geometry]] (boolean operations)'''. FreeCAD can do constructive solid geometry operations (union, difference, intersect).
The [[Cam Module]] is dedicated to mechanical machining like milling. This module is at the
very beginning and at the moment mostly dedicated to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incremental_sheet_forming Incremental Sheet Forming].


<!--T:17-->
=== Raytracing ===
* '''graphical creation of planar geometry'''. Lines, wires, rectangles, B-splines, and circular or elliptic arcs can be created graphically in any plane of the 3D space.
The [[Raytracing Module]] brings all kind of shapes to renderers (like PovRay).

<!--T:18-->
* '''modeling with straight or revolved''' '''extrusions''', '''sections''' and '''fillets'''.

<!--T:19-->
* '''topological components''' like '''vertices''', '''edges''', '''wires''' and '''planes'''.

<!--T:20-->
* '''testing and repairing'''. FreeCAD has tools for testing meshes (solid test, non-two-manifolds test, self-intersection test) and for repairing meshes (hole filling, uniform orientation).

<!--T:21-->
* '''annotations'''. FreeCAD can insert annotations for text or dimensions.

<!--T:22-->
* '''Undo/Redo framework'''. Everything in FreeCAD is undo/redoable, with user access to the undo stack. Multiple steps can be undone at one time.

<!--T:23-->
* '''transaction oriented'''. The undo/redo stack stores document transactions, not single actions, allowing each tool to define exactly what must be undone or redone.

<!--T:24-->
* '''built-in [[Scripting|scripting]] framework'''. FreeCAD features a built-in [http://www.python.org/ Python] interpreter, with an API that covers almost any part of the application, the interface, the geometry and the representation of this geometry in the 3D viewer. The interpreter can run complex scripts as well as single commands; entire modules can be programmed completely in Python.

<!--T:25-->
* '''built-in Python console'''. The Python interpreter includes a console with syntax highlighting, autocomplete and a class browser. Python commands can be issued directly in FreeCAD and immediately return results, permitting script writers to test functionality on the fly, explore the contents of FreeCAD's modules and easily learn about FreeCAD internals.

<!--T:26-->
* '''mirrors user interaction'''. Everything the user does in the FreeCAD interface executes Python code, which can be printed on the console and recorded in macros.

<!--T:27-->
* '''full [[Macros|macro]] recording and editing''' capabilities. The Python commands issued when the user manipulates the interface can be recorded, edited if needed, and saved to be reproduced later.

<!--T:28-->
* '''compound (ZIP based) document save format'''. FreeCAD documents are saved with a {{FileName|.[[File Format FCStd|FCStd]]}} extension. The document can contain many different types of information such as geometry, scripts or thumbnail icons. The {{FileName|.FCStd}} file is itself a zip container; a saved FreeCAD file has already been compressed.

<!--T:29-->
* '''fully customizable/scriptable Graphical User Interface'''. The [https://www.qt.io Qt]-based interface of FreeCAD is entirely accessible via the Python interpreter. Aside from simple functions FreeCAD itself provides to workbenches, the entire Qt framework is accessible. The user may perform any operation on the GUI such as creating, adding, docking, modifying or removing widgets and toolbars.

<!--T:30-->
* '''thumbnailer'''. (currently only Linux systems) FreeCAD document icons show the contents of the file in most file manager applications such as Gnome's Nautilus.

<!--T:31-->
* '''modular MSI installer'''. FreeCAD's installer allows flexible installations on Windows systems. Packages for Ubuntu systems are also maintained.

==Extra Workbenches == <!--T:38-->

<!--T:36-->
Power users have created various custom [[External_workbenches|external workbenches]].


<!--T:34-->
{{Docnav
|[[About_FreeCAD|About FreeCAD]]
|[[Installing_on_Windows|Installing on Windows]]
}}

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Latest revision as of 16:51, 18 April 2024

This is an extensive, but not complete, list of features which FreeCAD implements.

Release notes

Key features

  • A complete Open CASCADE Technology-based geometry kernel allowing complex 3D operations on complex shape types, with native support for concepts like Boundary Representation (BREP), Non-uniform rational basis spline (NURBS) curves and surfaces, a wide range of geometric entities, boolean operations and fillets, and built-in support of STEP and IGES formats
  • A full parametric model. All FreeCAD objects are natively parametric, meaning their shape can be based on properties or even depend on other objects. All changes are recalculated on demand, and recorded by an undo/redo stack. New object types can be added easily, and can even be fully programmed in Python.
  • A modular architecture that allows plugin extensions (modules) to add functionality to the core application. An extension can be as complex as a whole new application programmed in C++ or as simple as a Python script or self-recorded macro. You have complete access to almost any part of FreeCAD from the built-in Python interpreter, macros or external scripts, be it geometry creation and transformation, the 2D or 3D representation of that geometry (scenegraph) or even the FreeCAD interface.
  • Import/export to standard formats such as STEP, IGES, OBJ, STL, DXF, SVG, DAE, IFC or OFF, NASTRAN, VRML in addition to FreeCAD's native FCStd file format. The level of compatibility between FreeCAD and a given file format can vary, since it depends on the module that implements it.
  • A Sketcher with integrated constraint-solver, allowing you to sketch geometry-constrained 2D shapes. The constrained 2D shapes built with Sketcher may then be used as a base to build other objects throughout FreeCAD.
  • A technical drawing module with options for detail views, cross sectional views, dimensioning and others, allowing you to generate 2D views of existing 3D models. The module then produces ready-to-export SVG or PDF files.
  • An Architecture module that allows Building Information Modeling (BIM)-like workflow, with Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) compatibility.
  • A CAM module dedicated to mechanical machining for Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM). Using the Path module you may output, display and adjust the G code used to control the target machine.
  • An Integrated Spreadsheet and an expression parser which may be used to drive formula-based models and organize model data in a central location.

General features

  • multi-platform. FreeCAD runs and behaves exactly the same way on Windows, Linux, macOS and other platforms.
  • full GUI application. FreeCAD has a complete Graphical User Interface based on the Qt framework, with a 3D viewer based on Open Inventor; allowing fast rendering of 3D scenes and a very accessible scene graph representation.
  • runs as a command line application. In command line mode, FreeCAD runs without its interface but with all its geometry tools. In this mode it has a relatively low memory footprint and can be used, for example, as a server to produce content for other applications.
  • can be imported as a Python module. FreeCAD can be imported into any application that can run Python scripts. As in command line mode, the interface part of FreeCAD is unavailable, but all geometry tools are accessible.
  • workbench concept. In the FreeCAD interface, tools are grouped by workbenches. This allows you to display only the tools used to accomplish a certain task, keeping the workspace uncluttered and responsive, and allowing the application to load rapidly.
  • plugin/module framework for late loading of features/data-types. FreeCAD is divided into a core application with modules that are loaded only when needed. Almost all tools and geometry types are stored in modules. Modules behave like plugins; in addition to delayed loading, individual modules can be added to or removed from an existing installation of FreeCAD.
  • parametric associative document objects. All objects in a FreeCAD document can be defined by parameters. Those parameters can be modified and recomputed at any time. Since object relationships are maintained, the modification of one object will automatically propagate to any dependent objects.
  • parametric primitive creation. Primitive objects such as box, sphere, cylinder, etc. can be created by specifying their geometry constraints.
  • graphical modification operations. FreeCAD can perform translation, rotation, scaling, mirroring, offset (either trivial or as described in Jung/Shin/Choi) or shape conversion, in any plane of the 3D space.
  • Constructive solid geometry (boolean operations). FreeCAD can do constructive solid geometry operations (union, difference, intersect).
  • graphical creation of planar geometry. Lines, wires, rectangles, B-splines, and circular or elliptic arcs can be created graphically in any plane of the 3D space.
  • modeling with straight or revolved extrusions, sections and fillets.
  • topological components like vertices, edges, wires and planes.
  • testing and repairing. FreeCAD has tools for testing meshes (solid test, non-two-manifolds test, self-intersection test) and for repairing meshes (hole filling, uniform orientation).
  • annotations. FreeCAD can insert annotations for text or dimensions.
  • Undo/Redo framework. Everything in FreeCAD is undo/redoable, with user access to the undo stack. Multiple steps can be undone at one time.
  • transaction oriented. The undo/redo stack stores document transactions, not single actions, allowing each tool to define exactly what must be undone or redone.
  • built-in scripting framework. FreeCAD features a built-in Python interpreter, with an API that covers almost any part of the application, the interface, the geometry and the representation of this geometry in the 3D viewer. The interpreter can run complex scripts as well as single commands; entire modules can be programmed completely in Python.
  • built-in Python console. The Python interpreter includes a console with syntax highlighting, autocomplete and a class browser. Python commands can be issued directly in FreeCAD and immediately return results, permitting script writers to test functionality on the fly, explore the contents of FreeCAD's modules and easily learn about FreeCAD internals.
  • mirrors user interaction. Everything the user does in the FreeCAD interface executes Python code, which can be printed on the console and recorded in macros.
  • full macro recording and editing capabilities. The Python commands issued when the user manipulates the interface can be recorded, edited if needed, and saved to be reproduced later.
  • compound (ZIP based) document save format. FreeCAD documents are saved with a .FCStd extension. The document can contain many different types of information such as geometry, scripts or thumbnail icons. The .FCStd file is itself a zip container; a saved FreeCAD file has already been compressed.
  • fully customizable/scriptable Graphical User Interface. The Qt-based interface of FreeCAD is entirely accessible via the Python interpreter. Aside from simple functions FreeCAD itself provides to workbenches, the entire Qt framework is accessible. The user may perform any operation on the GUI such as creating, adding, docking, modifying or removing widgets and toolbars.
  • thumbnailer. (currently only Linux systems) FreeCAD document icons show the contents of the file in most file manager applications such as Gnome's Nautilus.
  • modular MSI installer. FreeCAD's installer allows flexible installations on Windows systems. Packages for Ubuntu systems are also maintained.

Extra Workbenches

Power users have created various custom external workbenches.