FreeCAD Howto Import Export
This page attempts to answer the most common questions asked on the FreeCAD forums on import and export of data to/from other programs. If you have a problem or question regarding FreeCAD, check below first.
Then, if you cannot find an answer for your specific question, head to the FreeCAD forum!
Import 2D/3D Data[edit | edit source]
Autodesk DWG[edit | edit source]
Please refer to the Page FreeCAD and DWG-Import
Autodesk DXF[edit | edit source]
Please refer to the Page FreeCAD and DXF Import
BREP Format[edit | edit source]
Todo
Calculix Result[edit | edit source]
Todo
Collada[edit | edit source]
Importing Collada files requires an external Python module to be installed on your system. This can be easily added by following the directions found on the Extra Python modules page under pyCollada in this Wiki. Once the pyCollada Python module is installed, importing Collada files is the same as any standard file import.
See also: Importing From Sketchup
Common Airfoil Data[edit | edit source]
Please refer to the Page Common Airfoil Data Import
Drawing[edit | edit source]
Todo
FEM Formats[edit | edit source]
Todo
FreeCAD Material Cards[edit | edit source]
Is intended to import Material Cards for use in FreeCAD itself and in the FEM-Workbench.
Not functional at the moment.
IDF emn file[edit | edit source]
Todo
IGES[edit | edit source]
Currently there is no support for text or annotation import with the IGES format due to lack of support with FreeCAD's geometric CAD kernel.
Image Formats[edit | edit source]
Todo
Industry Foundation Classes IFC[edit | edit source]
Inventor V2.1[edit | edit source]
Todo
Mesh Formats[edit | edit source]
Please refer to the Page FreeCAD and Mesh Import
Open CAD Format[edit | edit source]
Todo
OpenSCAD CSG Format[edit | edit source]
Todo
OpenSCAD Format[edit | edit source]
Point Formats[edit | edit source]
Todo
POVRay Format[edit | edit source]
Todo
Python[edit | edit source]
Todo
Step with Colors[edit | edit source]
Currently there is no support for text or annotation import with the STEP format due to lack of support with FreeCAD's geometric CAD kernel.
Shapefiles[edit | edit source]
See Arch SHP
Spreadsheet[edit | edit source]
Todo
SVG as geometry[edit | edit source]
Todo
VRML 2.0[edit | edit source]
Todo
Export 2D/3D Data[edit | edit source]
3D View (SVG)[edit | edit source]
Todo
Autodesk DWG[edit | edit source]
Todo
Asymptote ASY[edit | edit source]
Export meshes to Asymptote code.
BREP Format[edit | edit source]
Todo
Collada[edit | edit source]
Todo
Drawing[edit | edit source]
Todo
FEM Formats[edit | edit source]
Todo
Flattened SVG[edit | edit source]
Todo
GL Transmission Format gITF[edit | edit source]
IGES Format[edit | edit source]
- From the 3D-View simply select (in the tree-view) the solid(s) to export and select "File -> Export".
- Then select your file type (IGES). No need to type in the file extension. FreeCAD will append a ".iges" automatically
Tip
Pressing CTRL-A will select ALL solids in the tree view, even the invisible ones.
Make sure to manually select all the solids you want to export.
Currently there is no support for text or annotation export with the IGES format due to lack of support with FreeCAD's geometric CAD kernel.
Industry Foundation Classes IFC[edit | edit source]
Inventor V2.1[edit | edit source]
Todo
Mesh Formats[edit | edit source]
- From the 3D-View simply select (in the tree-view) the solid(s) to export and select "File -> Export".
- Then select your file type. Be sure to type in also the file extension. Since these formats are mesh formats, the solids will be exported with a "standard" mesh quality.
- Use the Mesh Workbench to adjust the quality of the mesh if needed.
Tip
Pressing CTRL-A will select ALL solids in the tree view, even the invisible ones.
Make sure to manually select all the solids you want to export.
Open CAD Format[edit | edit source]
Todo
OpenSCAD CSG Format[edit | edit source]
Todo
OpenSCAD Format[edit | edit source]
Todo
Portable Document Format[edit | edit source]
Todo
Step with Colors[edit | edit source]
From the 3D-View simply select (in the tree-view) the solid(s) to export and select "File -> Export".
In FreeCAD 0.15 and above, by selecting "Edit -> Preferences" and then "Import-Export" in the left column you should have access to Step-Options such as units, scheme and Header Information. Be aware that Step AP203 does not support assembly structures, while Step AP 214 does.
Currently there is no support for text or annotation export with the STEP format due to lack of support with FreeCAD's geometric CAD kernel.
Spreadsheet[edit | edit source]
Todo
TetGen File[edit | edit source]
Todo
VRML 2.0[edit | edit source]
Todo
Wavefront OBJ - Arch Workbench[edit | edit source]
Todo
- Convert STL to OBJ forum thread
WebGL File[edit | edit source]
Todo
Export Data from third-party programs for import into FreeCAD[edit | edit source]
Tips and Tricks with using Third-Party Software
Inkscape[edit | edit source]
When exporting SVG-Data from Inkscape to FreeCAD be sure to use the file type "plain svg".
Sketchup[edit | edit source]
Please refer to the Page Importing From Sketchup
Related[edit | edit source]
- Getting started
- Installation: Download, Windows, Linux, Mac, Additional components, Docker, AppImage, Ubuntu Snap
- Basics: About FreeCAD, Interface, Mouse navigation, Selection methods, Object name, Preferences, Workbenches, Document structure, Properties, Help FreeCAD, Donate
- Help: Tutorials, Video tutorials
- Workbenches: Std Base, Assembly, BIM, CAM, Draft, FEM, Inspection, Material, Mesh, OpenSCAD, Part, PartDesign, Points, Reverse Engineering, Robot, Sketcher, Spreadsheet, Surface, TechDraw, Test Framework
- Hubs: User hub, Power users hub, Developer hub