FreeCAD v1.1 2026 Ultimate Beginners Course Extended Version

In this lesson, you’ll learn how FreeCAD is organised into specialised workbenches, each with its own tools. We’ll explore how to switch between workbenches using the dropdown in the top toolbar, and focus on the Part Design and Sketch workbenches for modeling. You’ll also see how the Assembly workbench is used to assemble parts together and why the Part Design workbench is beginner-friendly for a clear linear parametric workflow.

In this lesson, you’ll create a new document and explore the FreeCAD user interface. You’ll learn about the main workspace, including the 3D view, model panel, and task panel. We’ll also cover how to show missing panels, simplify the workspace, manage the report view, dock and move panels, and navigate panel controls before moving on to navigating the 3D view.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to set up and use navigation controls in FreeCAD. We’ll choose a navigation style, explore zooming, rotation, and panning, and use the axis cross, navigation cube, and coordinate system to better understand movement in the 3D view. You’ll also learn how to switch viewpoints and customise navigation widgets in the preferences.

In this lesson, you’ll enter the Part Design Workbench and organise the FreeCAD toolbars for a cleaner workspace. You’ll learn the difference between standard and workbench-specific toolbars, how to resize toolbar icons, unlock and move toolbars, and arrange them into a clear layout that is easier to follow throughout the course.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how parts are organised inside a body in FreeCAD. You’ll create a new body, understand how to identify an active body, and learn how to reactivate it if needed. We’ll also explore the origin object, including its planes and axes, and learn how to toggle object visibility.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how sketches form the foundation of almost every part created in the Part Design Workbench. You’ll start a new sketch, attach it to the XY plane, and understand how FreeCAD automatically aligns the view perpendicular to the sketching plane. We’ll also cover navigation reminders, rotating the view, and returning to a perfect sketch view using the View Sketch tool.

In this lesson, you’ll create the first sketch for a part by drawing half of the shape and preparing it for a later mirror operation. You’ll learn how to use constraints, create and dimension geometry, apply symmetry, add fillets and circles, and fully constrain the sketch. We’ll also cover degrees of freedom, equal constraints, radius dimensions, and saving the project.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to turn a sketch into a 3D solid using additive operations in FreeCAD. We focus on the Pad tool, which extrudes a sketch in a straight direction. You’ll learn how to select a sketch, apply the pad operation from the toolbar or menu, set the length parameter, and create your first solid feature. We also explain how features are added to the body and how the tip feature indicates the active end of the model.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to remove material in FreeCAD using subtractive operations. We introduce the Pocket tool, which cuts material from a solid based on a sketch. You’ll attach a sketch to a face, use external geometry for reference, switch between construction and defining geometry, and create a fully constrained profile. Finally, you’ll apply the pocket operation through the full model and see how parametric design allows updates to propagate automatically.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to organise your FreeCAD project by renaming the body and adding a description. We cover how to rename the body in the tree view, enable the description column, and add a version note using the F2 key. You’ll also understand why naming and descriptions can help manage larger and more complex projects.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to mirror an entire body in FreeCAD using mirror operations. We explore an alternative method to select the body from the 3D view, apply the mirror tool, and choose the correct mirror plane. You’ll also learn how to make the origin and datum planes more visible for accurate selection, and complete your first full base part ready for the next stage.

In this lesson, you’ll start a new FreeCAD part by creating a new document and body, then building a sketch using the polyline tool. You’ll learn how to attach a sketch to the XY plane, use different polyline modes including arcs, and refine geometry with constraints such as horizontal, tangency, equal, and symmetry. Finally, you’ll fully constrain the sketch, pad it into a 3D solid, and create the base of a bracket.

In this lesson, you’ll build the side part of a bracket in FreeCAD by creating a new sketch attached to a face of an existing pad. You’ll learn how to import reference geometry using construction mode, compare defining vs reference geometry, and use tools like arcs, lines, tangency, and symmetry constraints to complete a fully constrained sketch. Finally, you’ll apply a pad operation with direction correction, complete the second feature of the bracket, and rename the body for clarity.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to model ribs and gussets in FreeCAD using sketches, pads, and dress-up features. You’ll create a gusset by sketching on a face, using external geometry for reference, and fully constraining the profile before padding it into a solid. You’ll then apply a chamfer to shape the top edge and explore how dress-up features behave when geometry changes in a parametric model.

In this lesson, you’ll learn a simpler way to create a gusset in FreeCAD using a single sketch. You’ll clean up previous features, attach a new sketch to a face, and understand how sketch orientation relates to the model. We’ll adjust sketch placement using attachment offsets, use external geometry for reference, and build a triangular profile with constraints. Finally, you’ll create a symmetric pad and see how parametric changes affect the model.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to change the appearance of parts in FreeCAD. You’ll open multiple documents, switch between active models, and apply visual changes such as random colours and custom diffuse colours. You’ll also explore shape appearance properties and learn how to assign materials like aluminium to an entire body. Finally, you’ll switch between documents and save your updated projects.

In this lesson, you’ll learn about three common 3D file formats used in FreeCAD: STEP, STL, and 3MF. We’ll explain why STEP is used for precise CAD modeling, how STL represents models as triangle meshes for 3D printing, and how 3MF improves on STL. You’ll also understand when to use each format depending on your workflow.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to export and import models in FreeCAD using different file formats. You’ll select parts or features from the model tree, export them using the File > Export menu, and choose formats such as 3MF. You’ll also learn how to re-import files into FreeCAD, and how exporting at different stages of the model history allows you to control what geometry is included in the exported file.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to create multiple design variations of the same part in FreeCAD using the Part Design Clone tool. Instead of duplicating files, you’ll create a linked copy of a body so both versions stay connected to the same base features. You’ll also reorganise the feature tree by moving holes into a later operation, rebuild them using sketches and pockets, and then branch the model to create a second version with slotted holes. Finally, you’ll manage visibility and rename bodies to keep your workflow organised.

In this lesson, you’ll refine the slotted version of your bracket in FreeCAD by editing the existing sketch inside the pocket feature. You’ll learn how to adjust geometry using reference dimensions, understand the difference between reference and defining constraints, and update slot parameters so they match the original hole design. Finally, you’ll see how parametric changes automatically update the model and complete both part variations.

In this lesson, you’ll explore how the Clone workflow behaves when modifying a parametric model in FreeCAD. You’ll position two bracket variants side by side and see how changes made in the original feature tree automatically propagate to the cloned body. By editing an earlier sketch, you’ll observe how updates affect both the original and derived variants, demonstrating the power of linked parametric design.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use the Revolve operation in FreeCAD to create cylindrical geometry from a 2D sketch. You’ll understand how a profile is rotated around an axis to form a solid, how the sketch position affects whether the revolve is solid or hollow, and why the sketch must stay on one side of the axis to avoid errors. You’ll also compare correct and incorrect sketch placements and see how they impact the final model.

In this lesson, you’ll create a bushing in FreeCAD using the Revolve operation. You’ll start a new document, set up a body, and build a profile sketch on the XZ plane using the polyline tool. You’ll apply constraints and dimensions to fully define the sketch, then revolve it around the correct axis to form a 3D part. Finally, you’ll assign appearance settings, rename the body, and save your work.

In this lesson, you’ll model an axle in FreeCAD using the Revolve tool and introduce the Trim tool for shaping sketches. You’ll learn how to build geometry using overlapping shapes, remove unwanted edges with trimming, and ensure sketches remain fully connected and valid. The lesson also covers applying constraints, fully defining the profile, revolving around the correct axis, and renaming and saving the final part.

In this lesson, you’ll create the final part of the project: a roller. You’ll start a new body and sketch on the XZ plane, then build half of the profile using the polyline tool. You’ll apply dimensions and constraints to fully define the sketch, including an angle constraint. Finally, you’ll prepare the profile for mirroring and revolve it around the horizontal axis to complete the roller.

In this lesson, we mirror sketch geometry correctly in FreeCAD without creating invalid sketches or duplicate edges. You’ll learn how to use coincident constraints to reconnect mirrored geometry, fix detached elements, and fully constrain the sketch after mirroring. We’ll also look at when to mirror directly in the sketch versus using a mirror feature operation for more complex models. Finally, we complete the part using the Revolve tool, apply appearances, organize the model tree, and prepare the finished components for assembly in the FreeCAD Assembly Workbench.

In this section, we’ll create assemblies and sub-assemblies in FreeCAD’s Assembly Workbench using joints and advanced offsets. We’ll combine parts into three sub-assemblies, then build a fully working non-rigid mechanical assembly with movable and rotatable joints. We’ll also cover stable assembly references and preparing assemblies for export.

In this lesson, you’ll be introduced to the FreeCAD Assembly Workbench. You’ll learn how to create a new assembly, understand its structure including the origin and joints folder, and insert components such as previously created parts. You’ll also explore how components are grounded, how assemblies manage constraints, and how parts can be positioned and transformed within the assembly environment.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how linked components work in the FreeCAD Assembly Workbench. You’ll see how changes made in a part design are automatically reflected in the assembly, since inserted components are links, not copies. The lesson also covers switching between Part Design and Assembly workbenches, how grounding affects movement, and why using the correct transform method is essential to avoid modifying the wrong object.

In this lesson, you’ll add another component to your FreeCAD assembly: the bracket. You’ll learn how to insert components into an assembly, how ungrounded parts can be moved freely using the transform widget, and how to position parts correctly for later joint creation. You’ll also see how grounding a base component locks it in place while allowing other components to be adjusted around it.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use joints in the FreeCAD Assembly Workbench to constrain parts together. You’ll be introduced to the fixed joint and see how it can be used to attach components like brackets to a base. The lesson explains how to select edges or faces for constraints, how joint orientation is affected by the axis indicator, and how to edit or adjust joints after creation. You’ll also learn how navigation settings can improve accuracy when positioning and applying joints.

In this lesson, you’ll create a new assembly based on an existing projec. You’ll replace components to build a new variant assembly using the sliding bracket. The lesson also introduces the concept of subassemblies and explains how they can be used to group and manage related components independently before combining them into a larger assembly.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to safely remove components from a FreeCAD assembly without accidentally modifying the original part files. You’ll understand the difference between deleting geometry in the 3D view versus deleting components in the tree view, and why linked references can affect source parts. The lesson also introduces sync selection, a useful feature that helps you locate and manage components more easily within complex assemblies.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to prepare and manage components before creating a sliding joint in a FreeCAD assembly. You’ll see how to insert components, handle partially loaded documents, and fully load missing parts when needed. The lesson also explains how assemblies behave when reopening files and how to correctly position components like the slotted bracket before adding constraints.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to create and configure a slider joint in FreeCAD to simulate controlled lateral movement between parts. You’ll explore how to align coordinate systems using advanced offsets, adjust joint axes using X, Y, and Z orientation settings, and fine-tune motion using angle adjustments. The lesson also covers how to define movement limits using minimum and maximum values, allowing you to restrict how far a component can slide within an assembly.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to build a main assembly in FreeCAD using subassemblies as components. You’ll import existing assemblies into a new “main assembly” and understand how linked files behave when brought together. The lesson explains how partial loading works, how to fully load missing components, and how rigid subassemblies affect motion. You’ll also see how to enable movement by adjusting rigidity settings and how to apply sliding joints between assemblies.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to create a complete sub-assembly from revolved parts by building an axle assembly. The lesson covers importing components into a new assembly, grounding parts, positioning and transforming components, and using fixed joints to fully constrain bushings and rollers onto an axle. You’ll also see how to edit, remove, and recreate joints, manage component visibility, and prepare the finished sub-assembly for insertion into a larger main assembly.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how assembly joints can fail when part geometry changes and how to create more stable references using datumobjects. The tutorial demonstrates modifying an axle part by adding and removing geometry, troubleshooting broken fixed joints, and understanding how face changes affect assembly constraints. You’ll also learn how to create and use datum lines as reliable references for joints, helping maintain assembly stability even when model features are edited or deleted.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to import a completed axle subassembly into a main assembly and connect it to a sliding bracket subassembly. The tutorial covers grounding assemblies, inserting subassemblies, creating revolve joints, and using datum lines for stable constraints. You’ll also learn how to troubleshoot incorrect joint alignment using offsets and local coordinate systems, resulting in a fully functioning assembly with rotational and sliding movement.

In this final lesson, you’ll learn how to export a complete FreeCAD assembly containing multiple subassemblies into formats suitable for sharing and 3D printing. The tutorial demonstrates exporting assemblies, selecting individual components or subassemblies for export, and importing the model into a slicer. You’ll also see how to split imported assemblies into separate printable objects, preparing them for individual 3D printing workflows.