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Getting Started
Install FreeCAD, open your first document, learn the interface, and understand where to begin.
The place to start learning FreeCAD.
A simple, guided onboarding curriculum for people who want to become productive in FreeCAD without starting from scattered videos, forum posts, and reference pages.
This is an independent educational resource. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FreeCAD project.
FreeCAD Onboarding teaches parametric CAD concepts using FreeCAD. Along the way, you'll learn both FreeCAD terminology and the broader engineering concepts used across many professional CAD systems.
Curriculum
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Part Design
Create your first recognizable parts using Bodies, Sketches, Constraints, Pad, and Pocket.
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Side Quests
Optional branches such as preparing a model for 3D printing after the first part is complete.
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Printable Checklist
Print a simple learning record and check off lessons as you complete them.
Why and by whom was this created?
This curriculum was created by a FreeCAD user who wanted to learn the software in a structured way similar to some other commercial CAD sofware packages. The goal is to get users to a point where they can be productive in FreeCAD. The primary creator of FreeCADOnboarding.com is a CAD Designer with over 20 years in Mechanical Design of primarily Metal Fabricated parts and assemblies. The guide will leverage that background to incorporate design intent, and some ideologies that are typically common amongst intern-level traininees. Please use the feedback form if you'd like to tell us how we're doing, or if you'd like more knowledge on a particular topic.