How To Install FreeCAD on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

FreeCAD stands as one of the most robust open-source parametric 3D CAD modeling software available for Linux systems. With the recent release of Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat), many engineers, architects, and 3D modeling enthusiasts are looking to install this powerful design tool on their fresh Ubuntu installations. This comprehensive guide walks through multiple methods to install FreeCAD on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, ensuring you can choose the approach that best suits your specific needs and technical preferences.

Whether you’re a mechanical engineer designing complex parts, an architect working on building models, or a hobbyist exploring the world of 3D design, FreeCAD offers an impressive array of features without the hefty price tag of commercial alternatives. The software’s parametric modeling approach allows for incredibly flexible design workflows, making it an excellent choice for Ubuntu users seeking professional-grade CAD capabilities.

What is FreeCAD?

FreeCAD is a powerful open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler designed to create real-life objects of any size. Parametric modeling refers to the use of parameters to define a model’s dimensions, shape, and other characteristics. When you modify these parameters, the entire model updates automatically, maintaining design intent while allowing rapid iteration and refinement.

Development of FreeCAD began in 2001, with its first public release in 2002. Since then, it has grown into a mature application backed by a vibrant community of developers and users. The software operates on the principle of workbenches – specialized working environments tailored for specific tasks such as part design, architectural modeling, or finite element analysis.

Among FreeCAD’s most notable features are its comprehensive 3D solid modeling tools, Python scripting interface, and extensive import/export capabilities. The software supports numerous file formats including STEP, IGES, STL, SVG, DXF, OBJ, IFC, and DAE, facilitating seamless workflows with other design applications. This interoperability makes FreeCAD an excellent component in a diverse design toolchain.

For technical disciplines, FreeCAD offers specialized workbenches for mechanical design, architecture, CNC machining, sheet metal, and finite element analysis. These capabilities position FreeCAD as a viable alternative to commercial CAD packages like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Fusion 360 for many applications, especially given its zero-cost advantage.

Prerequisites for Installing FreeCAD

Before proceeding with any installation method, ensure your Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system meets the necessary requirements to run FreeCAD effectively. While FreeCAD can operate on modest hardware, more complex designs and analyses benefit from better specifications.

Hardware Requirements

FreeCAD performs best with the following minimum hardware specifications:

A multi-core processor (recommended: Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7) provides adequate processing power for most modeling tasks. At least 8GB of RAM is recommended, though 16GB or more is beneficial for complex models. A dedicated graphics card with OpenGL 2.0 support or higher (AMD, NVIDIA, or Intel HD Graphics) delivers smoother performance with 3D rendering. At least 1GB of free disk space is needed for the application installation, plus additional space for your projects.

Before installation, update your Ubuntu 24.04 system to ensure all packages are current:

sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade

Verify your Ubuntu version to confirm you’re running Ubuntu 24.04 LTS:

lsb_release -a

If you have previously installed FreeCAD through different methods, consider removing those installations to prevent conflicts. Back up any custom configurations or templates if you’ve used FreeCAD before.

Method 1: Installing FreeCAD via APT

The Advanced Package Tool (APT) is Ubuntu’s native package management system. Installing FreeCAD through APT integrates it seamlessly with your system and ensures compatibility with other Ubuntu packages.

Installation Steps

Open a terminal window by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T or searching for “Terminal” in the application launcher. First, update your package lists to ensure you have access to the latest available packages:

sudo apt update

Next, install FreeCAD with the following command:

sudo apt install freecad

During installation, you may be prompted to confirm the installation and provide your password. The process typically takes a few minutes, depending on your internet connection speed and system performance.

To verify that FreeCAD installed correctly, you can check the installed version:

freecad --version

You can now launch FreeCAD from the application menu by searching for “FreeCAD” or from the terminal by typing:

freecad

Advantages and Limitations

The APT installation method offers several benefits: system-wide integration with proper file associations, automatic updates through Ubuntu’s update system, and vetted packages that have undergone testing for compatibility with your specific Ubuntu version. However, the version available in the official repositories is often not the latest release, as Ubuntu prioritizes stability over bleeding-edge features.

In Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, the repository version is likely to be FreeCAD 0.20 or 0.21, depending on what was available and stable when the distribution was finalized. If you require the absolute latest features, consider one of the alternative installation methods described below.

Method 2: Installing FreeCAD via Snap

Snap is a containerized software package format developed by Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu. Snap packages include dependencies within the package itself, ensuring consistent behavior across different Linux distributions.

Installation Steps

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS comes with Snap pre-installed. To install FreeCAD as a Snap package, open a terminal and run:

sudo snap install freecad

This command downloads and installs the latest stable version of FreeCAD available as a Snap. The process might take longer than the APT installation as Snap packages are typically larger due to including their dependencies.

Once installed, you can launch FreeCAD from the application menu or by running:

snap run freecad

Working with Snap Limitations

Snap applications run in a confined environment, which may limit access to files outside your home directory. To grant FreeCAD access to removable media, use:

sudo snap connect freecad:removable-media

The Snap version of FreeCAD receives automatic updates when new versions are published to the Snap Store. These updates occur in the background, ensuring you always have the latest stable release without manual intervention.

If you encounter issues with the Snap version, particularly around file access or integration with other applications, you might want to consider the Flatpak or APT installation methods instead. Snap confinement is a security feature, but it can sometimes interfere with complex workflows involving multiple applications or system locations.

Method 3: Installing FreeCAD via Flatpak

Flatpak is another containerized package format similar to Snap but with different technical underpinnings. It’s gaining popularity across various Linux distributions for its security and cross-platform compatibility.

Setting Up Flatpak

First, ensure Flatpak is installed on your Ubuntu 24.04 system:

sudo apt install flatpak

Then, add the Flathub repository, which hosts numerous Flatpak applications including FreeCAD:

flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

A system restart is recommended after installing Flatpak for the first time to ensure all components are properly initialized. After restarting, install FreeCAD with:

flatpak install flathub org.freecadweb.FreeCAD

The installation might take several minutes as Flatpak downloads FreeCAD and its dependencies. Once installed, you can launch FreeCAD from the application menu or with:

flatpak run org.freecadweb.FreeCAD

Flatpak vs. Other Methods

Flatpak offers several advantages over other installation methods. The Flathub repository typically provides recent stable versions, often newer than those in Ubuntu’s repositories but not as bleeding-edge as development builds. Like Snap, Flatpak applications run in a sandbox environment, enhancing security but potentially limiting system integration.

One notable advantage of Flatpak is its consistent behavior across different Linux distributions, making it easier to follow tutorials or share workflows with users on other systems. If you work across multiple Linux environments, the Flatpak installation provides a consistent experience.

The Flatpak version may require additional configuration for file access permissions, similar to Snap. For comprehensive file system access, you may need to install the Flatseal application to manage Flatpak permissions more easily:

flatpak install flathub com.github.tchx84.Flatseal

Method 4: Installing FreeCAD via PPA

Personal Package Archives (PPAs) are third-party repositories that provide alternate or newer versions of software than those available in the official Ubuntu repositories. For FreeCAD, several PPAs exist that offer more recent builds.

Adding the FreeCAD PPA

The FreeCAD maintainers provide a PPA with more recent versions. To add this PPA and install FreeCAD:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:freecad-maintainers/freecad-stable sudo apt update sudo apt install freecad

For development versions with the latest features (potentially less stable), you can use the daily builds PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:freecad-maintainers/freecad-daily sudo apt update sudo apt install freecad-daily

Note that the daily build installs as a separate application named “FreeCAD Daily” to avoid conflicting with stable versions. This allows you to have both stable and development versions installed simultaneously for different purposes.

Security Considerations

When using PPAs, you’re adding third-party software sources to your system. While the FreeCAD maintainers’ PPAs are generally trustworthy, always exercise caution with PPAs in general. Only add repositories from sources you trust, as they have the potential to distribute malicious software or create system instability.

If you later decide to remove the PPA, you can use ppa-purge to safely revert to the official Ubuntu packages:

sudo apt install ppa-purge sudo ppa-purge ppa:freecad-maintainers/freecad-stable

Method 5: Installing FreeCAD via AppImage

AppImage is a portable package format that needs no installation, running directly from the downloaded file. This approach is ideal for testing FreeCAD without modifying your system or for users who need multiple versions for different projects.

Downloading and Running the AppImage

Visit the official FreeCAD GitHub releases page to download the latest AppImage. Look for files ending with .AppImage in the assets section of the latest release.

After downloading, make the AppImage executable with the following command (replace the filename with your actual downloaded file):

chmod +x FreeCAD_0.21.0-Linux-x86_64.AppImage

Now you can run FreeCAD by double-clicking the AppImage file in your file manager or using the terminal:

./FreeCAD_0.21.0-Linux-x86_64.AppImage

Creating a Desktop Shortcut

To create a desktop shortcut for easier access, create a .desktop file:

nano ~/.local/share/applications/freecad-appimage.desktop

Add the following content, adjusting the paths to match your AppImage location:

[Desktop Entry] Name=FreeCAD AppImage Comment=A parametric 3D CAD modeler Exec=/path/to/your/FreeCAD_0.21.0-Linux-x86_64.AppImage Icon=freecad Terminal=false Type=Application Categories=Graphics;Science;Engineering; StartupNotify=true

Save the file and refresh your desktop environment, and you’ll find FreeCAD in your application menu.

Post-Installation Configuration

After installing FreeCAD through any of the methods described above, some configuration steps can enhance your experience and optimize the software for your specific needs.

First-Time Setup

When you first launch FreeCAD, consider these initial configuration steps:

Navigate to Edit > Preferences to access the configuration dialog. In the General section, you can set your preferred language, auto-save options, and document creation parameters. Under Display, configure visual settings such as anti-aliasing, transparency, and colors to match your preferences and hardware capabilities. The Units section allows you to set your preferred measurement system (metric or imperial) and precision levels for different unit types.

If you’re using FreeCAD for a specific discipline, enable the relevant workbenches through Tools > Workbenches. This customizes your interface to show only the tools needed for your particular workflow. For improved performance on less powerful systems, consider disabling complex real-time features like “Navigation Cube” or “Selection View” in the Display preferences.

Custom Templates

Creating custom templates can significantly speed up your workflow by providing pre-configured starting points for new projects:

Create a new document and set up any standard elements, measurements, or layers you typically use. Save this file as a template by selecting File > Save as Template. Provide a descriptive name and add a preview image if desired. Your custom templates will appear when you select File > New from Template in future sessions.

Installing Additional Components for FEM Workbench

The Finite Element Method (FEM) workbench in FreeCAD provides powerful simulation capabilities but requires additional software components to function correctly.

Installing Required Packages

For APT installations, install the necessary FEM components with:

sudo apt install gmsh calculix-ccx python3-numpy

For more advanced simulation capabilities, add Netgen:

sudo apt install netgen

If you’re using Snap or Flatpak installations, the FEM components are typically included in the package. However, some functionality might still require external applications. In these cases, you may need to install these components through APT and configure FreeCAD to use the system-installed versions.

Testing FEM Setup

To verify your FEM setup is working correctly:

Switch to the FEM workbench in FreeCAD. Create a simple object (like a cube). Click on Analysis in the FEM menu to create a new analysis. Add materials, constraints, and loads as needed. Run the solver by selecting the analysis and clicking the solve button. If everything is configured correctly, the simulation should run successfully and display results.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Despite the straightforward installation procedures, you might encounter various issues when installing or running FreeCAD on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.

Dependency Errors

If you encounter dependency-related errors during APT installation, try resolving them with:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

For more complex dependency issues, you might need to install specific packages manually before retrying the FreeCAD installation:

sudo apt install python3-pivy python3-pyside2 python3-matplotlib

Graphics and Display Issues

FreeCAD relies heavily on OpenGL for rendering. If you experience graphical glitches or crashes:

Update your graphics drivers to the latest available version for your hardware. For NVIDIA GPUs, ensure you’re using the proprietary drivers for best performance. Launch FreeCAD with software rendering to diagnose if the issue is graphics-related:

LIBGL_ALWAYS_SOFTWARE=1 freecad

Adjust the display settings in FreeCAD preferences, particularly anti-aliasing and transparency options, which can cause issues on some hardware configurations. If problems persist, try running FreeCAD with reduced graphics settings from the command line:

freecad --display-mode minimal

Permission and File Access Problems

Snap and Flatpak installations may have difficulty accessing certain directories due to their sandboxed nature:

For Snap installations, connect the necessary interfaces:

sudo snap connect freecad:removable-media sudo snap connect freecad:home

For Flatpak, install Flatseal to manage permissions graphically:

flatpak install flathub com.github.tchx84.Flatseal

Updating FreeCAD

Keeping FreeCAD updated ensures you have access to the latest features, bug fixes, and security improvements.

Updating Different Installation Types

For APT installations from the official repositories or PPAs:

sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade

For Snap installations, updates occur automatically by default. To manually check for updates:

sudo snap refresh freecad

For Flatpak installations:

flatpak update

For AppImage installations, download the latest AppImage from the official release page and replace your existing file. Your settings and configurations will be preserved as these are stored separately from the application itself.

Uninstalling FreeCAD

If you need to remove FreeCAD from your system, the process varies depending on your installation method.

Removal Procedures

For APT installations:

sudo apt remove freecad

To also remove configuration files:

sudo apt purge freecad

For Snap installations:

sudo snap remove freecad

For Flatpak installations:

flatpak uninstall org.freecadweb.FreeCAD

For PPA installations, first remove the package:

sudo apt remove freecad

Then remove the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:freecad-maintainers/freecad-stable

For AppImage installations, simply delete the AppImage file. To remove associated desktop files, delete any .desktop files you created in ~/.local/share/applications/.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed FreeCAD. Thanks for using this tutorial for installing FreeCAD 3D parametric modeler on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS system. For additional help or useful information, we recommend you check the official FreeCAD website.