How to Install FreeCAD on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

For those aiming to install FreeCAD on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or its older stable release of Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa, you’re about to embark on a journey with one of the most versatile 3D CAD software. FreeCAD, an open-source powerhouse, is tailored to meet the intricate needs of engineers, architects, and designers, offering many tools for 3D model creation and manipulation. Let’s explore the standout features that have cemented FreeCAD’s reputation in the design community:

Key Features of FreeCAD:

  • Parametric Design: With FreeCAD, designs are not just static. Its parametric modeling allows for dynamic adjustments, where altering parameters can reshape the entire model, ensuring adaptability and rapid design changes.
  • Tailored Workspaces: Thanks to its modular architecture, FreeCAD offers specialized workbenches, each dedicated to specific tasks like assembly, architecture, or mesh editing. Users can customize their environment to align with their project needs.
  • Universal Access: Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Linux, FreeCAD ensures a consistent experience, promoting collaboration across diverse platforms.
  • Python-Powered Customization: Beyond its core features, FreeCAD’s Python scripting support lets users automate repetitive tasks, craft bespoke tools, or expand the software’s foundational capabilities.
  • Diverse File Support: Collaboration with FreeCAD’s support for various file formats is a breeze, ensuring compatibility with other CAD tools and 3D printing services.
  • Community and Resources: A vibrant community surrounds FreeCAD, offering invaluable resources, tutorials, and forums. This collective knowledge ensures users are always equipped to maximize FreeCAD’s potential.

In essence, FreeCAD stands as a beacon for 3D design, offering unmatched flexibility, adaptability, and a suite of tools catering to novices and seasoned professionals. As we proceed, this guide will detail the steps to seamlessly integrate FreeCAD into your Ubuntu system, ensuring you’re primed for any design challenge.

Install FreeCAD on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT

This section will guide you through installing FreeCAD on your Ubuntu system using the APT package manager. We will discuss two different installation methods: the standard Ubuntu repository and the FreeCAD Maintainers PPA.

Step 1: Update Ubuntu Before FreeCAD Installation

Before we proceed with the installation, it is essential to update your system to ensure that all existing packages are up to date. This helps avoid potential conflicts during the installation process. To update your Ubuntu system, run the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Step 2: Install FreeCAD on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT Command

Method 1: Install FreeCAD with Ubuntu Repository

The first and most straightforward method to install FreeCAD is to use the APT package manager with the standard Ubuntu repository. This method provides a stable version of the software. To install FreeCAD using this method, execute the following command:

sudo apt install freecad

Method 2: Install FreeCAD with FreeCAD Maintainers PPA on Ubuntu

The second option for installing FreeCAD is to use the Launchpad PPA maintained by the “FreeCAD maintainers” team. This method is suitable for users who prefer the most up-to-date version of the software without relying on Snap or Flatpak.

First, you must install the required packages to add the PPA to your system. Run the following command:

sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https -y

Next, import the FreeCAD Maintainers PPA using the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:freecad-maintainers/freecad-daily -y

To ensure that the newly added APT source is reflected in your system, perform a quick APT update with this command:

sudo apt update

Finally, install the FreeCAD daily version using the following command:

sudo apt install freecad-daily

Remember that this is the upstream version of FreeCAD. Make sure not to use the same apt install freecad command as in the Ubuntu repository method, or you will install the incorrect version.

Install FreeCAD on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Snap

This section will discuss an alternative method for installing FreeCAD on your Ubuntu system using Snapcraft. Snapcraft is a universal package manager that simplifies software installation and updates on Linux systems. It comes pre-installed on Ubuntu desktops unless it has been previously removed.

Step 1: Enable Classic Snap Support for FreeCAD on Ubuntu

Some snap packages require classic confinement to access additional system resources. To ensure the best compatibility with these packages, creating a symbolic link (symlink) that enables classic snap support is necessary. Run the following command to create the symlink:

sudo ln -s /var/lib/snapd/snap /snap

Step 2: Install Core Snap

To avoid potential conflicts during the installation process, installing the core snap files first is recommended. The core snap provides the essential libraries and components for running snap packages. To install the core snap, execute the following command:

sudo snap install core

Step 3: Install FreeCAD on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Snap Command

With classic snap support enabled and the core snap installed, you can now proceed with installing FreeCAD. To install FreeCAD as a snap package, run the following command:

sudo snap install freecad

Following these steps, you should have successfully installed FreeCAD on your Ubuntu system using Snapcraft.

Install FreeCAD on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak and Flathub

This section will explore an alternative method to install FreeCAD using the Flatpak package manager. Flatpak is a versatile package management system, similar to Snap, that allows you to install and manage software applications in isolated environments. One of the key benefits of using Flatpak is that it ensures you have the latest version of an application, like FreeCAD, without affecting other packages on your system.

If your system does not have Flatpak installed, please refer to our own guide on “How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu” for step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak.

Step 1: Enable Flathub for FreeCAD on Ubuntu

Before installing FreeCAD through Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository, a primary source for Flatpak applications. To enable Flathub, execute the following command in your terminal:

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

This command adds the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration, ensuring you have access to a wide variety of applications, including FreeCAD.

Step 2: Install FreeCAD on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak

With Flathub enabled, you can now install FreeCAD using the flatpak install command. Run the following command in your terminal:

flatpak install flathub org.freecadweb.FreeCAD -y

This command installs FreeCAD from the Flathub repository, providing you with the latest version of the application. Following these steps, you can enjoy the benefits of using Flatpak for managing your software applications, ensuring you have the most up-to-date version of FreeCAD without impacting other software on your system.

Launching FreeCAD on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

In this section, we will discuss different methods to launch FreeCAD after successfully installing it. You can either use the Command Line Interface (CLI) or the Graphical User Interface (GUI) to start the application. Both options offer flexibility and convenience based on your preferences.

Launching FreeCAD through CLI on Ubuntu

Depending on the installation method you chose, you can launch FreeCAD using the appropriate CLI command:

freecad
snap run freecad
flatpak run org.freecadweb.FreeCAD

Select the relevant command according to your installation method, and FreeCAD will start.

Launching FreeCAD through GUI on Ubuntu

For users who prefer the GUI method, launching FreeCAD is as simple as locating the application icon.

  1. Click on the Activities button (usually located in the top-left corner of your screen).
  2. Select Show Applications (represented by a grid icon) to open the list of installed applications.
  3. Locate the FreeCAD icon by scrolling through the list or typing “FreeCAD” in the search bar.
  4. Click on the FreeCAD icon to launch the application.
Screenshot showing the process of launching FreeCAD from the 'Show Applications' menu on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04.
How to easily access and start FreeCAD from the applications menu on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04.

Tips on Getting Started with FreeCAD on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

This section will provide you with essential tips for getting started with FreeCAD on Ubuntu Linux. These tips will help you enhance your user experience and make the most of this powerful open-source CAD application.

Explore the Interface with FreeCAD on Ubuntu

Familiarize yourself with the FreeCAD interface by exploring its various components, such as the 3D view, Combo view, Report view, and the Python console. Understanding how these components function and interact with each other will help you work more efficiently in FreeCAD.

Customize Your Workspace with FreeCAD on Ubuntu

Customize your workspace according to your needs and preferences. FreeCAD allows you to:

  • Change the theme by navigating to Edit > Preferences > Display and selecting your desired theme from the dropdown menu.
  • Adjust keyboard shortcuts by going to Edit > Preferences > Keyboard and assigning custom shortcuts to your frequently used commands.

Learn the Workbenches with FreeCAD on Ubuntu

FreeCAD offers various workbenches that cater to different design needs. Some popular workbenches include:

  • Sketcher: Create 2D sketches for extrusions or other 3D operations.
  • Part Design: Design parts using parametric modeling techniques.
  • Draft: Create 2D drawings and annotations.
  • Arch: Work with architectural designs and BIM.

Switch between workbenches by selecting your desired workbench from the dropdown menu in the top-right corner of the FreeCAD interface.

Master the Sketcher Workbench with FreeCAD on Ubuntu

The Sketcher Workbench is a crucial component of FreeCAD, providing the foundation for creating 3D models. To become proficient in using the Sketcher Workbench, make sure to:

  • Understand the various constraints and how they impact your sketches.
  • Learn how to use the trimming and extending tools to modify your sketches.
  • Familiarize yourself with geometries, such as lines, arcs, and circles.

Utilize the Online Resources with FreeCAD on Ubuntu

FreeCAD has an active community that offers various resources to help you learn and improve your skills. Make use of:

  • The official documentation is available on FreeCAD’s documentation page.
  • Tutorials on platforms like YouTube, cover a wide range of topics and techniques.
  • Forums and user groups where you can ask questions, share your knowledge, and learn from the experiences of others.
Screenshot of FreeCAD's default user interface on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04.
A look at FreeCAD’s initial interface after launching on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04.

Additional FreeCAD Commands on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

This section will provide essential commands to manage FreeCAD on your Ubuntu Linux system. These commands will help you update, and remove FreeCAD installed through different package managers such as APT, Snapcraft, and Flatpak.

Update FreeCAD on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

It is vital to keep your application up-to-date to ensure you have the latest version of FreeCAD and fix any potential issues. The commands below check for updates for all installed packages on your system that match the installation package manager.

APT Update Command Method for FreeCAD on Ubuntu

To update FreeCAD installed through APT, run the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update

Snap Update Command Method for FreeCAD on Ubuntu

For updating FreeCAD installed via Snapcraft, use this command:

sudo snap refresh

Flatpak Update Command Method for FreeCAD on Ubuntu

To update FreeCAD installed with Flatpak, execute the following command:

flatpak update

Remove FreeCAD on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

If you decide to uninstall FreeCAD from your system, follow the instructions for the respective package manager below.

APT Remove Command Method for FreeCAD on Ubuntu

For users who installed FreeCAD through APT, use the following command to remove the application:

sudo apt remove freecad

For users with the daily PPA version, use this command instead:

sudo apt remove freecad-daily

If you no longer require the APT import repository and want to remove it for good housekeeping and security best practices, run the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:freecad-maintainers/freecad-daily -y

Snap Remove Command Method for FreeCAD on Ubuntu

To uninstall FreeCAD installed via Snapcraft, execute this command:

sudo snap remove freecad

Flatpak Remove Command Method for FreeCAD on Ubuntu

To remove the Flatpak version of FreeCAD, run the following command:

flatpak uninstall --delete-data org.freecadweb.FreeCAD -y

Closing Thoughts

This guide has covered different methods for installing FreeCAD on Ubuntu Linux, including APT, Snapcraft, and Flatpak. Each method has its benefits, and choosing one depends on your preferences and system requirements. We also discussed how to launch FreeCAD, some useful tips for getting started, and essential commands to manage your FreeCAD installation, such as updating and removing the software. With this knowledge, you should be well-equipped to install and use FreeCAD on your Ubuntu system confidently.

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