How to Install FreeCAD on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04 or 20.04

FreeCAD is a powerful, open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler designed for a broad range of uses including product design, mechanical engineering, and architecture. It supports a variety of file formats and provides advanced tools for creating and modifying 3D models. Key features of FreeCAD include a modular architecture, a robust Python API for scripting, support for various geometric shapes, and a customizable interface.

To install FreeCAD on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04, you have several methods available. You can use the command-line terminal to install from the default Ubuntu repository, the FreeCAD PPA for the latest stable or development builds, Snap, or Flatpak with Flathub. This guide will walk you through each of these installation methods.

Method 1: Install FreeCAD via APT

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

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

Select APT Installation Method Option

Option 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

Option 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.

Method 2: Install FreeCAD 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.

Install Core Snap

Installing the core snap files first is recommended to avoid potential conflicts during the installation process. 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

Install FreeCAD via Snap Command

With classic snap support enabled and the core snap installed, you can now install 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.

Method 3: Install FreeCAD via Flatpak and Flathub

This section will explore an alternative method for installing 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 key benefit of using Flatpak is that it ensures you have the latest version of an application, like FreeCAD, without affecting other packages on your system.

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

Enable Flathub for FreeCAD

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 can access various applications, including FreeCAD.

Install FreeCAD via Flatpak Command

With Flathub enabled, you can 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.

Launching FreeCAD User Interface

This section will discuss different methods to launch FreeCAD after successfully installing it. You can start the application using the Command Line Interface (CLI) or the Graphical User Interface (GUI).

Launching FreeCAD through CLI

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

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.

Additional Terminal FreeCAD Commands

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

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

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

sudo apt update

Snap Update Command Method for FreeCAD

For updating FreeCAD installed via Snapcraft, use this command:

sudo snap refresh

Flatpak Update Command Method for FreeCAD

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

flatpak update

Remove FreeCAD

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

APT Remove Command Method for FreeCAD

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

To uninstall FreeCAD installed via Snapcraft, execute this command:

sudo snap remove freecad

Flatpak Remove Command Method for FreeCAD

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

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

Closing Thoughts

With FreeCAD successfully installed on your Ubuntu system, you can take advantage of its extensive modeling capabilities and robust features. Whether you choose the default Ubuntu repository for ease of use, the FreeCAD PPA for the latest builds, or the flexibility of Snap and Flatpak, each method ensures you have access to the tools needed for your design projects. Regularly check for updates to keep your software current and enjoy the powerful capabilities that FreeCAD offers for 3D modeling and design.