FreeCAD

FreeCAD is an open-source design application for Linux, listed in the Photo & Graphics category. It uses parametric modeling, allowing users to return to earlier stages of a design and adjust the parameters that define it. This approach lets a model be revised without rebuilding the entire design from the beginning.

The application has a modular, component-based structure that supports extension and customization. It can read and write STEP, IGES, and STL files, making it suitable for working with models exchanged in those formats. These capabilities are relevant to users who need to develop designs iteratively or move model data between compatible tools.

The Linux package provides the main FreeCAD application through the freecad command. It also includes freecad.cmd for command-line use and freecad.pip for installing Python packages for the user rather than system-wide. For example, freecad.pip can install ladybug-core for use with the BIM workbench.

MirrorNest mirrors the official FreeCAD build directly on its own storage and scans each mirrored build for malware before publishing it. Its stable channel carries the latest upstream release and is the general choice when no specific testing purpose is required. The edge channel contains automated daily builds from the latest master commit, while candidate provides release-candidate builds for testing newer or pre-release versions. This channel structure lets Linux users choose between the current general release and builds intended for testing.