FreeCAD for Beginners | 3d Printing | Basics

If Computer Aid Design has always intimidated you this is the first video you should watch. In this video, I take the viewer through the basics of parametric 3d design by demonstrating the open-source FreeCAD application. FreeCAD runs on all major operating systems; Windows, macOS, and Linux and is an excellent program for users new to 3d Design targeting 3d Printing.
You can download FreeCAD at freecadweb.org/
The video includes the following topics:
01:45 CAD Concepts
05:02 Installing FreeCAD
08:40 Getting Started with FreeCAD
17:24 Constraints and Model Construction
24:01 Hollowing Out Shapes
25:16 Exporting for 3d Printing and Using in Cura
Please join the discussion at the free MakeWithTech community discussion group located at forum.drvax.com.
Let's continue to learn together.
Irv
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(MakeWithTech).

[@keithturner4136]

This is by far the best tutorial I have found. I know this may get lost in the vast amount of comments, but if you happen to see this, thank you!

[@Thorzon]

Thank you SO much! As a beginner, I've bounced back and forth in so many CAD programs that all I achieved was being confused! I've learned more useful informationin this 30 minute video than I have in weeks trying to learn on my own!!

[@hayzersolar]

finally someone who knows how to teach!!!!!! awesome video I'm a new subscriber

[@sherrybwc]

THANK YOU!!! While waiting on my 1st 3D printer to arrive, I've been looking at various CAD software...this is the BEST intro to FreeCad I've seen!

[@zaraspook0]

Absolutely the best intro to 3d design I've come across. Thanks!

[@dennisk5500]

Thanks a million, Irv. Your vids are still helping people years later!

[@MetehanG]

This is actually first time I watch one of your videos and I LOVED IT. Thank you!!

[@plugwithapug]

I am new to 3D printing and got my first printer with the mindset I could make anything. Quickly did I realize how hard it was and got overwhelmed with all this technical data, programs to choose from, and where to begin. My biggest concern was a free software that I can own my design. Tried to learn it myself and quit expeditiously. This video literally changed that for me and I designed the card holder along with you. Thank you so much for this! I am currently going back to college with the pursuit of engineering and following these tutorials might give me an edge when we get into CAD.

[@GrantSR]

I love that when you speak, you are speaking to regular. And you are showing them what can the interesting about a new hobby. And maybe even leading them to a new career. I can tell you care about the topic. But, most importantly, I can tell that you care about the people watching.

[@KennethSchick-tc7bu]

I'm retired used SWpro for 20 years at work. On social security I can't afford that now. Loaded freecad. On to youtube for all the tutorial's liked yours the most for my 3d printer hobby. Thank you for helping me learn some different ways to get there.

[@stevenklaric1743]

I want to say thank you! Right now i am printing my first self-modeled 3d Print. Thanks to you and your amazing Videos. I feel really proud. But instead, you should! Thanks for sharing and keep being awesome! :)

[@MakeWithTech]

Made my day. Thanks for the comment.

[@napaang6524]

DRVAX, First off I want to say thanks for you and all your videos, you teach and explain as if we are learning for the first time which is exactly where I am at on all this. I bought my very first 3D Printer 3 days ago, put it together made my first test piece (cool) watched this video on freecad , Downloaded FreeCad and followed your tutorial designed and made the Index card box, downloaded cura and sliced it, put it into my printer and done deal my first print (ALL WITH YOUR HELP). I did all this in less then 24 hrs and I never ever took at class on freeCad, sketching, drawing or anything else. I know there’s so much to learn with all of this but watching your videos make it all seamless. With all your help some trial and error and a little common sense someone like me with ZERO very little knowledge of this hobby can do and make great things. So once again thank you for all your Help.

[@LouwVenter]

I wish I had you for a lecturer at University - your approach and energy is really contagious. Thank you.

[@philb2334]

For someone who knows nothing about FreeCAD or CAD in general, but wants to learn (me), this is the best beginner tutorial I've seen

[@brianwalk108]

I’ve been looking for a tutorial like this for years, tons of tutorials on KZbin But they are all way to dumb down our way to advance this is the perfect speed thank you

[@phantomrose1999]

Absolutely Fantastic !!! just did everything in the video, got to the end, and realised my printer wont arrive for another week !!! got a new sub, and will be watching the rest of the series. Truly a great educator. Now to figure how how to un-break my solid creation in free cad LoL

[@thorfriis6284]

Thanks DrVax, that was a great beginner's tutorial in FreeCAD. Just the right level to get up and running in 3D CAD.

[@JeroenD_]

You are a great teacher.

[@alanpurchase1060]

Best communication style EVER! :)

[@johnkelley9877]

I have FreeCAD but I could not figure out where to start but I will watch your tutorials so I can learn. I am 60 and I hope I am not too old. Thanks for sharing these. I really like your channel as you explain things so clearly.

[@MakeWithTech]

John I am turning 65 is a couple of days. No one is ever to old to learn something new.

[@johnkelley9877]

@@MakeWithTech Thanks , I appreciate it. I am going back over your FreeCAD tutorials and I am understanding more each time.

[@christianrobertadzic9321]

Dude! Thank you SOOO much for this and all other tutorials. You probably cant event imagine how your teaching looks like from a perspective of a student. No useless words, every moment is covered and showed slowly but synchronized and still fast enough to not to leave the focus, no speeding with the mouse, like many of others do it like "... see how fast I can do it, hah!" etc. etc. You helped me out really to understand fundamentally of FreeCad. Thank you and I'm waiting for more contents.

[@RodJames-pj8md]

Thank you Irv you have made my journey into the unknown a little less daunting

[@vinh2525]

I like it when you go straight to the point.

[@wojtekstach78]

big thumb up for: 1. inspiring people to actually modelling of useful things instead of using 3d printers only for making the dust collectors. 2. for showing the way of modelling, which is maybe more demanding, but at the same time giving much wider possibilities. Nowadays it rather repels as it require to spend some more on learning and practicing ;)

[@arnab6408]

You sir, are a godsend. No software could be less intuitive than FreeCAD.

[@davidfromdownunder400]

Just got my first 3D printer and quickly learned of the limitations of Tinkercad but was confused by other tutorials on Freecad, at least until I found yours! Great job, mate.

[@josephmaio]

Thanks, Dr. Vax. You do a great job teaching things.

[@jamesbowman7963]

I'm not sure I have observed anyone who can explain things as well as you do... Thank you.

[@bigtst36]

Holy cow! What an awesome and, most of all, simple tutorial. This guy is a freakin genius! I feel like, in less than 30 minutes, he has turned me into a 3D printer madman! THANKS!

[@leroytrio5227]

I worked with autocad 2D & 3D for a living for 21 years, now I'm retired and have no access to those programs. I've just bought an ender 3 v2 and needed modelling software when I chanced upon your channel. While Freecad is similar in some ways your tutorial helped me a lot to learn the differences. Thank you.

[@dac7046]

Much better beginner tutorial than many of the so called “beginner” tutorials out there. Thank you.

[@MrMiniPilote]

This is great timing. I had the FreeCAD tutorials up as my next step. This is just what I needed to get started down this road. So many designs floating in my head... Keep up the good work.

[@Zhisaoka]

This was so helpful. I don't know how, but you could make something rocket science level understandable to a person who never touched rocket science.

[@silverthunderbird]

Started out watching someone else's FreeCAD tutorial, and gave up after 10 minutes. You, OTOH, don't take anything for granted, or cut any corners in your instruction, yet keep it interesting, while still moving along. Thanks for doing this, Doc.

[@BrandonBensonftw]

*spends 4 hours trying to muddle through freecad self-learning* *gets frustrated and takes a nap* *finds this video* *finishes the print in 28+2m* You sir, are an angel. Thank you.

[@MakeWithTech]

Glad it helped!

[@hundsboog]

Im a native german speaker, but after a few minutes im so concentrated to what Dr. Vax is saying, I sometimes think he talks to me in german, so perfectly understandable he explains this stuff. Great!

[@grahambate3384]

I once dance with a 91 Russian woman on my weddings night. We had a conversation as we danced. I only knew English and the lady only knew Russian.

[@Seemsayin]

@@grahambate3384 So... you both had a translator that night, during your dance? Or, you just listened to each other's gibberish, and called it a conversation?

[@grahambate3384]

@@Seemsayin no translator. I said to my wife I think your grandmother ask to come back to her place and she keep me warm for the nite. I must b a good guesser

[@Seemsayin]

@@grahambate3384 If you don't mind me asking... What was the point of everything you said? If you don't speak any Russian, and didn't have an interpreter, then how could you even begin to know what her grandmother was asking? And even if it were true... being propositioned by an elderly woman is hardly worth mentioning, unless you're trying to impress a 15 year old.

[@arnab6408]

Ja Ja, mein heard ze same :p

[@drnastey]

Thank you so much! Iv had a printer for years but never knew how to design my own parts. I now need a simple spacer ring and cannot find anything online. I found your video and it helped me through completely!

[@ericksonengineering7011]

Thanks so much. As an EE struggling to learn 3D CAD, design, and 3D printing, your intros to FreeCAD are excellent. You make learning a complex tool fun.

[@leosiwicki2013]

I love the way you teach and wish others had the tone and pace you explain things with. I am now a proficient user of FreeCAD because of Dr. Vax

[@dannylibot6613]

This is the best tutorial I've ever seen! Lot's of respect. Thank you very much

[@kingkappa9916]

Brilliant. Your explanation on constraining has been a great help to me. Thank you. 😁

[@ajl8975]

ahh perfectly timed... just in time for the FUSION 360 exodus.

[@madkvideo]

I don't use Fusion360... what happened?

[@ajl8975]

@@madkvideo it tried to make the hobbyists that made it what it is pay $500 a year for a service that was free.

[@madkvideo]

@@ajl8975 WTF lmao fuck them

[@ianmcleod8898]

@@ajl8975 I still use it in a personal not for commercial use for free.

[@meeder78]

@@ianmcleod8898 free for personal use is only 1 year, for new users at least.

[@pileofstuff]

Thanks Irv. I've been watching a lot of FreeCAD tutorials recently and you're the first one I've found that explained "thick solid" in a simple straightforward way.

[@davidlorrianderson9284]

WOWZERS, what an excellent intro, I'm sold! Thank you soooo much!

[@GutsyGibbon]

So well done! There are many on KZbin who publish tutorials, but even though well intentioned, some just aren’t good teachers. Irv gets it just right. I look forward to learning a lot more about freecad!

[@sucnagtube]

This tutorial give me a hope to print the components for use in my RC hobby. Thank you very much.

[@TheFlamingEyeball]

Perfect. This will save me the frustrations of the limits of TinkerCAD.

[@MakeWithTech]

Thanks for the comment.

[@ProtogenCube]

Still watching, but I commented to say thank you for the content. I learned about what 3D printer I should use and other things. Keep up the great content!

[@digiital]

Great video and perfect timing because I was just looking into freecad and finished watching the video and all makes it sooooo much easier to understand because I was pretty much just using tinkercad but was hitting a limit. Looking forward to more in the series

[@kumsuk77777]

This is great.. some people know a lot about the program but do not know how to explain it to others. But you explain each step slowly and clearly. Thanks a lot

[@MakeWithTech]

I try. It is funny that sometimes I get comments that I talk too slowly. I just recommend these folks play the videos at 2x speed. That way my videos work for everyone.

[@kumsuk77777]

@@MakeWithTech “Slowly” is not the correct term. What I mean is that you fully explain each step and give the viewer minty of time to see where your mouse is going. Some people make videos where they fly through each step as a demonstration rather than as a teaching tool

[@linzero3664]

You are a born teacher! I look your lesions even I know the stuff already. It is a joy to see you doing.

[@Elswalbe]

Thanks Dr. Vox, you are giving me a new doorway here!

[@colinsteam]

DrVax, I have tried watching quite a few other tutorials but soon gave up. This one is excellent, your obvious enthusiasm shines through and makes the video both interesting and informative.

[@Cmin7th]

The process of learning with this first episode was magical. I've learned so much, thank you!

[@etiennedesmet2173]

i' m from Belgium and dutch but this was a very clear and helpful tutorial! thanks! i will install immediately Freecad on my PC to experiment and hope there will be more lessons.

[@ipepperify]

I need to get my first 3D-printing project sliced in 6 hours and I think your tutorial in 1.5x speed will make this actually happen :) Many thanks for this great tutorial video Dr. Irv.

[@iamsparkicus]

You're a great teacher, Lev. Many thanks!

[@DusttwoDust]

I love how you translated it all to a PC user! I have so little experience with Mac's so I REALLY appreciate that! Thanks man! :D

[@Chromolume]

Thank you for your tutorials! Very useful information, presently clearly and in a friendly manner!

[@heyok]

Thank you! Looking forward to following this series as it will be nice to have the guidance to get over the fear of trying something besides Tinkercad. Really appreciate your efforts here!

[@louiel8711]

I just started using cad for the first time in my life yesterday, thanks to people like you putting out tutorials like this it shortened the learning curve immensely. Thank you for the lessons Doc, subscribed.

[@yellowbananas08]

Thank you. That looked so complicated but you explained it so well.

[@joshuaweber8927]

Thank you very much for this video! Brand new to 3D printing and part design. Getting started is a bit daunting. This definitely helped the learning curve.

[@CHROME-COLOSSUS]

Thank you SO much for videos like this! I haven’t even put together my first 3D printer yet (still in it’s box while I clean a space for it to live), but your thoughtful, friendly presentations have soothed many of my anxieties and provide a legible map for venturing into this world.

[@MakeWithTech]

Enjoy your new hobby.

[@petersemaan5311]

I’m 21 years old and brand new to CAD and 3D printing, and you do a better job tenfold compared to the guys my age on KZbin who create tutorials for this field. Amazing content DrVax - you’re the man! Shalom!

[@MossyCobbleGaming]

Just watched this whole video on my break at work and excited to get into the program and start practicing. I've recently run into problems on tinkercad so learning this will help me a lot. Thanks for the video!

[@afreakwithoutaleash]

Thank you so much, so far you are the best tutorial i have come across yet.

[@astro-farmer]

I learned more here in this video than in the last whole day following other tutorials... Thanks!!!

[@mattoriental]

Thank you, I sat and stared at Freecad for over half an hour trying to work out how to start a drawing, then I gave up. You’ve explained it perfectly, now I can get on with it.

[@bigtst36]

Same here. I actually fell asleep at the damn keyboard trying to figure it out!

[@corneliusmooseknuckle2829]

LMAO!!! After slicing, Cura 4.1 says it will take over 9 hours, Cura 4.8 says 7 3/4, and PrusaSlicer says 3 1/2. Good tutorial btw. Very straight forward and clear. Thanks.

[@James-vq9nc]

Hello Irv. Very helpful tutorial and very much appreciated my friend! Looking forward to more Freecad Tutorials from you.

[@jmize]

Like everyone else: Perfectly timed. And this connected an awful lot of dots for me. Will now watch the rest of your videos! Thanks!

[@randysonnicksen9475]

Irv, You have a great understanding of what a new learner needs to hear and see to develop a mental framework which will hold the information you are presenting. You are a blessing to the community. Keep up the good work.

[@denisnevesdearaujo8768]

You're a very sympathetic person, sir. Your speaking way help us a lot to absorb the content. Cheers!

[@matrix3d270]

Amazing! Plz, upload more tutorials on FreeCAD for beginners.

[@Aussienicko]

I watched your 3 part introductory tutorials on FreeCAD after watching other KZbin videos on the same subject that seemed too long, too in depth, you hit the nail on the head and got me started quickly, I'm a teacher myself , well driving instructor at least and appreciated your approach and I'm looking forward to learning more about FreeCAD TOGETHER, love that little bit you add at the end, it puts you so at ease.

[@stevelco]

I'm just barely getting started with FreeCAD ... a complete CAD newbie. The other tutorials available on KZbin were extremely sketchy and mostly unhelpful. Yours was perfect for me. Thank you so much! Please make more!! :-)

[@dupalec]

Honestly, that was an excellent explanation on why and how to get into basic 3d modeling. Thanks.

[@meeder78]

Thank you so very much. I was looking for good tutorials and you made a perfect one to get me started!

[@davidyogev4551]

Waww my friend. This is the best tutorial I've seen so far. Every move is explained in detail. Such a pleasure. Thank you. ישר כוח

[@RomanoPRODUCTION]

Dear DrVax, you have done a very decent Freecad introduction. Thank you note : I am a user of Freecad for my home projects. note : users of Freecad can see the video at speed x2 for a refresh :)

[@theoriginaltroll4truth]

Best begginer tutorial ive watched so far. ThanQ

[@Bajicoy]

An outstanding tutorial, I will have to give FreeCAD a try sometime. Makes me think Onshape in similarity. Always looking for new things to recommend to beginners especially for those with under spec computers. 3D printing is dead! Long live 3D printing!

[@johanstrauss8951]

OMG! - Even I will be able to draw my own models now! - Thank you so much for this super fantastic videos! I have just bought me a Ender 3 Pro, and just need to set it up and go ahead. You have just saved me for tons of step learning curve :)

[@MakeWithTech]

My pleasure. Enjoy.

[@abysssss]

I LOVE how your style of teaching eases me into this subject! it's _really_ difficult for me to learn new things, and I *greatly* appreciate your video on FreeCAD❣

[@KSMichaelSRoss]

One of the best how-tos I've ever seen on any topic. Just the right combination of how and why, excellent pace, clear directions. New to 3d printing, new to 3d CAD - but with several pauses, I was able to produce my own drawing and 3d print.

[@fkoerner41]

One of the best instructional videos I've seen. I am a newbie and I learned more in 15 minutes than I have been able to figure out on my own in 8 months.

[@Jan93Banan]

This is such a well explained tutorial! I've seen a few other "first lesson" tutorials and they never explained why you did the things you did. Keep up the good work.

[@MakeWithTech]

Thanks. P.S. I have started a new discussion forum at forum.drvax.com where we can all have more elaborate discussions and share pictures on our prints and printers. Check it out. Irv

[@rt82644]

Exceptionally done. Very well paced and explained. Thank you!

[@kz65g9]

DrVax, what can I say? Step by Step made so simple and clear. Pretty much like " I understood everything and at the same time following it in my screen". Thank you.

[@davidprock904]

Perfect teaching for someone just getting into it, or been a very long time since using a different software, focusing of freecad this time around.

[@GCLewis01]

Thank you so much! I'm very green at all of this. I just bought my 1st 3D printer last week and now I have to learn which programs to use for CAD as a beginner. I've decided to start with FreeCad, so this was soo helpful! You are a great instructor! Thank you!!

[@MakeWithTech]

Your welcome.

[@dabe12danunica89]

I agree...I must have bought mine around the same time, and I do have a few weeks, though, of trying to find instructional videos...and after an overload of "unpacking" and reviews- as all I could find, I made it here!! Thank you, Dr.VAX!

[@wadetomczyk8043]

Just got FreeCAD this short tutorial is awesome nicely done.

[@massawemba]

Thanks for the easy and well structured introduction!

[@zeroc00lness]

very helpful, thanks for taking the time to put this video together.

[@aanm7]

Dude, great video, very well explained and completely wonderful how you let your passion go through while still being so clear that even myself can understand. I started designing with Tinkercad and this video will definitely help me get to the next level.

[@Odyseja2011]

Quick, simple yet comprehensive introduction do 3D design. Thank you sir.

[@jamesbuttleman3130]

At 79 years old, you make me feel like I'm back in mechanical my high school drawing class again. Thank you for an excellent introduction to using a CAD program, you answered many of the questions I had being a total newbie to the 3D printing scene. I'm really looking forward to making use of the Freecad and designing projects of my own to print on my new Ender-5 Pro. I was also thinking of buying the Prusa machine, your comparison of the two and explanation of their qualities and performances was very helpful, for now I'll stay with my Ender -5 Pro. Thank you, stay safe and well, JB

[@zyborg47]

At 56 years old, I thought maybe getting into this cad 3D thing was maybe not a good idea. sir, you have just made up my mind to go for it. I don't have a 3D printer yet, i thought maybe best to learn the cad part first. You stay safe

[@MAGAMAN]

The way he talks makes me feel like I'm back in kindergarten.

[@FusionSource]

Hey Irv, another great video, keep the good work coming.

[@sduck409]

Thanks for this! This is the first video that's actually got me going with freecad - thanks for the excellent explanations!

[@MakeWithTech]

My pleasure. P.S. I have started a new discussion forum at forum.drvax.com where we can all have more elaborate discussions and share pictures on our prints and printers. Check it out. Irv