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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I have reviewed the following printers or similar printers:
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These are some of the tools I use for 3d printing day-to-day:
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I have used the following 3d printer upgrades:
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Here are the 3d printer filaments I use to evaluate prints, software, and techniques:
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I will be covering basic electronics and software in future MakeWithTech segments and here are the products I am using:
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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

[@dennisk5500]

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

[@zaraspook0]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@MetehanG]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@thorfriis6284]

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

[@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 ;)

[@jamesbowman7963]

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

[@arnab6408]

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

[@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.

[@dac7046]

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

[@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.

[@RodJames-pj8md]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@alanpurchase1060]

Best communication style EVER! :)

[@JeroenD_]

You are a great teacher.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@vinhdamnguyen2525]

I like it when you go straight to the point.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@josephmaio]

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

[@Elswalbe]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@denisnevesdearaujo8768]

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

[@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!! :-)

[@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

[@kingkappa9916]

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

[@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.

[@Cmin7th]

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

[@TheFlamingEyeball]

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

[@MakeWithTech]

Thanks for the comment.

[@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!

[@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.

[@Mr99ZK]

Great video. Usually FreeCAD videos just confuse me, but I found this very helpful.

[@matrix3d270]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@iamsparkicus]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@electron7373]

Really engaging clear freeCAD intro. Thanks!

[@davidlorrianderson9284]

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

[@dannylibot6613]

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

[@noanyobiseniss7462]

Awesome! Needed this easy to follow instructional. 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.

[@Truth-Virtue-LVX]

Marvelous. Pleased to meet you DrVax.

[@linzero3664]

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

[@wadetomczyk8043]

Just got FreeCAD this short tutorial is awesome nicely done.

[@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 :)

[@rt82644]

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

[@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!

[@yellowbananas08]

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

[@pdigit010]

Great guy.. you explain clearly and humblebly even for non-experts :) Convinced me to go for FreeCAD!

[@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.

[@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!

[@christianlarsson9207]

Thanks for a great intro to Freecad!

[@kttjdesign]

I have always used tinkercad, for making beginner guides for new 3dprinter users. Again great video

[@MakeWithTech]

As I shared I also use Tinkercad. Freecad expands the range of the models you can build.

[@kttjdesign]

@@MakeWithTech I'm glad that you did I haven't been able to get it work for me ( no time for really get into it) so I give it a try.

[@Parents_of_Twins]

Thank you so much for creating this video. I've just downloaded FreeCad and have run through a couple tutorials but have had issues with finding the correct button and watching someone do something while explaining the rationale is very helpful.

[@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!

[@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

[@AlexKiraly]

Was a pleasure to follow this tutorial. I was afraid of the learning curve, but now I'm more motivated than ever. Thank you so much

[@MakeWithTech]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Fridolfsmuffin]

WOW. Thank you very much for this video. I made 1 thing in tinkercad and thought that would be the place i will be for a while in my 3D printing journey. You my man just boosted my confidence to do more free thinking. Thank you very much

[@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

[@JohnOCFII]

Well done! With the recent “feature subtractions” from the free version of Fusion 360, lots of folks are looking around for alternatives. I’ve never known where or how to start with FreeCAD, and your tutorial today was perfect! Thanks.

[@MakeWithTech]

Thanks for sharing! Glad this was helpful. I expect to continue to add FreeCad videos to the channel.

[@sucnagtube]

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

[@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❣

[@ericlauryssen1518]

Hi Dr Vax i'am from Belgium and i have to admit that this video is one of the best vdeo's explaining the basics of CAD. Please learn us more about this intersesting subject.

[@James-vq9nc]

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

[@bullygram]

Thank you DrVax for this content!!

[@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!

[@theoriginaltroll4truth]

Best begginer tutorial ive watched so far. ThanQ

[@FusionSource]

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

[@willngton]

Great work, mate, please keep sharing with us.

[@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.

[@braddixon3338]

Wow, I just followed along with your nice and smooth presentation in FreeCAD to make the same card holder as you. I watched the video first, thinking it looked pretty easy, but then when trying to do it without your step by step instructions, I found I didn't know what I was doing (I have little experience with 3D cad), so I went back and did it step by step as you did in the video. Really grateful for your help! I've watched several of your videos, and your presentation style is excellent!!

[@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