By Cad software editorial team · Last verified [date] · Current release [tag]
Prove the window
Cad software first run means the desktop window opens on the PC. Confirm a 3D view, a model tree, and a workbench selector. If the view stays black, fix OpenGL and GPU drivers before you fetch a second installer.
Spare pad
Open Part Design, create a body, sketch a simple rectangle, and pad it. Save an FCStd. That is enough proof for the first hour. Leave assemblies and Addon Manager packs alone until that pad works. Part Design notes: Part Design. Longer first hour: installed.
Next steps
Export STL only after the editable document saves: export STL. Workbench map: workbenches. Drawings: TechDraw.
Quiet checklist
Confirm App Installer or plan the official Windows x64 installer door first. Keep one spare pad ready after FreeCAD opens. Prefer the same update door later so shortcuts stay honest. Skip Softonic-style wrappers that rename the setup before the official file arrives.
Editorial stamps inject the live release tag from the build feed when present. Body copy still says the current release rather than freezing a screenshot number. Licence text stays on the project LICENSE for FreeCAD.
Licence and update habits
Upstream licence text is LGPL-2.1 on GitHub. Winget locale language matches that free software story for the desktop Windows build. Prefer one install door per PC so Start Menu shortcuts stay honest after upgrades.
When App Installer is missing, install it from Microsoft, reopen Terminal, and retry the documented command. When fleet policy wants a manual installer, take it from the same GitHub Releases or freecad.org door winget already wraps.
Stop if a page asks you to disable SmartScreen for an unknown publisher before the official package arrives. Return to GitHub Releases, freecad.org, or the documented winget identifier instead of stacking repair utilities.
Sample then deepen
Keep the first cad software pass short. Pad a disposable solid, save an FCStd, and confirm the file reopens. Turn on TechDraw or STL export only when a simple body looks right. Large assemblies can wait until one FCStd looks right.
Related cluster pages cover releases, GitHub source overview, download-safe habits, for-this-computer mapping, CAD programs, drafting software, computer-aided design, and vs Tinkercad. Home keeps the Windows install command with a Copy control.
When something fails
If FreeCAD is missing from Start, confirm the setup finished and avoid downloading a second renamed installer. If the 3D view is blank, fix GPU drivers rather than stacking mirrors. Safety and first-run guides deepen those checks without inventing competitor prices.
Frequently asked questions
What should I see first?
A desktop window with a 3D view, model tree, and workbench selector. Prefer winget id FreeCAD.FreeCAD or the current FreeCAD_*-Windows-x86_64-*-installer.exe from GitHub Releases or freecad.org. Confirm App Installer when winget is missing, then retry the same command on Windows. Skip Softonic-style wrappers that rename the setup before the official file arrives.
Black 3D view?
Update GPU drivers before reinstalling. Graphics is a Windows problem first. Prefer winget id FreeCAD.FreeCAD or the current FreeCAD_*-Windows-x86_64-*-installer.exe from GitHub Releases or freecad.org. Confirm App Installer when winget is missing, then retry the same command on Windows. Skip Softonic-style wrappers that rename the setup before the official file arrives.
Do I need an account?
No account is required for the desktop LGPL FreeCAD path on Windows. Prefer winget id FreeCAD.FreeCAD or the current FreeCAD_*-Windows-x86_64-*-installer.exe from GitHub Releases or freecad.org. Confirm App Installer when winget is missing, then retry the same command on Windows. Skip Softonic-style wrappers that rename the setup before the official file arrives.