FreeCAD is a modern, free (LGPLv2+) CAD software written in C++ using Qt for the graphical interface and Python for scripting. The long-awaited solution to the topological naming issue has been implemented in the first major release, a new assembly workbench has been added (no longer requiring installation through the add-on manager), and the user interface appearance has been improved.
Key changes
- General Changes:
- The topological naming issue has been resolved thanks to the efforts of several developers.
- A new built-in assembly module has been added, based on the work of Dr. Aik-Siong Koh.
- A new FreeCAD logo has been adopted, chosen from the winners of a public competition.
- User Interface:
- A rotation center indicator has been added.
- Selection filters and the task panel have been improved.
- The transformation tool has been enhanced, with new features added for moving objects.
- The light source position can now be configured in preferences.
- The preferences window has been redesigned using a tree view.
- A new universal measurement tool has been added.
- Navigation animations have been improved, and new interface customization options have been added.
- System and API Changes:
- New features and improvements in the Python API.
- The Start panel has been replaced with a Start page.
- Note: some new features may cause issues when opening files in older versions of FreeCAD.
- Changes in Various Modules
- A built-in assembly module based on the Ondsel solver has been added, featuring basic functions, exploded view, and Bill of Materials (BOM) creation.
- The Sketcher module has been significantly redesigned: numeric input for constraints parameters can now be entered while drawing, a universal constraint insertion tool has been added, transformation tools (rotation, translation, etc.) have been added, and geometry visualization has been improved.
- In the TechDraw module, views can now snap to each other and dimensions can snap to the center of extension lines; a universal dimension placement tool has been added, similar to the new tool in the Sketcher.
- The Arch and BIM modules have been merged into a new BIM module with improved IFC support and new project management tools.
- The Path module has been renamed to CAM; the V-Carve function has been redesigned (now faster and with better quality), and new visualization has been added.
- New features and enhancements for Draft ShapeStrings, grid improvements, and Draft preferences.
- Support for new types of finite element analysis and enhancements for working with elements and analysis results.
Source: linux.org.ru
