Course 131 · Digital course 26

Model Your First Part with Free CAD

Use sketches, constraints and solid features to create a small dimensioned part and a readable drawing.

Before you start

Use a Windows, macOS or Linux desktop that can run FreeCAD; installation and optional video time are additional. No account, printer or manufacturing equipment is required.

See everything you’ll need

Practice materials and a worked example · Free download. Download the starter pack

What you’ll leave with

A revised desk-token CAD model, a dimensioned drawing, checked exchange files and a short handoff note.

Start course Start without an account. Sign in to save lesson progress across devices.

Your project

Start with the practice files. Build your project one lesson at a time.

Practice files are free without an account. Sign in to save your project record in My Proof: a description, checklist, and optional work link. Keep the original files in your own app or notebook; saving a project record does not upload them.

Get your materialsDownload practice filesStart with the supplied materials, follow the lessons, and compare your work with the annotated example.
Make your projectView the project checklist Work in your own notebook, document, or software. Use the supplied practice examples when you prefer.
Keep a private recordSave a project record Sign in to save a description and checklist, then return to update them.

Optional course overview

Watch an introduction.

This overview from MangoJelly Solutions for FreeCAD introduces ideas you’ll practice in the lessons.

Watch directly on YouTube

MangoJelly Solutions for FreeCADFreeCAD 1.0 Ultimate Beginners Crash Course in 1 hour for 3D printing CAD Lesson / TutorialYouTube

Course handbook

Know the route before you begin.

Here’s what you’ll need and what you’ll make. You can return to this guide during any lesson.

Who this is for

Learners ages 14+ who want practical creative and technical skills.

Prepare before lesson one

Use a Windows, macOS or Linux desktop that can run FreeCAD; installation and optional video time are additional. No account, printer or manufacturing equipment is required.
Know rectangles, diameter and millimeters; review Fractions, Measurement, and Technical Drawings if these are unfamiliar.

Your final project

Finish with proof you can use.

A revised desk-token CAD model, a dimensioned drawing, checked exchange files and a short handoff note.

Save a project record in My Proof

See project checklist and review criteria

Keep your working files in your own notebook or software. Save a private description, checklist, and work link in My Proof.

What to include

A 60×30×6 mm version A and 70×30×6 mm version B with an 8 mm through-hole at x10, y15.
Fully constrained base and hole sketches, with dimensions checked after revision.
A digital drawing with units, version and width/depth/thickness/diameter labels.
STEP and PDF exports reopened and inspected.
Native source and a readme recording the change and limitations.

Review and revise

Use these criteria to check your work and choose what to improve.

Geometry follows the stated dimensions and origin.
The revision changes the intended parameter without hiding errors.
Views and labels communicate size clearly.
The source and exported files agree.

Three ideas to help you along the way

Three useful ideas

The rules behind the steps.

Define before drawing

Write units, origin and dimensions before creating features.

Constrain intent

Use geometric rules so edits are meaningful.

Inspect the handoff

Reopen exports and compare against the brief.

What do these words mean?

Key words

Key terms worth knowing.

Sketch: A planar set of geometry that can be constrained.
Constraint: A rule fixing size, position or a geometric relationship.
Pad: An operation adding solid depth to a sketch.
Pocket: An operation removing material using a sketch.
STEP: A common exchange format for solid geometry.

Your route

6 lessons.
One useful project.

Work in order the first time. Each lesson makes something the next lesson can use.

Use the tools

Tools to help you practice.

See all tools

ZIP · practice files

Model Your First Part with Free CAD practice files

Start with the supplied materials, follow the lessons, and compare your work with the annotated example.

Text worksheet

Your course project worksheet

A downloadable text worksheet with each lesson’s working output, space for your answers, and the shared final-project checklist. Save your own copy.

Source transparency

Sources and further study.

Explore the references behind the lessons and take your learning further. Source notes explain access and reuse.

FreeCAD manual: Modeling for product design