We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Damian Lewczuk

In this beginner's course, you will learn the basic concepts and tools of FreeCAD, the popular open source 3D modeling software. Through a series of tutorials, you will develop the skills necessary to start designing and creating your own 3D models.

One approach to creating 3D models is to create 3D models from 2D sketches.

We create a 2D sketch and add 3D solid features based on that sketch.

Read more

In this beginner's course, you will learn the basic concepts and tools of FreeCAD, the popular open source 3D modeling software. Through a series of tutorials, you will develop the skills necessary to start designing and creating your own 3D models.

One approach to creating 3D models is to create 3D models from 2D sketches.

We create a 2D sketch and add 3D solid features based on that sketch.

We'll start with an overview of geometry creation and editing tools. We will discuss basic constraints, which are the relationships between sketch geometries. Constraints make it possible to precisely specify the shape and dimensions of geometry. Next, we'll go over the basic operations of creating and editing 3D solids from a sketch.

By the end of this course, you will have a good foundation in FreeCAD and will be able to create simple 3D models. Whether you're creating models for personal projects or for professional work, FreeCAD is a powerful tool that can help you express your ideas in 3D design.

FreeCAD is free and open source parametric computer-aided design (CAD) 3D software. It is suitable for engineers, designers, students and hobbyists who want to create 3D models of their projects. FreeCAD can be used for hobby and commercial purposes. And to use FreeCAD, just download the installation file, install the software and you can use it. No need to provide your details. FreeCAD works offline, so you can create your own 3D models even in places with limited internet access.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You will learn the basic elements of the freecad interface.
  • You will learn the basic tools for creating 3d models.
  • You will learn the basic geometries and constraints in a sketch.
  • You will prepare your first 3d model in freecad.

Syllabus

A quick introduction to what FreeCAD is and a quick look at the user interface.
Introduction
What is FreeCAD?
Download FreeCAD
Read more

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Career center

Learners who complete FreeCAD 0.20 - Basic 3D Modeling Course (for beginners) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in FreeCAD 0.20 - Basic 3D Modeling Course (for beginners).
Focused on practical application, this book serves as a comprehensive guide to using Grasshopper for parametric design strategies. It's particularly useful for students and professionals looking to translate theoretical knowledge into tangible design workflows. The book is valuable as a hands-on reference and is often used in academic settings and by practitioners learning algorithmic design with Grasshopper.
Offers a modern approach to technical drawing, incorporating current industry standards and software. It provides comprehensive coverage of both basic and advanced concepts in engineering and industrial technology, including computer modeling and traditional methods. The book relevant resource for students preparing for careers in CAD, drafting, and design.
Serves as an approachable guide for beginners to learn parametric modeling by connecting it with fundamental architectural ideas. It includes step-by-step instructions for building parametric modeling scripts, making it practical for students starting with computational design. It helps in understanding the relationship between architectural concepts and computational tools.
Offering a practical guide to generating geometric and topological solutions using parametric techniques, this book is well-suited for students and practitioners. It includes step-by-step tutorials using various scripting languages, making it a useful reference for those learning to implement parametric design in different software environments. It helps solidify understanding through hands-on examples.
This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step introduction to Blender, a widely used open-source 3D creation suite. It covers modeling, animation, rendering, and more, making it suitable for beginners to gain a broad understanding of the 3D pipeline within a specific software. It practical, project-based book that can serve as a textbook for introductory courses on Blender.
This text offers a balanced introduction to CAD, CAM, and CAE, with a strong emphasis on the principles behind these technologies. It covers geometric representation and extends to more sophisticated CAE topics. is suitable for students with a background in programming, calculus, and linear algebra, providing a theoretical foundation for solid modeling within the broader context of computer-aided technologies.
Is an excellent reference for artists focusing on character and creature modeling. It provides detailed anatomical information specifically tailored for sculpting, with clear illustrations and explanations of muscle and bone structures. It must-have resource for digital sculptors aiming for anatomical accuracy.
As an introduction to Grasshopper, a key tool in parametric design, this book is ideal for beginners, including high school and undergraduate students. It teaches visual scripting through examples and tutorials, requiring no prior programming knowledge. It's a practical guide for getting started with parametric modeling in Rhino.
This textbook integrates engineering graphics principles with instruction on using AutoCAD. It follows a pedagogical approach, guiding users from basic shapes to complete engineering drawings. is valuable for students and professionals seeking to learn both the theoretical aspects of technical drawing and practical CAD skills simultaneously. It is often used in courses that combine traditional and digital drafting.
Provides the essential concepts of engineering graphics integrated with instruction on using AutoCAD. It is designed to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the subject, making it suitable for introductory courses. The inclusion of CAD instruction makes it highly relevant for contemporary technical drawing practices.
This manual comprehensive guide to engineering drawing practices based on British and international standards. It is an essential reference for anyone working with technical drawings in a global context, ensuring adherence to standardized conventions. is particularly valuable for professionals and advanced students.
Focuses on Physically Based Rendering (PBR) texturing using Substance Painter, a key tool in modern 3D workflows for creating realistic materials. It covers essential concepts and techniques for creating high-quality textures. This book is valuable for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of texturing, a crucial aspect of creating convincing 3D models.
Is considered a foundational text in the field of computer graphics, providing a comprehensive overview of the principles behind 3D modeling, rendering, and animation. While it theoretical book, the concepts covered are essential for a deep understanding of how 3D graphics software works. It is often used as a textbook in undergraduate and graduate computer graphics programs. This book is more valuable as a foundational reference than a hands-on software guide.
Dives into creating realistic materials and textures within Blender's Cycles render engine. It's a practical guide for artists wanting to enhance the visual quality of their 3D models through advanced texturing and shading techniques. It covers procedural texturing and leveraging look development concepts.
Lays the foundation for computational design thinking, reflecting on the possibilities arising from computation in design. It is valuable for students and professionals seeking to understand the theoretical underpinnings and potential of computational approaches, including parametric design. It encourages a critical perspective on the evolving design landscape.
Covers the fundamentals of technical drawing, incorporating CAD and design principles. It comprehensive resource suitable for degree and diploma students. The book aims to provide a broad understanding of technical drawing as it relates to design and the use of computer-aided tools.
Introduces the powerful procedural workflow of Houdini, a software heavily used in visual effects and animation. It covers procedural modeling, simulations, and rendering. This book is valuable for those interested in contemporary 3D topics like procedural content generation and complex visual effects. It is suitable for beginner to intermediate users of Houdini.
Delves into Model-Based Definition (MBD), a contemporary approach where the 3D model serves as the single source of truth for all product information. It's highly relevant to modern solid modeling practices and their integration with manufacturing, analysis, and product lifecycle management.
Provides a comprehensive guide to Solid Edge, another popular CAD software package. It covers topics such as Solid Edge user interface, part modeling, assembly modeling, and drawing creation.
Published by SideFX, the creators of Houdini, this book provides a foundational understanding of Houdini's node-based procedural workflow. It's an excellent starting point for artists new to Houdini and interested in procedural modeling and its applications in games and film. It includes lessons for building simple projects.
This widely used textbook in India for engineering drawing courses. It covers fundamental concepts and practices of engineering drawing with a strong emphasis on geometrical constructions and projections. While it may focus more on traditional methods, it provides a solid theoretical base essential for technical drawing.
Delves into the mathematical foundations of architectural geometry, which is crucial for advanced parametric design. It is highly relevant for graduate students and researchers seeking a deep understanding of the geometric principles underlying computational design. While mathematically rigorous, it fundamental reference for those looking to push the boundaries of form generation.
Widely recommended guide for understanding and applying lighting and rendering techniques in 3D. It covers essential concepts for creating visually compelling images from 3D scenes. It valuable resource for artists looking to improve the presentation of their 3D models.
This is another widely used textbook for engineering drawing in India, known for its clear explanations and numerous examples. It covers a broad range of topics in technical drawing, providing a solid foundation for students across engineering disciplines. It good resource for understanding traditional drafting methods and principles.
Likely explores the practical applications of solid modeling in various industries. It would be useful for understanding how the theoretical concepts are applied in real-world scenarios, providing valuable context for students and professionals alike. It helps bridge the gap between theory and practice.
This textbook is designed for engineering students and covers the basic concepts of engineering drawing with a focus on clarity and ease of understanding. It includes topics relevant to university syllabi and integrates concepts with computer-aided drafting. It's a good resource for students beginning their technical drawing education.
Focuses on the essential skills of reading blueprints and creating technical sketches. It's a practical resource for anyone who needs to interpret technical drawings in various industries. It provides foundational knowledge for understanding the information conveyed in technical documentation.
Specifically addresses parametric and computational design within the field of landscape architecture. It features essays and interviews from practitioners and academics, providing insights into the history, theory, and practice of using coding and computational tools in this context. It's highly relevant for those applying parametric design principles to landscape projects.
Offers a solid theoretical foundation in 3D computer graphics, covering essential mathematical concepts and algorithms. It provides the necessary background knowledge for understanding how 3D models are represented and manipulated digitally. This good resource for students seeking to solidify their understanding of the core principles before diving into specific software applications.
A follow-up to intermediate SolidWorks guides, this book targets users aiming to achieve advanced proficiency. It covers complex modeling, surfacing, sheet metal, and top-down assemblies through real-world projects. is highly valuable for those looking to deepen their SolidWorks skills and tackle more intricate solid modeling challenges.
Solid modeling relies heavily on computational geometry. provides a comprehensive overview of algorithms and applications in this field. It is an excellent resource for understanding the geometric computations that underpin solid modeling software. This is more focused on the computer science aspect.
Focuses on the practical aspects of creating 3D models specifically for 3D printing. It covers design considerations, software tools, and techniques relevant to additive manufacturing. It's a valuable resource for makers, hobbyists, and designers interested in physical output of their 3D models.
Geometric design crucial aspect of solid modeling, particularly for creating complex shapes and surfaces. practical guide to curves and surfaces, providing essential knowledge for advanced solid modeling techniques. It's highly relevant for users working with freeform shapes.
This workbook focuses specifically on 3D modeling topology, a critical concept for creating clean and efficient 3D models, particularly for animation and visual effects. It provides exercises and examples to help users develop a strong understanding of polygonal modeling principles. It valuable resource for those looking to refine their modeling skills.
Series focuses on solid modeling and parametric modeling using Creo Parametric. It takes a hands-on, tutorial-style approach, guiding users from basic shapes to intelligent solid models and drawings. It's an excellent resource for learning parametric modeling principles through practical application in Creo, a widely used CAD software. Different editions are available for various software versions.
Offers a tutorial-based introduction to solid modeling specifically using SolidWorks software. It's geared towards introductory engineering or high school students and emphasizes solid modeling as an integral part of the design process, including design intent and the use of models in engineering analysis. It's a practical starting point for learning solid modeling through a widely used software.
Parametric design is closely linked to digital fabrication techniques. provides a guide to the practical implementation of digital fabrication in the built environment. It is valuable for students and professionals who want to understand how parametric models are translated into physical reality through processes like 3D printing and robotic fabrication.
This theoretical work presents a comprehensive framework for understanding architecture within contemporary society, with parametricism positioned as a key paradigm. While not a practical guide, it offers deep theoretical context for graduate students and professionals interested in the philosophical underpinnings and future direction of parametric design within the broader architectural discourse. It significant, albeit challenging, read for those looking to deepen their theoretical understanding.
Focuses on the geometric principles that are essential for computer graphics and CAD, including solid modeling. It provides the mathematical background needed to understand the underlying geometry of solid models and their manipulation. It's a good resource for those wanting to strengthen their mathematical foundation.
Offers a gentle introduction to ZBrush, focusing on the fundamentals of digital sculpting and the user interface. It includes project-based tutorials to ease beginners into the ZBrush workflow. It's a good starting point for those new to digital sculpting.
Another essential resource by Francis D. K. Ching, this book focuses on building construction principles through detailed illustrations. Understanding construction methods is vital for creating accurate technical drawings in architecture and civil engineering. provides foundational knowledge in this area and is widely used in related programs.
This textbook explores contemporary approaches to architectural drawing, encompassing both hand-drawn and digital techniques. It delves into the history, theory, and process of architectural drawing and its relevance in the AEC industry today. It valuable resource for students and professionals interested in modern drawing practices and the integration of digital tools.
Specifically addresses solid modeling for the purpose of 3D printing using Fusion 360. It highlights the practical application of solid modeling in additive manufacturing, covering design considerations and techniques relevant to this contemporary topic.
This recent publication explores the concept of complexity in contemporary architectural and urban design, a theme closely related to parametric approaches that handle intricate systems. It is relevant for graduate students and professionals interested in the theoretical implications and applications of complex systems thinking in design. It offers insights into current discourse in the field.
While not strictly a 3D modeling book, this resource is invaluable for 3D artists as it focuses on the fundamental principles of light and shadow. Understanding how light interacts with objects is crucial for creating realistic renders and visually appealing 3D scenes. provides foundational knowledge that complements technical 3D skills.
Provides an in-depth look at the geometric modeling techniques used in CAD/CAM. It covers topics such as surface modeling, solid modeling, and feature-based modeling.
Provides an overview of the computer graphics techniques used in CAD/CAM. It covers topics such as 3D rendering, lighting, and shading.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to FreeCAD 0.20 - Basic 3D Modeling Course (for beginners).
Design Computing: 3D Modeling in Rhinoceros with...
Most relevant
xDesign Foundations: Sketching and Extrusion
Most relevant
The Grasshopper Bible: Fundamentals
Most relevant
3D Modeling for 3D Printing and Laser Cutting on Fusion...
Most relevant
FreeCAD 1.0 Easy Parametric Modeling: Spreadsheets &...
Most relevant
Revit Architecture : Master Class
Most relevant
Waffle Structures in Rhino Grasshopper
Most relevant
Revit Families - From Beginner to Pro
Most relevant
FreeCAD v1.0 2025 Ultimate Beginners Course Extended...
Most relevant

Udemy Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Global Marketplace Leader
Free Trial & Audit

Free Lecture Previews

Free preview video lectures available for all courses; optional 7-day free trial on Personal Plan subscriptions (cancel before trial ends to avoid conversion).

Return & Refund Policy

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

30-day money-back guarantee on all eligible individual course purchases (provided course content has not been substantially consumed or downloaded). Subscription fees are non-refundable once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Lifetime access to purchased individual courses and future updates, verifiable certificate of completion, and direct student Q&A forums.

Key Purchase Protections
30-day 100% money-back guarantee on course purchases
Lifetime access on web, mobile, and offline
Certificate of completion included with purchase
Direct instructor Q&A and active student community
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser