FreeCAD

What is FreeCAD

FreeCAD is the preferred FOSS (Free and Open-Source Software) used at Knox Makers for CAD (Computer Aided Design) and CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing). While you are always free to use other platforms you'll find that some of our devices are setup to integrate specifically with FreeCAD using add-ons & packages that have been designed in house to work with our devices. Additionally, peer support from other members will normally be easier to find if you are using FreeCAD versus other alternatives.

Installation

As of March 13, 2026 the preferred version of FreeCAD to run is FreeCAD 1.1 Release Candidate 3 - CAM+1. This version is preferred because it is stable and includes support options for our CNC, NibblerBOT, that aren't available in other versions. FreeCAD is available to run on many platforms including LINUX, Windows, and MacOS. You can find and download the appropriate version of FreeCAD for your OS here - https://github.com/Connor9220/FreeCAD/releases/tag/1.1rc3-cam+1

MacOS installation note: You may need to run "xattr-c /Applications/FreeCad.app" before MacOS will let you launch FreeCAD. (HT: adam_williams)

Learning The Software

CAD

For learning CAD a suggested resource is the Basic Beginners FreeCAD v1 (Public) by MangoJelly Solutions. This video series is current, specific to the updated interface that comes along with FreeCAD 1.x, and many members have expressed that it has been very helpful in their understanding and implementation of the software. It is suggested that you work through the lessons in a linear fashion regardless of your experience with FreeCAD. The early lessons in particular deal with setting up the interface and workbenches so that that mirror the instructor's layout which makes following along in your own copy of FreeCAD much easier. Additionally, this video series utilizes a building block approach where previously introduced tools and strategies are implements in later lessons. Going through in order will make reproducing the designs shown in the videos much easier to implement as they get more complex.

For those looking for written documentation, the FreeCAD Wiki is probably the most comprehensive resource and is intended for screen consumption. Most new users will likely want to start in the Users hub and progress from there. If you prefer a more linear, printer friendly version you can try ‘The Manual’ which contains the same information but formatted more like a book.

CAM

Learning CAM operations is a bit of a different animal. You’re going from creating virtual objects in the computer to actually manifesting these designs in the real world. The complexity increases significantly and there isn’t a ‘one stop’ solution to learning this process. Machines vary, materials vary, designs vary… and all of these affect each other in a dynamic fashion making CAM part process, part art. Because of this I’m not aware of a CAM video resource as comprehensive as the CAD videos by Mango Jelly linked above.

Having said that, one resource for the basics of CAM are the videos by Open Source CNC. The FreeCAD CAM 1.1 - Complete CNC video series is a work in progress but are relevant to how to do CAM in the latest stable release of FreeCAD. Not a specific playlist but if you look through his other videos you’ll find additional titles related to FreeCAD that may be beneficial.

For our CNC specifically, once you have a grasp of the basics of CAM and have completed the 101 authorization course, working 1-on-1 with a NibblerBOT guide (someone authorized to run the CNC solo) on your first couple of projects is the suggested method of gaining basic CAM proficiency on NibblerBOT.

NibblerBOT

Configuration changes to FreeCAD necessary for it to work properly with NibblerBOT are accomplished through the installation of the KM-FreeCAD Addon. Once installed it will provide the ability to directly send your Post Process to our CNC, templates for quick setup of jobs, enable certain experimental features, and most importantly it integrates the NibblerBOT tool library with FreeCAD so it is always current and the tools are available for direct selection from within your jobs.

If you have never had a version of FreeCAD earlier than 1.1.x installed on your computer you should be able to follow these steps to install the KM-FreeCAD Addon.

1. Add the custom KM-FreeCAD repository:

   

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   • Navigate to Preferences by selecting Edit -> Preferences from the menu.
   • Select Addon Manager from the left menu in Preferences.
   • Click on the '+' button.
   • In the resulting popup window enter 'https://github.com/KnoxMakers/KM-FreeCAD' in the Repository URL and 'main' in the Branch fields.
   • Click on Apply, then OK to close the window.
2. Go to the Addon Manager by selecting Tools -> Addon Manager from the menu.

   

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   • Make sure your filter is set to 'Any, Any' and then type KM in the search field. This should find the KM-FreeCAD Addon.
   • Select the KM-FreeCAD Addon and you should get a popup window with details on the Addon, click the Install button. Once installation is complete acknowledge the Success window that will pop up and Close the detail window.
   • FreeCAD will prompt to Restart, select Restart Now.
3. Verify your installation
   • Once FreeCAD has restarted, go to the CAM workbench.

     

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     • Verify you have the 3D Pocket, 3D Surface, and Waterline operations shown. It is fine that they are disabled, they will become enabled once you have an active Job.
     • From the CAM Workbench, select CAM from the top Menu, then Toolbit Library Manager.
       • Verify you have a NibblerBOT library and available toolbits as shown on the right. ** This library is updated periodically, you are not looking for an exact match, just similar tooling.

The KM-FreeCAD Addon should now be installed and your Toolbit Library should now stay synced with the NibblerBOT physical tool library.

If you have ever had a version earlier than 1.1.x installed you should work with @Billy on the initial installation of this Addon to ensure it has been configured properly.

Usage:

1. Select the NibblerBOT post processor when exporting G-code.
2. Use the provided job templates for quick setup.
3. Tool definitions and shapes are available under the Tools directory.