How to Install FreeCAD 0.18 in Ubuntu 18.04 / 16.04

FreeCAD 3D CAD modeler

FreeCAD, free and open-source 3D parametric modeler, released version 0.18 recently with Python 3 and Qt 5 support. Here’s how to install it in Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, and Ubuntu 19.04.

FreeCAD 0.18 release highlights:

  • Extended TechDraw tools
  • New sketcher tools, more stable and robust PartDesign
  • Enhanced and extended Arch and BIM tools
  • Redesigned Start center
  • New Navigation Cube
  • Specify a custom background image for FreeCAD’s main window

Install or Upgrade FreeCAD in Ubuntu:

The official FreeCAD PPA has built the latest release packages for Ubuntu 16.04, Ubuntu 18.04, Ubuntu 19.04, and their derivatives.

1. Open terminal either via Ctrl+Alt+T keyboard shortcut, or by searching for ‘terminal’ from app menu. When it opens, run command to add the PPA:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:freecad-maintainers/freecad-stable

Type user password (no asterisk feedback) when it prompts and hit Enter to continue.

2. If a previous release was installed on your system, upgrade it via Software Updater:

Or install the software via following commands:

sudo apt update

sudo apt install freecad

Uninstall:

To remove FreeCAD, simply run command in terminal:

sudo apt remove --auto-remove freecad

To remove the PPA, open Software & Updates -> Other Software.