All organizations · GSoC 2026 · End user applications, Media

FreeCAD

Cross-platform 3D parametric modeler

FreeCAD is a general-purpose parametric 3D computer-aided design (CAD) modeler and a building information modeling (BIM) software application with finite element method (FEM) support. It is intended for mechanical engineering product design but also expands to a wider range of uses around engineering, such as architecture or electrical engineering. FreeCAD is free and open-source, under the LGPL-2.0-or-later license, and available for Linux, macOS, and Windows operating systems. Users can extend the functionality of the software using the Python programming language.

  • python
  • c++
  • qt
  • OpenCASCADE
  • OpenInventor
  • engineering
  • graphics
  • cad
  • 3d
  • architecture
  • BIM
  • CAM

Project ideas

12 ideas on its 2026 ideas page; of the 12 that state a difficulty: 2 easy, 4 medium, 6 hard. Sizes: 2 small, 4 medium, 6 large.

  1. Integration with OctoPrint large medium
  2. Combining FreeCAD Assembly, Multibody Dynamics, and Finite Element Analysis large hard
  3. TechDraw: Make Pan/Zoom available in "Gesture" mode small hard
  4. Core: Collaboration features large hard
  5. PartDesign: Add threading to existing holes medium hard
  6. PartDesign: Ability to edit used sketch references during creation & modification operations in UI medium medium
  7. Support STEP AP242 ed1/ed2/ed3/ed4 large hard
  8. CAM/BIM: Create a 2D nesting tool large hard
  9. 3D Constraint-driven sketcher/wireframe workbench large medium
  10. Measurement: Add snapping to measurements medium medium
  11. UX/UI - Feature request: Add input hints to Measure small easy
  12. Allow to open backup files directly medium easy

Read the ideas page. Ideas are for scope reference; never copy one into a proposal.

History

In GSoC since 2023, 4 years. Projects per year: '23: 4, '24: 1, '25: 3, '26: 5.

On GitHub

37 repositories pushed to in the last year. Main languages: Python (16), HTML (3), Shell (2), C++ (1), CSS (1), Nix (1).

Links and channels

go deeper in your terminal
git-into-gsoc org "FreeCAD" --shortlist
git-into-gsoc repos "FreeCAD"
git-into-gsoc issues --org "FreeCAD"
or ask your assistant:
"Which FreeCAD repositories merge
newcomers' pull requests, and which beginner
issues are still free?"

Those commands read live data: which repositories merge outside pull requests, and which beginner issues nobody has claimed. Install in two minutes.