FreeCAD

The name FreeCAD combines two elements. The “free” part refers to the fact that this is free software released under a GNU General Public License (GPL). The “CAD” part refers to the fact that this is a tool that offers basic 3D CAD functionality, complete with advanced motion simulation capabilities. So if you’re interested in getting accustomed with 3D CAD functionality, you can do precisely that and you can do it for free with FreeCAD.

You can pick one of three setup types during the installation process:
Typical – the most common program features will be installed.
Custom – choose which program features will be installed (image module, raytracing module, documentation) and select where they will be installed
Complete – all program features will be installed.

FreeCAD has a tabbed interface. Open some of the example projects that come bundled with the application and you will see that tabs for those projects are displayed down at the bottom of the interface.
FreeCAD has a customizable interface: you can pick one of several supported languages, select what toolbars are displayed, set size of recent file list and toolbar icons, and play with a few other display settings.
FreeCAD’s interface is divided in workbenches; workbenches are sets of tools suited for a specific task.

From a functionality point of view, you can expect to get the following from FreeCAD: lots of formats are supported for the input; create and manipulate assemblies of parts; motion simulation capabilities; full 3D pan, zoom, tilt, and rotate; compute kinematic, quasi-static or dynamic solutions; plots and tabular output; and more.

As mentioned at the start, FreeCAD is free software released under a GNU GPL. This means you have all the time in the world to uncover all the features and functions it has to offer.

FreeCAD, a free and open source application, can be used to come up with CAD drawings and get accustomed to 3D CAD functionality. It even comes with motion simulation capabilities.