AutoCAD is without a doubt the number one reference when it comes to computer-aided design platforms. However, its proprietary nature and high cost force many users to consider other options. Fortunately, the open source world has several in its repertoire, and one that has been recently updated is FreeCAD. Among its latest additions we find Oculus Rift support, and the developers plan to experiment with the idea of "funded development" to accelerate the program's evolution.
We all have a subject that causes us immediate rejection. In my case, that subject is technical drawing. For younger readers to picture it better, I come from a dreadful era with dozens of pencils, boards whose rulers we had to calibrate by hand, India ink to improve calligraphy, and other things that give me chills just remembering them. Over time and with the right software, computers have managed to reinvent technical drawing and design in general, but even so I stayed away from tools like AutoCAD. The arrival of 3D printers will probably force me to reevaluate my position, although the cost of an AutoCAD 2016 subscription ($1,680 for one year) is completely divorced from reality. That's when we look toward the territory of free software, and we find FreeCAD.
FreeCAD 0.15: New Features and Rift Support
The official description is "open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler", but the truth is that it doesn't do it justice. FreeCAD has been in development for more than twelve years, and since then it has gained a huge number of features. Its latest build 0.15 saw the light on April 8, and the release notes are much longer than we imagined. For some reason, the FreeCAD developers decided to place Oculus Rift compatibility under "minor optimizations". While it's true that the virtual headset still owes us a commercial edition, any attempt to unite 3D design with virtual reality deserves its own chapter. Improved ellipse support, new selection tools, a new spreadsheet editor, DXF drawing export, and a more powerful "Roof" tool are just a few of the entries.
The Road to Funded Development
One possibility that the FreeCAD developers are exploring is that of funded development. Now, this doesn't mean crowdfunding or anything like that, but rather turning personal donations into priority work time on FreeCAD. For now, only one of them received payments for their work on the Path module (something very informal, it seems), but if the idea prospers among users, we will surely see news.
Getting Started with FreeCAD
As always, FreeCAD is one of those programs that demands dedication. There is plenty of free material on the Web aimed at beginners, so it will just be a matter of time before anyone interested starts creating and printing.
