Addon

Introduction

In FreeCAD and in this documentation, an addon is any component that is not part of the base installation, but that can be added to the system by certain methods.

Different types

There are three types of addons:

• Macros: short snippet of Python code that provides a new tool or functionality in a single file ending with .FCMacro.
• Workbenches: collections of Python files that provide related Gui Commands (tools) centered around a particular topic, for example, tools to design cabinets, or tools to work with architecture, or tools to design boats, etc. These workbenches usually define new toolbars where commands are placed as buttons.
• Preference Packs: distributable collections of user preference. introduced in version 0.20

Installation

The recommended way to install addons is with the Addon Manager.

But for macros and workbenches manual installation is also possible:

• How to install macros
• Installing more workbenches

User documentation

• Getting started
• Installation: Download, Windows, Linux, Mac, Additional components, Docker, AppImage, Ubuntu Snap
• Basics: About FreeCAD, Interface, Mouse navigation, Selection methods, Object name, Preferences, Workbenches, Document structure, Properties, Help FreeCAD, Donate

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• Help: Tutorials, Video tutorials
• Workbenches: Std Base, Arch, Assembly, CAM, Draft, FEM, Inspection, Mesh, OpenSCAD, Part, PartDesign, Points, Reverse Engineering, Robot, Sketcher, Spreadsheet, Start, Surface, TechDraw, Test Framework, Web

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• Addons: Addon Manager, External workbenches, Scripting and macros

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• Hubs: User hub, Power users hub, Developer hub