FreeCAD
Create a new document in FreeCAD. Args: name: The name of the document to create. Returns: A message indicating the success or failure of the document creation. Examples: If you want to
What is FreeCAD?
FreeCAD is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to create a new document in freecad. args: name: the name of the document to create. returns: a message indicating the success or failure of the document creation. examples: if you want to
Create a new document in FreeCAD. Args: name: The name of the document to create. Returns: A message indicating the success or failure of the document creation. Examples: If you want to
This server falls under the Developer Tools category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- create_document
- create_object
- edit_object
- delete_object
- execute_code
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
NPM
npx -y freecad-mcpManual Installation
npx -y freecad-mcpConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use FreeCAD
freecad-mcp is an MCP server that connects AI assistants directly to a running FreeCAD instance, enabling natural-language control of the full parametric CAD workflow — creating documents and parts, editing constraints, running sketch diagnostics, detecting geometry collisions, generating STEP files, and even producing CNC toolpaths (with FreeCAD 1.2-dev). It works through a lightweight Python bridge and a FreeCAD addon called AICopilot, and it can manage multiple simultaneous FreeCAD instances. Engineers and makers use it to accelerate 3D design iteration without manually navigating FreeCAD menus.
Prerequisites
- FreeCAD 1.1.x or 1.2-dev installed (check via Help → About FreeCAD)
- Python 3.10 or higher on the host machine
- pip install mcp>=0.1.0 (MCP Python SDK)
- git to clone the repository
- An MCP-compatible client such as Claude Desktop or Claude Code
Clone the freecad-mcp repository
Download the server and the AICopilot FreeCAD addon to your local machine.
git clone https://github.com/blwfish/freecad-mcp.git
cd freecad-mcpInstall the AICopilot workbench into FreeCAD
Copy the AICopilot addon directory into FreeCAD's Mod folder. The path differs by operating system.
# macOS:
cp -r AICopilot ~/Library/Application\ Support/FreeCAD/v1-2/Mod/
# Linux:
cp -r AICopilot ~/.local/share/FreeCAD/Mod/
# Windows: copy the AICopilot folder to %APPDATA%\FreeCAD\Mod\Install the MCP bridge files
Copy the server script and framing module to a persistent directory and install the MCP package.
mkdir -p ~/.freecad-mcp
cp freecad_mcp_server.py mcp_bridge_framing.py ~/.freecad-mcp/
pip3 install mcp>=0.1.0Register the server with your MCP client
Add freecad-mcp to Claude Code using the CLI, or add it manually to claude_desktop_config.json for Claude Desktop.
# Claude Code CLI:
claude mcp add freecad python3 ~/.freecad-mcp/freecad_mcp_server.pyLaunch FreeCAD and verify the connection
Start FreeCAD. The AICopilot addon starts the socket server automatically. Open View → Panels → Report View and confirm you see 'Socket server started'. Then ask your AI assistant to check the connection.
FreeCAD Examples
Client configuration
Add to claude_desktop_config.json. Use the absolute path to the bridge script installed in ~/.freecad-mcp/.
{
"mcpServers": {
"freecad": {
"command": "python3",
"args": ["/Users/you/.freecad-mcp/freecad_mcp_server.py"]
}
}
}Prompts to try
Use these prompts in Claude to drive FreeCAD through the MCP tools for instance management, design, and export.
- "Create a new FreeCAD document called 'MountingPlate' with a 100x60mm rectangular pad 5mm thick and four M3 through-holes at the corners"
- "List all active FreeCAD instances and show me what documents are open in each one"
- "Run a sketch diagnostic on the current part and fix any over-constrained or conflicting constraints"
- "Check this model for geometry errors and collision issues, then export the result as a STEP file"Troubleshooting FreeCAD
FreeCAD does not show 'Socket server started' in the Report View
Confirm the AICopilot folder was copied to the correct Mod directory for your FreeCAD version. Switch to the AICopilot workbench at least once from the workbench selector to trigger addon initialization.
The MCP server cannot connect to FreeCAD on Windows
On Windows the bridge uses a TCP port instead of a Unix socket. Set FREECAD_MCP_PORT to the correct port number (default 23456) and ensure no firewall rule blocks localhost connections on that port.
CNC toolpath generation fails or is unavailable
Toolpath generation requires FreeCAD 1.2-dev or newer with the Path workbench enabled. Verify your FreeCAD version via Help → About and upgrade if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions about FreeCAD
What is FreeCAD?
FreeCAD is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that create a new document in freecad. args: name: the name of the document to create. returns: a message indicating the success or failure of the document creation. examples: if you want to It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install FreeCAD?
Install via npm with the command: npx -y freecad-mcp. Then add the server configuration to your AI client's JSON config file (e.g., claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json).
Which AI clients work with FreeCAD?
FreeCAD works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is FreeCAD free to use?
Yes, FreeCAD is open source and available under the GNU Lesser General Public License v2.1 only license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Set Up FreeCAD in Your Editor
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Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
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