FreeCAD's first release candidate for v1.0 is out more than 20 years after initial release

FreeCAD, the open-source parametric 3D modeler, has announced the release of the first release candidate for FreeCAD 1.0. This milestone follows numerous weekly builds aimed at users comfortable with more unstable versions, helping refine the edge cases. The release candidate targets a broader audience — users typically averse to unstable software but willing to test near-complete versions and report any issues.

Currently, FreeCAD has just seven release blockers, though the team anticipates that user feedback on the release candidate may reveal additional issues. The announcement emphasizes the importance of delivering a stable final release. Starting now, users can download the RC1, test it on real projects, and report any bugs to the issue tracker.