FreeCAD 1.1 adds three point lighting, Part Design previews, and major FEM upgrades

FreeCAD 1.1 is now available, bringing a broad set of improvements across modeling, visualization, and core design features. The update adds three point lighting for better 3D model rendering, transparent previews in the Part Design Workbench for additive and subtractive features, and interactive draggers that let users adjust feature values directly in the 3D view. These previews can also be turned on or off in preferences.

The release also introduces a new Clarify Selection tool to make it easier to pick hidden or internal geometry by temporarily making nearby objects transparent and listing selectable elements. Quick Measure now shows more context aware details such as diameter and axis distance, while the Transform tool has been expanded with more precise alignment options, center of mass control, and axis specific transformations.

Other updates include improved datum tools, expanded Assembly and Sketcher features, and a redesigned Hole tool with wider thread profile support. FEM gains multi frame result visualization, custom field creation through filters, and added solver support for electrostatics and current conduction. CAM now uses the Better Tool Library system, while configuration handling, theme customization, and Python addon management have also been improved for safer upgrades and more flexible customization. You can check the full list of changes in the Release Notes here.