The long-awaited stable release of FreeCAD 1.0 has prompted a wave of evaluation trials among small and medium-sized UK architectural practices seeking alternatives to Autodesk's subscription-based products. The open source parametric CAD tool now includes a substantially improved topological naming algorithm and a reworked BIM workbench, addressing longstanding stability complaints. Industry body the RIBA has noted member enquiries about FreeCAD training resources have tripled since the release.

Source: The Register