FreeCAD Configuration and Preference File Locations

This article outlines the exact storage locations for FreeCAD's user configuration, preferences, and custom settings across Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. FreeCAD primarily stores user-defined interface layouts, workbench setups, and application parameters in dedicated configuration files, primarily user.cfg. Knowing where these files reside allows you to back up your custom environment, migrate your settings to a new computer, or reset the software to its default state.

Primary Configuration Files

FreeCAD manages user data using two primary XML-formatted files:

  • user.cfg: Contains all user-modifiable preferences, such as default display units, view orientations, workbench customization, and shortcuts.
  • system.cfg: Stores system-level parameters established during installation or hardware detection.

Windows

On Windows, FreeCAD places configuration data inside the roaming application directory:

  • Configuration path: %APPDATA%\FreeCAD\
  • Full typical path: C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\FreeCAD\

To quickly navigate to this folder, press Win + R, type %APPDATA%\FreeCAD, and press Enter. Temporary data and caches are stored separately in C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\FreeCAD\.

Linux

Linux installations adhere to the XDG Base Directory specification:

  • Standard package (APT, PPA, RPM):
    • Configuration files: ~/.config/FreeCAD/ (specifically ~/.config/FreeCAD/user.cfg)
    • Add-ons and macros: ~/.local/share/FreeCAD/
    • Caches: ~/.cache/FreeCAD/
  • Flatpak:
    • Configuration path: ~/.var/app/org.freecadweb.FreeCAD/config/FreeCAD/
  • Snap:
    • Configuration path: ~/snap/freecad/current/.config/FreeCAD/

Note that folders starting with a dot (.config) are hidden by default in Linux file managers; press Ctrl + H to view them.

macOS

On macOS, configuration files are located inside your user library directory:

  • Configuration path: ~/Library/Preferences/FreeCAD/
  • Add-ons, macros, and support data: ~/Library/Application Support/FreeCAD/

To reach these folders in Finder, click Go in the top menu bar, hold the Option key to make Library visible, and open the relevant folder.

Finding the Path Within FreeCAD

You can confirm your active configuration directory directly inside the FreeCAD application:

  1. Open the Python Console via View > Panels > Python console.
  2. Run the command: App.getUserConfigDir()
  3. FreeCAD will print the exact folder path used by the running instance.