How to Update FreeCAD Addons and Extensions

Updating your extensions, workbenches, and macros in FreeCAD ensures you have the latest features, bug fixes, and compatibility improvements. This guide outlines the quick process of using the built-in FreeCAD Addon Manager to check for available updates, install them individually or all at once, and properly restart the software to apply the changes.

Step 1: Open the Addon Manager

  1. Launch FreeCAD on your computer.
  2. In the top navigation menu, click on Tools.
  3. Select Addon manager from the dropdown list.

Step 2: Check for Updates

Once the Addon Manager window opens, FreeCAD automatically connects to the online repositories to check the status of your installed workbenches, addons, and macros.

  • If updates are available, an Update all button will become active in the top-right or bottom-right area of the window (depending on your FreeCAD version).
  • Addons with available updates will often display an update icon or badge next to their names in the package list.
  • If FreeCAD does not refresh automatically, click the Check for updates button located at the bottom of the window.

Step 3: Apply the Updates

You can update your components using one of two methods:

  • Update Everything at Once: Click the Update all button. The manager will sequentially download and install the latest versions of all your outdated extensions and macros.
  • Update Individually: Click on a specific workbench or macro marked for an update to open its details page, then click the Update button.

Step 4: Restart FreeCAD

After the installation process completes:

  1. Close the Addon Manager window.
  2. A prompt may appear asking you to restart FreeCAD. If it does not, manually save any open projects and restart the application.

Restarting FreeCAD is necessary to unload the old code and initialize the newly updated addons into your workspace.