FreeCAD on Apple M1

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Lolo0049
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Joined: Mon May 16, 2022 4:28 pm

FreeCAD on Apple M1

Post by Lolo0049 »

Hi guys.

I'm new to FreeCAD, Not a user, however my dad is actively using it to build his model RC boat.

He is currently using an Old PC from 15 years ago that is constantly lagging making the use of the software difficult, I advised him to change for an iMac 24" 2021, I just wanted to make sure that the FreeCAD software is working on the M1 Chip, before he buys it.

Thank for you answer

Best regards
Laurent
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adrianinsaval
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Re: FreeCAD on Apple M1

Post by adrianinsaval »

we currently don't provide binary builds to run natively on M1 chips however some people have successfully compiled on M1 but it looks like it's not an easy task if you are not used to doing such things. AFAIK The x86_64 binary can run on M1 with rosetta but performance might not be the best. For the time being an x86_64 machine is probably a safer and more convenient choice but eventually there will likely be M1 builds too.
Lolo0049
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Re: FreeCAD on Apple M1

Post by Lolo0049 »

Thank's for the answer !!! have good day :-)
pollwerk
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Re: FreeCAD on Apple M1

Post by pollwerk »

Is there an idea or a rough schedule when FreeCAD will be available for Apple Silicon? I am using FreeCAD with an old MacMini but when the native Apple Silicon version (without using Rosetta) is available I would like to install it on the M1 MacBook Air.
edwilliams16
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Re: FreeCAD on Apple M1

Post by edwilliams16 »

https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD-Bund ... -py310.dmg runs fine on my M1 Mac as does
https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD-Bund ... -py310.dmg under Rosetta.

The M1 build is about a month older. I haven't given it big workout - it's my wife's Mac, but I didn't find any problems.
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adrianinsaval
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Re: FreeCAD on Apple M1

Post by adrianinsaval »

@looo could you also make a M1 build for the 0.20.2 release?
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looo
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Re: FreeCAD on Apple M1

Post by looo »

adrianinsaval wrote: Tue Dec 06, 2022 10:48 am @looo could you also make a M1 build for the 0.20.2 release?
I am not sure if 0.20.2 will work for conda/osx-arm64, but I put it on to my todo list to try it. Anyway I am constantly updating the osx-arm64 weekly build (Just need a faster internet connection, as GitHub now often fails with the manual upload).

OT: I also have a linux-aarch64 AppImage, which is waiting for upload and testing. So the supported systems via conda for 0.21 are:
linux64
osx64
windows10 (python3.10 + needs windows10 iirc)
osx-arm64
linux-aarch64
GeneFC
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Re: FreeCAD on Apple M1

Post by GeneFC »

looo wrote: Tue Dec 06, 2022 5:02 pm windows10 (python3.10 + needs windows10 iirc)
There was a "fix" reported on the forum several months ago that allows Python up to 3.10 to work fine on Windows 7. I believe the idea originally came from Blender users.

There is a single missing dll in Windows 7 that causes the problem.

api-ms-win-core-path-l1-1-0.dll

I added this to my Windows/System32 folders and the problem was resolved.

I do not know how long this will last, for example, will Python 3.11 worK?

(I also use Windows 10 and Windows 11, so I do not care very much, but there seem to be some users who cannot upgrade.)

Gene
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adrianinsaval
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Re: FreeCAD on Apple M1

Post by adrianinsaval »

I think it works on windows 8 and above but that's not a very popular version these days
satefan
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Re: FreeCAD on Apple M1

Post by satefan »

edwilliams16 wrote: Tue Dec 06, 2022 4:23 am https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD-Bund ... -py310.dmg runs fine on my M1 Mac as does
I have installed Freecad (quoted link) on my brand new 16" M2 Pro - runs like a charm!

Satefan
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