8
FreeCad in docker (lemmy.dbzer0.com)
submitted 2 months ago by ExcessShiv@lemmy.dbzer0.com to c/3dprinting@lemmy.world
7 comments fedilink hide all child comments

I recently decided to force myself to actually learn FreeCad. I've tried on and off for the past two years but just couldn't get along with the UI and workflow...well, now I'm giving it an honest shot, and after a few weeks of misery, it is getting better.

But my laptop is not particularly powerful, and I frequently have performance issues when working with imported step-files. Lo and behold, you can run FreeCad in docker, so I can use my server which is significantly more powerful and just access via browser.

The catch is, it seems to run even worse than on my laptop. I can also see that it actually doesn't use much of the available power of the server. Does anyone have experience with setting up a docker compose for FreeCad? I've looked at the docs and my GPU should be passed through and I've also allocated 32GB ram to the container. But it doesn't actually use it it seems.

top 7 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[-] Stampela@startrek.website 2 points 2 months ago

I don’t have any experience here, but everything seems to point towards the docker being just a way to install it for any machine, for ease of management, not a streaming/remote control situation where the software runs on the server, and you just see/interact with the video output. So probably the slowdown is caused by your laptop liking FreeCad even less once it’s running in your web browser.

Obviously I can be way off, but this is what it looks to me.

[-] ExcessShiv@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Docker is just a virtualized environment that enables OS agnostic deployment of services, it is normal to access the dep via a web interface, I do this with orca slicer (and a bunch of other stuff) too without issues. The docker image of FreeCad is specifically intended to be accessed via web interface.

[-] Stampela@startrek.website -1 points 2 months ago

Yes, but your laptop is not liking the software, and now you are running it in a browser too. Unless the service offered by the container is remote control, then it’s not going to be of any help for you. Difference between running a HTML5 game in your browser, or GeForce Now: one runs locally, the other is just a video feed.

[-] HelloRoot@lemy.lol 3 points 2 months ago

Thats not how that docker container is actually set up.

What you describe does exist, but here it is actually running on the server and gets streamed to the users browser.

[-] ExcessShiv@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

FreeCad is run inside the container, on the server hardware, the frontend is then accessed via browser. My laptop is not doing any more work than browsing the internet, it's all handled by the server hardware.

[-] HelloRoot@lemy.lol 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

do you have a docker image or link so that I can try it out and see if it's the same for me?

this post was submitted on 27 Jan 2026
8 points (90.0% liked)

3DPrinting

22418 readers
9 users here now

3DPrinting is a place where makers of all skill levels and walks of life can learn about and discuss 3D printing and development of 3D printed parts and devices.

The r/functionalprint community is now located at: or !functionalprint@fedia.io

There are CAD communities available at: !cad@lemmy.world or !freecad@lemmy.ml

Rules

If you need an easy way to host pictures, https://catbox.moe may be an option. Be ethical about what you post and donate if you are able or use this a lot. It is just an individual hosting content, not a company. The image embedding syntax for Lemmy is ![](URL)

Moderation policy: Light, mostly invisible

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
andypiper@lemmy.world
j4k3@lemmy.world
GrayBackgroundMusic@lemmy.zip