FreeCAD 26.3 Release Candidate 1

Executive Summary

This is the first release candidate for FreeCAD 26.3 , the first complete build of the work done since 1.1. We are near the finish line: what is needed now is testing, so that any remaining blocking bugs surface before the final release. A note on the version number: 26.3 follows 1.1. Nothing was skipped and nothing was renamed. FreeCAD has moved to three releases per year on fixed dates with calendar-based version numbers, so the next releases will be 27.1, 27.2 and 27.3.

Client Application & User-Space Architecture

From a desktop application, client performance, and user-space engineering perspective: - **Local-First Computation:** Workloads prioritize client-side execution, eliminating mandatory surveillance telemetry. - **Cross-Platform Toolchains:** Modern GUI frameworks (Qt, GTK) ensure optimal resource utilization without memory bloat. - **Format Interoperability:** Implements open, non-proprietary file formats, protecting user data from vendor entrapment.

Impact on the Open Ecosystem

Safeguards everyday workflow productivity within a trustworthy, zero-telemetry free software ecosystem.