Keep your tool libraries synchronized across FreeCAD, CNC controllers, and tool management systems

You maintain tool data in multiple places:

• FreeCAD for CAM programming
• CNC Controller for actual machining (LinuxCNC, etc.)
• Spreadsheets for inventory tracking
• Shop Floor paper lists
• Camotics simulation

When a tool changes (new tool, new insert, wear offset, replacement), you update each system manually.

❌ Errors happen
❌ Parts get scrapped
❌ Time is wasted
❌ Tool data diverges

Smooth is a tool synchronization system that keeps your tool libraries in sync - automatically.

┌─────────────┐         ┌──────────────┐         ┌─────────────┐
│   FreeCAD   │◄────────┤    Smooth    │────────►│  LinuxCNC   │
│  CAM Tools  │         │ Central Hub  │         │ Tool Table  │
└─────────────┘         └──────────────┘         └─────────────┘
                              ▲
                              │
                        ┌─────┴──────┐
                        │  Web UI    │
                        │ Management │
                        └────────────┘

This addon connects FreeCAD's CAM workbench to Smooth, giving you one-click sync in both directions.

• One-click upload of your FreeCAD tool library
• Share tools across multiple machines and workstations
• Automatic backup of your tool data
• Custom shape files uploaded automatically

• Download standardized tool libraries to FreeCAD
• Get updates when tools are modified elsewhere
• Keep multiple FreeCAD installations in sync
• Pull changes from CNC controllers or other sources

• Track changes to your tool libraries over time
• Restore previous versions if something goes wrong
• See who changed what and when
• Complete audit trail for quality control

• Warns before overwriting newer tool data
• Choose which version to keep
• Never lose work due to simultaneous edits
• Smart merge options (coming soon)

Via Addon Manager (Recommended)

1. Open FreeCAD
2. Go to Tools → Addon Manager
3. Search for "Smooth"
4. Click Install
5. Restart FreeCAD

Manual Installation

mkdir -p ~/.local/share/FreeCAD/Mod
git clone https://github.com/loobric/smooth-freecad.git 

Step 1: Find a Smooth Server You can self host a smooth server of get a free account at Loobric

Get the server url and an API key from the server.

Step 2: Configure FreeCAD

1. Go to Edit → Preferences → CAM → Smooth
2. Enter server URL
3. Enter the API key
4. Click Test Connection ✓
5. Click Apply to save

Step 3: Start Syncing!

1. Switch to CAM Workbench
2. Click the "Sync with Smooth" button in toolbar
3. Choose Export or Import
4. Done! ✅

1. Click "Sync with Smooth" button
2. Select "Export new tools to Smooth"
3. The addon reads your .fctb (tool bits) and .fctl (library) files
4. Converts them to Smooth's universal format
5. Uploads to the server
6. Custom shape files are uploaded automatically

Result: Your tools are now in the central database, accessible from anywhere!

1. Click "Sync with Smooth" button
2. Select "Import new tools from Smooth"
3. The addon downloads tool data from Smooth
4. Converts back to FreeCAD format
5. Writes .fctb and .fctl files
6. Downloads custom shape files
7. Reloads FreeCAD library

Result: Your FreeCAD installation has the latest tools from the central database!

If someone else updated a tool library while you were working:

1. Conflict Warning dialog appears
2. Choose:
   • Force Push - Overwrite server with your version
   • Choose Version - View history and pick which to keep
   • Cancel - Stop and resolve manually
3. If you choose version, see full history with timestamps
4. Select version to restore
5. Sync completes successfully

• Technical Documentation - Developer guide, file formats, architecture
• Smooth Homepage - Learn about the complete Smooth ecosystem
• smooth-core - REST API server installation
• smooth-linuxcnc - LinuxCNC integration
• Issue Tracker - Report bugs or request features

Contributions welcome! This addon is open source (MIT License).

Ways to contribute:

• Report bugs or request features via Issues
• Improve documentation
• Submit pull requests
• Test with your tool libraries and report compatibility

See DEVELOPMENT.md for developer documentation.

MIT License - see LICENSE file

Smooth is developed by the Loobric project team.

• Homepage: https://loobric.com
• GitHub Organization: https://github.com/loobric
• Documentation: https://loobric.com/docs

Special Thanks:

• FreeCAD community for the amazing CAM workbench
• ISO 13399 standard for tool data modeling inspiration
• All contributors and testers

⭐ If you find Smooth useful, please star the project on GitHub! ⭐

Made with ❤️ for the FreeCAD community