1. Extract the downloaded .zip (right-click → Extract All). Keep the extracted folder together — the ai-pack folder must stay next to the installer.
2. Run DraftCore-Mechanical-Setup-1.0.6.exe. It installs the application and its analysis tools. The first time you open the Assistant tab, choose a model size and press Download (internet needed once; the size is shown before you download); after that the assistant works offline.
3. Windows may warn “unknown publisher” because the installer is not code-signed yet — choose More info → Run anyway.
4. Updates are one click: use Help → Check for Updates in the app. It also checks quietly on start-up and offers a new version when one is available.
Check your download (SHA-256):ba827eca89758e5e43150530b7fe64f432428a7ab43b8219dd6260082cc99026
To verify, open PowerShell in the folder with the .zip and run:
Get-FileHash .\DraftCore-Mechanical-1.0.6.zip -Algorithm SHA256
The value printed must match the one above.
Simple CFD is free. After installing, email us with your name and operating system and we’ll activate your licence. Paste the key into the Activate License screen when you first open the app.
Run the downloaded .exe, choose an install location and follow the prompts. When it offers to install OpenFOAM® and ParaView, accept both — Simple CFD needs OpenFOAM to mesh and solve, and ParaView powers the “Open in ParaView” button. Neither needs admin rights.
Windows needs an internet connection for first-run licence activation, and periodically after that to re-validate.
sudo dpkg -i simple-cfd-app_1.2.5_amd64.deb sudo apt-get install -f
Setup offers to install OpenFOAM® v2606 — accept it, or run it later with:
sudo bash /opt/SimpleCFD/resources/install-openfoam.sh
Launch it from your app menu, or with simplecfd in a terminal.
AppImage — no install step:
chmod +x SimpleCFD-1.2.5.AppImage ./SimpleCFD-1.2.5.AppImage
Then install OpenFOAM® once:
curl -s https://dl.openfoam.com/add-debian-repo.sh | sudo bash sudo apt update sudo apt install -y openfoam2606
Snap — install the downloaded file directly:
sudo snap install simplecfd_1.2.5_amd64.snap --classic --dangerous
Then install OpenFOAM® as above, or with sudo bash /snap/simplecfd/current/install-openfoam.sh.
OPENFOAM® is a registered trade mark of OpenCFD Limited, producer and distributor of the OpenFOAM software via www.openfoam.com. This offering is not approved or endorsed by OpenCFD Limited. Simple CFD does not bundle or modify OpenFOAM — it is a separate, independently installed GPL-licensed product that Simple CFD runs as external processes.