Sketcher Workbench: Difference between revisions
mNo edit summary |
|||
(106 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown) | |||
Line 9: | Line 9: | ||
|IconR=Workbench_Spreadsheet.svg |
|IconR=Workbench_Spreadsheet.svg |
||
}} |
}} |
||
<!--T:197--> |
|||
{{VeryImportantMessage|This page has been marked for translation. But it is still a work in progress!!!}} |
|||
<!--T:123--> |
<!--T:123--> |
||
Line 20: | Line 23: | ||
<!--T:2--> |
<!--T:2--> |
||
With the |
With the [[Image:Workbench_Sketcher.svg|24px]] [[Sketcher_Workbench|Sketcher Workbench]] 2D sketches intended for use in other workbenches can be created. 2D sketches are the starting point for many CAD models. They typically define the profiles and paths for operations to create 3D shapes. A model may depend on several sketches for its final shape. |
||
<!--T:198--> |
|||
Together with boolean operations defined in the [[Image:Workbench_Part.svg|16px]] [[Part Workbench|Part Workbench]], the Sketcher Workbench, or "The Sketcher" for short, forms the basis of the [[constructive solid geometry|constructive solid geometry]] (CSG) method of building solids. Together with [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|16px]] [[PartDesign_Workbench|PartDesign Workbench]] operations, it also forms the basis of the [[feature editing|feature editing]] methodology of creating solids. But many other workbenches use sketches as well. |
Together with boolean operations defined in the [[Image:Workbench_Part.svg|16px]] [[Part Workbench|Part Workbench]], the Sketcher Workbench, or "The Sketcher" for short, forms the basis of the [[constructive solid geometry|constructive solid geometry]] (CSG) method of building solids. Together with [[Image:Workbench_PartDesign.svg|16px]] [[PartDesign_Workbench|PartDesign Workbench]] operations, it also forms the basis of the [[feature editing|feature editing]] methodology of creating solids. But many other workbenches use sketches as well. |
||
<!--T:3--> |
<!--T:3--> |
||
The Sketcher workbench features [[# |
The Sketcher workbench features [[#Constraints|constraints]], allowing 2D shapes to follow precise geometrical definitions in terms of length, angles, and relationships (horizontality, verticality, perpendicularity, etc.). A constraint solver calculates the constrained-extent of 2D geometry and allows interactive exploration of the degrees-of-freedom of the sketch. |
||
<!--T:11--> |
|||
The Sketcher is not intended for producing 2D blueprints. Once sketches are used to generate a solid feature, they are automatically hidden and Constraints are only visible in Sketch edit mode. If you only need to produce 2D views for print, and don't want to create 3D models, check out the [[Draft_Workbench|Draft workbench]]. |
|||
</translate> |
</translate> |
||
Line 33: | Line 40: | ||
{{Caption|A fully constrained sketch}} |
{{Caption|A fully constrained sketch}} |
||
== |
== Constraints == <!--T:199--> |
||
<!--T:7--> |
<!--T:7--> |
||
Constraints are used to limit the degrees of freedom of an object. For example, a line without constraints has 4 |
Constraints are used to limit the degrees of freedom of an object. For example, a line without constraints has 4 degrees of freedom (abbreviated as "DoF"): it can be moved horizontally or vertically, it can be stretched, and it can be rotated. |
||
<!--T:8--> |
<!--T:8--> |
||
Line 47: | Line 54: | ||
There are two kinds of constraints: geometric and dimensional. They are detailed in the [[#Tools|Tools]] section below. |
There are two kinds of constraints: geometric and dimensional. They are detailed in the [[#Tools|Tools]] section below. |
||
== |
=== Edit constraints === <!--T:201--> |
||
<!--T: |
<!--T:202--> |
||
When a [[Sketcher_ToggleDrivingConstraint|driving dimensional constraint]] is created, and if the {{MenuCommand|Ask for value after creating a dimensional constraint}} [[Sketcher_Preferences#Display|preference]] is selected (default), a dialog opens to edit its value. |
|||
The Sketcher is not intended for producing 2D blueprints. Once sketches are used to generate a solid feature, they are automatically hidden. Constraints are only visible in Sketch edit mode. |
|||
<!--T:203--> |
|||
[[Image:Sketcher_Edit_Constraint.png|Sketcher_Edit_Constraint.png]] |
|||
<!--T:204--> |
|||
You can enter a numerical value or an [[Expressions|expression]], and it is possible to name the constraint to facilitate its use in other expressions. You can also check the {{MenuCommand|Reference}} checkbox to switch the constrain to reference mode. |
|||
<!--T:205--> |
|||
To edit the value of an existing dimensional constraint do one of the following: |
|||
* Double-click the constraint value in the [[3D_view|3D view]]. |
|||
* Double-click the constraint in the [[Sketcher_Dialog|Sketcher Dialog]]. |
|||
* Right-click the constraint in the Sketcher Dialog and select the {{MenuCommand|Change value}} option from the context menu. |
|||
<!--T: |
=== Reposition constraints === <!--T:206--> |
||
If you only need to produce 2D views for print, and don't want to create 3D models, check out the [[Draft_Workbench|Draft workbench]]. Unlike Sketcher elements, Draft objects don't use constraints; they are simple shapes defined at the moment of creation. Both Draft and Sketcher can be used for 2D geometry drawing, and 3D solid creation, although their preferred use is different: |
|||
* The '''Sketcher Workbench''' is normally used together with the [[Part_Workbench|Part]] and [[PartDesign_Workbench|PartDesign]] workbenches to create solids. |
|||
* The '''Draft Workbench''' is normally used for simple planar drawings over a grid, as when drawing an architectural floor plan. In these situations Draft is mostly used together with the [[Arch_Workbench|Arch Workbench]]. |
|||
<!--T: |
<!--T:207--> |
||
Dimensional constraints can be repositioned in the 3D view by dragging. Hold down the left mouse button over the constraint value and move the mouse. The symbols of geometric constraints are positioned automatically and cannot be moved. |
|||
The tool [[Draft_Draft2Sketch|Draft2Sketch]] converts a Draft object to a Sketch object, and vice versa. Many tools that require a 2D element as input work with either type of object as an internal conversion is done automatically. |
|||
== Profile sketches == |
== Profile sketches == <!--T:208--> |
||
<!--T:209--> |
|||
To create a sketch that can be used as a profile for generating solids certain rules must be followed: |
To create a sketch that can be used as a profile for generating solids certain rules must be followed: |
||
* The sketch must contain only closed contours. Gaps between endpoints, however small, are not allowed. |
* The sketch must contain only closed contours. Gaps between endpoints, however small, are not allowed. |
||
* Contours can be nested, to create voids, but should not self-intersect or intersect other contours. |
* Contours can be nested, to create voids, but should not self-intersect or intersect other contours. |
||
* Contours cannot share edges with other contours. Duplicate edges |
* Contours cannot share edges with other contours. Duplicate edges must be avoided. |
||
* T-connections, that is more than two edges sharing a common point, or a point touching an edge, are not allowed. |
* T-connections, that is more than two edges sharing a common point, or a point touching an edge, are not allowed. |
||
<!--T:210--> |
|||
These rules do not apply to construction geometry (default color blue), which is not shown outside edit mode, or if the sketch is used for a different purpose. Depending on the workbench and the tool that will use the profile sketch, additional restrictions may apply. |
These rules do not apply to construction geometry (default color blue), which is not shown outside edit mode, or if the sketch is used for a different purpose. Depending on the workbench and the tool that will use the profile sketch, additional restrictions may apply. |
||
== Drawing aids == |
== Drawing aids == <!--T:211--> |
||
<!--T:212--> |
|||
The Sketcher Workbench has several drawing aids and other features that can help when creating geometry and applying constraints. |
The Sketcher Workbench has several drawing aids and other features that can help when creating geometry and applying constraints. |
||
=== Continue modes === |
=== Continue modes === <!--T:213--> |
||
<!--T:214--> |
|||
There are two continue modes: '''Geometry creation "Continue Mode"''' and '''Constraint creation "Continue Mode"'''. If these are checked (default) in the [[Sketcher_Preferences#Display|preferences]], related tools will restart after finishing. To indicate that a tool is running in continue mode, the cursor changes to a white cross with the tool icon. |
|||
There are two continue modes: '''Geometry creation "Continue Mode"''' and '''Constraint creation "Continue Mode"'''. If these are checked (default) in the [[Sketcher_Preferences#Display|preferences]], related tools will restart after finishing. To exit an continuous tool press {{KEY|Esc}} or the right mouse button. This must be repeated if a continuous geometry tool has already received input. You can also exit a continuous tool by starting another geometry or constraint creation tool. Note that pressing {{KEY|Esc}} if no tool is active will exit sketch edit mode. Uncheck the '''Esc can leave sketch edit mode''' [[Sketcher_Preferences#General|preference]] if you often inadvertently press {{KEY|Esc}} too many times. |
|||
=== Auto constraints === <!--T:215--> |
|||
To exit an active tool press {{KEY|Esc}} or the right mouse button. This must be repeated if an active geometry tool has already received input. You can also exit a continuous tool by starting another geometry or constraint tool. Note that pressing {{KEY|Esc}} if no tool is active will exit sketch edit mode. Uncheck the '''Esc can leave sketch edit mode''' [[Sketcher_Preferences#General|preference]] if you often inadvertently press {{KEY|Esc}} too many times. |
|||
<!--T:216--> |
|||
=== Automatic constraints === |
|||
In sketches that have '''Auto constraints''' checked (default) several constraints are applied automatically. The icon of a proposed automatic constraint is shown next to the cursor when it is placed correctly. Left-Clicking will then apply that constraint. This is a per-sketch setting that can be changed in the [[Sketcher_Dialog#Constraints|Sketcher Dialog]] or by changing the {{PropertyView|Autoconstraints}} [[Property_editor|property]] of the sketch. |
|||
The following constraints are applied automatically: |
|||
In sketches that have '''Auto constraints''' checked (default) several constraints are applied automatically. This is a per-sketch setting that can be changed in the [[Sketcher_Dialog#Constraints|Sketcher Dialog]] or by changing the {{PropertyView|Autoconstraints}} [[Property_editor|property]] of the sketch. |
|||
* [[Image:Sketcher_ConstrainCoincident.svg|16px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainCoincident|Coincident]] |
|||
* [[Image:Sketcher_ConstrainPointOnObject.svg|16px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainPointOnObject|Point on object]] |
|||
* [[Image:Sketcher_ConstrainHorizontal.svg|16px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainHorizontal|Horizontal]] |
|||
* [[Image:Sketcher_ConstrainVertical.svg|16px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainVertical|Vertical]] |
|||
* [[Image:Sketcher_ConstrainTangent.svg|16px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainTangent|Tangent]] |
|||
* {{Version|1.0}}: [[Image:Sketcher_ConstrainSymmetric.svg|16px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainSymmetric|Symmetric]] (line midpoint) |
|||
=== Snapping === |
=== Snapping === <!--T:217--> |
||
<!--T:218--> |
|||
{{Version|0.21}} |
{{Version|0.21}} |
||
<!--T:219--> |
|||
It is possible to snap to grid lines and grid intersection, to edges of geometry and midpoints of lines and arcs, and to certain angles. Please note that snapping does not produce constraints in and of itself. For example, only if [[Sketcher_Dialog#Constraints|Auto constraints]] is switched on will snapping to the midpoint of an edge produce a [[Sketcher_ConstrainPointOnObject|point onto object constraint]]. But just picking a point on the edge would then have the same result. Also note that there is currently no midpoint constraint, the [[Sketcher_ConstrainSymmetric|symmetrical contraint]] has to be applied instead. |
|||
It is possible to [[Sketcher_Snap|snap]] to grid lines and grid intersection, to edges of geometry and midpoints of lines and arcs, and to certain angles. Please note that snapping does not produce constraints in and of itself. For example, only if Auto constraints is switched on will snapping to an edge produce a [[Sketcher_ConstrainPointOnObject|Point on object constraint]]. But just picking a point on the edge would then have the same result. |
|||
=== On-View-Parameters === <!--T:220--> |
|||
For more information see [[Sketcher_Snap|Sketcher Snap]]. |
|||
<!--T:221--> |
|||
=== On-View-Parameters === |
|||
{{Version|1.0}} |
|||
<!--T:222--> |
|||
{{Version|0.22}} |
|||
Depending on the selected option in the [[Sketcher_Preferences#General|preferences]] only the dimensional On-View-Parameters or both the dimensional and the positional On-View-Parameters can be enabled. Positional parameters allow the input of exact coordinates, for example the center of a circle, or the start point of a line. Dimensional parameters allow the input of exact dimensions, for example the radius of a circle, or the length and angle of a line. On-View-Parameters are not available for all tools. |
|||
Depending on the selected option in the [[Sketcher_Preferences#General|preferences]] only the dimensional On-View-Parameters or both the dimensional and the positional On-View-Parameters can be enabled. Positional parameters allow the input of exact coordinates, for example the center of a circle, or the start point of a line. Dimensional parameters allow the input of exact dimensions, for example the radius of a circle, or the length and angle of a line. |
|||
</translate> |
</translate> |
||
[[Image:Sketcher_On_view_parameters_positional.png]] |
[[Image:Sketcher_On_view_parameters_positional.png]] |
||
<translate> |
<translate> |
||
<!--T:223--> |
|||
{{Caption|Determining the center point of a circle with the positional parameters enabled}} |
{{Caption|Determining the center point of a circle with the positional parameters enabled}} |
||
Line 106: | Line 136: | ||
[[Image:Sketcher_On_view_parameters_dimensional.png]] |
[[Image:Sketcher_On_view_parameters_dimensional.png]] |
||
<translate> |
<translate> |
||
<!--T:224--> |
|||
{{Caption|Determining the radius of a circle with the dimensional parameters enabled}} |
{{Caption|Determining the radius of a circle with the dimensional parameters enabled}} |
||
<!--T:225--> |
|||
If values are entered and confirmed by pressing {{KEY|Enter}} or {{KEY|Tab}}, related constraints are added automatically. If two parameters are displayed at the same time, for example the X and Y coordinate of a point, it is possible to enter one value and pick a point to define the other. Depending on the object additional constraints may be required to fully constrain it. Constraints resulting for On-View-Parameters take precedence over those that may result from [[Sketcher_Dialog#Constraints|Auto constraints]]. |
|||
If values are entered and confirmed by pressing {{KEY|Enter}} or {{KEY|Tab}}, related constraints are added automatically. If two parameters are displayed at the same time, for example the X and Y coordinate of a point, it is possible to enter one value and pick a point to define the other. Depending on the object additional constraints may be required to fully constrain it. Constraints resulting from On-View-Parameters take precedence over those that may result from [[Sketcher_Dialog#Constraints|Auto constraints]]. |
|||
</translate> |
</translate> |
||
[[Image:Sketcher_ArcExample3.png|300px]] |
[[Image:Sketcher_ArcExample3.png|300px]] |
||
<translate> |
<translate> |
||
<!--T:226--> |
|||
{{Caption|Arc created by entering all On-View-Parameters with resulting automatically created constraints}} |
{{Caption|Arc created by entering all On-View-Parameters with resulting automatically created constraints}} |
||
=== Coordinate display === |
=== Coordinate display === <!--T:227--> |
||
<!--T:228--> |
|||
If the '''Show coordinates beside cursor while editing''' [[Sketcher_Preferences#Display|preference]] is checked (default), the current tool parameters (coordinates, radius, or length and angle) are displayed next to the cursor. This is deactivated while On-View-Parameters are shown. |
|||
If the '''Show coordinates beside cursor while editing''' [[Sketcher_Preferences#Display|preference]] is checked (default), the parameters of the current geometry tool (coordinates, radius, or length and angle) are displayed next to the cursor. This is deactivated while On-View-Parameters are shown. |
|||
== Selection methods == <!--T:229--> |
|||
<!--T:230--> |
|||
While a sketch is in edit mode the following selection methods can be used: |
|||
=== 3D view element selection === |
|||
As elsewhere in FreeCAD, an element can be selected in the [[3D_view|3D view]] with a single left mouse click. But there is no need to hold down the {{KEY|Ctrl}} key when selecting multiple elements. Holding down that key is possible though and has the advantage that you can miss-click without losing the selection. Edges, points and constraints can be selected in this manner. |
|||
=== 3D view box selection === <!--T:231--> |
|||
Box selection in the 3D view works without using [[Std_BoxSelection|Std BoxSelection]] or [[Std_BoxElementSelection|Std BoxElementSelection]]: |
|||
# Make sure that no tool is active. |
|||
# Do one of the following: |
|||
#* Click in an empty area and drag a rectangle from left to right to select elements that lie completely inside the rectangle. |
|||
#* Click in an empty area and drag a rectangle from right to left to also select elements that touch or cross the rectangle. |
|||
You can box-select edges and points, constraints cannot be box-selected. |
|||
=== 3D view connected geometry selection === <!--T:232--> |
|||
{{Version|1.0}} |
|||
Double-clicking an edge in the 3D view will select all edges directly and indirectly connected with that edge via endpoints. There is no need for the edges to be connected with [[Sketcher_ConstrainCoincident|Coincident constraints]], endpoints need only have the same coordinates. |
|||
=== Sketcher Dialog selection === |
|||
Edges and points can also be selected from the Elements section of the [[Sketcher_Dialog|Sketcher Dialog]], and constraints from the Constraints section of that dialog. |
|||
== Copy, cut and paste == <!--T:233--> |
|||
<!--T:234--> |
|||
{{Version|1.0}} |
|||
<!--T:235--> |
|||
The standard keyboard shortcuts, {{KEY|Ctrl}}+{{KEY|C}}, {{KEY|Ctrl}}+{{KEY|X}} and {{KEY|Ctrl}}+{{KEY|V}}, can be used to copy, cut and paste selected Sketcher geometry including related constraints. But these tools are also available from the {{MenuCommand|Sketch → Sketcher tools}} menu. They can be used within the same sketch but also between different sketches or separate instances of FreeCAD. Since the data is copied to the clipboard in the form of Python code, it can be used in other ways too (e.g. shared on the forum). |
|||
== Tools == <!--T:144--> |
== Tools == <!--T:144--> |
||
Line 123: | Line 194: | ||
<!--T:16--> |
<!--T:16--> |
||
The Sketcher Workbench tools are located in the Sketch menu and/or several toolbars. {{Version|0.21}}: Almost all Sketcher toolbars are only displayed while a sketch is in edit mode. The only exception is the [[#Sketcher_toolbar|Sketcher toolbar]] which is only displayed if no sketch is in edit mode. |
The Sketcher Workbench tools are located in the Sketch menu and/or several toolbars. {{Version|0.21}}: Almost all Sketcher toolbars are only displayed while a sketch is in edit mode. The only exception is the [[#Sketcher_toolbar|Sketcher toolbar]] which is only displayed if no sketch is in edit mode. |
||
Some tools are also available from the [[3D_view|3D view]] context menu while a sketch is in edit mode, or from the context menus of the [[Sketcher_Dialog|Sketcher Dialog]]. |
|||
<!--T:177--> |
<!--T:177--> |
||
Line 132: | Line 205: | ||
<!--T:23--> |
<!--T:23--> |
||
* [[Image:Sketcher_NewSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_NewSketch|Create sketch]]: |
* [[Image:Sketcher_NewSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_NewSketch|Create sketch]]: Creates a new sketch and opens the [[Sketcher_Dialog|Sketcher Dialog]] to edit it. |
||
<!--T:24--> |
<!--T:24--> |
||
* [[Image:Sketcher_EditSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_EditSketch|Edit sketch]]: |
* [[Image:Sketcher_EditSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_EditSketch|Edit sketch]]: Opens the Sketcher Dialog to edit an existing sketch. |
||
<!--T:28--> |
<!--T:28--> |
||
* [[Image:Sketcher_MapSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_MapSketch| |
* [[Image:Sketcher_MapSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_MapSketch|Attach sketch]]: Attaches a sketch to selected geometry. |
||
<!--T:29--> |
<!--T:29--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ReorientSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ReorientSketch|Reorient sketch]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_ReorientSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ReorientSketch|Reorient sketch]]: Places a sketch on one of the main planes with an optional offset. It can also be used to detach a sketch. |
||
<!--T:30--> |
<!--T:30--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ValidateSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ValidateSketch|Validate sketch]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_ValidateSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ValidateSketch|Validate sketch]]: Can analyze and repair a sketch that is no longer editable or has invalid constraints, or add missing coincident constraints. |
||
<!--T:31--> |
<!--T:31--> |
||
* [[Image:Sketcher_MergeSketches.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_MergeSketches|Merge sketches]]: |
* [[Image:Sketcher_MergeSketches.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_MergeSketches|Merge sketches]]: Merges two or more sketches. |
||
<!--T:32--> |
<!--T:32--> |
||
* [[Image:Sketcher_MirrorSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_MirrorSketch|Mirror sketch]]: |
* [[Image:Sketcher_MirrorSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_MirrorSketch|Mirror sketch]]: Mirrors sketches across their X axis, Y axis, or origin. |
||
==== Sketcher Edit Mode toolbar ==== <!--T:165--> |
==== Sketcher Edit Mode toolbar ==== <!--T:165--> |
||
<!--T:25--> |
<!--T:25--> |
||
* [[Image:Sketcher_LeaveSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_LeaveSketch|Leave sketch]]: |
* [[Image:Sketcher_LeaveSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_LeaveSketch|Leave sketch]]: Finishes sketch edit mode and closes the [[Sketcher_Dialog|Sketcher Dialog]]. |
||
<!--T:26--> |
<!--T:26--> |
||
* [[Image:Sketcher_ViewSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ViewSketch|View sketch]]: |
* [[Image:Sketcher_ViewSketch.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ViewSketch|View sketch]]: Aligns the [[3D_view|3D view]] with the sketch. |
||
<!--T:27--> |
<!--T:27--> |
||
* [[Image:Sketcher_ViewSection.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ViewSection|View section]]: |
* [[Image:Sketcher_ViewSection.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ViewSection|View section]]: Toggles a temporary section plane that hides any objects and parts of objects in front of the sketch plane. |
||
==== Sketcher edit tools toolbar ==== <!--T:175--> |
==== Sketcher edit tools toolbar ==== <!--T:175--> |
||
Line 177: | Line 250: | ||
<!--T:127--> |
<!--T:127--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_StopOperation.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_StopOperation|Stop operation]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_StopOperation.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_StopOperation|Stop operation]]: Stops any currently running geometry or constraint creation tool. |
||
===Sketcher geometries=== <!--T:33--> |
===Sketcher geometries=== <!--T:33--> |
||
Line 185: | Line 258: | ||
<!--T:35--> |
<!--T:35--> |
||
* [[Image:Sketcher_CreatePoint.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreatePoint|Point]]: |
* [[Image:Sketcher_CreatePoint.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreatePoint|Point]]: Creates a point. |
||
* <span id="Sketcher_CompLine">[[Image:Sketcher_CreatePolyline.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] Create (poly)line:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the Sketcher_CompLine pages redirect here--> |
|||
<!--T:42--> |
|||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreatePolyline.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreatePolyline|Polyline]]: Creates a series of line and arc segments connected by their endpoints. The tool has several modes. |
|||
<!--T:36--> |
<!--T:36--> |
||
* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateLine.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateLine|Line]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateLine.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateLine|Line]]: Creates a line. {{Version|1.0}}: The tool has three modes. |
||
<!--T:180--> |
<!--T:180--> |
||
Line 194: | Line 272: | ||
<!--T:37--> |
<!--T:37--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateArc.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateArc|Arc]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateArc.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateArc|Arc by center]]: Creates an arc by its center and its endpoints. {{Version|1.0}}: Or by its endpoints and a point along the arc. |
||
<!--T:38--> |
<!--T:38--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_Create3PointArc.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Create3PointArc|Arc by 3 points]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_Create3PointArc.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Create3PointArc|Arc by 3 points]]: Creates an arc by its endpoints and a point along the arc. {{Version|1.0}}: This is the same tool as [[Sketcher_CreateArc|Arc by center]] but with a different initial mode. |
||
<!--T:181--> |
<!--T:181--> |
||
Line 203: | Line 281: | ||
<!--T:39--> |
<!--T:39--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateCircle.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateCircle|Circle]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateCircle.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateCircle|Circle by center]]: Creates a circle by its center and a point along the circle. {{Version|1.0}}: Or by three points along the circle. |
||
<!--T:40--> |
<!--T:40--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_Create3PointCircle.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Create3PointCircle|Circle by 3 points]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_Create3PointCircle.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Create3PointCircle|Circle by 3 points]]: Creates a circle by three points along the circle. {{Version|1.0}}: This is the same tool as [[Sketcher_CreateCircle|Circle by center]] but with a different initial mode. |
||
<!--T:182--> |
<!--T:182--> |
||
* <span id="Sketcher_CompCreateConic">[[Image:Sketcher_Conics.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] Create conic:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the Sketcher_CompCreateConic pages redirect here--> |
* <span id="Sketcher_CompCreateConic">[[Image:Sketcher_Conics.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] Create conic:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the Sketcher_CompCreateConic pages redirect here--> |
||
: Ellipses, hyperbolas and parabolas are called "conics" because they are types of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conic_section conic sections]. |
|||
<!--T:150--> |
<!--T:150--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateEllipseByCenter.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateEllipseByCenter|Ellipse by center]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateEllipseByCenter.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateEllipseByCenter|Ellipse by center]]: Creates an ellipse by its center, an endpoint of one of its axes, and a point along the ellipse. {{Version|1.0}}: Or by both endpoints of one of its axes and a point along the ellipse. |
||
<!--T:151--> |
<!--T:151--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateEllipseBy3Points.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateEllipseBy3Points|Ellipse by 3 points]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateEllipseBy3Points.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateEllipseBy3Points|Ellipse by 3 points]]: Creates an ellipse by the endpoints of one of its axes and a point along the ellipse. {{Version|1.0}}: This is the same tool as [[Sketcher_CreateEllipseByCenter|Ellipse by center]] but with a different initial mode. |
||
<!--T:152--> |
<!--T:152--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateArcOfEllipse.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateArcOfEllipse|Arc of ellipse]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateArcOfEllipse.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateArcOfEllipse|Arc of ellipse]]: Creates an arc of ellipse. |
||
<!--T:153--> |
<!--T:153--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateArcOfHyperbola.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateArcOfHyperbola|Arc of hyperbola]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateArcOfHyperbola.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateArcOfHyperbola|Arc of hyperbola]]: Creates an arc of hyperbola. |
||
<!--T:154--> |
<!--T:154--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateArcOfParabola.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateArcOfParabola|Arc of parabola]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateArcOfParabola.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateArcOfParabola|Arc of parabola]]: Creates an arc of parabola. |
||
<!--T:183--> |
<!--T:183--> |
||
* <span id="Sketcher_CompCreateBSpline">[[Image:Sketcher_CreateBSpline.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] B-spline:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the Sketcher_CompCreateBSpline pages redirect here--> |
* <span id="Sketcher_CompCreateBSpline">[[Image:Sketcher_CreateBSpline.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] Create B-spline:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the Sketcher_CompCreateBSpline pages redirect here--> |
||
<!--T:155--> |
<!--T:155--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_CreateBSpline.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateBSpline|B-spline by control points]]: |
:* [[File:Sketcher_CreateBSpline.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateBSpline|B-spline by control points]]: Creates a B-spline curve from control points. |
||
<!--T:156--> |
<!--T:156--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_CreatePeriodicBSpline.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreatePeriodicBSpline|Periodic B-spline by control points]]: |
:* [[File:Sketcher_CreatePeriodicBSpline.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreatePeriodicBSpline|Periodic B-spline by control points]]: Creates a periodic (closed) B-spline curve from control points. |
||
<!--T:169--> |
<!--T:169--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_CreateBSplineByInterpolation.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateBSplineByInterpolation|B-spline by knots]]: |
:* [[File:Sketcher_CreateBSplineByInterpolation.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateBSplineByInterpolation|B-spline by knots]]: Creates a B-spline curve through knot points. {{Version|0.21}} |
||
<!--T:170--> |
<!--T:170--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_CreatePeriodicBSplineByInterpolation.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreatePeriodicBSplineByInterpolation|Periodic B-spline by knots]]: |
:* [[File:Sketcher_CreatePeriodicBSplineByInterpolation.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreatePeriodicBSplineByInterpolation|Periodic B-spline by knots]]: Creates a periodic (closed) B-spline curve through knot points. {{Version|0.21}} |
||
<!--T:42--> |
|||
* [[Image:Sketcher_CreatePolyline.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreatePolyline|Polyline (multiple-point line)]]: Draws a line made of multiple line segments. Pressing the {{KEY|M}} key while drawing a Polyline toggles between the different polyline modes. |
|||
<!--T:184--> |
<!--T:184--> |
||
Line 248: | Line 325: | ||
<!--T:43--> |
<!--T:43--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateRectangle.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateRectangle|Rectangle]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateRectangle.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateRectangle|Rectangle]]: Creates a rectangle. {{Version|1.0}}: The tool has four modes. Rounded corners and creating an offset copy are optional features. |
||
<!--T:136--> |
<!--T:136--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateRectangle_Center.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateRectangle_Center|Centered rectangle]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateRectangle_Center.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateRectangle_Center|Centered rectangle]]: Creates a centered rectangle. {{Version|1.0}}: This is the same tool as [[Sketcher_CreateRectangle|Rectangle]] but with a different initial mode. |
||
<!--T:137--> |
<!--T:137--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateOblong.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateOblong|Rounded rectangle]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateOblong.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateOblong|Rounded rectangle]]: Creates a rounded rectangle. Idem. |
||
<!--T:185--> |
<!--T:185--> |
||
Line 260: | Line 337: | ||
<!--T:44--> |
<!--T:44--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateTriangle.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateTriangle|Triangle]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateTriangle.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateTriangle|Triangle]]: creates an equilateral triangle. {{Version|1.0}}: This is the same tool as [[Sketcher_CreateRegularPolygon|Regular polygon]] but with the number of sides preset to a specif value. |
||
<!--T:45--> |
<!--T:45--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateSquare.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateSquare|Square]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateSquare.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateSquare|Square]]: Creates a square. Idem. |
||
<!--T:46--> |
<!--T:46--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreatePentagon.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreatePentagon|Pentagon]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreatePentagon.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreatePentagon|Pentagon]]: Creates a pentagon. Idem. |
||
<!--T:47--> |
<!--T:47--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateHexagon.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateHexagon|Hexagon]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateHexagon.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateHexagon|Hexagon]]: Creates a hexagon. Idem. |
||
<!--T:48--> |
<!--T:48--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateHeptagon.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateHeptagon|Heptagon]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateHeptagon.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateHeptagon|Heptagon]]: Creates a heptagon. Idem. |
||
<!--T:49--> |
<!--T:49--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateOctagon.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateOctagon|Octagon]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateOctagon.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateOctagon|Octagon]]: Creates an octagon. Idem. |
||
<!--T:118--> |
<!--T:118--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateRegularPolygon.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateRegularPolygon|Regular polygon]] |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateRegularPolygon.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateRegularPolygon|Regular polygon]]: Creates a regular polygon. The number of sides can be specified. |
||
<!--T:186--> |
<!--T:186--> |
||
Line 284: | Line 361: | ||
<!--T:50--> |
<!--T:50--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateSlot.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateSlot|Slot]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateSlot.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateSlot|Slot]]: Creates a slot. |
||
<!--T:178--> |
<!--T:178--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateArcSlot.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateArcSlot|Arc slot]]: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateArcSlot.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateArcSlot|Arc slot]]: Creates an arc slot. {{Version|1.0}} |
||
<!--T:187--> |
<!--T:187--> |
||
* <span id="Sketcher_CompCreateFillets">[[Image:Sketcher_CreateFillet.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] Create fillet:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the Sketcher_CompCreateFillets pages redirect here--> |
* <span id="Sketcher_CompCreateFillets">[[Image:Sketcher_CreateFillet.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] Create fillet/chamfer:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the Sketcher_CompCreateFillets pages redirect here--> |
||
<!--T:51--> |
<!--T:51--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateFillet.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateFillet|Fillet]]: Creates a fillet between two non-parallel |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateFillet.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateFillet|Fillet]]: Creates a fillet between two non-parallel edges. {{Version|1.0}}: The tool can also create a chamfer. |
||
<!--T: |
<!--T:236--> |
||
:* [[Image: |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_CreateChamfer.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreateChamfer|Chamfer]]: creates a chamfer between two non-parallel edges. This is the same tool as [[Sketcher_CreateFillet|Fillet]] but with a different initial mode. {{Version|1.0}} |
||
<!--T:188--> |
<!--T:188--> |
||
Line 302: | Line 379: | ||
<!--T:52--> |
<!--T:52--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_Trimming.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Trimming|Trim]]: Trims |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_Trimming.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Trimming|Trim]]: Trims an edge at the nearest intersections with other edges. |
||
<!--T:134--> |
<!--T:134--> |
||
:* [[Image:Sketcher_Split.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Split|Split]]: Splits an edge |
:* [[Image:Sketcher_Split.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Split|Split]]: Splits an edge while transferring most constraints. |
||
<!--T:115--> |
<!--T:115--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_Extend.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Extend|Extend]]: Extends a line or an arc to |
:* [[File:Sketcher_Extend.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Extend|Extend]]: Extends or shortens a line or an arc to an arbitrary location, or to a target edge or point. |
||
<!--T:53--> |
<!--T:53--> |
||
* [[Image:Sketcher_External.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_External|External geometry]]: |
* [[Image:Sketcher_External.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_External|External geometry]]: Projects edges and/or vertices belonging to objects outside the sketch onto the sketch plane. |
||
<!--T:116--> |
<!--T:116--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_CarbonCopy.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CarbonCopy|Carbon copy]]: Copies |
* [[File:Sketcher_CarbonCopy.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CarbonCopy|Carbon copy]]: Copies all geometry and constraints from another sketch into the active sketch. |
||
<!--T:54--> |
<!--T:54--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ToggleConstruction.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ToggleConstruction|Toggle construction geometry]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_ToggleConstruction.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ToggleConstruction|Toggle construction geometry]]: Either toggles the geometry creation tools to/from construction mode, or toggles selected geometry to/from construction geometry. |
||
===Sketcher constraints=== <!--T:55--> |
===Sketcher constraints=== <!--T:55--> |
||
<!--T:56--> |
<!--T:56--> |
||
These are tools for creating [[#Constraints|constraints]]. Some constraints require the use of [[Sketcher_helper_constraint|Helper constraints]]. |
|||
<!--T:196--> |
<!--T:196--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainCoincidentUnified.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainCoincidentUnified|Coincident (unified)]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainCoincidentUnified.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainCoincidentUnified|Coincident (unified)]]: Creates a coincident constraint between points, fixes points on edges or axes, or creates a concentric constraint. It combines the [[Sketcher_ConstrainCoincident|Coincident]] and [[Sketcher_ConstrainPointOnObject|Point on object]] tools. {{Version|1.0}} |
||
<!--T:58--> |
<!--T:58--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainCoincident.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainCoincident|Coincident]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainCoincident.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainCoincident|Coincident]]: Creates a coincident constraint between points, or a concentric constraint. |
||
<!--T:59--> |
<!--T:59--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainPointOnObject.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainPointOnObject|Point on object]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainPointOnObject.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainPointOnObject|Point on object]]: Fixes points on edges or axes. |
||
<!--T:189--> |
<!--T:189--> |
||
* <span id="Sketcher_CompHorVer">[[Image:Sketcher_ConstrainHorVer.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]]Horizontal/ |
* <span id="Sketcher_CompHorVer">[[Image:Sketcher_ConstrainHorVer.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]]Horizontal/vertical constraints:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the Sketcher_CompHorVer pages redirect here--> |
||
<!--T:190--> |
<!--T:190--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainHorVer.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainHorVer|Horizontal/ |
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainHorVer.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainHorVer|Horizontal/vertical]]: Constrains lines or pairs of points to be horizontal or vertical, whichever is closest to the current alignment. It combines the [[Sketcher_ConstrainHorizontal|Horizontal]] and [[Sketcher_ConstrainVertical|Vertical]] tools. {{Version|1.0}} |
||
<!--T:61--> |
<!--T:61--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainHorizontal.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainHorizontal|Horizontal]]: Constrains |
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainHorizontal.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainHorizontal|Horizontal]]: Constrains lines or pairs of points to be horizontal. |
||
<!--T:60--> |
<!--T:60--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainVertical.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainVertical|Vertical]]: Constrains |
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainVertical.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainVertical|Vertical]]: Constrains lines or pairs of points to be vertical. |
||
<!--T:62--> |
<!--T:62--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainParallel.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainParallel|Parallel]]: Constrains |
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainParallel.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainParallel|Parallel]]: Constrains lines to be parallel. |
||
<!--T:63--> |
<!--T:63--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainPerpendicular.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainPerpendicular|Perpendicular]]: Constrains two lines perpendicular |
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainPerpendicular.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainPerpendicular|Perpendicular]]: Constrains two lines to be perpendicular, or two edges, or an edge and an axis, to be perpendicular at their intersection. The constraint can also connect two edges, forcing them to be perpendicular at the joint. |
||
<!--T:64--> |
<!--T:64--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainTangent.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainTangent|Tangent]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainTangent.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainTangent|Tangent or collinear]]: Constrains two edges, or an edge and an axis, to be tangent. The constraint can also connect two edges, forcing them to be tangent at the joint. If two lines are selected they are made collinear. |
||
<!--T:65--> |
<!--T:65--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainEqual.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainEqual|Equal]]: Constrains |
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainEqual.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainEqual|Equal]]: Constrains edges to have an equal length (lines) or curvature (other edges except B-splines). |
||
<!--T:66--> |
<!--T:66--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainSymmetric.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainSymmetric|Symmetric]]: Constrains two points |
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainSymmetric.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainSymmetric|Symmetric]]: Constrains two points to be symmetrical around a line or axis, or around a third point. |
||
<!--T:67--> |
<!--T:67--> |
||
* [[Image:Sketcher_ConstrainBlock.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainBlock|Block]]: |
* [[Image:Sketcher_ConstrainBlock.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainBlock|Block]]: Blocks edges in place with a single constraint. It is mainly intended for B-splines. |
||
<!--T:191--> |
<!--T:191--> |
||
Line 367: | Line 444: | ||
<!--T:192--> |
<!--T:192--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_Dimension.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Dimension|Dimension]]: |
:* [[File:Sketcher_Dimension.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Dimension|Dimension]]: Is the context-sensitive constraint tool of the Sketcher Workbench. Based on the current selection, it offers appropriate dimensional constraints, but also geometric constraints. {{Version|1.0}} |
||
<!--T:69--> |
|||
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainLock.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainLock|Lock]]: Constrains the selected item by setting vertical and horizontal distances relative to the origin, thereby locking the location of that item. These constraint distances can be edited later. |
|||
<!--T:70--> |
<!--T:70--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainDistanceX.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainDistanceX|Horizontal distance]]: Fixes the horizontal distance between two points or |
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainDistanceX.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainDistanceX|Horizontal distance]]: Fixes the horizontal distance between two points or the endpoints of a line. If a single point is pre-selected, the distance is relative to the origin of the sketch. |
||
<!--T:71--> |
<!--T:71--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainDistanceY.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainDistanceY|Vertical distance]]: Fixes the vertical distance between |
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainDistanceY.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainDistanceY|Vertical distance]]: Fixes the vertical distance between two points or the endpoints of a line. If a single point is pre-selected, the distance is relative to the origin of the sketch. |
||
<!--T:72--> |
<!--T:72--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainDistance.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainDistance|Distance]]: |
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainDistance.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainDistance|Distance]]: Fixes the length of a line, the distance between two points, the perpendicular distance between a point and a line; or, {{Version|0.21}}, the distance between the edges of two circles or arcs, or between the edge of a circle or arc and a line; or, {{Version|1.0}}, the length of an arc. |
||
<!--T:159--> |
|||
:* <span id="Sketcher_CompConstrainRadDia">[[File:Sketcher_ConstrainRadiam.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainRadiam|Auto radius/diameter]]: Fixes the radius of arcs and B-spline weight circles, and the diameter of circles.</span><!--Do not edit span id: the Sketcher_CompConstrainRadDia pages redirect here--> |
|||
<!--T:73--> |
<!--T:73--> |
||
:* |
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainRadius.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainRadius|Radius]]: Fixes the radius of circles, arcs and B-spline weight circles. |
||
<!--T:158--> |
<!--T:158--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainDiameter.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainDiameter|Diameter]]: |
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainDiameter.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainDiameter|Diameter]]: Fixes the diameter of circles and arcs. |
||
<!--T:159--> |
|||
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainRadiam.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainRadiam|Auto radius/diameter]]: Defines the radius of an arc, the diameter of a circle or the weight of a B-spline pole. {{Version|0.20}} |
|||
<!--T:160--> |
<!--T:160--> |
||
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainAngle.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainAngle|Angle]]: |
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainAngle.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainAngle|Angle]]: Fixes the angle between two edges, the angle of a line with the horizontal axis of the sketch, or the aperture angle of a circular arc. |
||
<!--T:69--> |
|||
:* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainLock.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainLock|Lock]]: Applies [[Sketcher_ConstrainDistanceX|Horizontal distance]] and [[Sketcher_ConstrainDistanceY|Vertical distance]] constraints to points. If a single point is selected the constraints reference the origin of the sketch. If two or more points are selected the constraints reference the last point in the selection. |
|||
==== Special constraints ==== <!--T:130--> |
==== Special constraints ==== <!--T:130--> |
||
<!--T:74--> |
<!--T:74--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainSnellsLaw.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainSnellsLaw|Refraction (Snell's law)]]: Constrains two lines to |
* [[File:Sketcher_ConstrainSnellsLaw.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConstrainSnellsLaw|Refraction (Snell's law)]]: Constrains two lines to follow the law of refraction of light as it penetrates through an interface. |
||
==== Constraint tools ==== <!--T:147--> |
==== Constraint tools ==== <!--T:147--> |
||
<!--T:131--> |
<!--T:131--> |
||
The |
The these tools change the effect of constraints. |
||
<!--T:76--> |
<!--T:76--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ToggleDrivingConstraint.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ToggleDrivingConstraint|Toggle driving/reference constraint]]: Toggles the |
* [[File:Sketcher_ToggleDrivingConstraint.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ToggleDrivingConstraint|Toggle driving/reference constraint]]: Toggles the dimensional constraint creation tools between driving and reference mode, or toggles selected dimensional constraints between those modes. |
||
<!--T:124--> |
<!--T:124--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ToggleActiveConstraint.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ToggleActiveConstraint|Activate/deactivate constraint]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_ToggleActiveConstraint.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ToggleActiveConstraint|Activate/deactivate constraint]]: Activates or deactivates selected constraints. |
||
===Sketcher tools=== <!--T:77--> |
===Sketcher tools=== <!--T:77--> |
||
<!--T:78--> |
<!--T:78--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectElementsWithDoFs.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectElementsWithDoFs|Select unconstrained DoF]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectElementsWithDoFs.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectElementsWithDoFs|Select unconstrained DoF]]: Selects the not fully constrained elements in the sketch. |
||
<!--T:81--> |
<!--T:81--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectConstraints.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectConstraints|Select associated constraints]]: Selects the constraints |
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectConstraints.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectConstraints|Select associated constraints]]: Selects the constraints associated with sketch elements. |
||
<!--T:87--> |
<!--T:87--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectElementsAssociatedWithConstraints.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectElementsAssociatedWithConstraints|Select associated geometry]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectElementsAssociatedWithConstraints.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectElementsAssociatedWithConstraints|Select associated geometry]]: Selects the sketch elements associated with constraints. |
||
<!--T:85--> |
<!--T:85--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectRedundantConstraints.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectRedundantConstraints|Select redundant constraints]]: Selects redundant constraints |
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectRedundantConstraints.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectRedundantConstraints|Select redundant constraints]]: Selects the redundant constraints in the sketch. |
||
<!--T:86--> |
<!--T:86--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectConflictingConstraints.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectConflictingConstraints|Select conflicting constraints]]: Selects conflicting constraints |
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectConflictingConstraints.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectConflictingConstraints|Select conflicting constraints]]: Selects the conflicting constraints in the sketch. |
||
<!--T:89--> |
<!--T:89--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_RestoreInternalAlignmentGeometry.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_RestoreInternalAlignmentGeometry|Show/hide internal geometry]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_RestoreInternalAlignmentGeometry.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_RestoreInternalAlignmentGeometry|Show/hide internal geometry]]: Deletes the internal geometry of elements, or recreates missing internal geometry. |
||
<!--T:82--> |
<!--T:82--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectOrigin.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectOrigin|Select origin]]: Selects the origin of |
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectOrigin.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectOrigin|Select origin]]: Selects the origin of the sketch. |
||
<!--T:84--> |
<!--T:84--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectHorizontalAxis.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectHorizontalAxis|Select horizontal axis]]: Selects the horizontal axis of |
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectHorizontalAxis.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectHorizontalAxis|Select horizontal axis]]: Selects the horizontal axis of the sketch. |
||
<!--T:83--> |
<!--T:83--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectVerticalAxis.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectVerticalAxis|Select vertical axis]]: Selects the vertical axis of |
* [[File:Sketcher_SelectVerticalAxis.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SelectVerticalAxis|Select vertical axis]]: Selects the vertical axis of the sketch. |
||
<!--T: |
<!--T:238--> |
||
* [[File: |
* [[File:Sketcher_Translate.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Translate|Array transform]]: Moves or optionally creates copies of selected elements. {{Version|1.0}} |
||
<!--T:193--> |
<!--T:193--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_Rotate.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Rotate|Polar transform]]: Rotates |
* [[File:Sketcher_Rotate.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Rotate|Polar transform]]: Rotates or optionally creates rotated copies of selected elements. {{Version|1.0}} |
||
<!--T:237--> |
|||
* [[File:Sketcher_Scale.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Scale|Scale transform]]: TBD. {{Version|0.22}} |
|||
* [[File:Sketcher_Scale.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Scale|Scale transform]]: Scales or optionally creates scaled copies of selected elements. {{Version|1.0}} |
|||
<!--T:179--> |
|||
* [[File:Sketcher_Offset.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Offset|Offset geometry]]: Creates equidistant edges around selected edges. {{Version|1.0}} |
|||
<!--T:90--> |
<!--T:90--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_Symmetry.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Symmetry|Symmetry]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_Symmetry.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Symmetry|Symmetry]]: Creates mirrored copies of selected elements. |
||
<!--T:91--> |
|||
* [[File:Sketcher_Clone.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Clone|Clone]]: Clones a sketcher element. |
|||
<!--T:92--> |
|||
* [[File:Sketcher_Copy.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Copy|Copy]]: Copies a sketcher element. |
|||
<!--T:93--> |
|||
* [[File:Sketcher_Move.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Move|Move]]: Moves the selected geometry taking as reference the last selected point. |
|||
<!--T:94--> |
|||
* [[File:Sketcher_RectangularArray.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_RectangularArray|Rectangular array]]: Creates an array of selected sketcher elements. |
|||
<!--T:138--> |
<!--T:138--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_RemoveAxesAlignment.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_RemoveAxesAlignment|Remove axes alignment]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_RemoveAxesAlignment.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_RemoveAxesAlignment|Remove axes alignment]]: Removes the axes alignment of selected edges by replacing [[Sketcher_ConstrainHorizontal|Horizontal]] and [[Sketcher_ConstrainVertical|Vertical]] constraints with [[Sketcher_ConstrainParallel|Parallel]] and [[Sketcher_ConstrainPerpendicular|Perpendicular]] constraints. |
||
<!--T:95--> |
<!--T:95--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_DeleteAllGeometry.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_DeleteAllGeometry|Delete all geometry]]: Deletes all geometry from the sketch. |
* [[File:Sketcher_DeleteAllGeometry.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_DeleteAllGeometry|Delete all geometry]]: Deletes all geometry and all constraints from the sketch. |
||
<!--T:96--> |
<!--T:96--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_DeleteAllConstraints.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_DeleteAllConstraints|Delete all constraints]]: Deletes all constraints from the sketch. |
* [[File:Sketcher_DeleteAllConstraints.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_DeleteAllConstraints|Delete all constraints]]: Deletes all constraints from the sketch. |
||
<!--T:239--> |
|||
* <span id="Sketcher_CopyClipboard">[[File:Edit-copy.svg|32px]] Copy in Sketcher: See [[#Copy,_cut_and_paste|Copy, cut and paste]].</span><!--Do not edit span id: the Sketcher_CopyClipboard pages redirect here--> |
|||
<!--T:240--> |
|||
* <span id="Sketcher_Cut">[[File:Edit-cut.svg|32px]] Cut in Sketcher: See [[#Copy,_cut_and_paste|Copy, cut and paste]].</span><!--Do not edit span id: the Sketcher_Cut pages redirect here--> |
|||
<!--T:241--> |
|||
* <span id="Sketcher_Paste">[[File:Edit-paste.svg|32px]] Paste in Sketcher: See [[#Copy,_cut_and_paste|Copy, cut and paste]].</span><!--Do not edit span id: the Sketcher_Paste pages redirect here--> |
|||
===Sketcher B-spline tools=== <!--T:97--> |
===Sketcher B-spline tools=== <!--T:97--> |
||
<!--T:102--> |
<!--T:102--> |
||
* [[File: |
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplineConvertToNURBS.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplineConvertToNURBS|Convert geometry to B-spline]]: Converts edges to B-splines. |
||
<!--T:103--> |
<!--T:103--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplineIncreaseDegree.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplineIncreaseDegree|Increase B-spline degree]]: Increases the degree (order) of |
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplineIncreaseDegree.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplineIncreaseDegree|Increase B-spline degree]]: Increases the degree (order) of B-splines. |
||
<!--T:128--> |
<!--T:128--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplineDecreaseDegree.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplineDecreaseDegree|Decrease B-spline degree]]: Decreases the degree (order) of |
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplineDecreaseDegree.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplineDecreaseDegree|Decrease B-spline degree]]: Decreases the degree (order) of B-splines. |
||
<!--T:104--> |
<!--T:104--> |
||
Line 488: | Line 566: | ||
<!--T:149--> |
<!--T:149--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplineInsertKnot.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplineInsertKnot|Insert knot]]: Inserts a knot into |
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplineInsertKnot.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplineInsertKnot|Insert knot]]: Inserts a knot into a B-spline or increases the multiplicity of an existing knot. |
||
<!--T:163--> |
<!--T:163--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_JoinCurves.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_JoinCurves|Join curves]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_JoinCurves.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_JoinCurves|Join curves]]: Creates a B-spline by joining two existing B-splines or other edges. {{Version|0.21}} |
||
===Sketcher visual=== <!--T:194--> |
===Sketcher visual=== <!--T:194--> |
||
<!--T:107--> |
<!--T:107--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_SwitchVirtualSpace.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SwitchVirtualSpace|Switch virtual space]]: |
* [[File:Sketcher_SwitchVirtualSpace.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_SwitchVirtualSpace|Switch virtual space]]: (un)hides constraints or switches the visible virtual space. |
||
<!--T:98--> |
<!--T:98--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplineDegree.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplineDegree|Show/hide B-spline degree]]: Shows or hides the |
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplineDegree.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplineDegree|Show/hide B-spline degree]]: Shows or hides the B-spline degree in all sketches. |
||
<!--T:99--> |
<!--T:99--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplinePolygon.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplinePolygon|Show/hide B-spline control polygon]]: Shows or hides the |
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplinePolygon.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplinePolygon|Show/hide B-spline control polygon]]: Shows or hides the B-spline control polygon in all sketches. |
||
<!--T:100--> |
<!--T:100--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplineComb.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplineComb|Show/hide B-spline curvature comb]]: Shows or hides the |
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplineComb.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplineComb|Show/hide B-spline curvature comb]]: Shows or hides the B-spline curvature comb in all sketches. |
||
<!--T:101--> |
<!--T:101--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplineKnotMultiplicity.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplineKnotMultiplicity|Show/hide B-spline knot multiplicity]]: Shows or hides the |
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplineKnotMultiplicity.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplineKnotMultiplicity|Show/hide B-spline knot multiplicity]]: Shows or hides the B-spline knot multiplicity in all sketches. |
||
<!--T:129--> |
<!--T:129--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplinePoleWeight.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplinePoleWeight|Show/hide B-spline control point weight]]: Shows or hides the |
* [[File:Sketcher_BSplinePoleWeight.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_BSplinePoleWeight|Show/hide B-spline control point weight]]: Shows or hides the B-spline control point weight in all sketches. |
||
<!--T:195--> |
<!--T:195--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ArcOverlay.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ArcOverlay|Show/hide circular helper for arcs]]: Shows or hides the circular helpers ( |
* [[File:Sketcher_ArcOverlay.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ArcOverlay|Show/hide circular helper for arcs]]: Shows or hides the circular helpers (underlying virtual circles) for arcs in all sketches. {{Version|1.0}} |
||
===Obsolete tools=== <!--T:173--> |
===Obsolete tools=== <!--T:173--> |
||
<!--T:91--> |
|||
* [[File:Sketcher_Clone.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Clone|Clone]]: Clones a Sketcher element. Not available in {{VersionPlus|1.0}}. |
|||
<!--T:79--> |
<!--T:79--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_CloseShape.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CloseShape|Close shape]]: Creates a closed shape by applying coincident constraints to endpoints. Not available in {{VersionPlus|0.21}}. |
* [[File:Sketcher_CloseShape.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CloseShape|Close shape]]: Creates a closed shape by applying coincident constraints to endpoints. Not available in {{VersionPlus|0.21}}. |
||
<!--T:162--> |
|||
* [[File:Sketcher_CreatePointFillet.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_CreatePointFillet|Corner-preserving fillet]]: Creates a fillet between two non-parallel lines while preserving their corner point. Not available in {{VersionPlus|1.0}}. |
|||
<!--T:80--> |
<!--T:80--> |
||
* [[File:Sketcher_ConnectLines.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConnectLines|Connect edges]]: Connect |
* [[File:Sketcher_ConnectLines.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_ConnectLines|Connect edges]]: Connect Sketcher elements by applying coincident constraints to endpoints. Not available in {{VersionPlus|0.21}}. |
||
<!--T:92--> |
|||
* [[File:Sketcher_Copy.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Copy|Copy]]: Copies a Sketcher element. Not available in {{VersionPlus|1.0}}. |
|||
<!--T:93--> |
|||
* [[File:Sketcher_Move.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Move|Move]]: Moves the selected geometry taking as reference the last selected point. Not available in {{VersionPlus|1.0}}. |
|||
<!--T:94--> |
|||
* [[File:Sketcher_RectangularArray.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_RectangularArray|Rectangular array]]: Creates an array of selected Sketcher elements. Not available in {{VersionPlus|1.0}}. |
|||
== Preferences == <!--T:108--> |
== Preferences == <!--T:108--> |
||
<!--T:109--> |
<!--T:109--> |
||
* [[Image:Workbench_Sketcher.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Preferences|Preferences]]: Preferences for the |
* [[Image:Workbench_Sketcher.svg|32px]] [[Sketcher_Preferences|Preferences]]: Preferences for the Sketcher Workbench. |
||
== Best |
== Best practices == <!--T:148--> |
||
<!--T:14--> |
<!--T:14--> |
||
Line 537: | Line 630: | ||
* A series of simple sketches is easier to manage than a single complex one. For example, a first sketch can be created for the base 3D feature (either a pad or a revolve), while a second one can contain holes or cutouts (pockets). Some details can be left out, to be realized later on as 3D features. You can choose to avoid fillets in your sketch if there are too many, and add them as a 3D feature. |
* A series of simple sketches is easier to manage than a single complex one. For example, a first sketch can be created for the base 3D feature (either a pad or a revolve), while a second one can contain holes or cutouts (pockets). Some details can be left out, to be realized later on as 3D features. You can choose to avoid fillets in your sketch if there are too many, and add them as a 3D feature. |
||
* Always create a closed profile, or your sketch won't produce a solid, but rather a set of open faces. If you don't want some of the objects to be included in the solid creation, turn them to construction elements with the Construction Mode tool. |
* Always create a closed profile, or your sketch won't produce a solid, but rather a set of open faces. If you don't want some of the objects to be included in the solid creation, turn them to construction elements with the Construction Mode tool. |
||
* Use the |
* Use the Auto constraints feature to limit the number of constraints you'll have to add manually. |
||
* As a general rule, apply geometric constraints first, then dimensional constraints, and lock your sketch last. But remember: rules are made to be broken. If you're having trouble manipulating your sketch, it may be useful to constrain a few objects first before completing your profile. |
* As a general rule, apply geometric constraints first, then dimensional constraints, and lock your sketch last. But remember: rules are made to be broken. If you're having trouble manipulating your sketch, it may be useful to constrain a few objects first before completing your profile. |
||
* If possible, center your sketch to the origin (0,0) with the |
* If possible, center your sketch to the origin (0,0) with the Lock constraint. If your sketch is not symmetric, locate one of its points to the origin, or choose nice round numbers for the lock distances. |
||
* If you have the possibility to choose between the Length constraint and the Horizontal or Vertical |
* If you have the possibility to choose between the Length constraint and the Horizontal or Vertical distance constraints, prefer the latter. Horizontal and Vertical distance constraints are computationally cheaper. |
||
* In general, the best constraints to use are: Horizontal and Vertical |
* In general, the best constraints to use are: Horizontal and Vertical constraints; Horizontal and Vertical length constraints; point-to-point Tangency. If possible, limit the use of these: the general Length constraint; edge-to-edge Tangency; Point on object constraint; Symmetric constraint. |
||
* If in doubt about the validity of a sketch once it is complete (features turn green), close the Sketcher dialog and use [[File:Sketcher_ValidateSketch.svg|24px]] [[Sketcher_ValidateSketch|Validate sketch]]. |
* If in doubt about the validity of a sketch once it is complete (features turn green), close the Sketcher dialog and use [[File:Sketcher_ValidateSketch.svg|24px]] [[Sketcher_ValidateSketch|Validate sketch]]. |
||
Line 547: | Line 640: | ||
<!--T:121--> |
<!--T:121--> |
||
* [https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=30104 Sketcher Lecture] by chrisb. This is a more than 80 page PDF document that serves as a detailed manual for the |
* [https://forum.freecadweb.org/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=30104 Sketcher Lecture] by chrisb. This is a more than 80 page PDF document that serves as a detailed manual for the Sketcher. It explains the basics of Sketcher usage, and goes into a lot of detail about the creation of geometrical shapes, and each of the constraints. |
||
* [[Basic_Sketcher_Tutorial|Basic Sketcher Tutorial]] for beginners |
* [[Basic_Sketcher_Tutorial|Basic Sketcher Tutorial]] for beginners |
||
* [[Sketcher_Micro_Tutorial_-_Constraint_Practices|Sketcher Micro Tutorial - Constraint Practices]] |
* [[Sketcher_Micro_Tutorial_-_Constraint_Practices|Sketcher Micro Tutorial - Constraint Practices]] |
Revision as of 08:33, 27 April 2024
Introduction
With the Sketcher Workbench 2D sketches intended for use in other workbenches can be created. 2D sketches are the starting point for many CAD models. They typically define the profiles and paths for operations to create 3D shapes. A model may depend on several sketches for its final shape.
Together with boolean operations defined in the Part Workbench, the Sketcher Workbench, or "The Sketcher" for short, forms the basis of the constructive solid geometry (CSG) method of building solids. Together with PartDesign Workbench operations, it also forms the basis of the feature editing methodology of creating solids. But many other workbenches use sketches as well.
The Sketcher workbench features constraints, allowing 2D shapes to follow precise geometrical definitions in terms of length, angles, and relationships (horizontality, verticality, perpendicularity, etc.). A constraint solver calculates the constrained-extent of 2D geometry and allows interactive exploration of the degrees-of-freedom of the sketch.
The Sketcher is not intended for producing 2D blueprints. Once sketches are used to generate a solid feature, they are automatically hidden and Constraints are only visible in Sketch edit mode. If you only need to produce 2D views for print, and don't want to create 3D models, check out the Draft workbench.
A fully constrained sketch
Constraints
Constraints are used to limit the degrees of freedom of an object. For example, a line without constraints has 4 degrees of freedom (abbreviated as "DoF"): it can be moved horizontally or vertically, it can be stretched, and it can be rotated.
Applying a horizontal or vertical constraint, or an angle constraint (relative to another line or to one of the axes), will limit its capacity to rotate, thus leaving it with 3 degrees of freedom. Locking one of its points in relation to the origin will remove another 2 degrees of freedom. And applying a dimension constraint will remove the last degree of freedom. The line is then considered fully-constrained.
Objects can be constrained in relation to one another. Two lines can be joined through one of their points with the coincident point constraint. An angle can be set between them, or they can be set perpendicular. A line can be tangent to an arc or a circle, and so on. A complex Sketch with multiple objects may have a number of different solutions, and making it fully-constrained can mean that just one of these possible solutions has been reached based on the applied constraints.
There are two kinds of constraints: geometric and dimensional. They are detailed in the Tools section below.
Edit constraints
When a driving dimensional constraint is created, and if the Ask for value after creating a dimensional constraint preference is selected (default), a dialog opens to edit its value.
You can enter a numerical value or an expression, and it is possible to name the constraint to facilitate its use in other expressions. You can also check the Reference checkbox to switch the constrain to reference mode.
To edit the value of an existing dimensional constraint do one of the following:
- Double-click the constraint value in the 3D view.
- Double-click the constraint in the Sketcher Dialog.
- Right-click the constraint in the Sketcher Dialog and select the Change value option from the context menu.
Reposition constraints
Dimensional constraints can be repositioned in the 3D view by dragging. Hold down the left mouse button over the constraint value and move the mouse. The symbols of geometric constraints are positioned automatically and cannot be moved.
Profile sketches
To create a sketch that can be used as a profile for generating solids certain rules must be followed:
- The sketch must contain only closed contours. Gaps between endpoints, however small, are not allowed.
- Contours can be nested, to create voids, but should not self-intersect or intersect other contours.
- Contours cannot share edges with other contours. Duplicate edges must be avoided.
- T-connections, that is more than two edges sharing a common point, or a point touching an edge, are not allowed.
These rules do not apply to construction geometry (default color blue), which is not shown outside edit mode, or if the sketch is used for a different purpose. Depending on the workbench and the tool that will use the profile sketch, additional restrictions may apply.
Drawing aids
The Sketcher Workbench has several drawing aids and other features that can help when creating geometry and applying constraints.
Continue modes
There are two continue modes: Geometry creation "Continue Mode" and Constraint creation "Continue Mode". If these are checked (default) in the preferences, related tools will restart after finishing. To exit an continuous tool press Esc or the right mouse button. This must be repeated if a continuous geometry tool has already received input. You can also exit a continuous tool by starting another geometry or constraint creation tool. Note that pressing Esc if no tool is active will exit sketch edit mode. Uncheck the Esc can leave sketch edit mode preference if you often inadvertently press Esc too many times.
Auto constraints
In sketches that have Auto constraints checked (default) several constraints are applied automatically. The icon of a proposed automatic constraint is shown next to the cursor when it is placed correctly. Left-Clicking will then apply that constraint. This is a per-sketch setting that can be changed in the Sketcher Dialog or by changing the ViewAutoconstraints property of the sketch.
The following constraints are applied automatically:
- Coincident
- Point on object
- Horizontal
- Vertical
- Tangent
- introduced in version 1.0: Symmetric (line midpoint)
Snapping
It is possible to snap to grid lines and grid intersection, to edges of geometry and midpoints of lines and arcs, and to certain angles. Please note that snapping does not produce constraints in and of itself. For example, only if Auto constraints is switched on will snapping to an edge produce a Point on object constraint. But just picking a point on the edge would then have the same result.
On-View-Parameters
Depending on the selected option in the preferences only the dimensional On-View-Parameters or both the dimensional and the positional On-View-Parameters can be enabled. Positional parameters allow the input of exact coordinates, for example the center of a circle, or the start point of a line. Dimensional parameters allow the input of exact dimensions, for example the radius of a circle, or the length and angle of a line. On-View-Parameters are not available for all tools.
Determining the center point of a circle with the positional parameters enabled
Determining the radius of a circle with the dimensional parameters enabled
If values are entered and confirmed by pressing Enter or Tab, related constraints are added automatically. If two parameters are displayed at the same time, for example the X and Y coordinate of a point, it is possible to enter one value and pick a point to define the other. Depending on the object additional constraints may be required to fully constrain it. Constraints resulting from On-View-Parameters take precedence over those that may result from Auto constraints.
Arc created by entering all On-View-Parameters with resulting automatically created constraints
Coordinate display
If the Show coordinates beside cursor while editing preference is checked (default), the parameters of the current geometry tool (coordinates, radius, or length and angle) are displayed next to the cursor. This is deactivated while On-View-Parameters are shown.
Selection methods
While a sketch is in edit mode the following selection methods can be used:
3D view element selection
As elsewhere in FreeCAD, an element can be selected in the 3D view with a single left mouse click. But there is no need to hold down the Ctrl key when selecting multiple elements. Holding down that key is possible though and has the advantage that you can miss-click without losing the selection. Edges, points and constraints can be selected in this manner.
3D view box selection
Box selection in the 3D view works without using Std BoxSelection or Std BoxElementSelection:
- Make sure that no tool is active.
- Do one of the following:
- Click in an empty area and drag a rectangle from left to right to select elements that lie completely inside the rectangle.
- Click in an empty area and drag a rectangle from right to left to also select elements that touch or cross the rectangle.
You can box-select edges and points, constraints cannot be box-selected.
3D view connected geometry selection
Double-clicking an edge in the 3D view will select all edges directly and indirectly connected with that edge via endpoints. There is no need for the edges to be connected with Coincident constraints, endpoints need only have the same coordinates.
Sketcher Dialog selection
Edges and points can also be selected from the Elements section of the Sketcher Dialog, and constraints from the Constraints section of that dialog.
Copy, cut and paste
The standard keyboard shortcuts, Ctrl+C, Ctrl+X and Ctrl+V, can be used to copy, cut and paste selected Sketcher geometry including related constraints. But these tools are also available from the Sketch → Sketcher tools menu. They can be used within the same sketch but also between different sketches or separate instances of FreeCAD. Since the data is copied to the clipboard in the form of Python code, it can be used in other ways too (e.g. shared on the forum).
Tools
The Sketcher Workbench tools are located in the Sketch menu and/or several toolbars. introduced in version 0.21: Almost all Sketcher toolbars are only displayed while a sketch is in edit mode. The only exception is the Sketcher toolbar which is only displayed if no sketch is in edit mode.
Some tools are also available from the 3D view context menu while a sketch is in edit mode, or from the context menus of the Sketcher Dialog.
introduced in version 0.21: If a sketch is in edit mode the Structure toolbar is hidden as none of its tools can then be used.
General
Sketcher toolbar
- Create sketch: Creates a new sketch and opens the Sketcher Dialog to edit it.
- Edit sketch: Opens the Sketcher Dialog to edit an existing sketch.
- Attach sketch: Attaches a sketch to selected geometry.
- Reorient sketch: Places a sketch on one of the main planes with an optional offset. It can also be used to detach a sketch.
- Validate sketch: Can analyze and repair a sketch that is no longer editable or has invalid constraints, or add missing coincident constraints.
- Merge sketches: Merges two or more sketches.
- Mirror sketch: Mirrors sketches across their X axis, Y axis, or origin.
Sketcher Edit Mode toolbar
- Leave sketch: Finishes sketch edit mode and closes the Sketcher Dialog.
- View sketch: Aligns the 3D view with the sketch.
- View section: Toggles a temporary section plane that hides any objects and parts of objects in front of the sketch plane.
Sketcher edit tools toolbar
- Toggle grid: Toggles the grid in the sketch currently being edited. Settings can be changed in the related menu. introduced in version 0.21
- Toggle snap: Toggles snapping in all sketches. Settings can be changed in the related menu. introduced in version 0.21
- Configure rendering order: The rendering order of all sketches can be changed in the related menu. introduced in version 0.21
Other
- Stop operation: Stops any currently running geometry or constraint creation tool.
Sketcher geometries
These are tools for creating objects.
- Point: Creates a point.
- Polyline: Creates a series of line and arc segments connected by their endpoints. The tool has several modes.
- Line: Creates a line. introduced in version 1.0: The tool has three modes.
- Arc by center: Creates an arc by its center and its endpoints. introduced in version 1.0: Or by its endpoints and a point along the arc.
- Arc by 3 points: Creates an arc by its endpoints and a point along the arc. introduced in version 1.0: This is the same tool as Arc by center but with a different initial mode.
- Circle by center: Creates a circle by its center and a point along the circle. introduced in version 1.0: Or by three points along the circle.
- Circle by 3 points: Creates a circle by three points along the circle. introduced in version 1.0: This is the same tool as Circle by center but with a different initial mode.
- Ellipses, hyperbolas and parabolas are called "conics" because they are types of conic sections.
- Ellipse by center: Creates an ellipse by its center, an endpoint of one of its axes, and a point along the ellipse. introduced in version 1.0: Or by both endpoints of one of its axes and a point along the ellipse.
- Ellipse by 3 points: Creates an ellipse by the endpoints of one of its axes and a point along the ellipse. introduced in version 1.0: This is the same tool as Ellipse by center but with a different initial mode.
- Arc of ellipse: Creates an arc of ellipse.
- Arc of hyperbola: Creates an arc of hyperbola.
- Arc of parabola: Creates an arc of parabola.
- B-spline by control points: Creates a B-spline curve from control points.
- Periodic B-spline by control points: Creates a periodic (closed) B-spline curve from control points.
- B-spline by knots: Creates a B-spline curve through knot points. introduced in version 0.21
- Periodic B-spline by knots: Creates a periodic (closed) B-spline curve through knot points. introduced in version 0.21
- Rectangle: Creates a rectangle. introduced in version 1.0: The tool has four modes. Rounded corners and creating an offset copy are optional features.
- Centered rectangle: Creates a centered rectangle. introduced in version 1.0: This is the same tool as Rectangle but with a different initial mode.
- Rounded rectangle: Creates a rounded rectangle. Idem.
- Triangle: creates an equilateral triangle. introduced in version 1.0: This is the same tool as Regular polygon but with the number of sides preset to a specif value.
- Square: Creates a square. Idem.
- Pentagon: Creates a pentagon. Idem.
- Hexagon: Creates a hexagon. Idem.
- Heptagon: Creates a heptagon. Idem.
- Octagon: Creates an octagon. Idem.
- Regular polygon: Creates a regular polygon. The number of sides can be specified.
- Slot: Creates a slot.
- Arc slot: Creates an arc slot. introduced in version 1.0
- Fillet: Creates a fillet between two non-parallel edges. introduced in version 1.0: The tool can also create a chamfer.
- Chamfer: creates a chamfer between two non-parallel edges. This is the same tool as Fillet but with a different initial mode. introduced in version 1.0
- Trim: Trims an edge at the nearest intersections with other edges.
- Split: Splits an edge while transferring most constraints.
- Extend: Extends or shortens a line or an arc to an arbitrary location, or to a target edge or point.
- External geometry: Projects edges and/or vertices belonging to objects outside the sketch onto the sketch plane.
- Carbon copy: Copies all geometry and constraints from another sketch into the active sketch.
- Toggle construction geometry: Either toggles the geometry creation tools to/from construction mode, or toggles selected geometry to/from construction geometry.
Sketcher constraints
These are tools for creating constraints. Some constraints require the use of Helper constraints.
- Coincident (unified): Creates a coincident constraint between points, fixes points on edges or axes, or creates a concentric constraint. It combines the Coincident and Point on object tools. introduced in version 1.0
- Coincident: Creates a coincident constraint between points, or a concentric constraint.
- Point on object: Fixes points on edges or axes.
- Horizontal/vertical: Constrains lines or pairs of points to be horizontal or vertical, whichever is closest to the current alignment. It combines the Horizontal and Vertical tools. introduced in version 1.0
- Horizontal: Constrains lines or pairs of points to be horizontal.
- Vertical: Constrains lines or pairs of points to be vertical.
- Parallel: Constrains lines to be parallel.
- Perpendicular: Constrains two lines to be perpendicular, or two edges, or an edge and an axis, to be perpendicular at their intersection. The constraint can also connect two edges, forcing them to be perpendicular at the joint.
- Tangent or collinear: Constrains two edges, or an edge and an axis, to be tangent. The constraint can also connect two edges, forcing them to be tangent at the joint. If two lines are selected they are made collinear.
- Equal: Constrains edges to have an equal length (lines) or curvature (other edges except B-splines).
- Symmetric: Constrains two points to be symmetrical around a line or axis, or around a third point.
- Block: Blocks edges in place with a single constraint. It is mainly intended for B-splines.
- Dimension: Is the context-sensitive constraint tool of the Sketcher Workbench. Based on the current selection, it offers appropriate dimensional constraints, but also geometric constraints. introduced in version 1.0
- Horizontal distance: Fixes the horizontal distance between two points or the endpoints of a line. If a single point is pre-selected, the distance is relative to the origin of the sketch.
- Vertical distance: Fixes the vertical distance between two points or the endpoints of a line. If a single point is pre-selected, the distance is relative to the origin of the sketch.
- Distance: Fixes the length of a line, the distance between two points, the perpendicular distance between a point and a line; or, introduced in version 0.21, the distance between the edges of two circles or arcs, or between the edge of a circle or arc and a line; or, introduced in version 1.0, the length of an arc.
- Auto radius/diameter: Fixes the radius of arcs and B-spline weight circles, and the diameter of circles.
- Radius: Fixes the radius of circles, arcs and B-spline weight circles.
- Diameter: Fixes the diameter of circles and arcs.
- Angle: Fixes the angle between two edges, the angle of a line with the horizontal axis of the sketch, or the aperture angle of a circular arc.
- Lock: Applies Horizontal distance and Vertical distance constraints to points. If a single point is selected the constraints reference the origin of the sketch. If two or more points are selected the constraints reference the last point in the selection.
Special constraints
- Refraction (Snell's law): Constrains two lines to follow the law of refraction of light as it penetrates through an interface.
Constraint tools
The these tools change the effect of constraints.
- Toggle driving/reference constraint: Toggles the dimensional constraint creation tools between driving and reference mode, or toggles selected dimensional constraints between those modes.
- Activate/deactivate constraint: Activates or deactivates selected constraints.
Sketcher tools
- Select unconstrained DoF: Selects the not fully constrained elements in the sketch.
- Select associated constraints: Selects the constraints associated with sketch elements.
- Select associated geometry: Selects the sketch elements associated with constraints.
- Select redundant constraints: Selects the redundant constraints in the sketch.
- Select conflicting constraints: Selects the conflicting constraints in the sketch.
- Show/hide internal geometry: Deletes the internal geometry of elements, or recreates missing internal geometry.
- Select origin: Selects the origin of the sketch.
- Select horizontal axis: Selects the horizontal axis of the sketch.
- Select vertical axis: Selects the vertical axis of the sketch.
- Array transform: Moves or optionally creates copies of selected elements. introduced in version 1.0
- Polar transform: Rotates or optionally creates rotated copies of selected elements. introduced in version 1.0
- Scale transform: Scales or optionally creates scaled copies of selected elements. introduced in version 1.0
- Offset geometry: Creates equidistant edges around selected edges. introduced in version 1.0
- Symmetry: Creates mirrored copies of selected elements.
- Remove axes alignment: Removes the axes alignment of selected edges by replacing Horizontal and Vertical constraints with Parallel and Perpendicular constraints.
- Delete all geometry: Deletes all geometry and all constraints from the sketch.
- Delete all constraints: Deletes all constraints from the sketch.
- Copy in Sketcher: See Copy, cut and paste.
- Cut in Sketcher: See Copy, cut and paste.
- Paste in Sketcher: See Copy, cut and paste.
Sketcher B-spline tools
- Convert geometry to B-spline: Converts edges to B-splines.
- Increase B-spline degree: Increases the degree (order) of B-splines.
- Decrease B-spline degree: Decreases the degree (order) of B-splines.
- Increase knot multiplicity: Increases the multiplicity of a B-spline knot.
- Decrease knot multiplicity: Decreases the multiplicity of a B-spline knot.
- Insert knot: Inserts a knot into a B-spline or increases the multiplicity of an existing knot.
- Join curves: Creates a B-spline by joining two existing B-splines or other edges. introduced in version 0.21
Sketcher visual
- Switch virtual space: (un)hides constraints or switches the visible virtual space.
- Show/hide B-spline degree: Shows or hides the B-spline degree in all sketches.
- Show/hide B-spline control polygon: Shows or hides the B-spline control polygon in all sketches.
- Show/hide B-spline curvature comb: Shows or hides the B-spline curvature comb in all sketches.
- Show/hide B-spline knot multiplicity: Shows or hides the B-spline knot multiplicity in all sketches.
- Show/hide B-spline control point weight: Shows or hides the B-spline control point weight in all sketches.
- Show/hide circular helper for arcs: Shows or hides the circular helpers (underlying virtual circles) for arcs in all sketches. introduced in version 1.0
Obsolete tools
- Clone: Clones a Sketcher element. Not available in version 1.0 and above.
- Close shape: Creates a closed shape by applying coincident constraints to endpoints. Not available in version 0.21 and above.
- Corner-preserving fillet: Creates a fillet between two non-parallel lines while preserving their corner point. Not available in version 1.0 and above.
- Connect edges: Connect Sketcher elements by applying coincident constraints to endpoints. Not available in version 0.21 and above.
- Copy: Copies a Sketcher element. Not available in version 1.0 and above.
- Move: Moves the selected geometry taking as reference the last selected point. Not available in version 1.0 and above.
- Rectangular array: Creates an array of selected Sketcher elements. Not available in version 1.0 and above.
Preferences
- Preferences: Preferences for the Sketcher Workbench.
Best practices
Every CAD user develops their own way of working over time, but there are some useful general principles to follow.
- A series of simple sketches is easier to manage than a single complex one. For example, a first sketch can be created for the base 3D feature (either a pad or a revolve), while a second one can contain holes or cutouts (pockets). Some details can be left out, to be realized later on as 3D features. You can choose to avoid fillets in your sketch if there are too many, and add them as a 3D feature.
- Always create a closed profile, or your sketch won't produce a solid, but rather a set of open faces. If you don't want some of the objects to be included in the solid creation, turn them to construction elements with the Construction Mode tool.
- Use the Auto constraints feature to limit the number of constraints you'll have to add manually.
- As a general rule, apply geometric constraints first, then dimensional constraints, and lock your sketch last. But remember: rules are made to be broken. If you're having trouble manipulating your sketch, it may be useful to constrain a few objects first before completing your profile.
- If possible, center your sketch to the origin (0,0) with the Lock constraint. If your sketch is not symmetric, locate one of its points to the origin, or choose nice round numbers for the lock distances.
- If you have the possibility to choose between the Length constraint and the Horizontal or Vertical distance constraints, prefer the latter. Horizontal and Vertical distance constraints are computationally cheaper.
- In general, the best constraints to use are: Horizontal and Vertical constraints; Horizontal and Vertical length constraints; point-to-point Tangency. If possible, limit the use of these: the general Length constraint; edge-to-edge Tangency; Point on object constraint; Symmetric constraint.
- If in doubt about the validity of a sketch once it is complete (features turn green), close the Sketcher dialog and use Validate sketch.
Tutorials
- Sketcher Lecture by chrisb. This is a more than 80 page PDF document that serves as a detailed manual for the Sketcher. It explains the basics of Sketcher usage, and goes into a lot of detail about the creation of geometrical shapes, and each of the constraints.
- Basic Sketcher Tutorial for beginners
- Sketcher Micro Tutorial - Constraint Practices
- Sketcher requirement for a sketch Minimum requirement for a sketch and Complete determination of a sketch
Scripting
The Sketcher scripting page contains examples on how to create constraints from Python scripts.
Examples
For some ideas of what can be achieved with Sketcher tools, have a look at: Sketcher examples.
- General: Create sketch, Edit sketch, Map sketch to face, Reorient sketch, Validate sketch, Merge sketches, Mirror sketch, Leave sketch, View sketch, View section, Toggle grid, Toggle snap, Configure rendering order, Stop operation
- Sketcher geometries: Point, Line, Arc, Arc by 3 points, Circle, Circle by 3 points, Ellipse, Ellipse by 3 points, Arc of ellipse, Arc of hyperbola, Arc of parabola, B-spline by control points, Periodic B-spline by control points, B-spline by knots, Periodic B-spline by knots, Polyline, Rectangle, Centered rectangle, Rounded rectangle, Triangle, Square, Pentagon, Hexagon, Heptagon, Octagon, Regular polygon, Slot, Fillet, Corner-preserving fillet, Trim, Extend, Split, External geometry, Carbon copy, Toggle construction geometry
- Sketcher constraints:
- Geometric constraints: Coincident, Point on object, Vertical, Horizontal, Parallel, Perpendicular, Tangent, Equal, Symmetric, Block
- Dimensional constraints: Lock, Horizontal distance, Vertical distance, Distance, Radius or weight, Diameter, Auto radius/diameter, Angle, Refraction (Snell's law)
- Constraint tools: Toggle driving/reference constraint, Activate/deactivate constraint
- Sketcher tools: Select unconstrained DoF, Select associated constraints, Select associated geometry, Select redundant constraints, Select conflicting constraints, Show/hide internal geometry, Select origin, Select horizontal axis, Select vertical axis, Symmetry, Clone, Copy, Move, Rectangular array, Remove axes alignment, Delete all geometry, Delete all constraints
- Sketcher B-spline tools: Show/hide B-spline degree, Show/hide B-spline control polygon, Show/hide B-spline curvature comb, Show/hide B-spline knot multiplicity, Show/hide B-spline control point weight, Convert geometry to B-spline, Increase B-spline degree, Decrease B-spline degree, Increase knot multiplicity, Decrease knot multiplicity, Insert knot, Join curves
- Sketcher virtual space: Switch virtual space
- Additional: Sketcher Dialog, Preferences, Sketcher scripting
- Getting started
- Installation: Download, Windows, Linux, Mac, Additional components, Docker, AppImage, Ubuntu Snap
- Basics: About FreeCAD, Interface, Mouse navigation, Selection methods, Object name, Preferences, Workbenches, Document structure, Properties, Help FreeCAD, Donate
- Help: Tutorials, Video tutorials
- Workbenches: Std Base, Arch, Assembly, CAM, Draft, FEM, Inspection, Mesh, OpenSCAD, Part, PartDesign, Points, Reverse Engineering, Robot, Sketcher, Spreadsheet, Surface, TechDraw, Test Framework
- Hubs: User hub, Power users hub, Developer hub