TechDraw Workbench: Difference between revisions

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These are tools for changing the stacking order which controls the apparent depth of views on a page.
These are tools for changing the stacking order which controls the apparent depth of views on a page.


* [[File:TechDraw_StackTop.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_StackGroup">Adjust Stacking Order:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_StackGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_StackTop.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_StackGroup">Adjust Stacking Order:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_StackGroup pages redirect here-->


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* [[File:TechDraw_3PtAngleDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_3PtAngleDimension|Insert 3-Point Angle Dimension]]: adds an angle dimension using three vertices.
* [[File:TechDraw_3PtAngleDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_3PtAngleDimension|Insert 3-Point Angle Dimension]]: adds an angle dimension using three vertices.


* [[File:TechDraw_HorizontalExtentDimension.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtentGroup">Insert Extent Dimensions:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtentGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_HorizontalExtentDimension.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtentGroup">Insert Extent Dimensions:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtentGroup pages redirect here-->


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* [[File:TechDraw_RichTextAnnotation.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_RichTextAnnotation|Insert Rich Text Annotation]]: adds an rich text block as annotation to a leaderline or a view. {{Version|0.19}}
* [[File:TechDraw_RichTextAnnotation.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_RichTextAnnotation|Insert Rich Text Annotation]]: adds an rich text block as annotation to a leaderline or a view. {{Version|0.19}}


* [[File:TechDraw_CosmeticVertex.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_CosmeticVertexGroup">Add Cosmetic Vertices:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_CosmeticVertexGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_CosmeticVertex.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_CosmeticVertexGroup">Add Cosmetic Vertices:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_CosmeticVertexGroup pages redirect here-->


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:* [[File:TechDraw_Quadrants.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_Quadrants|Add Quadrant Vertices]]: adds Cosmetic Vertices at quarter points of selected (circular) edges. {{Version|0.19}}
:* [[File:TechDraw_Quadrants.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_Quadrants|Add Quadrant Vertices]]: adds Cosmetic Vertices at quarter points of selected (circular) edges. {{Version|0.19}}


* [[File:TechDraw_FaceCenterLine.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_CenterLineGroup">Add Center Lines:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_CenterLineGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_FaceCenterLine.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_CenterLineGroup">Add Center Lines:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_CenterLineGroup pages redirect here-->


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionChangeLineAttributes.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionChangeLineAttributes|Change Line Attributes]]: changes the attributes (style, width and color) of cosmetic lines and centerlines. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionChangeLineAttributes.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionChangeLineAttributes|Change Line Attributes]]: changes the attributes (style, width and color) of cosmetic lines and centerlines. {{Version|0.20}}


* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionExtendLine.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionExtendShortenLineGroup">Change Length of Cosmetic Lines and CenterLines:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionExtendShortenLineGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionExtendLine.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionExtendShortenLineGroup">Change Length of Cosmetic Lines and CenterLines:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionExtendShortenLineGroup pages redirect here-->


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionPositionSectionView.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionPositionSectionView|Position Section View]]: orthogonally aligns a section view with its source view. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionPositionSectionView.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionPositionSectionView|Position Section View]]: orthogonally aligns a section view with its source view. {{Version|0.20}}


* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionPosHorizChainDimension.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionPosChainDimensionGroup">Align Dimensions:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionPosChainDimensionGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionPosHorizChainDimension.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionPosChainDimensionGroup">Align Dimensions:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionPosChainDimensionGroup pages redirect here-->


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:* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionPosObliqueChainDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionPosObliqueChainDimension|Position Oblique Chain Dimensions]]: aligns oblique dimensions to create a chain dimension. {{Version|0.20}}
:* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionPosObliqueChainDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionPosObliqueChainDimension|Position Oblique Chain Dimensions]]: aligns oblique dimensions to create a chain dimension. {{Version|0.20}}


* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeHorizDimension.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeDimensionGroup">Evenly Space Dimensions:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeDimensionGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeHorizDimension.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeDimensionGroup">Evenly Space Dimensions:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeDimensionGroup pages redirect here-->


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=== Centerlines and threading === <!--T:334-->
=== Centerlines and threading === <!--T:334-->


* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCircleCenterLines.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionCircleCenterLinesGroup">Add Centerlines:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionCircleCenterLinesGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCircleCenterLines.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionCircleCenterLinesGroup">Add Centerlines:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionCircleCenterLinesGroup pages redirect here-->


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:* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionHoleCircle.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionHoleCircle|Add Bolt Circle Centerlines]]: adds centerlines to a circular pattern of circles. {{Version|0.20}}
:* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionHoleCircle.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionHoleCircle|Add Bolt Circle Centerlines]]: adds centerlines to a circular pattern of circles. {{Version|0.20}}


* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionThreadHoleSide.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionThreadsGroup">Add Cosmetic Threads:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionThreadsGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionThreadHoleSide.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionThreadsGroup">Add Cosmetic Threads:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionThreadsGroup pages redirect here-->


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionVertexAtIntersection.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionVertexAtIntersection|Add Cosmetic Intersection Vertex(es)]]: adds cosmetic vertex(es) at the intersection(s) of selected edges. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionVertexAtIntersection.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionVertexAtIntersection|Add Cosmetic Intersection Vertex(es)]]: adds cosmetic vertex(es) at the intersection(s) of selected edges. {{Version|0.20}}


* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmCircle.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCirclesGroup">Add Cosmetic Circles or Arcs:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCirclesGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmCircle.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCirclesGroup">Add Cosmetic Circles or Arcs:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCirclesGroup pages redirect here-->


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:* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmCircle3Points.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmCircle3Points|Add Cosmetic Circle 3 Points]]: adds a cosmetic circle based on three vertexes. {{Version|0.20}}
:* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmCircle3Points.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmCircle3Points|Add Cosmetic Circle 3 Points]]: adds a cosmetic circle based on three vertexes. {{Version|0.20}}


* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionLineParallel.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionLinePPGroup">Add Cosmetic Parallel or Perpendicular Lines:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionLinePPGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionLineParallel.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionLinePPGroup">Add Cosmetic Parallel or Perpendicular Lines:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionLinePPGroup pages redirect here-->


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=== Dimensions === <!--T:342-->
=== Dimensions === <!--T:342-->


* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizChainDimension.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionCreateChainDimensionGroup">Create Chain Dimensions:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionCreateChainDimensionGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizChainDimension.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionCreateChainDimensionGroup">Create Chain Dimensions:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionCreateChainDimensionGroup pages redirect here-->


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:* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateObliqueChainDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateObliqueChainDimension|Create Oblique Chain Dimensions]]: creates a sequence of aligned oblique dimensions. {{Version|0.20}}
:* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateObliqueChainDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateObliqueChainDimension|Create Oblique Chain Dimensions]]: creates a sequence of aligned oblique dimensions. {{Version|0.20}}


* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizCoordDimension.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionCreateCoordDimensionGroup">Create Coordinate Dimensions:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionCreateCoordDimensionGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizCoordDimension.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionCreateCoordDimensionGroup">Create Coordinate Dimensions:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionCreateCoordDimensionGroup pages redirect here-->


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:* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateObliqueCoordDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateObliqueCoordDimension|Create Oblique Coordinate Dimensions]]: creates multiple evenly spaced oblique dimensions starting from the same baseline. {{Version|0.20}}
:* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateObliqueCoordDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateObliqueCoordDimension|Create Oblique Coordinate Dimensions]]: creates multiple evenly spaced oblique dimensions starting from the same baseline. {{Version|0.20}}


* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizChamferDimension.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionChamferDimensionGroup">Create Chamfer Dimensions:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionChamferDimensionGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizChamferDimension.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionChamferDimensionGroup">Create Chamfer Dimensions:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionChamferDimensionGroup pages redirect here-->


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateLengthArc.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateLengthArc|Create Arc Length Dimension]]: creates an arc length dimension. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateLengthArc.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateLengthArc|Create Arc Length Dimension]]: creates an arc length dimension. {{Version|0.20}}


* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionInsertDiameter.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionInsertPrefixGroup">Insert Prefix:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionInsertPrefixGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionInsertDiameter.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionInsertPrefixGroup">Insert Prefix:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionInsertPrefixGroup pages redirect here-->


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:* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionRemovePrefixChar.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionRemovePrefixChar|Remove Prefix]]: removes all symbols at the beginning of the dimension text. {{Version|0.20}}
:* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionRemovePrefixChar.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionRemovePrefixChar|Remove Prefix]]: removes all symbols at the beginning of the dimension text. {{Version|0.20}}


* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionIncreaseDecimal.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionIncreaseDecreaseGroup">Change Decimal Places:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionIncreaseDecreaseGroup pages redirect here-->
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionIncreaseDecimal.svg|x32px]][[Image:Toolbar_flyout_arrow_blue_background.svg|x32px]] <span id="TechDraw_ExtensionIncreaseDecreaseGroup">Change Decimal Places:</span><!--Do not edit span id: the TechDraw_ExtensionIncreaseDecreaseGroup pages redirect here-->


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Revision as of 08:15, 6 October 2022

TechDraw workbench icon

Introduction

The TechDraw Workbench is used to produce basic technical drawings from 3D models created with another workbench such as Part, PartDesign, or Arch, or imported from other applications. Each drawing is a Page, which can contain various Views of drawable objects such as Part::Features, PartDesign::Bodies, App::Part groups, and Document Object groups. The resulting drawings can be used for things like documentation, manufacturing instructions, contracts, permits, etc.

Dimensions, sections, hatched areas, annotations, and SVG symbols can be added to the page, which can be further exported to different formats like DXF, SVG, and PDF.

TechDraw was officially included in FreeCAD starting with version 0.17; it is intended to replace the unsupported Drawing Workbench. Both workbenches are still provided in v0.17, but the Drawing Workbench may be removed in future releases. To keep up with TechDraw plans and developments, visit the TechDraw Roadmap.

If your primary goal is the production of complex 2D drawings and DXF files, and you don't need 3D modelling, FreeCAD may not be the right choice for you. You may wish to consider a dedicated software program for technical drafting instead, such as LibreCAD or QCad.

Pages

These are tools for creating Page objects.

Views

These are tools for creating View objects.

Stacking

These are tools for changing the stacking order which controls the apparent depth of views on a page.

  • Adjust Stacking Order:

Clips

These are tools to create and manage Clip objects (clipped views).

Decorations

These are tools to decorate pages or views:

Dimensions

These are tools for creating and working with Dimension objects.

Linear dimensions can be based on two points, on one line, or on two lines.

  • Insert Extent Dimensions:

Annotations

The annotation tools are for "marking up" a drawing with additional information.

  • Add Cosmetic Vertices:
  • Add Center Lines:

Extensions

These are tools to improve your TechDraw drawings.

Attributes and modifications

  • Change Length of Cosmetic Lines and CenterLines:
  • Align Dimensions:
  • Evenly Space Dimensions:

Centerlines and threading

  • Add Centerlines:
  • Add Cosmetic Threads:
  • Add Cosmetic Circles or Arcs:
  • Add Cosmetic Parallel or Perpendicular Lines:

Dimensions

  • Create Chain Dimensions:
  • Create Coordinate Dimensions:
  • Create Chamfer Dimensions:
  • Insert Prefix:
  • Change Decimal Places:

Export

These are tools for exporting pages to other applications.

Additional features

Preferences

  • Preferences: preferences for the default values of the drawing page such as projection angle, colors, text sizes, and line styles.

Scripting

The TechDraw tools can be used in macros and from the Python console by using two APIs.

Limitations

  • TechDraw drawings and its API are not interchangeable with the Drawing Workbench and its API. It is possible to convert Drawing Pages to TechDraw Pages using a Python script (moveViews.py).
  • It is possible to have both TechDraw and Drawing Pages in the same FreeCAD document, as each page is completely independent from each other.
  • There are minor differences in specifying editable texts in SVG templates compared to the Drawing module. In TechDraw the scaling of the SVG document affects the position of the editable text fields. See the forum discussion TechDraw templates scale for more details.
  • Do not cut, copy and paste TechDraw objects in the Tree view as this generally does not work out well.
  • Do not drag TechDraw objects in the Tree view with the mouse.

Tutorials

A "few" added lines of code result in a tool like the Macro TemplateHelper.

Video tutorials by sliptonic