Draft Workbench: Difference between revisions

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The Draft workbench allows to quickly draw simple 2D objects in the current document, and offers several tools to modify them afterwards. Some of these tools also work on all other FreeCAD objects, not only those created with the Draft workbench. It also provides a complete snapping system, and several utilities to manage objects and settings.
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[[Image:Workbench_Draft.svg|240px|center]]
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===Drawing objects=== <!--T:16-->
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{{Caption|align=center|The FreeCAD Draft Workbench Icon}}

== Introduction == <!--T:1-->
The Draft Workbench allows you to draw simple 2D objects, and offers several tools to modify them afterwards. It also provides tools to define a working plane, a grid, and a snapping system to precisely control the position of your geometry.

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The created 2D objects can be used for general drafting in a way similar to Inkscape or Autocad. These 2D shapes can also be used as the base components of 3D objects created with other workbenches, for example, the [[Part Workbench|Part]] and [[Arch Workbench|Arch Workbench]]es. Conversion of Draft objects to [[Sketcher Workbench|Sketches]] is also possible, which means that the shapes can also be used with the [[PartDesign Workbench|PartDesign Workbench]] for the creation of solid bodies.

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FreeCAD is primarily a 3D modelling application, and thus its 2D tools aren't as advanced as in other drawing programs. If your primary goal is the production of complex 2D drawings and [[DXF|DXF]] files, and you don't need 3D modelling, you may wish to consider a dedicated software program for technical drafting such as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LibreCAD LibreCAD], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QCad QCad], TurboCad, and others.

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{{TOCright}}
[[Image:Draft_Workbench_Example.png|600px|Draft Workbench Example]]
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== Drawing objects == <!--T:16-->

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These are tools for creating objects.
These are tools for creating objects.

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* [[Image:Draft_Line.png|32px]] [[Draft_Line|Line]]: Draws a line segment between 2 points
* [[Image:Draft_Line.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Line|Line]]: draws a line segment between two points.
* [[Image:Draft_Wire.png|32px]] [[Draft_Wire|Wire]]: Draws a line made of multiple line segments (polyline)
* [[Image:Draft_Wire.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Wire|Polyline]]: draws a line made of multiple line segments (polyline).
* [[Image:Draft_Fillet.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Fillet|Fillet]]: draws a fillet (rounded corner) or a chamfer (straight line) between two simple [[Draft_Line|Lines]]. {{Version|0.19}}
* [[Image:Draft_Circle.png|32px]] [[Draft_Circle|Circle]]: Draws a circle from center and radius
* [[Image:Draft_Arc.png|32px]] [[Draft_Arc|Arc]]: Draws an arc segment from center, radius, start angle and end angle
* [[Image:Draft_Circle.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Circle|Circle]]: draws a circle from center and radius.
* [[Image:Draft_Ellipse.png|32px]] [[Draft_Ellipse|Ellipse]]: Draws an ellipse from two corner points
* [[Image:Draft_Arc.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Arc|Arc]]: draws an arc segment from center, radius, start angle and end angle.
* [[Image:Draft_Polygon.png|32px]] [[Draft_Polygon|Polygon]]: Draws a regular polygon from a center and a radius
* [[Image:Draft_Arc_3Points.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Arc_3Points|Arc 3Points]]: draws a circular arc segment from three points that are located in the circumference. {{Version|0.19}}
* [[Image:Draft_Rectangle.png|32px]] [[Draft_Rectangle|Rectangle]]: Draws a rectangle from 2 opposite points
* [[Image:Draft_Ellipse.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Ellipse|Ellipse]]: draws an ellipse from two corner points.
* [[Image:Draft_Text.png|32px]] [[Draft_Text|Text]]: Draws a multi-line text annotation
* [[Image:Draft_Polygon.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Polygon|Polygon]]: draws a regular polygon from center, radius, and number of sides.
* [[Image:Draft_Dimension.png|32px]] [[Draft_Dimension|Dimension]]: Draws a dimension annotation
* [[Image:Draft_Rectangle.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Rectangle|Rectangle]]: draws a rectangle from two corner points.
* [[Image:Draft_BSpline.png|32px]] [[Draft_BSpline|BSpline]]: Draws a B-Spline from a series of points
* [[Image:Draft_Text.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Text|Text]]: draws a multi-line text annotation.
* [[Image:Draft_Point.png|32px]] [[Draft_Point|Point]]: Inserts a point object
* [[Image:Draft_Dimension.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Dimension|Dimension]]: draws a dimension annotation.
* [[Image:Draft_BSpline.svg|32px]] [[Draft_BSpline|BSpline]]: draws a B-Spline from a series of points.
* [[Image:Draft_ShapeString.png|32px]] [[Draft_ShapeString|ShapeString]]: The ShapeString tool inserts a compound shape representing a text string at a given point in the current document
* [[Image:Draft_Facebinder.png|32px]] [[Draft_Facebinder|Facebinder]]: Creates a new object from selected faces on existing objects
* [[Image:Draft_Point.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Point|Point]]: inserts a point object.
* [[Image:Draft_BezCurve.png|32px]] [[Draft_BezCurve|Bezier Curve]]: Draws a Bezier curve from a series of points
* [[Image:Draft_ShapeString.svg|32px]] [[Draft_ShapeString|ShapeString]]: inserts a compound shape representing a text string at a given point.
* [[Image:Draft_Label.png|32px]] [[Draft_Label|Label]]: Places a label with an arrow pointing to a selected element {{Version|0.17}}
* [[Image:Draft_Facebinder.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Facebinder|Facebinder]]: creates a new object from selected faces on existing objects.
* [[Image:Draft_CubicBezCurve.svg|32px]] [[Draft_CubicBezCurve|Cubic Bezier Curve]]: draws a Bezier curve of third degree by dragging two points. {{Version|0.19}}
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* [[Image:Draft_BezCurve.svg|32px]] [[Draft_BezCurve|Bezier Curve]]: draws a Bezier curve from a series of points.
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* [[Image:Draft_Label.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Label|Label]]: places a label with an arrow pointing to a selected element. {{Version|0.17}}
===Modifying objects=== <!--T:19-->

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== Modifying objects == <!--T:19-->
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These are tools for modifying existing objects. They work on selected objects, but if no object is selected, you will be invited to select one.
These are tools for modifying existing objects. They work on selected objects, but if no object is selected, you will be invited to select one.

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Many operation tools (move, rotate, array, etc.) also work on solid objects ([[Part Workbench|Part]], [[PartDesign Workbench|PartDesign]], [[Arch Workbench|Arch]], etc.).

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* [[Image:Draft_Move.png|32px]] [[Draft_Move|Move]]: Moves object(s) from one location to another
* [[Image:Draft_Move.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Move|Move]]: moves objects from one location to another.
* [[Image:Draft_Rotate.png|32px]] [[Draft_Rotate|Rotate]]: Rotates object(s) from a start angle to an end angle
* [[Image:Draft_Rotate.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Rotate|Rotate]]: rotates objects from a start angle to an end angle.
* [[Image:Draft_Offset.png|32px]] [[Draft_Offset|Offset]]: Moves segments of an object about a certain distance
* [[Image:Draft_Offset.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Offset|Offset]]: offsets segments of an object a certain distance.
* [[Image:Draft_Trimex.png|32px]] [[Draft_Trimex|Trim/Extend (Trimex)]]: Trims or extends an object
* [[Image:Draft_Trimex.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Trimex|Trim/Extend (Trimex)]]: trims or extends an object.
* [[Image:Draft_Upgrade.png|32px]] [[Draft_Upgrade|Upgrade]]: Joins objects into a higher-level object
* [[Image:Draft_Join.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Join|Join]]: joins lines together into a single wire. {{version|0.18}}
* [[Image:Draft_Downgrade.png|32px]] [[Draft_Downgrade|Downgrade]]: Explodes objects into lower-level objects
* [[Image:Draft_Split.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Split|Split]]: splits a wire into two at a point. {{version|0.18}}
* [[Image:Draft_Scale.png|32px]] [[Draft_Scale|Scale]]: Scales selected object(s) around a base point
* [[Image:Draft_Upgrade.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Upgrade|Upgrade]]: upgrades objects into a higher-level object.
* [[Image:Draft_PutOnSheet.png|32px]] [[Draft_Drawing|Drawing]]: Writes selected objects to a [[Drawing Module|Drawing sheet]]
* [[Image:Draft_Downgrade.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Downgrade|Downgrade]]: downgrades objects into lower-level objects.
* [[Image:Draft_Edit.png|32px]] [[Draft_Edit|Edit]]: Edits a selected object
* [[Image:Draft_Scale.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Scale|Scale]]: scales selected objects around a base point.
* [[Image:Draft_WireToBSpline.png|32px]] [[Draft_WireToBSpline|Wire to BSpline]]: Converts a wire to a BSpline and vice-versa
* [[Image:Draft_Edit.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Edit|Edit]]: edits a selected object.
* [[Image:Draft_SubelementHighlight.svg|32px]] [[Draft_SubelementHighlight|Subelement highlight]]: enters an edit mode that allows editing different objects. {{Version|0.19}}
* [[Image:Draft_AddPoint.png|32px]] [[Draft_AddPoint|Add point]]: Adds a point to a wire or BSpline
* [[Image:Draft_DelPoint.png|32px]] [[Draft_DelPoint|Delete point]]: Deletes a point from a wire or BSpline
* [[Image:Draft_WireToBSpline.svg|32px]] [[Draft_WireToBSpline|Wire to BSpline]]: converts a wire to a B-Spline and vice-versa.
* [[Image:Draft_Shape2DView.png|32px]] [[Draft_Shape2DView|Shape 2D View]]: Creates a 2D object which is a flattened 2D view of another 3D object
* [[Image:Draft_AddPoint.svg|32px]] [[Draft_AddPoint|Add point]]: adds a point to a wire or B-Spline.
* [[Image:Draft_Draft2Sketch.png|32px]] [[Draft_Draft2Sketch|Draft to Sketch]]: Converts a Draft object to Sketch and vice-versa
* [[Image:Draft_DelPoint.svg|32px]] [[Draft_DelPoint|Delete point]]: deletes a point from a wire or B-Spline.
* [[Image:Draft_Array.png|32px]] [[Draft_Array|Array]]: Creates a polar or rectangular array from selected objects
* [[Image:Draft_Shape2DView.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Shape2DView|Shape 2D View]]: creates a 2D object which is a flattened 2D view of a 3D object.
* [[Image:Draft_PathArray.png|32px]] [[Draft_PathArray|Path Array]]: Creates an array of objects by placing the copies along a path
* [[Image:Draft_Draft2Sketch.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Draft2Sketch|Draft to Sketch]]: converts a Draft object to a [[Sketcher Workbench|Sketcher Workbench]] Sketch and vice-versa.
* [[Image:Draft_Clone.png|32px]] [[Draft_Clone|Clone]]: Clones the selected objects
* [[Image:Draft_Array.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Array|Array]]: creates a polar or rectangular array from selected objects.
* [[Image:Draft_LinkArray.svg|32px]] [[Draft_LinkArray|LinkArray]]: creates an array of [[Std_LinkMake|App::Link]] elements. {{Version|0.19}}
* [[Image:Draft_Mirror.png|32px]] [[Draft_Mirror|Mirror]]: Mirrors the selected objects
* [[Image:Draft_Stretch.png|32px]] [[Draft_Stretch|Stretch]]: Stretches the selected objects {{Version|0.17}}
* [[File:Draft_PolarArray.svg|32px]] [[Draft_PolarArray|Polar Array]]: creates an array in a polar pattern, that is, sweeping an angle. {{Version|0.19}}
* [[File:Draft_CircularArray.svg|32px]] [[Draft_CircularArray|Circular Array]]: creates an array in a circular pattern, that is, starting from a center and moving outwards radially. {{Version|0.19}}
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* [[Image:Draft_PathArray.svg|32px]] [[Draft_PathArray|Path Array]]: creates an array of objects by placing the copies along a path.
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* [[Image:Draft_PathLinkArray.svg|32px]] [[Draft_PathLinkArray|Path LinkArray]]: creates an array of [[Std_LinkMake|App::Link]] elements by placing the copies along a path. {{Version|0.19}}
===Utility tools=== <!--T:22-->
* [[Image:Draft_PointArray.svg|32px]] [[Draft_PointArray|Point Array]]: creates an array of objects by placing the copies at certain points. {{version|0.18}}
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* [[Image:Draft_Clone.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Clone|Clone]]: clones the selected objects.
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* [[Image:Draft_PutOnSheet.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Drawing|Drawing]]: writes selected objects to a [[Drawing Workbench|Drawing Workbench]] page. {{obsolete|0.17}}
* [[Image:Draft_Mirror.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Mirror|Mirror]]: mirrors the selected objects.
* [[Image:Draft_Stretch.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Stretch|Stretch]]: stretches the selected objects. {{Version|0.17}}

== Utility tools == <!--T:22-->

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Additional tools available via right-click context menu, depending on the selected objects.
Additional tools available from the menu {{MenuCommand|Draft → Utilities}}, or via the right-click context menu, depending on the selected object.

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* [[Image:Draft_SelectPlane.png|32px]] [[Draft_SelectPlane|Set working plane]]: Sets a working plane from a standard view or a selected face
* [[Image:Draft_SelectPlane.svg|32px]] [[Draft_SelectPlane|Set working plane]]: sets a working plane from a standard view or a selected face.
* [[Image:Draft_FinishLine.png|32px]] [[Draft_FinishLine|Finish line]]: Ends the drawing of the current wire or bspline, without closing it
* [[Image:Draft_FinishLine.svg|32px]] [[Draft_FinishLine|Finish line]]: ends the drawing of the current [[Draft Wire|Draft Wire]] or [[Draft BSpline|Draft BSpline]], without closing it.
* [[Image:Draft_CloseLine.png|32px]] [[Draft_CloseLine|Close line]]: Ends the drawing of the current wire or bspline, and closes it
* [[Image:Draft_CloseLine.svg|32px]] [[Draft_CloseLine|Close line]]: ends the drawing of the current [[Draft Wire|Draft Wire]] or [[Draft BSpline|Draft BSpline]], and closes it.
* [[Image:Draft_UndoLine.png|32px]] [[Draft_UndoLine|Undo line]]: Undoes the last segment of a line
* [[Image:Draft_UndoLine.svg|32px]] [[Draft_UndoLine|Undo line]]: undoes the last segment of a [[Draft Wire|Draft Wire]].
* [[Image:Draft_ToggleConstructionMode.png|32px]] [[Draft_ToggleConstructionMode|Toggle construction mode]]: Toggles the Draft construction mode on/off
* [[Image:Draft_ToggleConstructionMode.svg|32px]] [[Draft_ToggleConstructionMode|Toggle construction mode]]: toggles the Draft construction mode on or off.
* [[Image:Draft_ToggleContinueMode.png|32px]] [[Draft_ToggleContinueMode|Toggle continue mode]]: Toggles the Draft continue mode on/off
* [[Image:Draft_ToggleContinueMode.svg|32px]] [[Draft_ToggleContinueMode|Toggle continue mode]]: toggles the Draft continue mode on or off.
* [[Image:Draft_ApplyStyle.png|32px]] [[Draft_Apply|Apply style]]: Applies the current style and color to selected objects
* [[Image:Draft_ApplyStyle.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Apply|Apply style]]: applies the current style and color to selected objects.
* [[Image:Draft_ToggleDisplayMode.png|32px]] [[Draft_ToggleDisplayMode|Toggle display mode]]: Switches the display mode of selected objects between "flat lines" and "wireframe"
* [[Image:Draft_ToggleDisplayMode.svg|32px]] [[Draft_ToggleDisplayMode|Toggle display mode]]: switches the display mode of selected objects between "Flat Lines" and "Wireframe".
* [[Image:Draft_AddToGroup.png|32px]] [[Draft_AddToGroup|Add to group]]: Quickly adds selected objects to an existing group
* [[Image:Draft_AddToGroup.svg|32px]] [[Draft_AddToGroup|Add to group]]: quickly adds selected objects to an existing [[Std Group|Std Group]] or [[Draft VisGroup|Draft VisGroup]].
* [[Image:Draft_SelectGroup.png|32px]] [[Draft_SelectGroup|Select group contents]]: Selects the contents of a selected group
* [[Image:Draft_SelectGroup.svg|32px]] [[Draft_SelectGroup|Select group contents]]: selects the contents of a selected [[Std Group|Std Group]] or [[Draft VisGroup|Draft VisGroup]].
* [[Image:Draft_ToggleSnap.png|32px]] [[Draft_ToggleSnap|Toggle snap]]: Toggles [[Draft Snap|object snapping]] on/off
* [[Image:Draft_ToggleSnap.svg|32px]] [[Draft_ToggleSnap|Toggle snap]]: toggles [[Draft Snap|object snapping]] on or off.
* [[Image:Draft_ToggleGrid.png|32px]] [[Draft_ToggleGrid|Toggle grid]]: Toggles the grid on/off
* [[Image:Draft_ToggleGrid.svg|32px]] [[Draft_ToggleGrid|Toggle grid]]: toggles the visibility of the grid on or off.
* [[Image:Draft_ShowSnapBar.png|32px]] [[Draft_ShowSnapBar|Show snap bar]]: Shows/hides the [[Draft Snap|snapping]] toolbar
* [[Image:Draft_ShowSnapBar.svg|32px]] [[Draft_ShowSnapBar|Show snap bar]]: shows or hides the [[Draft Snap|Draft Snap]] toolbar.
* [[Image:Draft_Heal.png|32px]] [[Draft_Heal|Heal]]: Heals problematic Draft objects found in very old files
* [[Image:Draft_Heal.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Heal|Heal]]: heals problematic Draft objects found in very old files.
* [[Image:Draft_FlipDimension.png|32px]] [[Draft_FlipDimension|Flip Dimension]]: Flips the orientation of the text of a [[Draft Dimension|dimension]]
* [[Image:Draft_FlipDimension.svg|32px]] [[Draft_FlipDimension|Flip Dimension]]: flips the orientation of the text of a [[Draft Dimension|Draft Dimension]].
* [[Image:Draft_VisGroup.png|32px]] [[Draft_VisGroup|VisGroup]]: Creates a VisGroup in the current document
* [[Image:Draft_VisGroup.svg|32px]] [[Draft_VisGroup|VisGroup]]: creates a VisGroup in the current document. {{Obsolete|0.19}}
* [[Image:Draft_Slope.png|32px]] [[Draft Slope|Slope]]: Changes the slope of selected Lines or Wires {{Version|0.17}}
* [[Image:Draft_Layer.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Layer|Layer]]: creates a Layer in the current document, to which objects can be added to control object visibility and color. It replaces [[Draft_VisGroup|VisGroup]]. {{Version|0.19}}
* [[Image:Draft_AutoGroup.png|32px]] [[Draft AutoGroup|AutoGroup]]: Automatically place new objects in a given group {{Version|0.17}}
* [[Image:Draft_Slope.svg|32px]] [[Draft Slope|Slope]]: changes the elevation slope of the currently selected [[Draft Line|Draft Line]] or [[Draft Wire|Draft Wire]]. {{Version|0.17}}
* [[Image:Draft_SetWorkingPlaneProxy.png|32px]] [[Draft SetWorkingPlaneProxy|Set Working Plane Proxy]]: Add a proxy object in the document to store a [[Draft_SelectPlane|Working Plane]] position {{Version|0.17}}
* [[Image:Draft_AutoGroup.svg|32px]] [[Draft AutoGroup|AutoGroup]]: automatically place new objects in a given [[Std Group|Std Group]] or [[Draft VisGroup|Draft VisGroup]]. {{Version|0.17}}
* [[Image:Draft_ToggleConstructionMode.png|32px]] [[Draft_AddConstruction|Add to Construction group]]: Add selected objects to the Construction group {{Version|0.17}}
* [[Image:Draft_SetWorkingPlaneProxy.svg|32px]] [[Draft SetWorkingPlaneProxy|Set Working Plane Proxy]]: create a proxy object to store the current [[Draft_SelectPlane|Working Plane]] position. {{Version|0.17}}
* [[Image:Draft_AddConstruction.svg|32px]] [[Draft_AddConstruction|Add to Construction group]]: add selected objects to the Construction group. {{Version|0.17}}
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===Preferences=== <!--T:25-->
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* [[Image:Std_DlgParameter.png|32px]] [[Draft_Preferences|Preferences...]]: Preferences disposable in Draft Tools.
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===File formats=== <!--T:3-->
== Preferences == <!--T:25-->

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* [[Image:Preferences-draft.svg|32px]] [[Draft_Preferences|Preferences]]: general preferences for the working plane and the drawing tools.
* [[Image:Preferences-import-export.svg|32px]] [[Import_Export_Preference|Import-Export Preferences]]: preferences available for importing from and exporting to different file formats.

== File formats == <!--T:3-->


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These are functions for opening, importing or exporting other file formats. Opening will open a new document with the contents of the file, while importing will append the contents of the file to the current document. Export will save the selected objects to a file. If nothing is selected, all objects will be exported. Be aware that the purpose of the Draft Module is to work with 2D objects, so those import routines focus only on 2D objects, and although DXF and OCA formats also support object definitions in 3D space (objects are not necessarily flat), they will not import volumetric objects such as meshes, 3D surfaces, etc., but rather lines, circles, texts or flat shapes. Currently supported file formats are:
The Draft module provides FreeCAD with importers and exporters for the following file formats:
The Draft module provides FreeCAD with importers and exporters for the following file formats:

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* [[Image:Preferences-import-export.svg|32px]] [[Import_Export_Preference|Preference ...]] Import Export


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* [[Draft_DXF|Autodesk .DXF]]: Imports and exports [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AutoCAD_DXF Drawing Exchange Format] files created with 2D CAD applications
* [[Draft_DXF|Autodesk .DXF]]: imports and exports [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AutoCAD_DXF Drawing Exchange Format] files created with 2D CAD applications. See also [[FreeCAD_and_DXF_Import|FreeCAD and DXF Import]].
* [[Draft_DXF|Autodesk .DWG]]: imports and exports DWG files via the DXF importer, when the [[Extra python modules#ODA Converter (previously Teigha Converter)|ODA Converter]] utility is installed. See also [[FreeCAD_and_DWG_Import|FreeCAD and DWG Import]].
* [[Draft_SVG|SVG (as geometry)]]: Imports and exports [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scalable_Vector_Graphics Scalable Vector Graphics] files created with vector drawing applications
* [[Draft_SVG|SVG]]: imports and exports [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scalable_Vector_Graphics Scalable Vector Graphics] files created with vector drawing applications.
* [[Draft_OCA|Open Cad format .OCA]]: Imports and exports OCA/GCAD files, a potentially new [http://groups.google.com/group/open_cad_format open CAD file format]
* [[Draft_OCA|Open Cad format .OCA]]: imports and exports OCA/GCAD files, a potentially new [http://groups.google.com/group/open_cad_format open CAD file format].
* [[Draft_DAT|Airfoil Data Format .DAT]]: Imports DAT files describing [http://www.ae.illinois.edu/m-selig/ads/coord_database.html Airfoil profiles]
* [[Draft_DAT|Airfoil Data Format .DAT]]: imports DAT files describing [http://www.ae.illinois.edu/m-selig/ads/coord_database.html Airfoil profiles].
* [[Draft_DXF|Autodesk .DWG]]: Import and exports DWG files via the DXF importer, when the [[Extra python modules|Teigha Converter]] utility is installed.
* [[FreeCAD_and_DWG_Import|FreeCAD and DWG Import]]: Import and exports DWG files
* [[FreeCAD_and_DXF_Import|FreeCAD and DXF Import]]: Import and exports DXf files


===Additional features=== <!--T:6-->
===Install importers=== <!--T:36-->

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* [[FreeCAD_and_DWG_Import|FreeCAD and DWG Import]]: Imports and exports DWG files
* [[FreeCAD_and_DXF_Import|FreeCAD and DXF Import]]: Imports and exports DXF files

== Additional features == <!--T:6-->


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* [[Draft Coordinates|Coordinates]]: enter coordinates instead of clicking on the 3D view to define a new point.
* [[Draft_Snap|Snapping]]: Allows to place new points on special places on existing objects
* [[Draft_Constrain|Constraining]]: Allows to place new points horizontally or vertically in relation to previous points
* [[Draft Constrain|Constraining]]: limit the pointer to horizontal or vertical movements relative to a previous point.
* [[Draft Snap|Snapping]]: place new points on special places on existing objects or on the grid.
* [[Draft_Coordinates|Working with manual coordinates]]: Allows to enter manual coordinates instead of clicking on screen
* [[Draft_Copying|Copy Mode]]: All modification tools can either modify the selected objects or create a modified copy of them. Pressing and holding {{KEY|Alt}} while the object is being modified, e.g. moved or rotated, creates a copy when the key is released.
* [[Draft_SelectPlane|Working plane]]: Allows you to define a plane in the 3D space, where next operations will take place
* [[Draft ToggleConstructionMode|Construction Mode]]: Allows you to create geometries separate from the rest by simply switching them on and off.
* [[Draft SelectPlane|Working plane]]: allows you to select a surface on which to build your shapes.


===Scripting=== <!--T:10-->
== Unit tests == <!--T:39-->

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{{Emphasis|See also:}} [[Test_Workbench|Test Workbench]].

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To run the unit tests of the workbench execute the following from the operating system terminal.
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{{Code|code=
freecad -t TestDraft
}}
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== Scripting == <!--T:10-->


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<!--T:11-->
The Draft tools can be used in [[macros|macros]] and from the [[Python|Python]] console by using the [[Draft_API|Draft API]].
The Draft module features a complete [[Draft API|Draft API]] so you can use its functions in scripts and macros

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The workbench includes a module to create samples of all objects in a new document. {{Version|0.19}}

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Use this to test that all objects are produced correctly.
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{{Code|code=
import drafttests.draft_test_objects as dto
doc = dto.create_test_file()
}}
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Inspecting the code of this module is useful to understand how to use the programming interface.
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{{Code|code=
$INSTALLDIR/Mod/Draft/drafttests/draft_test_objects.py
}}
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Where {{incode|$INSTALLDIR}} is the toplevel directory where the software was installed; for example, in Linux it may be {{incode|/usr/share/freecad}}.


===Tutorials=== <!--T:14-->
== Tutorials == <!--T:14-->
* [[Draft_tutorial|Draft tutorial]]
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Revision as of 17:29, 14 February 2020

The FreeCAD Draft Workbench Icon

Introduction

The Draft Workbench allows you to draw simple 2D objects, and offers several tools to modify them afterwards. It also provides tools to define a working plane, a grid, and a snapping system to precisely control the position of your geometry.

The created 2D objects can be used for general drafting in a way similar to Inkscape or Autocad. These 2D shapes can also be used as the base components of 3D objects created with other workbenches, for example, the Part and Arch Workbenches. Conversion of Draft objects to Sketches is also possible, which means that the shapes can also be used with the PartDesign Workbench for the creation of solid bodies.

FreeCAD is primarily a 3D modelling application, and thus its 2D tools aren't as advanced as in other drawing programs. If your primary goal is the production of complex 2D drawings and DXF files, and you don't need 3D modelling, you may wish to consider a dedicated software program for technical drafting such as LibreCAD, QCad, TurboCad, and others.

Draft Workbench Example

Drawing objects

These are tools for creating objects.

Modifying objects

These are tools for modifying existing objects. They work on selected objects, but if no object is selected, you will be invited to select one.

Many operation tools (move, rotate, array, etc.) also work on solid objects (Part, PartDesign, Arch, etc.).

Utility tools

Additional tools available from the menu Draft → Utilities, or via the right-click context menu, depending on the selected object.

Preferences

  • Preferences: general preferences for the working plane and the drawing tools.
  • Import-Export Preferences: preferences available for importing from and exporting to different file formats.

File formats

These are functions for opening, importing or exporting other file formats. Opening will open a new document with the contents of the file, while importing will append the contents of the file to the current document. Export will save the selected objects to a file. If nothing is selected, all objects will be exported. Be aware that the purpose of the Draft Module is to work with 2D objects, so those import routines focus only on 2D objects, and although DXF and OCA formats also support object definitions in 3D space (objects are not necessarily flat), they will not import volumetric objects such as meshes, 3D surfaces, etc., but rather lines, circles, texts or flat shapes. Currently supported file formats are: The Draft module provides FreeCAD with importers and exporters for the following file formats:

Install importers

Additional features

  • Coordinates: enter coordinates instead of clicking on the 3D view to define a new point.
  • Constraining: limit the pointer to horizontal or vertical movements relative to a previous point.
  • Snapping: place new points on special places on existing objects or on the grid.
  • Copy Mode: All modification tools can either modify the selected objects or create a modified copy of them. Pressing and holding Alt while the object is being modified, e.g. moved or rotated, creates a copy when the key is released.
  • Construction Mode: Allows you to create geometries separate from the rest by simply switching them on and off.
  • Working plane: allows you to select a surface on which to build your shapes.

Unit tests

See also: Test Workbench.

To run the unit tests of the workbench execute the following from the operating system terminal.

freecad -t TestDraft

Scripting

The Draft tools can be used in macros and from the Python console by using the Draft API.

The workbench includes a module to create samples of all objects in a new document. introduced in version 0.19

Use this to test that all objects are produced correctly.

import drafttests.draft_test_objects as dto
doc = dto.create_test_file()

Inspecting the code of this module is useful to understand how to use the programming interface.

$INSTALLDIR/Mod/Draft/drafttests/draft_test_objects.py

Where $INSTALLDIR is the toplevel directory where the software was installed; for example, in Linux it may be /usr/share/freecad.

Tutorials