Difference between revisions of "Draft Coordinates"
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− | The [[Image:Workbench_Draft.svg|24px]] [[Draft Workbench]] tools allow you to pick points, distances, radiuses, and angles graphically by clicking on the [[3D view]] with the pointer. | + | The [[Image:Workbench_Draft.svg|24px]] [[Draft_Workbench|Draft Workbench]] tools allow you to pick points, distances, radiuses, and angles graphically by clicking on the [[3D_view|3D view]] with the pointer. |
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− | The Taskview panel (AKA [[Task panel]]) is an intelligent window that changes its contents according to the tool being used, and the input required from the user. For example, when using [[Image:Draft_Circle.svg|24px]] [[Draft Circle]], the panel will ask you for the center point, and then the radius value. These two parameters can be indicated by either picking a point on the [[3D view]] or by entering numbers. | + | The Taskview panel (AKA [[Task_panel|Task panel]]) is an intelligent window that changes its contents according to the tool being used, and the input required from the user. For example, when using [[Image:Draft_Circle.svg|24px]] [[Draft_Circle|Draft Circle]], the panel will ask you for the center point, and then the radius value. These two parameters can be indicated by either picking a point on the [[3D_view|3D view]] or by entering numbers. |
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− | Most Draft tools work in the working plane defined by [[Draft SelectPlane]]. Therefore, it is usually not necessary to lock the Z coordinate, just establish the correct working plane. | + | Most Draft tools work in the working plane defined by [[Draft_SelectPlane|Draft SelectPlane]]. Therefore, it is usually not necessary to lock the Z coordinate, just establish the correct working plane. |
== Set the number of decimals == <!--T:26--> | == Set the number of decimals == <!--T:26--> | ||
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Latest revision as of 10:24, 5 December 2020
Description
The Draft Workbench tools allow you to pick points, distances, radiuses, and angles graphically by clicking on the 3D view with the pointer.
However, when these parameters need to be precise, it is possible to enter the exact values in the dialog for the tool.
There are two interfaces possible: taskview (recommended) and command toolbar. The default interface is selected in the menu Edit → Preferences → Draft → General settings → Draft interface mode.
Taskview panel
The Taskview panel (AKA Task panel) is an intelligent window that changes its contents according to the tool being used, and the input required from the user. For example, when using Draft Circle, the panel will ask you for the center point, and then the radius value. These two parameters can be indicated by either picking a point on the 3D view or by entering numbers.
Whenever you see input fields appearing on the Taskview, you can enter numbers in them; moreover, you will see that those numbers reflect the movement of the pointer.
- Press Tab or Enter to advance to the X, Y and Z fields; pressing Enter when in the Z field will record the point.
Depending on the specific Draft tool under use, there may be other options available.
- Press R to switch between absolute and relative coordinates.
- Press T to switch between normal mode and continue mode.
- Press L to switch between wireframe mode and filled mode.
- Press P to switch between original mode and copy mode.
Taskview, first screen for the Circle tool, entering center coordinates
Taskview, second screen for the Circle tool, entering the radius
Command toolbar
Draft coordinates entered in the command toolbar
The Draft command toolbar is an intelligent toolbar that changes its contents according to the tool being used, and the input required from the user. For example, when using Draft Circle, the command toolbar will ask you for the center point, and then the radius value. These two parameters can be indicated by either picking a point on the 3D view or by entering numbers.
Whenever you see input fields appearing on the command toolbar, you can enter numbers in them; moreover, you will see that those numbers reflect the movement of the pointer.
- Press Tab or Enter to advance to the X, Y and Z fields; pressing Enter when in the Z field will record the point.
- Press R to switch between absolute and relative coordinates.
- Press P to switch between original mode and copy mode.
- Press L to lock or unlock the Z coordinate. This is now deprecated: the L key now toggles the fill mode of closed shapes.
Locking the Z coordinate
Draft coordinates entered in the command toolbar (older FreeCAD)
It can be hard to align objects when working in 3D space. For this reason, you can lock the Z coordinate so you'll be certain that everything you draw will lie in the same horizontal plane. When you open FreeCAD, the Z coordinate is locked by default at 0.00, but you can change this; just unlock it, change the Z value, and lock it again. If the Z coordinate is locked, you won't be able to draw in non-horizontal planes.
Most Draft tools work in the working plane defined by Draft SelectPlane. Therefore, it is usually not necessary to lock the Z coordinate, just establish the correct working plane.
Set the number of decimals
By default, FreeCAD shows two decimal places in quantities. To change the number of decimal places shown change the preferences:
- Go to Edit → Preferences → General → Units, and set "Number of decimals" to the desired value.
- Then press Apply and OK.
Another way is using the parameter editor:
- Go to Tools → Edit parameters → BaseApp → Preferences → Units, and change the "Value" of "Decimals" to the desired number.
- If "Decimals" doesn't exist you can create it; right click in the window and select New integer item → Enter the name →, type in "Decimals", and proceed to enter the desired number.
- Then click Save to disk and Close.
- Restart FreeCAD to activate your changes.
Parameter editor to change the decimal places shown by a numerical value
- Basics: Coordinates, Constraining, Snapping (Near, Extension, Parallel, Grid, Endpoint, Midpoint, Perpendicular, Angle, Center, Ortho, Intersection, Special, Dimensions, Working plane)
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- Utilities: Set working plane, Finish line, Close line, Undo line, Toggle construction mode, Toggle continue mode, Apply style, Toggle display mode, Add to group, Select group contents, Toggle snap, Toggle grid, Show snap bar, Heal, Flip Dimension, VisGroup, Slope, AutoGroup, Set Working Plane Proxy, Add to Construction group
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