TechDraw Workbench: Difference between revisions

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These are tools to improve your TechDraw drawings.
These are tools to improve your TechDraw drawings.

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{{Emphasis|Some of these tools have yet to be released.}}<!--Keep this text. Other tools will be added.-->


=== Attributes and modifications === <!--T:322-->
=== Attributes and modifications === <!--T:322-->


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionSelectLineAttributes.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionSelectLineAttributes|Aspect]]: select style, width and colour of lines. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionSelectLineAttributes.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionSelectLineAttributes|Select Line Attributes, Cascade Spacing and Delta Distance]]: selects the attributes (style, width and color) for new cosmetic lines and centerlines, and specifies the cascade spacing and delta distance. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionChangeLineAttributes.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionChangeLineAttributes|Change Aspect]]: change style, width and colour of lines. {{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}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionExtendLine.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionExtendLine|Stretch]]: extend a line at both ends. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionExtendLine.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionExtendLine|Extend Line]]: extends a cosmetic line or centerline at both ends. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionShortenLine.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionShortenLine|Shorten]]: shorten a line at both ends. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionShortenLine.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionShortenLine|Shorten Line]]: shortens a cosmetic line or centerline at both ends. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionLockUnlockView.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionLockUnlockView|Lock/Unlock]]: Lock/Unlock a view. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionLockUnlockView.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionLockUnlockView|Lock/Unlock View]]: locks or unlocks the position of a view. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionPositionSectionView.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionPositionSectionView|Align Section]]: align a section view orthogonal to 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}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionPosHorizChainDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionPosHorizChainDimension|Align Horizontal]]: align a horizontal dimension chain. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionPosHorizChainDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionPosHorizChainDimension|Position Horizontal Chain Dimensions]]: aligns horizontal dimensions to create a chain dimension. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionPosVertChainDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionPosVertChainDimension|Align Vertical]]: align a vertical dimension chain. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionPosVertChainDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionPosVertChainDimension|Position Vertical Chain Dimensions]]: aligns vertical dimensions to create a chain dimension. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionPosObliqueChainDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionPosObliqueChainDimension|Align Oblique]]: align an oblique dimension chain. {{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}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeHorizDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeHorizDimension|Horizontal Spacing]]: cascade horizontal dimensions. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeHorizDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeHorizDimension|Cascade Horizontal Dimensions]]: evenly spaces horizontal dimensions. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeVertDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeVertDimension|Vertical Spacing]]: cascade vertical dimensions. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeVertDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeVertDimension|Cascade Vertical Dimensions]]: evenly spaces vertical dimensions. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeObliqueDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeObliqueDimension|Oblique Spacing]]: cascade oblique dimensions. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeObliqueDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCascadeObliqueDimension|Cascade Oblique Dimensions]]: evenly spaces oblique dimensions. {{Version|0.20}}


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


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCircleCenterLines.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCircleCenterLines|Arc-Circle Centerlines]]: adds centerlines to circles and arcs. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCircleCenterLines.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCircleCenterLines|Add Circle Centerlines]]: adds centerlines to circles and arcs. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionHoleCircle.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionHoleCircle|Circular Series Centerlines]]: draw the centerlines of a hole/bolt circle. {{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}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionThreadHoleSide.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionThreadHoleSide|Thread section Hole]]: adds a symbolic thread to the side view of a hole. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionThreadHoleSide.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionThreadHoleSide|Add Cosmetic Thread Hole Side View]]: adds a cosmetic thread to the side view of a hole. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionThreadHoleBottom.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionThreadHoleBottom|Thread Hole]]: adds symbolic threads to the bottom view of holes. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionThreadHoleBottom.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionThreadHoleBottom|Add Cosmetic Thread Hole Bottom View]]: adds a cosmetic thread to the top or bottom view of holes. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionThreadBoltSide.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionThreadBoltSide|Thread section Shaft]]: adds a symbolic thread to the side view of a bolt. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionThreadBoltSide.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionThreadBoltSide|Add Cosmetic Thread Bolt Side View]]: adds a cosmetic thread to the side view of a bolt/screw/rod. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionThreadBoltBottom.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionThreadBoltBottom|Thread Shaft]]: adds symbolic threads to the bottom view of bolts. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionThreadBoltBottom.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionThreadBoltBottom|Add Cosmetic Thread Bolt Bottom View]]: adds a cosmetic thread to the top or bottom view of bolts/screws/rods. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionVertexAtIntersection.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionVertexAtIntersection|Intersection Point]]: create the vertexes at intersection of lines. {{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}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmCircle.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmCircle|Circunference]]: draw a cosmetic circumference using center and radius vertex. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmCircle.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmCircle|Add Cosmetic Circle]]: adds a cosmetic circle based on two vertexes. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmArc.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmArc|Arch]]: draw an arc rotating counterclockwise. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmArc.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionDrawCosmArc|Add Cosmetic Arc]]: adds a cosmetic counter clockwise arc based on three vertexes. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionLineParallel.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionLineParallel|Parallel]]: draw a line parallel to another line through a vertex. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionLineParallel.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionLineParallel|Add Cosmetic Parallel Line]]: adds a cosmetic line parallel to another line through a vertex. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionLinePerpendicular.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionLinePerpendicular|Perpendicular]]: draw a line perpendicular to another line through a vertex. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionLinePerpendicular.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionLinePerpendicular|Add Cosmetic Perpendicular Line]]: adds a cosmetic line perpendicular to another line through a vertex. {{Version|0.20}}


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


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizChainDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizChainDimension|Horizontal Series]]: create a horizontal dimension chain. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizChainDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizChainDimension|Create Horizontal Chain Dimensions]]: creates a sequence of aligned horizontal dimensions. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateVertChainDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateVertChainDimension|Vertical Series]]: create a vertical dimension chain. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateVertChainDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateVertChainDimension|Create Vertical Chain Dimensions]]: creates a sequence of aligned vertical dimensions. {{Version|0.20}}


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


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizCoordDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizCoordDimension|Parallel Horizontal]]: create cascaded horizontal dimensions. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizCoordDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizCoordDimension|Create Horizontal Coordinate Dimensions]]: creates multiple evenly spaced horizontal dimensions starting from the same baseline. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateVertCoordDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateVertCoordDimension|Parallel Vertical]]: create cascaded vertical dimensions. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateVertCoordDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateVertCoordDimension|Create Vertical Coordinate Dimensions]]: creates multiple evenly spaced vertical dimensions starting from the same baseline. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateObliqueCoordDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateObliqueCoordDimension|Parallel Oblique]]: create cascaded oblique dimensions. {{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}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizChamferDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizChamferDimension|Horizontal Chamfer]]: create a horizontal chamfer dimension. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizChamferDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateHorizChamferDimension|Create Horizontal Chamfer Dimension]]: creates a horizontal size and angle dimension for a chamfer. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateVertChamferDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateVertChamferDimension|Vertical Chamfer]]: create a vertical chamfer dimension. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateVertChamferDimension.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateVertChamferDimension|Create Vertical Chamfer Dimension]]: creates a vertical size and angle dimension for a chamfer. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionCreateLengthArc.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionCreateLengthArc|Arc Length]]: create 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}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionInsertDiameter.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionInsertDiameter|Diameter]]: insert diameter sign as prefix character. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionInsertDiameter.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionInsertDiameter|Insert '⌀' Prefix]]: inserts a '⌀' symbol at the beginning of the dimension text. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionInsertSquare.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionInsertSquare|Tubular Symbol]]: insert square sign as prefix character. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionInsertSquare.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionInsertSquare|Insert '〼' Prefix]]: inserts a '〼' symbol at the beginning of the dimension text. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionIncreaseDecimal.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionIncreaseDecimal|Increase Accuracy]]: increase decimal places. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionIncreaseDecimal.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionIncreaseDecimal|Increase Decimal Places]]: increases the number of decimal places of the dimension text. {{Version|0.20}}


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* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionDecreaseDecimal.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionDecreaseDecimal|Decrease Accuracy]]: decrease decimal places. {{Version|0.20}}
* [[File:TechDraw_ExtensionDecreaseDecimal.svg|32px]] [[TechDraw_ExtensionDecreaseDecimal|Decrease Decimal Places]]: decreases the number of decimal places of the dimension text. {{Version|0.20}}


== Export == <!--T:45-->
== Export == <!--T:45-->

Revision as of 12:44, 27 January 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.

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.

Annotations

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

Extensions

These are tools to improve your TechDraw drawings.

Attributes and modifications

Centerlines and threading

Dimensions

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

Video tutorials by sliptonic