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Parametric 2D Sketcher

The Parametric 2D Sketcher is a powerful feature in Rayforge that allows you to create and edit precise, constraint-based 2D designs directly within the application. This feature enables you to design custom parts from scratch without needing external CAD software.

Overview​

The sketcher provides a complete set of tools for creating geometric shapes and applying parametric constraints to define precise relationships between elements. This approach ensures your designs maintain their intended geometry even when dimensions are modified.

Creating and Editing Sketches​

Creating a New Sketch​

  1. Click the "New Sketch" button in the toolbar or use the main menu
  2. A new empty sketch workspace will open with the sketch editor interface
  3. Start creating geometry using the drawing tools from the pie menu or keyboard shortcuts
  4. Apply constraints to define relationships between elements
  5. Click "Finish Sketch" to save your work and return to the main workspace

Editing Existing Sketches​

  1. Double-click on a sketch-based workpiece in the main workspace
  2. Alternatively, select a sketch and choose "Edit Sketch" from the context menu
  3. Make your modifications using the same tools and constraints
  4. Click "Finish Sketch" to save changes or "Cancel Sketch" to discard them

Creating 2D Geometry​

The sketcher supports creating the following basic geometric elements:

  • Paths (Lines and Bezier Curves): Draw straight lines and smooth bezier curves using the unified path tool. Click to place points, drag to create bezier handles.
  • Arcs: Draw arcs by specifying a center point, start point, and end point
  • Ellipses: Create ellipses (and circles) by defining a center point and dragging to set the size and aspect ratio. Hold Ctrl while dragging to constrain to a perfect circle.
  • Rectangles: Draw rectangles by specifying two opposite corners
  • Rounded Rectangles: Draw rectangles with rounded corners
  • Text Boxes: Add text elements to your sketch
  • Fills: Fill closed regions to create solid areas

These elements form the foundation of your 2D designs and can be combined to create complex shapes. Fills are particularly useful for creating solid regions that will be engraved or cut as a single piece.

Working with Bezier Curves​

The path tool supports bezier curves for creating smooth, organic shapes:

Drawing Bezier Curves​

  1. Select the path tool from the pie menu or use the keyboard shortcut
  2. Click to place points - each click creates a new point
  3. Drag after clicking to create bezier handles for smooth curves
  4. Continue adding points to build your path
  5. Press Escape or double-click to finish the path

Editing Bezier Curves​

  • Move points: Click and drag any point to reposition it
  • Adjust handles: Drag the handle endpoints to modify the curve shape
  • Connect to existing points: When editing a path, you can snap to existing points in your sketch
  • Make smooth/symmetric: Points connected by a coincident constraint can be made smooth (continuous tangent) or symmetric (mirrored handles)

Converting Curves to Lines​

Use the straighten tool to convert bezier curves back to straight lines. This is useful when you need clean, simple geometry. Select the bezier segments you want to convert and apply the straighten action.

Parametric Constraint System​

The constraint system is the core of the parametric sketcher, allowing you to define precise geometric relationships:

Geometric Constraints​

  • Coincident: Forces two points to occupy the same location
  • Vertical: Constrains a line to be perfectly vertical
  • Horizontal: Constrains a line to be perfectly horizontal
  • Tangent: Makes a line tangent to a circle or arc
  • Perpendicular: Forces two lines, a line and an arc/circle, or two arcs/circles to meet at 90 degrees
  • Point on Line/Shape: Constrains a point to lie on a line, arc, or circle
  • Collinear: Forces two or more lines to lie on the same infinite line
  • Symmetry: Creates symmetrical relationships between elements. Supports two modes:
    • Point Symmetry: Select 3 points (first is the center)
    • Line Symmetry: Select 2 points and 1 line (the line is the axis)

Dimensional Constraints​

  • Distance: Sets the exact distance between two points or along a line
  • Diameter: Defines the diameter of a circle
  • Radius: Sets the radius of a circle or arc
  • Angle: Enforces a specific angle between two lines
  • Aspect Ratio: Forces the ratio between two distances to be equal to a specified value
  • Equal Length/Radius: Forces multiple elements (lines, arcs, ellipses, or circles) to have the same length or radius
  • Equal Distance: Makes two line segments the same length (different from Equal Length/Radius, which can also apply to arcs and circles)

Pie Menu Interface​

The sketcher features a context-aware pie menu that provides quick access to all drawing and constraint tools. This radial menu appears when you right-click in the sketch workspace and adapts based on your current context and selection.

The pie menu items dynamically show available options based on what you have selected. For example, when clicking on empty space, you'll see drawing tools. When clicking on selected geometry, you'll see applicable constraints.

Sketcher Pie Menu

Keyboard Shortcuts​

The sketcher provides keyboard shortcuts for efficient workflow:

Tool Shortcuts​

  • Space: Select tool
  • G+P: Path tool (lines and bezier curves)
  • G+A: Arc tool
  • G+C: Ellipse tool
  • G+R: Rectangle tool
  • G+O: Rounded Rectangle tool
  • G+F: Fill Area tool
  • G+T: Text Box tool
  • G+G: Grid tool (toggle grid visibility)
  • G+N: Toggle construction mode on selection

Action Shortcuts​

  • C+H: Add Chamfer corner
  • C+F: Add Fillet corner
  • C+S: Straighten selected bezier curves to lines

Constraint Shortcuts​

  • H: Apply Horizontal constraint
  • V: Apply Vertical constraint
  • N: Apply Perpendicular constraint
  • T: Apply Tangent constraint
  • E: Apply Equal constraint
  • O or C: Apply Alignment constraint (Coincident)
  • S: Apply Symmetry constraint
  • K+D: Apply Distance constraint
  • K+R: Apply Radius constraint
  • K+O: Apply Diameter constraint
  • K+A: Apply Angle constraint
  • K+X: Apply Aspect Ratio constraint

General Shortcuts​

  • Ctrl+Z: Undo
  • Ctrl+Y or Ctrl+Shift+Z: Redo
  • Delete: Delete selected elements
  • Escape: Cancel current operation or deselect
  • F: Fit view to content

Construction Mode​

Construction mode allows you to mark entities as "construction geometry" - helper elements used to guide your design but not part of the final output. Construction entities are displayed differently (typically as dashed lines) and are not included when the sketch is used for laser cutting or engraving.

To toggle construction mode:

  • Select one or more entities
  • Press N or G+N, or use the Construction option in the pie menu

Construction entities are useful for:

  • Creating reference lines and circles
  • Defining temporary geometry for alignment
  • Building complex shapes from a framework of guides

Grid, Snapping, and Visibility Controls​

Grid Tool​

The grid tool provides a visual reference for alignment and sizing:

  • Toggle the grid on/off using the grid tool button or G+G
  • The grid adapts to your zoom level for consistent spacing

Magnetic Snap​

While creating or moving geometry, Rayforge automatically pulls your cursor toward nearby elements — endpoints, line midpoints, intersections, and other reference points. This makes it easy to connect shapes precisely without manually placing every point. The snap indicator highlights when your cursor is close to a snap target.

Auto-Constrain During Creation​

Many drawing tools automatically apply constraints as you create geometry. For example, when drawing a line near the horizontal or vertical, the sketcher will offer to lock it in place. This helps keep your sketch tidy from the start, rather than fixing things up afterward.

Show/Hide Controls​

The sketcher toolbar includes toggle buttons to control visibility:

  • Show/hide construction geometry: Toggle visibility of construction entities
  • Show/hide constraints: Toggle visibility of constraint markers

These controls help reduce visual clutter when working on complex sketches.

Axis-Constrained Movement​

When dragging points or geometry, hold Shift to constrain movement to the nearest axis (horizontal or vertical). This is useful for maintaining alignment while making adjustments.

Chamfer and Fillet​

The sketcher provides tools to modify corners of your geometry:

  • Chamfer: Replaces a sharp corner with a beveled edge. Select a junction point (where two lines meet) and apply the chamfer action.
  • Fillet: Replaces a sharp corner with a rounded edge. Select a junction point (where two lines meet) and apply the fillet action.

To use chamfer or fillet:

  1. Select a junction point where two lines meet
  2. Press C+H for chamfer or C+F for fillet
  3. Use the pie menu or keyboard shortcuts to apply the modification

Import and Export​

Exporting Objects​

You can export any selected workpiece to various vector formats:

  1. Select a workpiece on the canvas
  2. Choose Object → Export Object... (or right-click and select from context menu)
  3. Choose the export format:
    • RFS (.rfs): Rayforge's native parametric sketch format - preserves all constraints and can be re-imported for editing
    • SVG (.svg): Standard vector format - widely compatible with design software
    • DXF (.dxf): CAD interchange format - compatible with most CAD applications

Saving Sketches​

You can save your 2D sketches to files for reuse in other projects. All parametric constraints are preserved when saving, ensuring your designs maintain their geometric relationships.

Importing Sketches​

Saved sketches can be imported into any workspace, allowing you to create a library of commonly used design elements. The import process maintains all constraints and dimensional relationships.

Workflow Tips​

  1. Start with Rough Geometry: Create basic shapes first, then refine with constraints
  2. Use Constraints Early: Apply constraints as you build to maintain design intent
  3. Check Constraint Status: The system indicates when sketches are fully constrained
  4. Watch for Conflicts: Constraints that conflict with each other are highlighted in red and shown in the constraints panel for easy identification
  5. Utilize Symmetry: Symmetry constraints can significantly speed up complex designs
  6. Use the Grid: Enable the grid for precise alignment, and use Ctrl to snap to grid
  7. Iterate and Refine: Don't hesitate to modify constraints to achieve the desired result

Editing Features​

  • Full Undo/Redo Support: The entire sketch state is saved with each operation
  • Dynamic Cursor: The cursor changes to reflect the active drawing tool
  • Constraint Visualization: Applied constraints are clearly indicated in the interface
  • Real-time Updates: Changes to constraints immediately update the geometry
  • Double-Click Editing: Double-click on dimensional constraints (Distance, Radius, Diameter, Angle, Aspect Ratio) opens a dialog to edit their values
  • Parametric Expressions: Dimensional constraints support expressions, allowing values to be calculated from other parameters (e.g., width/2 for a radius that's half the width)