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¶

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

Editing Existing Sketches¶

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

Creating 2D Geometry¶

The sketcher supports creating the following basic geometric elements:

Lines: Draw straight line segments between points
Circles: Create circles by defining a center point and radius
Arcs: Draw arcs by specifying a center point, start point, and end point
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.

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
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
Equal Length/Radius: Forces multiple elements (lines, arcs, or circles) to have the same length or radius
Equal Distance: Forces the distance between two point pairs to be equal

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.

Keyboard Shortcuts¶

The sketcher provides keyboard shortcuts for efficient workflow:

Tool Shortcuts¶

Space: Select tool
G+L: Line tool
G+A: Arc tool
G+C: Circle tool
G+F: Fill Area tool
G+N: Toggle construction mode on selection

Constraint Shortcuts¶

H: Apply Horizontal constraint
V: Apply Vertical constraint
T: Apply Tangent constraint
N: Apply Perpendicular 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

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

Import and Export¶

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¶

Start with Rough Geometry: Create basic shapes first, then refine with constraints
Use Constraints Early: Apply constraints as you build to maintain design intent
Check Constraint Status: The system indicates when sketches are fully constrained
Utilize Symmetry: Symmetry constraints can significantly speed up complex designs
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) 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)