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 with specified center, radius, and angle range

These elements form the foundation of your 2D designs and can be combined to create complex shapes.

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 to meet at 90 degrees
Point on Line/Shape: Constrains a point to lie on a line or curve
Symmetry: Creates symmetrical relationships between elements

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 to have the same dimensions

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.

Keyboard Shortcuts¶

The sketcher uses keyboard shortcuts inspired by FreeCAD for consistency and efficiency:

Tool Shortcuts¶

Space: Select tool
G+L: Line tool
G+A: Arc tool
G+C: Circle 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

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

Limitations¶

The sketcher is optimized for 2D design work and may not be suitable for extremely complex mechanical designs that require 3D modeling capabilities.