In freecad I want to have a circle but only like for reference not to actually be a circle but just so I can line up other lines to make a hexagon for example, how do I do that
In freecad I want to have a circle but only like for reference not to actually be a circle but just so I can line up other lines to make a hexagon for example, how do I do that
# Creating a Reference Circle in FreeCAD In FreeCAD, you can create a circle as reference geometry that won't be part of your final model by using what's called "Construction Geometry." Here's how to do it: ## Method 1: Using Construction Geometry 1. Go to the **Sketcher** workbench (or Part Design → create a new sketch) 2. Create a new sketch on a plane 3. Toggle on construction mode by: - Clicking the "Construction Mode" button in the toolbar (looks like a blue dashed line) - Or pressing the **B** key - Or right-clicking and selecting "Toggle construction geometry" 4. Draw your circle - it will appear as a dashed blue line 5. Now you can use this reference circle to snap points for your hexagon or other shapes ## Method 2: Convert Existing Circle to Construction 1. Draw a normal circle 2. Select the circle in the sketch 3. Right-click and choose "Toggle construction geometry" 4. The circle will become a dashed line indicating it's now construction geometry ## Bonus: Creating a Hexagon Using Your Reference Circle 1. Draw your construction circle 2. Use the **Create Regular Polygon** tool (or polyline tool) 3. Set number of sides to 6 4. Place the center at the same point as your circle's center 5. Snap the polygon points to the reference circle Construction geometry is visible while editing but won't affect your model's shape or features.
Testing if the previous output contains the string construction circle: True
Testing if the previous output contains the string construction geometry: True
In freecad I want to have a circle but only like for reference not to actually be a circle but just so I can line up other lines to make a hexagon for example, how do I do that
In freecad I want to have a circle but only like for reference not to actually be a circle but just so I can line up other lines to make a hexagon for example, how do I do that
# Creating Reference Circles in FreeCAD To create a circle that serves only as a reference guide (not as part of your final model) in FreeCAD, you should use "Construction Geometry." Here's how to do it: ## Method: Using Construction Geometry 1. Open the **Sketcher workbench** (or Part Design and create a new sketch) 2. Draw a circle using the Circle tool 3. Turn it into construction geometry by either: - Select the circle and press the **Toggle construction geometry** button in the toolbar - Right-click on the circle and select **Toggle construction geometry** - Select the circle and press the **Space** key Once converted to construction geometry, the circle will appear as dashed lines and won't be part of the final model but can be used for references and constraints. ## Creating a Hexagon Using the Reference Circle 1. Draw your construction circle first 2. You can then either: - Draw straight lines from point to point, using the circle as a reference - Or for more precision: use the **Create regular polygon** tool and select the center of your circle The construction circle helps you position the vertices of your hexagon equidistant from the center. Would you like me to explain any other specific aspects of working with construction geometry in FreeCAD?
Testing if the previous output contains the string construction circle: True
Testing if the previous output contains the string construction geometry: True