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
In FreeCAD, you can create a circle as a reference object using the **Sketcher** workbench. This circle won't be part of the final geometry but will help you align other lines or shapes, such as a hexagon. Here's how to do it: ### Steps to Create a Reference Circle: 1. **Open FreeCAD and Create a New Document**: - Start FreeCAD and create a new document (`Ctrl + N`). 2. **Switch to the Sketcher Workbench**: - From the workbench dropdown menu, select **Sketcher**. 3. **Create a New Sketch**: - Click on **Create a new sketch** in the toolbar or go to `Sketch > Create Sketch`. - Select a plane (e.g., XY plane) and click **OK**. 4. **Draw a Circle**: - In the Sketcher toolbar, click on the **Circle** tool. - Click in the sketch to place the center of the circle, then drag to define its radius. 5. **Constrain the Circle (Optional)**: - If you want the circle to have a specific size or position, use constraints: - Use the **Radius Constraint** to set the circle's radius. - Use the **Coincident Constraint** to fix the center of the circle to a specific point. 6. **Use the Circle as a Reference**: - Now, you can use this circle as a guide to draw other shapes, such as a hexagon. - For example, use the **Polygon** tool to create a hexagon and align its vertices to the circle. 7. **Make the Circle Construction Geometry**: - To ensure the circle is only a reference and not part of the final geometry, convert it to construction geometry: - Select the circle in the sketch. - Click the **Toggle Construction** button in the toolbar (or press `G` + `C`). - The circle will turn into a dashed blue line, indicating it's now a construction element. 8. **Draw Your Hexagon**: - Use the **Polygon** tool to create a hexagon, aligning its vertices to the reference circle. - Apply constraints to ensure the hexagon is regular and centered. 9. **Exit the Sketch**: - Once you're done, click **Close** to exit the sketch. ### Notes: - Construction geometry (like the dashed blue circle) is only for reference and won't be included in the final 3D model. - You can toggle any geometry between normal and construction mode using the **Toggle Construction** tool. This method allows you to use a circle as a guide for creating precise shapes like a hexagon in FreeCAD.
Testing if the previous output contains the string construction circle: False
Testing if the previous output contains the string construction geometry: True