- CADCraft mechanical parts workflows are handled through the parts-focused app in CADCraft's 8-app open-source CAD/BIM family
- Browser-first access: start working immediately at getcadcraft.com, no desktop install needed
- DWG/DXF exchange: parts drawings move in and out through standard CAD file formats
- Command-driven drafting: aliases like L, C, TR, and O keep part sketching fast
- Desktop editions for macOS, Windows, and Linux are in development with early-access opportunities
What CADCraft Mechanical Parts Workflows Cover
CADCraft is an open-source CAD and BIM toolset for architects, engineers, drafters, estimators, and detailing professionals. The official site at getcadcraft.com presents a family of eight apps, including a dedicated parts direction alongside drafting, modeling, documentation, takeoff, civil design, detailing, and markup tools. Mechanical parts work in CADCraft therefore means two things: creating and editing precise 2D geometry for components, and organizing that geometry into documentation-ready drawings.
The parts direction shares the same foundation as the core CADCraft 2D drafting app: a browser-based workspace, a command line with aliases, layers, linetypes, lineweights, blocks, layouts, and scaled printing. That means a mechanical bracket drawn today uses the same commands and file workflow as an architectural plan.
Parts Geometry
- Line, circle, and offset construction
- Command-line and alias entry
- Precise point selection
Parts Documentation
- Dimensions and annotations
- Layer-based organization
- Layout and sheet preparation
Parts Exchange
- DWG open, edit, and save
- DXF data exchange
- PDF and SVG output
Open the browser version from the official CADCraft app page. The browser build is the current early release; desktop versions for macOS, Windows, and Linux are planned as the app family develops.
Core Tools for Drawing Mechanical Parts
Every parts drawing in CADCraft starts with the same command set. The table below groups the commands you will use most when sketching and refining mechanical geometry, based on the published command reference for the CADCraft 2D app.
| Command | Alias | Category | Typical Part- Drawing Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line | L | Drawing | Outlines, centerlines, edge geometry |
| Circle | C | Drawing | Holes, bores, shafts, fillet construction |
| Offset | O | Modify | Wall thickness, parallel edges, flanges |
| Trim | TR | Modify | Cleaning intersections and open ends |
| Extend | EX | Modify | Closing profiles to a boundary |
| Move | M | Modify | Repositioning features |
| Copy | CO | Modify | Repeated holes and symmetric features |
| Layer | Layer tools | Layers | Separating outlines, hidden lines, dimensions |
| Dimension | Dimension tools | Annotation | Adding measurements for fabrication |
Set up layers for outlines, centerlines, hidden edges, and dimensions before heavy editing. Renaming and reassigning geometry later in a complex parts drawing is far slower than starting organized.
Reusable blocks are especially valuable in parts work: standard holes, fasteners, and repeated features placed as blocks stay consistent across a sheet and reduce repetitive drafting. Linetype and lineweight settings then distinguish visible edges from hidden and center lines, which is essential for readable mechanical documentation.
Step-by-Step: A Mechanical Part from Sketch to Export
Follow this workflow to take a simple mechanical part from a blank drawing to an exported file. It mirrors the standard CADCraft file workflow: import or create, modify, organize, export a copy.
Open a New Drawing in the Browser
Launch CADCraft from the official site, start a new drawing session, and wait for the canvas and command line to load.
Sketch the Base Profile
Use L for the outer outline and C for holes and curves. Use O to offset edges for thickness. Press Enter to complete or repeat a command.
Refine with Modify Commands
Apply TR and EX to clean up intersections, M and CO to position repeated features, and blocks for any standard repeated elements.
Organize Layers and Add Dimensions
Assign geometry to named layers, set linetypes and lineweights, then place dimensions with the dimension tools so the part is fabrication-ready.
Review and Export a Copy
Zoom in and inspect the part, then save or export through the file controls. Keep the original file separate from the exported result.
In the browser workflow, always download or export your finished result before closing the session. Treat the uploaded original as a source file, not the deliverable.
File Formats for Parts Drawings
Parts drawings rarely live in one tool. CADCraft's file-oriented workflow supports the formats most mechanical teams already use.
| Format | Role | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| DWG | Native CAD drawing format | Preserving structured 2D parts drawings across edits |
| DXF | CAD data exchange format | Moving geometry between different CAD applications |
| Fixed-layout document | Sharing and printing part sheets for review | |
| SVG | Scalable vector graphic | Reusing part outlines in vector design tools |
When opening an existing DWG or DXF parts drawing, inspect layers, linetypes, lineweights, blocks, layouts, and scale settings immediately after import. Format conversion between CAD tools often shifts these properties.
Automation, Roadmap, and Quality Checklist
CADCraft applications can be driven through scripts or AI agents, which is a natural fit for parts work: batch-generating hole patterns, renaming layers across sheets, or applying consistent dimension styles are exactly the repetitive tasks automation handles best. The project is open source, with development tracked on GitHub, and the roadmap distinguishes what is available now (browser), what is in development (desktop apps for macOS, Windows, and Linux), and early-access opportunities.
Mechanical Parts Drawing Checklist:
- Base profile closed with no gaps or stray endpoints
- Layers assigned for outlines, centerlines, hidden lines, and dimensions
- Lineweights and linetypes distinguish edge types clearly
- All critical dimensions placed and readable at print scale
- Repeated features inserted as consistent blocks
- Final file exported as a separate copy (DWG, DXF, PDF, or SVG)
FAQ
Q: Is there a dedicated CADCraft mechanical parts app?
CADCraft is a family of eight CAD/BIM apps that includes a parts-focused direction alongside drafting, detailing, modeling, markup, takeoff, civil design, and documentation tools. Parts drawing today relies on the same 2D drafting commands, layers, and file workflow used across the family.
Q: Can I open existing DWG or DXF parts drawings in CADCraft?
Yes. CADCraft supports a file-oriented workflow for opening, editing, saving, and exporting DWG and DXF files. After import, review layers, linetypes, lineweights, blocks, and layout settings before continuing work.
Q: Do I need to install anything to draw mechanical parts?
No installation is required for the current release. CADCraft runs in the browser through the official site. Desktop editions for macOS, Windows, and Linux are in development, with early-access opportunities for users who want to follow that progress.
Q: Will my AutoCAD habits transfer to CADCraft parts work?
Largely, yes. CADCraft uses a command-line workflow with aliases like L, C, TR, and O, plus layers and layouts that match familiar CAD concepts. CADCraft is an independent product, not an Autodesk application, so treat it as its own tool while reusing your existing drafting habits.