- CADCraft mechanical drawing centers on a command-driven 2D drafting workflow in the browser.
- Key commands: L, C, TR, EX, O, M, and CO cover most drawing and editing tasks.
- Organization matters: layers, linetypes, and lineweights keep technical drawings readable.
- File support: DWG and DXF handle drawing exchange; PDF and SVG handle output.
- Migration tip: AutoCAD habits transfer well, but CADCraft is an independent product.
CADCraft Mechanical Drawing Overview
CADCraft mechanical drawing is built around a command-line-driven 2D drafting workspace that runs in the browser today, with desktop editions for macOS, Windows, and Linux in development. The application is part of a family of eight open-source CAD/BIM tools covering drafting, modeling, documentation, takeoff, civil design, detailing, markup, and parts workflows.
For mechanical drawing specifically, the core capabilities map directly to what technical drafters need:
| Capability | Drawing Use | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2D drafting | Line, circle, and construction geometry | Foundation of any technical part drawing |
| Layers | Separating outlines, centerlines, hidden edges | Keeps complex drawings editable |
| Linetypes/lineweights | Distinguishing visible, hidden, center lines | Standard drawing readability |
| Dimensions | Measurements and annotations | Required for documentation |
| Blocks | Reusable symbols and standard parts | Reduces repetitive drafting |
| Layouts | Sheet composition for scaled output | Prepares drawings for printing |
You can open CADCraft directly from the official site without installing anything. Visit getcadcraft.com to launch the browser workspace, or review the 2D drafting app page for details.
Core Commands for Mechanical Drawing
Mechanical drawing in CADCraft relies on a compact set of commands and aliases. Enter them through the command line, then respond to prompts for points, distances, and selections.
| Command | Alias | Category | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Line | L | Drawing | Straight segments between picked points |
| Circle | C | Drawing | Circular geometry from center and radius |
| Trim | TR | Modify | Removes geometry at selected boundaries |
| Extend | EX | Modify | Extends geometry to a boundary |
| Offset | O | Modify | Parallel or concentric copies at a set distance |
| Move | M | Modify | Repositions objects from base point to destination |
| Copy | CO | Modify | Duplicates selected objects |
| Layer | Layer tools | Layers | Assigns and organizes drawing content |
| Dimension | Dimension tools | Annotation | Adds measurements to geometry |
| Open/Save | File tools | File | Loads and preserves drawings |
Drawing Commands
- L (Line): primary construction tool
- C (Circle): holes, radii, arcs
- Enter commands or aliases via keyboard
Modify Commands
- TR/EX: clean intersections and endpoints
- O (Offset): walls, flanges, concentric features
- M/CO: reposition and duplicate geometry
Organization Tools
- Layers: separate content types
- Blocks: reuse standard parts
- Dimensions: document the design
Follow the prompts in order. Most beginner errors come from skipping a required point or distance input. Press Enter to complete a command or repeat the previous one when appropriate.
Step-by-Step: Your First Mechanical Drawing
Follow this workflow to go from a blank browser session to a saved, dimensioned drawing.
Open CADCraft in the Browser
Launch the browser application from the official website. Choose a new drawing session and wait for the canvas and command interface to load.
Set Up Layers
Open the layer controls and create layers for outlines, centerlines, hidden edges, and dimensions. Assign linetypes and lineweights so each content type reads differently.
Draw Base Geometry
Use L to lay out the main outline, then C to add holes and circular features. Use O to create parallel edges for flanges or pockets.
Refine with Modify Commands
Apply TR and EX to clean up intersections and endpoints. Use M and CO to position repeated features accurately.
Add Dimensions and Annotations
Choose the relevant dimension types, select geometry or points, and place measurements. Confirm annotations sit on the correct layer.
Review, Save, and Export
Inspect the drawing at a useful zoom level, confirm layer assignments, then save or export in the format the next stage requires.
Keep the original uploaded file separate from your edited result. Export a copy for sharing or archiving rather than treating the upload itself as the deliverable.
Layers, Linetypes, and Drawing Standards
Clean mechanical drawings depend on consistent organization. These conventions keep drawings readable across teams and revisions.
| Element | Recommended Practice | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Layer names | Group by content type (outline, center, hidden, dim) | Predictable file structure |
| Linetypes | Center and hidden lines differ from visible edges | Standard drawing legibility |
| Lineweights | Heavier outlines, lighter annotation | Clear visual hierarchy |
| Blocks | Convert repeated parts into reusable blocks | Consistency, less repetition |
| Layouts | Separate model content from sheet arrangement | Scaled, print-ready output |
Layouts in CADCraft separate model content from plotted sheet arrangements, so you can prepare scale-aware output suitable for documented 2D plans and mechanical sheets.
File Formats and Migration
CADCraft supports a file-oriented workflow for existing drawings and output. Choose the right format for each stage of your process.
| Format | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DWG | CAD drawing format | Working with existing CAD drawings, structured 2D content |
| DXF | CAD exchange format | Interoperability between compatible applications |
| Document/print format | Review, documentation delivery, printing | |
| SVG | Vector graphic format | Scalable vector use in design tools |
After opening an existing DWG or DXF, check layers, linetypes, lineweights, blocks, layouts, and scale settings before continuing work. Closing a browser session without saving or exporting loses unsaved changes.
Mechanical Drawing Milestones:
- Open CADCraft in the browser and load the workspace
- Create a layer structure with linetypes and lineweights
- Complete a base outline using L, C, and O
- Clean geometry with TR and EX
- Add dimensions and export a DWG, DXF, or PDF copy
FAQ
Q: Is CADCraft good for mechanical drawing?
Yes. CADCraft's 2D drafting app covers geometry creation, layers, linetypes, lineweights, blocks, layouts, dimensions, and scaled printing — the core elements of mechanical drawing documentation.
Q: Do I need to install anything to start CADCraft mechanical drawing?
No installation is required for the current version. CADCraft runs in the browser today, while desktop editions for macOS, Windows, and Linux are in development.
Q: Can I open my existing DWG or DXF files?
Yes. DWG and DXF fit into the browser-based open, edit, save, and export workflow. After opening, verify layers, linetypes, blocks, and layouts before continuing.
Q: Will my AutoCAD experience help?
It helps significantly. CADCraft uses a command-line workflow with aliases like L, C, TR, and EX, plus familiar layers and layouts concepts — but CADCraft is an independent product, not an Autodesk application.
For command references, format guides, and automation with scripts and AI agents, follow the official support page and the open-source repository on GitHub.