CADit Overview

Interface Layout

The application displays a split-screen view with:

• 2D Panel (left): Where you draw and edit 2D shapes
• 3D Panel (right): Shows the 3D preview of your design

You can toggle either panel to full screen or return to split view using the buttons in each panel's corner.

Core Workflow

1. Draw shapes in the 2D canvas using pen, shape, or brush tools
2. View the 3D result automatically generated in the 3D preview
3. Adjust 3D properties using height, sculpt, twist, or other 3D tools
4. Add colors and materials to differentiate parts of your design
5. Export your design for 3D printing or further editing

Key Concepts

Shapes

Every design starts with 2D shapes drawn on the canvas. Shapes can be:

• Filled shapes: Solid areas that extrude into 3D volumes
• Outline shapes: Lines that create raised edges
• Holes: Shapes marked as holes cut through other shapes

Spaces

Shapes exist within spaces. The default space is the base plane where most shapes are drawn. You can create additional spaces at different orientations for more complex designs.

Colors and Layers

In standard mode, shapes have individual colors. In Doodle Mode, colors are organized into layers that determine the stacking order and height of shapes.

Main Modes

Standard Drawing Mode

The default mode where each shape you draw has its own height and color. Use this for precise control over individual elements.

Doodle Mode

A simplified mode designed for quick sketching. Shapes are automatically sorted into layers based on their colors, and each layer has a consistent height. See Using Doodle Mode for details.

Code Mode

Write TypeScript code to generate 3D models programmatically using the Manifold 3D library. See Code Mode Overview for details.

Maker Mode

When you select a parametric object (like a QR Code generator or primitive shape), you can enter Maker Mode to adjust its parameters through a dedicated panel.

Toolbar Overview

2D Toolbar

Located at the top of the 2D panel, contains tools for:

• Drawing lines (Freehand, Polygon, Brush)
• Creating geometric shapes (Circle, Rectangle, Star, Triangle, Heart, Polygon)
• Editing (Transform, Eraser, Bucket Fill)
• Adding text
• Color selection / Pipette

See 2D Drawing Tools for a complete reference.

3D Toolbar

Located at the top of the 3D panel, contains tools for:

• Adjusting extrusion height
• Sculpting surfaces
• Twisting shapes
• Adding stamps
• Rotating and translating objects
• Creating primitives (Sphere, Torus, Cone)
• Revolving 2D shapes into 3D objects

Context Menu

Appears at the bottom of the screen when shapes are selected. Provides quick access to:

• Duplicate and Delete
• Union (combine shapes)
• Cut (subtract shapes)
• Hole Material (toggle hole mode)
• Alignment tools
• Color picker

Keyboard Shortcuts

{% table %}

• Shortcut
• Action

---

• Ctrl+Z / Cmd+Z
• Undo

---

• Ctrl+Y / Cmd+Y
• Redo

---

• Ctrl+A / Cmd+A
• Select All

---

• Ctrl+C / Cmd+C
• Copy

---

• Ctrl+V / Cmd+V
• Paste

---

• Delete / Backspace
• Delete selection

---

• Arrow keys
• Nudge selection {% /table %}

File Operations

Saving

Designs are automatically saved to your account when logged in. You can also manually save using the Save button in the navigation bar.

Importing

CADit supports importing:

• Images: JPG, PNG files can be placed on the canvas as reference or converted to shapes
• STL files: Import existing 3D models

Exporting

Export your design as:

• STL: Standard format for 3D printing
• 3MF: Modern format with color information

Getting Started

1. Select a drawing tool from the 2D toolbar
2. Draw shapes on the 2D canvas
3. Adjust heights and 3D properties in the 3D panel
4. Add colors using the color picker
5. Export when ready

For drawing tool details, continue to 2D Drawing Tools.