Using Doodle Mode

Doodle Mode is a simplified drawing mode in CADit designed for quick, intuitive sketching. Instead of managing individual shape heights, shapes are automatically organized into layers based on their colors.

Enabling Doodle Mode

Toggle Doodle Mode on or off using the Doodle Mode button in the toolbar.

When Doodle Mode is enabled:

• A layer panel appears on the left side of the 2D canvas
• Shapes are automatically sorted by color into layers
• Each layer has a consistent height and color

How Doodle Mode Works

Automatic Layer Assignment

When you draw shapes in Doodle Mode:

1. The shape's color determines which layer it belongs to
2. Shapes of the same color are grouped into the same layer
3. The stacking order (which shape appears on top) is calculated automatically based on overlaps

This means you can quickly draw without worrying about layer management—just pick colors and draw.

Layer Sorting Algorithm

The doodle sort algorithm analyzes overlapping shapes and determines the optimal stacking order. It:

• Detects which shapes overlap
• Builds a graph of overlapping relationships
• Assigns layer indices (z-order) to minimize visual conflicts
• Runs in a background worker to keep the interface responsive

You don't need to understand the algorithm to use Doodle Mode—it handles the complexity automatically.

Layer Panel

When Doodle Mode is active, the Layer Panel appears on the left side of the 2D canvas.

Layer Controls

Each layer in the panel displays:

Color Circle Click the colored circle to open a color picker and change the layer's color. All shapes in that layer will update to the new color.

Height Input Set the extrusion height for all shapes in the layer. Valid values range from 0.01 to 99 units. Shapes in the layer will extrude to this height in the 3D view.

Layer Order

Layers are displayed in the panel sorted by their automatically calculated stacking order. Higher layers appear on top of lower layers in the 3D preview.

Working in Doodle Mode

Drawing Workflow

1. Enable Doodle Mode using the toggle button
2. Select a color from the color picker
3. Draw shapes using any drawing tool (Freehand, Brush, Shapes, etc.)
4. Switch colors to draw on different layers
5. Adjust layer heights using the layer panel

Changing Layer Properties

To change a layer's color:

1. Click the color circle for the layer
2. Select a new color from the picker
3. All shapes in that layer update to the new color

To change a layer's height:

1. Locate the layer in the panel
2. Enter a new value in the height input (0.01–99)
3. The 3D preview updates immediately

Overlapping Shapes

When shapes overlap:

• The layer with the higher z-index appears on top
• The sorting algorithm automatically determines the optimal order
• You can influence the order by changing colors or redrawing shapes

If you need manual control over stacking order, consider using standard drawing mode instead.

Tips for Doodle Mode

• Use distinct colors for different parts of your design to clearly separate layers
• Start with base colors first, then add detail layers on top
• Adjust heights in the layer panel to create depth—taller layers appear more prominent
• The sort runs automatically as you draw, but complex overlaps may take a moment to calculate

When to Use Doodle Mode

Doodle Mode works well for:

• Quick sketches and concept designs
• Simple multi-color designs
• Designs where consistent layer heights are desired
• Learning CADit without managing individual shape properties

For more precise control over individual shapes, use standard drawing mode where each shape maintains its own height and z-position.

Exiting Doodle Mode

To exit Doodle Mode:

1. Click the Doodle Mode toggle button again
2. The layer panel will hide
3. Shapes retain their assigned colors and heights
4. You can continue editing shapes individually

Note: Shapes created in Doodle Mode are marked as doodle shapes and may behave differently when transitioning between modes.