Modes

CADit provides several modes that change how you interact with your designs. Each mode optimizes the interface for a specific workflow.

Doodle Mode

Doodle Mode simplifies drawing by organizing shapes into layers based on their colors. Instead of managing individual shape heights, you assign a height to each color layer and the system handles stacking automatically.

When to use Doodle Mode:

• Quick sketches and concept designs
• Multi-color designs with consistent layer heights
• Learning CADit without managing individual shape properties

Read the full Doodle Mode documentation

Maker Mode

Maker Mode provides a focused interface for adjusting parameters on parametric objects. The 3D view expands to full screen and a parameter panel displays controls for customizing the object.

When to use Maker Mode:

• Customizing objects from the Design Library
• Adjusting parameters on code objects
• Working with 3D primitives (Sphere, Torus, Cone)

Read the full Maker Mode documentation

Symmetry Mode

Symmetry Mode creates mirrored copies of your shapes automatically as you draw. A vertical line divides the canvas, and every stroke is reflected to the opposite side.

When to use Symmetry Mode:

• Creating faces, characters, or logos with bilateral symmetry
• Designs that need identical left and right sides
• Faster iteration on symmetric patterns

Read the full Symmetry Mode documentation

Point Edit Mode

Point Edit Mode allows direct manipulation of the individual points that define a shape's outline. You can move points, adjust bezier curve handles, and change node types between smooth and corner.

When to use Point Edit Mode:

• Fine-tuning shape outlines after drawing
• Converting curves to corners or vice versa
• Precise adjustments that drawing tools cannot achieve

Code Mode

Code Mode allows you to create 3D models programmatically using TypeScript and the Manifold 3D library. The code editor replaces the 2D panel and provides syntax highlighting, autocomplete, and error diagnostics.

When to use Code Mode:

• Creating precise geometric shapes
• Building parametric designs with adjustable values
• Generating complex or repetitive geometry
• Designs that benefit from mathematical definitions

Read the full Code Mode documentation

Combining modes

Some modes can be used together:

• Doodle Mode + Symmetry Mode: Create symmetric layered designs with automatic color-based stacking
• Doodle Mode + Point Edit Mode: Refine doodle shapes with precise point editing

Other modes are mutually exclusive:

• Code Mode replaces the 2D drawing canvas entirely
• Maker Mode focuses the interface on a single parametric object

Accessing modes

Most modes are toggled from the mode panel at the top of the 2D canvas. Code Mode is entered by creating or editing a code object. Maker Mode activates automatically when opening parametric objects from the Design Library, or can be entered from an object's context menu.