Draft Coordinates

Description
Draft Workbench tools allow you to pick points, distances, radiuses, and angles graphically by clicking on the 3D view with the pointer.

However, when these parameters need to be precise, it is possible to enter the exact values in the dialog for the tool.

There are two interfaces possible: taskview and command toolbar. The default interface is selected in the menu.

Taskview panel
The Taskview panel is an intelligent window that changes its contents according to the tool being used, and the input required from the user. For example, when using Draft Circle, the panel will ask you for the center point, and then the radius value. These two parameters can be indicated by either picking a point on the 3D view or by entering numbers.

Whenever you see input fields appearing on the Taskview, you can enter numbers in them; moreover, you will see that those numbers reflect the movement of the pointer.
 * Press or  to advance to the X, Y and Z fields; pressing  when in the Z field will record the point.

Depending on the specific Draft tool under use, there may be other options available.
 * Press to switch between absolute and relative coordinates.
 * Press to switch between normal mode and continue mode.
 * Press to switch between wireframe mode and filled mode.
 * Press to switch between original mode and copy mode.





Draft command bar


The Draft command bar is an intelligent toolbar, which means its contents change according to the tool being used, and the input required from the user. For example, when using Draft Circle, the command bar will ask you for the center point, and then the radius value. These two parameters can be indicated by either picking a point on the screen or by entering numbers.

Whenever you see input fields appearing on the command bar, you can enter numbers in them; moreover, you will see that those numbers reflect the movements of the pointer.
 * Press or  to advance to the X, Y and Z fields; pressing  when in the Z field will record the point.
 * Press to switch between absolute and relative coordinates.
 * Press to switch between original mode and copy mode.
 * Press to lock or unlock the Z coordinate.

Locking the Z coordinate
It can be hard to align objects when working in 3D space. For this reason, you can lock the Z coordinate so you'll be certain that everything you draw will lie in the same horizontal plane. When you open FreeCAD, the Z coordinate is locked by default at 0.00, but you can change this; just unlock it, change the Z value, and lock it again. If the Z coordinate is locked, you won't be able to draw in non-horizontal planes.

Most Draft tools work in the working plane defined by Draft SelectPlane. Therefore, it is usually not necessary to lock the Z coordinate, just establish the correct working plane.

Set the number of decimals
By default, FreeCAD shows two decimal places in quantities. To change the number of decimal places change the preferences:
 * Go to, and set "Number of decimals" to the desired value.
 * Then press and.

Another way is using the parameter editor:
 * Go to, and change the "Value" of "Decimals" to the desired number.
 * If "Decimals" doesn't exist you can create it; right click in the window and select, type in "Decimals", and proceed to enter the desired number.
 * Then click and.
 * Restart FreeCAD to activate your changes.