Image Module

The image module manages different types of bitmap images, and lets you open them in FreeCAD.

Currently, the modules lets you open .bmp, .jpg, .png and .xpm file formats in a separate viewer window.

The image workbenches also allows you to import an image on a plane in the 3D-space of FreeCAD. This function is available via the second button of the image workbench. .

The imported image can be attached like a sketch to one of the main three planes (XY/XZ/YZ) with positive or negativ offset.

This function is only available if you have opened a FreeCAD document.

The image can be moved in 3D-space by editing the placement in the Property editor.

The major use is tracing over the image, in order to generate a new part at using the image as template.

The image is imported with 1 pixel = 1mm. Therefore it is recommended to have the imported image in a reasonable resolution. The image can be scaled by editing the "XSize" and "YSize" values in the Property editor. The image can be also moved by editing the X/Y/Z-values in the Placement-Tab. The image can also be rotated around any axis by using the placement-dialogue.

Tip:

Tracing with sketcher elements over an image works best if the image has a small (negative) offset to the sketch plane.

You can set an offset of -0,1 mm at import or later by editing the placement of the image.