TechDraw TemplateHowTo

How to Make a TechDraw Template
This HowTo assumes you are familiar with FreeCAD, Inkscape and Svg.

We're going to make a simple template for US Letter size paper in landscape orientation.


 * open a new document in Inkscape
 * in Document Properties
 * select a page size (US Letter) & orientation (landscape)
 * set default units and page size units to mm (279.4 x 215.9)


 * use the XML Editor to add freecad namespace clause to the item
 * xmlns:freecad="http://www.freecadweb.org/wiki/index.php?title=Svg_Namespace "

Note: don't use Layers until you've mastered template creation without them. Layers (and Groups) can automatically insert unwanted transforms into your SVG.


 * draw outlines, zone numbers, centerlines, etc
 * draw the boxes and lines for the title block.
 * add and position your static text
 * add and position your editable text


 * use the XML Editor to add "freecad:editable" tag to each editable item
 * assign a meaningful field name to each editable text


 * use XML editor to adjust viewbox to match your page size in mm
 * your template will now appear much too big.




 * We need to shrink it.
 * Edit>Select All in All Layers (or box select. make sure you select everything)
 * adjust the W: and H: spinboxes to match your artwork's size in mm
 * page-size less any applicable margins
 * use "Align and Distribute" or X/Y spinboxes to position artwork on page if required.
 * your template should now look right.


 * ensure that all your editable texts are "ungrouped" (shift-ctl-g)
 * select everything on your page (box select or Edit>SelectAll) and Edit>Copy
 * Layer>Delete Current Layer
 * Edit>Paste in Place


 * Your template should now look right and shouldn't have any unwanted transforms
 * Save your template
 * try it in FreeCAD.

Back to Templates.