Intermediate15 min

Drawings from a 3D part

A model is not enough to hand to a machinist — you need a drawing. This walkthrough turns a 3D part into a dimensioned, shop-ready drawing.

Before you start

1
Open the Drawing workspace
Create a new drawing from your part. HelioCad places a base view to build from.
2
Add orthographic views
Project front, top, and side views from the base view. They stay associative — change the model and the views update.
3
Add a section view
Cut a section through a feature to expose internal geometry that the outside views cannot show.
Tip: Section views are the clearest way to dimension internal bores, pockets, and wall thicknesses.
4
Dimension the drawing
Add the dimensions and any GD&T a machinist needs to make the part correctly and inspect it afterward.
5
Export to share
Export the drawing as a PDF or DXF to send to the shop. The drawing reflects the current model, so it never drifts out of sync.

A dimensioned, associative drawing with orthographic and section views, ready to send to manufacturing.

Generating G-code

Constraint-driven design

Open a workspace and build it as you read. It runs in your browser — no install required.