Adding Workplanes for 3D Models
What Are Workplanes?
Workplanes are like invisible sheets that help you draw and build in 3D space. Think of them as virtual drawing boards that you can place anywhere in your project. They are essential in D-CAM because you can add materials or components to your project without them - but without them you don't have necessary reference for positioning and orienting building elements. See example below: 
Key Properties of Workplanes
Thickness
Workplanes have no physical thickness
They are purely reference surfaces for construction
Components can be placed on either side of the workplane
Size and Boundaries
Workplanes are technically infinite in size
The visible grid area can be adjusted as needed
You can work beyond the visible grid area
Resizing Options
Use the Clipbox to control the visible area
Adjust grid size and spacing for different tasks
Save different size settings as favorites for quick access
Basic Concepts
Types of Workplanes
Horizontal Workplanes
Like a flat table surface
Great for floor plans and top-down views
Vertical Workplanes
Like a wall surface
Perfect for working on walls and elevations
Arbitrary Workplanes
Can be placed at any angle
Useful for roof slopes and complex angles
Working with the Grid
You can turn the grid on/off using the "R" key
Adjust grid size for different tasks:
Small grid for detailed work
Large grid for rough layouts
Important Tips
Components stay in place even if you delete the workplane
You can move workplanes without moving components
Drawing elements (like lines) move with the workplane
You can work in 2D or 3D at any time
Practical Applications
Using Workplanes for Buildings
Start with a horizontal workplane for the foundation
Add vertical workplanes for walls
Use angled workplanes for roofs
Common Tasks
Adding Beams
Use "beam along X" for horizontal beams
Use "beam along Y" for vertical posts
Creating Joints
Position workplanes at connection points
Use appropriate joint types for each connection
Beginner Tutorials
Detailed Tutorials
Tutorial 1: Creating a Simple Frame
Set Up Base Workplane
Create a new horizontal workplane at ground level
Set grid size to 0.100 for precision
Make workplane area 6.000 x 6.000 meters
Add Corner Posts
Create vertical workplane at front edge
Use "beam along Y" to add 0.160 x 0.160 posts
Set positioning point to "Choice" for easy corner placement
Create posts at both ends of front edge
Add Top Plate
Stay in vertical workplane
Use "beam along X" for horizontal plate
Set beam size to 0.160 x 0.240
Rotate cross-section 90° if needed
Add Diagonal Bracing
Use "Beam 2 Points" for diagonal brace
Set step joint depth to 0.020
Position lower end 0.200 from post bottom
Set upper opening to 1.000 from post inside
Tutorial 2: Building a Basic Roof
Create Top Level Workplane
Make horizontal workplane at wall plate height
Set grid to match building dimensions
Ensure proper orientation for roof layout
Set Up Roof Angle
Create vertical workplane at gable end
Draw circle (r=0.215) at plate corner for rafter positioning
Draw lines for roof slope from ridge point
Define eaves point for rafter ends
Add First Rafters
Use "beam 2 points" for gable rafter
Set correct cross-section rotation
Create birds mouth joint where rafter meets plate
Copy rafter to opposite end
Complete Rafter Layout
Create arbitrary workplane on roof slope
Distribute intermediate rafters
Set spacing using "Clear distance" option
Add birds mouth cuts to all rafters
Tutorial 3: Creating Wall Connections
Prepare Wall Workplanes
Create vertical workplanes for each wall
Set grid size appropriate for stud spacing
Ensure proper workplane orientation
Add Wall Components
Position bottom plate using "beam along X"
Add top plate at wall height
Use "distribute" function for regular stud spacing
Add door/window openings as needed
Create Corner Connections
Use end lap joints for plate corners
Add corner studs with proper overlap
Create proper nailing surfaces
Add Wall Bracing
Create diagonal braces at 45 degrees
Use step joints at brace ends
Ensure proper depth positioning
Mirror bracing for opposite direction
Tips for All Tutorials:
Always check active workplane before adding components
Use "R" key to toggle grid visibility
Save work frequently
Double-check component orientations
Verify joints and connections
Tips for Success
Always check your workplane orientation before adding components
Use the grid for precise placement
Save common grid settings as favorites
Remember you can switch between 2D and 3D views
Practice with simple projects first
Working Without Workplanes
Why Workplanes Are Essential
Cannot add materials directly to 3D space
Need reference planes for accurate positioning
Required for proper component orientation
Necessary for precise measurements
Essential for joint creation
What Happens Without Workplanes
Cannot place components accurately
No reference for alignments
Difficult to maintain proper angles
Impossible to create certain joints
Risk of misaligned structures
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgetting which workplane is active
Not checking component orientation
Using wrong grid size for the task
Ignoring depth position settings
Not saving work regularly
Trying to work without appropriate workplanes
Not adjusting workplane visibility for complex areas
Forgetting to check workplane orientation before adding components
Advanced Workplane Features
Clipbox Control
Defines the 3D viewing boundaries
Helps focus on specific areas
Can be turned on/off as needed
Managing Workplanes
Renaming Workplanes
You can rename workplanes in two ways:
Through Building Navigation
Right-click workplane name in building navigation panel
Select option to change attributes/name
Enter new name
Through View Menu
Navigate to View → Section → Work planes
Locate desired workplane
Change properties to update name
Tips for Naming Workplanes:
Use clear, descriptive names
Consider naming by:
Location (e.g., "Front Wall", "Rear Gable")
Level (e.g., "Ground Floor", "Roof Level")
Purpose (e.g., "Layout Grid", "Detail View")
Rename at any time without affecting components
Consistent naming helps with complex projects
Material Positioning
Depth Position Options
When placing materials or components on a workplane, you have several positioning options:
Basic Positions
Flush Front: Material sits on front of workplane
Flush Back: Material sits on back of workplane
Center: Material is centered on workplane
Custom Offset
Enter specific distance from workplane
Positive values move forward from plane
Negative values move backward from plane
Use for precise positioning needs
Important Notes
Default is usually flush front
Check positioning before confirming placement
Offset values are perpendicular to workplane
Position affects joints and connections
Common Applications
Wall Construction
Sheathing: Often flush front or back
Studs: Usually centered
Trim: Specific offset for detail work
Roof Elements
Rafters: Position affects bird's mouth cuts
Sheathing: Usually flush to outer face
Fascia: Specific offset from rafter ends
Tips for Positioning
Always verify depth position before mass operations
Use consistent positioning for similar elements
Consider final assembly when choosing position
Remember position affects joint creation
Grid Customization
Size Adjustment
Change visible area for different tasks
Adjust grid spacing for precision
Save custom settings as favorites
Display Options
Control grid line visibility
Adjust reference point display
Customize workplane appearance
Working Beyond the Grid
Grid boundaries don't limit work area
Can select points outside visible area
Infinite workplane extends beyond display
Remember: Workplanes are tools to help you work more efficiently. They don't affect your final model - they just make it easier to create it!
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