---
title: Make Blueprints in FreeCAD
slug: make-blueprints-in-freecad
description: Creating blueprints is essential for effectively communicating ideas to builders and manufacturers, whether you're involved in mold-making, machine-building, or other projects. FreeCAD, available on all platforms, is a versatile open-source software offering tools for 3D modeling and blueprint creation. This guide will instruct you on using FreeCAD to develop your own blueprints.
tags: ["product","other machine","research","mould"]
category: Guides
difficulty: Easy
time: < 1 week
location: London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the)
---
import { Image } from 'astro:assets'
# Make Blueprints in FreeCAD
<Image src={import('./Howto-blueprints.png')} alt="Make Blueprints in FreeCAD" />
Creating blueprints is essential for effectively communicating ideas to builders and manufacturers, whether you're involved in mold-making, machine-building, or other projects. FreeCAD, available on all platforms, is a versatile open-source software offering tools for 3D modeling and blueprint creation. This guide will instruct you on using FreeCAD to develop your own blueprints.

User Location: London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the)
## Steps
### Step 1: Download FreeCAD

- Visit [FreeCAD Download Page](https://www.freecadweb.org/downloads.php) and choose the version for your operating system.
- Adhere to the installation guide instructions.


<Image src={import('./0_Freecad.png')} alt="0_Freecad.png" />


<Image src={import('./1_Download.png')} alt="1_Download.png" />

### Step 2: Import 3D Model

- You may use the provided model or design your own in FreeCAD.
- Open a new document by selecting the new document option from the menu.
- Go to File > Import and choose the desired file.


<Image src={import('./2_New_Document.png')} alt="2_New_Document.png" />


<Image src={import('./2_Import.png')} alt="2_Import.png" />


<Image src={import('./2_File_View.png')} alt="2_File_View.png" />

### Step 3: Select the TechDraw Workspace

-FreeCAD offers multiple workspaces, each with distinct functions.  
-Select the TechDraw workspace from the dropdown menu at the top of the application.


<Image src={import('./3_Workspace_Dropdown.png')} alt="3_Workspace_Dropdown.png" />


<Image src={import('./3_TechDraw_Workspace.png')} alt="3_TechDraw_Workspace.png" />

### Step 4: Generate a blank template

FreeCAD offers multiple blueprint sizes and standards. Select one by clicking the folder icon in the TechDraw workspace or opt for the default using the "Insert new default Page" button. Users can also create custom designs in SVG format to suit specific needs.


<Image src={import('./4_Import_Template.png')} alt="4_Import_Template.png" />


<Image src={import('./4_Default_Template.png')} alt="4_Default_Template.png" />

### Step 5: Import perspective view

- Select the item you wish to create a blueprint of by left-clicking it.
- Hold CTRL and click on the page in the side menu.
- Click the "Insert Projection View" button.
- Open the page to view your drawing.
- Adjust rotation, scaling, and visibility from the side menu.
- Confirm your choice by clicking "OK" in the task menu.
- If it does not update, click the refresh button in the top menu.
- This method ensures that the blueprint and dimensions will update with changes to the base model.


<Image src={import('./5_Item_Selection.png')} alt="5_Item_Selection.png" />


<Image src={import('./5_Default_Preview.png')} alt="5_Default_Preview.png" />


<Image src={import('./5_Final_View.png')} alt="5_Final_View.png" />

### Step 6: Add Linear Dimensions

- Select two points by holding CTRL and clicking on the desired points.
- Click the horizontal or vertical dimension buttons and position the dimension as needed.
- Ensure the dimension is legible.
- Repeat until all necessary information is displayed.


<Image src={import('./6_Point_Selection.png')} alt="6_Point_Selection.png" />


<Image src={import('./6_Adjust_Dimension.png')} alt="6_Adjust_Dimension.png" />


<Image src={import('./6_All_Vertical_and_Horizontal_Dimensions.png')} alt="6_All_Vertical_and_Horizontal_Dimensions.png" />

### Step 7: Add Diameter Dimensions

- Select the circle to add a diameter
- Click the Diameter dimension button
- Adjust for legibility
- Repeat for all circles in the drawing


<Image src={import('./7_Diameter_Selection.png')} alt="7_Diameter_Selection.png" />


<Image src={import('./7_Diameter_View.png')} alt="7_Diameter_View.png" />


<Image src={import('./7_All_Diameters.png')} alt="7_All_Diameters.png" />

### Step 8: Add Angle Dimensions

- Click the "Insert Annotation" button in the TechDraw workspace.
- Adjust text and size in the left panel.
- View names are added as frame titles, which are not visible on export.


<Image src={import('./8_Angle_Selection.png')} alt="8_Angle_Selection.png" />


<Image src={import('./8_Angle_Inserted.png')} alt="8_Angle_Inserted.png" />


<Image src={import('./8_Angle_Adjusted.png')} alt="8_Angle_Adjusted.png" />

### Step 9: Add Annotations

- Click the "Insert Annotation" button in the TechDraw workspace.
- Adjust the text and text size in the left-hand panel.
- View names have been added as frame titles for better visibility upon export.


<Image src={import('./9_Insert_Annotation.png')} alt="9_Insert_Annotation.png" />


<Image src={import('./9_Default_Annotation.png')} alt="9_Default_Annotation.png" />


<Image src={import('./9_All_Annotations.png')} alt="9_All_Annotations.png" />

### Step 10: Add Blueprint Details

- Blueprint sections include detailed explanations.
- Editable areas are marked with green boxes.
- Click a green box to open a modal window for text entry.

Ensure to include:
- Creator's name
- Date of creation
- Notation dimensions
- View scale
- Version number
- Presence of multiple sheets in the file


<Image src={import('./10_Blueprint_Details.png')} alt="10_Blueprint_Details.png" />


<Image src={import('./10_Designed_by_Changed.png')} alt="10_Designed_by_Changed.png" />


<Image src={import('./10_All_Details_Changed.png')} alt="10_All_Details_Changed.png" />

### Step 11: Cleanup

- Remove the default text from the open source template.
- Eliminate the details table on the right using a blank white .png file as a mask.
- Select the "Insert Bitmap from file" button and use the provided masks.
  - Position and size it appropriately by adjusting parameters in the left-hand panel.


<Image src={import('./11_Insert_bitmap.png')} alt="11_Insert_bitmap.png" />


<Image src={import('./11_first_image.png')} alt="11_first_image.png" />


<Image src={import('./11_All_masks.png')} alt="11_All_masks.png" />

### Step 12: Add the license

- Complete the starter kit license, noting the modifications made to this blueprint.
- We utilized an additional annotation, as previously demonstrated.


<Image src={import('./12_License.png')} alt="12_License.png" />

### Step 13: Export

-Export your files in formats like SVG, DXF, or PDF.
-SVG and DXF formats have dedicated buttons in the top menu.
-To export as PDF, right-click anywhere on the page and select "Export PDF."
-Save the file in an easily accessible location.


<Image src={import('./13_Export.png')} alt="13_Export.png" />


<Image src={import('./13_Export_PDF.png')} alt="13_Export_PDF.png" />


<Image src={import('./13_Exported_PDF.png')} alt="13_Exported_PDF.png" />

### Step 14: Spread the Love

- Open source requires sharing the source and files.
- Upload to platforms like GitHub or GitLab.
- Share your work on our social media.

At Darigov Research, we focus on open source hardware, software, and education to address global issues locally.

Support us through donations or Patreon:

[Donate](https://www.darigovresearch.com/donate)  
[Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/darigovresearch)

[Website](https://www.darigovresearch.com/)  
[YouTube Channel](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb34hWA6u2Lif92aljhV4HA)  
Follow us on Twitter, GitHub, Instagram: @darigovresearch

### Step 15: Get Started

We have been constructing these machines since version 2 and are enthusiastic about the progress achieved and the community's future development.

If you are interested in purchasing a machine or inquiring about our research and development services, please review the products we offer or contact us directly.


<Image src={import('./15_Get_Started.png')} alt="15_Get_Started.png" />