Quick design
Finish a set class project by changing only the parts your teacher has opened up, then print true-size templates and make laser files.
- Quick designTop bar: Quick design
Quick design is the quickest way to a finished class project. Instead of modelling every part, you work through a few design steps and change only the parts your teacher has opened up: sizes, shapes, colours and decorations. SchoolCAD checks your design as you go, then makes true-size (1:1) templates to print and files for the laser cutter. Everyone can reach a design they can make, even before they can model.
Click Quick design at the top of the screen to open it. Part Studio takes you back.
Your teacher tells you which project to open. Each project has its own design steps, made for the materials and machines it uses.
The screen#
- Design steps, on the left: the project's steps, in order. The dot beside each step shows whether its checks pass.
- 3D model and 2D sketch, in the middle: switch between them with the tabs. In the 3D model, choose 3D, Front, Side or Top, and drag Explode to pull the parts apart. In the 2D sketch, click a shape to select it, then drag it to move it, drag a corner square to resize it, or drag the round handle to turn it. The arrow keys nudge it 1 mm (Shift: 10 mm).
- On the right: the choices for the step you are on, and its Checks.
- The status bar counts the things to fix, or says All checks passed. Ready to export.
The steps#
The steps are different for each project, but they usually go like this:
- Parts your teacher has set are locked. Click a part to see its size, the cutting list and the stock you need.
- Parts you design: set their sizes (within your piece of material), start from a shape, and choose the corners and edges.
- Decoration: choose materials and colours, then add shapes from the library, Add text or Trace a picture.
- Check & export: fix anything red, then make your files.
Your files#
| File | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Print templates (PDF) | A4 pages at true size, to stick on your material and cut out. |
| Laser cut file (DXF) | The parts for the laser cutter. Red lines cut, black lines engrave. |
| Outline (DXF) | Some projects also give a part's outline on its own, for the CNC router. |
| Picture of my design (PNG) | A picture for your booklet or folio. |
| Save my design file | A .schoolcad file to open next lesson with Open. |
Quick design keeps one design in this browser, and brings it back the next time you open it. Export → Start a new design clears it, so save your file first.
If it does not work#
- That file could not be opened: it is a Part Studio design, so open it in Part Studio. Click Part Studio at the top of the screen, then Open file.
- The 3D view does not show. The 3D view needs WebGL, which is turned off on some computers. You can still design in the 2D sketch and export your files.
- A step's dot is red. Open that step and read its Checks. Fix the red items before you cut anything.