Quick Start Guide to foo_cad: Create Your First 3D Model

Quick Start Guide to foo_cad: Create Your First 3D Model

What you’ll achieve

Create a simple 3D model (a small box with a lid) and export it for 3D printing or further editing.

Assumed defaults

• Using foo_cad version current as of today (Feb 8, 2026).
• Basic mouse and keyboard familiarity.
• Export target: STL file for 3D printing.

Step-by-step

1. Create a new project
   • File → New Project.
2. Set units and grid
   • Preferences → Units → millimeters.
   • View → Grid → Enable, set grid spacing to 1 mm.
3. Start a 2D sketch
   • Toolbar → New Sketch → select XY plane.
4. Draw the box base
   • Rectangle tool: click origin, drag to 60×40 mm.
   • Dimension tool: set width = 60 mm, height = 40 mm.
5. Extrude the base
   • Select the rectangle face → Extrude → 20 mm (solid).
6. Add wall thickness
   • Shell or Offset tool → select top face → Thickness = 2 mm (hollow interior).
7. Create the lid
   • Copy top rim geometry → New body → Extrude upward 4 mm.
   • Add a small lip: offset outer edge outward 0.5 mm, extrude downward 1 mm to create a snap fit.
8. Add fillets (optional)
   • Fillet tool → select external edges → Radius = 1 mm for smoother print.
9. Check and fix geometry
   • Inspect → Solid Check → Repair if any non-manifold edges.
10. Export
    • File → Export → STL.
    • Resolution: High. Ensure units = millimeters.

Tips for successful printing

• Wall thickness: Minimum 1.5–2 mm for standard FDM printers.
• Overhangs: Keep angles >45° or add supports.
• Tolerance for lid: If snap fit is too tight, reduce lip by 0.1–0.2 mm.

Quick keyboard shortcuts (defaults)

• N: New Sketch
• E: Extrude
• F: Fillet
• D: Dimension tool

If you want, I can produce exact step commands for a different target (laser cut, CNC, or STEP export).