Sketch View Overview
The Sketch view is the main 2D workspace in PureCut CNC. Use it to draw geometry, select features, edit nodes and segments, place tabs and clamps, and inspect 2D toolpath projections without leaving the modeling workflow.
This view keeps the project stock, grid, origin, backdrop image, sketch features, clamps, tabs, and visible toolpaths in one place. Most design and setup work starts here before you switch to 3D View or Simulation.
What You See In Sketch View
The Sketch view is more than a plain drawing canvas. It layers project feedback directly over the geometry so you can check the design and machining setup together.
- Stock and origin — the stock boundary and machine origin are shown when enabled in the Project Tree.
- Backdrop image — imported backdrop images appear behind the geometry for tracing and alignment.
- Feature colors — subtract features are shaded by depth, add features use a separate color, and the current selection is emphasized.
- Tabs and clamps — tab footprints and clamp footprints are drawn in the same 2D space as the sketch.
- Visible toolpaths — operations with toolpath visibility enabled are drawn on top of the sketch, with the selected operation highlighted.
When to Use Sketch View
Stay in Sketch view when you need precise 2D control over geometry and setup:
- Creating new rectangles, circles, polygons, splines, composite paths, and text
- Editing nodes, segments, constraints, and feature transforms
- Checking snap behavior, dimensions, and feature ordering
- Inspecting projected toolpaths before switching to 3D or simulation
- Positioning tabs, clamps, and backdrop images in the same coordinate space as the part
During drawing and edit operations, context banners appear over the canvas with prompts such as click targets, typed-dimension hints, and confirm / cancel shortcuts. Those prompts are specific to the active tool and disappear when the operation completes.