Feature overview
=======================================

Already using Dune 3D? See :doc:`whats-new` for new features in the
latest release.

Sketch and constrain in 2D
--------------------------

Start your design by drawing lines, arcs and circles using the 
versatile draw contour tool.

.. image:: images/sketch.png


Pick from over 20 constraints to best express your design intent. The 
smart context menu and dedicated constrain menu only show constraints 
applicable to the current selection and provide an instant preview 
before applying the constraint.

.. raw:: html

	<video autoplay loop>
	   <source src="_static/constraint-preview.mp4" type="video/mp4">
	</video>

You can reuse entities and constraints from other sketches and documents with copy 
and paste.

Make it 3D
----------

Use and reuse sketches made in 2D to create 3D objects using extrusion 
or lathe groups.

.. image:: images/extrude.png

Revolution and loft groups are supported as well.

.. image:: images/loft-revol.png

With pipe groups, you can extrude a sketch along a path.

.. image:: images/pipe.png


Use constraints in 3D
---------------------

Use constraints in 3D to define the length and direction of extrusions.

.. image:: images/constrain-3d.png


Take measurements
-----------------

All distance and angular constraints can also be used for measurements.

.. image:: images/meas.png

Loves beginners and power users alike
-------------------------------------

Just press the spacebar and get a list of all the actions you can perform. These actions can be bound to customizible single key shortcuts or to vim-like multi key sequences.

.. image:: images/menu.png

The smart context menu only shows tools and actions relevant to the current selection.

.. image:: images/context-menu.png


Clipping planes
---------------

Clipping planes allow you to look inside the model.


.. image:: images/clipping-planes.png


Workspace views
---------------

Use :doc:`workspace-views` to quickly switch between different views of all 
open documents.

Colored bodies
--------------

Assign individual colors to bodies to make them easier to tell apart in 
complex documents.

.. image:: images/body-colors.png

Import STEP models
------------------

Import STEP models to reference printed circuit boards and 
off-the-shelf hardware in your document. 

.. image:: images/step-import.png

Imported STEP models can also be integrated into the solid model for 
modification. See :doc:`step-import` for more information.  


Import DXF files
----------------

Quickly get existing geometry into Dune 3D by importing DXF files. Use 
:doc:`cluster` to scale and rotate an imported DXF file as a single 
entity. This is especially useful for logos and such.

.. image:: images/dxf.png

The "create coincident constraints" tool can be used to fix rounding 
errors that causes paths to be not closed. See :doc:`dxf-import` for more information.

Import bitmap pictures
----------------------

Import photos or scans to reference in a sketch. By placing anchors, you can
precisely scale the imported picture or reference specific points in constraints.

.. image:: images/picture.png

Render text
-----------

Dune 3D can render high-quality text making use of OpenType features 
such as tabular figures and kerning.

.. image:: images/text.png

Apply fillets and chamfers
--------------------------

Make your models more pretty by applying fillets and chamfers to edges.

.. image:: images/fillet.png


Export
------

When your design is done, export it as STL or STEP.

.. image:: images/export.png

2D export options are available as well.


Versatile input device support
-------------------------------

With Dune 3D, you can make best use of modern laptop's pointing 
devices. Apart from pixel-precision zooming and panning using 
touchpads or trackpoints, you can use
touchscreen gestures such as pinch-to-zoom.

3D input devices are supported via `libspnav <https://spacenav.sourceforge.net/>`_.