Map Sketch tool Attaches Sketch to Selected Geometry

Header image freecad

In FreeCAD, the “Map Sketch to Face” tool allows you to attach a 2D sketch to a selected face or plane of a 3D object. If you have created feature at wrong face then you can easily redefine it to correct face. Map Sketch feature ensures that the sketch moves with the underlying geometry if modifications are made.

How to Use the Map Sketch Tool in FreeCAD-:

Select an object with a shape, or one or more vertices, edges, and/or faces, and/or a plane.
There are several ways to invoke the tool:
- Press the Attach sketch… button.
- Select the Sketch → Attach sketch… option from the menu.

The Select sketch dialog opens.
Select a sketch from the dropdown list.
Press the OK button.
The Sketch attachment dialog opens.
Select an attachment method from the dropdown list. Or select Don’t attach to detach the sketch.
Press the OK button.

Typical use cases are of Map Sketch in FreeCAD:

Sketch must be created on a standard plane (XY, XZ or YZ) orientation it should not be Curved face.

Sketch must be attached to a specific face of a solid but it should not be Curved face.
A broken model needs to be repaired.

Important Notes-:

Sketch Must Be in Part Design Body – The sketch must be inside a Part Design Body to be mappable.
Avoid Non-Planar Faces – FreeCAD works best with flat faces which are in orientation of standard plane (XY, XZ or YZ). Mapping to curved surfaces may require workarounds (e.g., using a Draft ShapeString + Part Extrude for text).