About 2D Sketch Pad
Draw precise 2D profiles with snap, trim, mirror, and pattern tools. Export SVG and DXF for laser cutting, CNC, and 3D printing. Free browser-based CAD sketch tool.
How to use
- Select a drawing tool from the toolbar — Line, Rectangle, or Circle. Each tool has a keyboard shortcut (L, R, C) for fast switching. Click on the canvas to place the first anchor, move your cursor, then click again to finish the line or shape. The grid snaps your cursor to precise positions — adjust the grid size from 0.25mm to 10mm in Settings.
- Use the Origin toggle (Corner or Center) to change how shapes are drawn. Corner mode draws rectangles from one corner to the opposite; Center mode draws outward from the center point. Press O to toggle between modes while drawing.
- Edit your sketch with Trim, Offset, Mirror, and Pattern tools. Trim cuts a segment at its intersections with other segments — click the portion you want to remove. Offset creates a parallel copy at a specified distance. Mirror reflects selected geometry across an axis line. Pattern creates circular arrays of objects around a center point.
- The right panel shows all segments with their dimensions and types. Click a segment in the list to select it on the canvas. Use Shift+Click or Ctrl+Click for multi-select. The profile status indicator at the bottom shows whether your sketch forms a closed loop (ready for extrude or revolve) or has gaps that need closing.
- Export your finished sketch as SVG for design tools and web graphics, DXF for laser cutters, CNC routers, and CAD software (AutoCAD, Fusion 360, FreeCAD), or JSON to save your work and reload it later. All processing happens in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
- Toggle the Mirror axis to draw symmetrical profiles for lathe work. When enabled, everything you draw on one side is automatically mirrored on the other, perfect for creating turned object profiles like vases, chess pieces, and cylindrical parts.
Frequently asked questions
What can I draw with this sketch tool?
Lines, rectangles, circles, and arcs with precision snap-to-grid control. The tool includes Trim (cut segments at intersections like Fusion 360), Offset (create parallel copies at exact distances), Mirror (reflect geometry across any axis), and Pattern (circular arrays around a center point). These are the core tools used in professional 2D CAD for creating technical profiles, cross-sections, gaskets, laser cutting templates, and lathe profiles.
What file formats can I export?
Three formats: SVG for web graphics and design tools like Inkscape and Illustrator. DXF (R12 ASCII format) for laser cutters, CNC routers, and CAD software including AutoCAD, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, and FreeCAD — this is the universal format for fabrication. JSON for saving your sketch data and reloading it later to continue editing. All exports preserve exact dimensions in your chosen unit system.
Can I use this for 3D printing profiles?
Yes. Draw a 2D cross-section profile, then export as SVG or DXF and import it into your 3D modeling tool to extrude (push into a solid) or revolve (spin around an axis) into a 3D printable object. The profile validation indicator tells you when your sketch forms a closed loop — this is required for clean extrude/revolve operations. Common uses: custom gaskets, brackets, enclosure cross-sections, and turned objects like vases or handles.
How does the snap system work?
The snap engine prioritizes in this order: endpoints (exact ends of existing segments), midpoints, centers (of circles and arcs), intersections (where two segments cross), on-edge (any point along a segment), axis alignment (horizontal/vertical with existing points), and grid (the background grid). Snap sensitivity is adjustable in Settings. When a snap activates, the status bar shows the type (e.g. 'Snap: Endpoint') so you always know what you're snapping to.
What keyboard shortcuts are available?
Drawing: V (select), L (line), R (rectangle), C (circle), T (trim), F (offset), M (mirror), P (pattern). Editing: Ctrl+Z (undo), Ctrl+Shift+Z or Ctrl+Y (redo), Delete/Backspace (remove selected), O (toggle corner/center draw mode). These match standard CAD conventions so experienced users can work at full speed.
What is the Mirror axis for?
The Mirror toggle draws a vertical axis line on the canvas. Everything you draw on one side is automatically mirrored on the other in real time. This is essential for creating profiles for lathe work — turned objects like vases, bowls, chess pieces, and pen barrels are always symmetrical around their center axis. Draw half the profile and the mirror handles the rest.
Is my data stored or uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything runs entirely in your browser using the HTML5 Canvas API. Your sketch data never leaves your device. Exported files (SVG, DXF, JSON) are generated locally and downloaded directly. There are no accounts, no cloud storage, and no tracking of your designs.
Part of ToolFluency’s library of free online tools for Creative. No account needed, no data leaves your device.