I really like Shapr3D, and love it’s intuitive and agile interface. While I’m not an expert, as a designer, there are some features that would make my workflow smoother and reduce the need to switch between programs. It’s not a major issue, but improving certain aspects, especially in documentation, could save a lot of time. Here are some ideas that could further enhance the experience.
1. Inability to Customize Title Blocks
- Problem: Title blocks cannot be edited, limiting the ability to modify their structure, fields, and format.
- Solution: Allow full customization of title blocks, including adding/removing fields, resizing sections, and saving templates.
2. Improving Dimension Readability and Flexibility
Problem A: Dimension font size is fixed, making technical drawings hard to
Solution: Add an option to adjust font size for better clarity.
Problem B: Changing dimension direction (vertical, horizontal, absolute) requires accessing settings.
Solution: Allow dynamic switching based on mouse movement.
.
3. Inability to Add Colored Technical Drawings
- Problem: Users cannot add views that display assigned colors and textures in technical drawings.
- Solution: Enable an option to include color and texture details in specific
4. Inability to Set a Default Projection Angle
- Problem: Users must manually set the projection angle (e.g., Third Angle Projection) for each drawing.
- Solution: Allow setting a default projection angle to ensure consistency.
to Set a Default Projection Angle**
** 5 Lack of Customizable Drawing Templates**
- Problem: Users must manually adjust settings for each new drawing, such as line thickness, font size, projection angle, and title block details, leading to inefficiencies.
- Solution: Allow users to create and save custom drawing templates that include:
- Predefined line weights and styles.
- Default font sizes for dimensions and annotations.
- Standardized title blocks with editable fields.
- Default projection angle settings.
- Automatic sheet naming based on the folder or part name.
6. Inability to Download Multiple Drawings at Once
- Problem: Users must download drawings individually, which is time-consuming when working with multiple files.
- Solution: Implement a batch download feature that allows users to select multiple drawings and export them as a single file (ZIP, PDF set, or DWG package).
7. Lack of Table Support for Cut Lists and Data Organization
Problem A: No Interactive or Linked Tables
- Issue: Users cannot insert dynamic tables linked to part dimensions, requiring manual updates when changes occur.
- Solution: Implement support for interactive tables that update automatically with dimension changes, allowing for accurate cut lists and material tracking.
Problem B: No Option to Insert External Tables
- Issue: Users cannot import tables from external programs like Excel, making it difficult to manage cut lists, BOMs, or material schedules.
- Solution: Allow users to insert and format tables from external sources, ensuring proper data organization within the drawing.
Problem C: No Nesting Optimization for CNC and Laser Cutting
- Issue: Arranging parts manually for CNC or laser cutting is inefficient and leads to material waste.
- Solution: Add an automatic nesting tool that:
- Recognizes identical parts in both dimensions and materials.
- Optimizes material usage based on the cutting list.
- Considers grain direction for wood and other textured materials.
- Generates a visual layout for efficient material placement.