Feature

Introduction

In FreeCAD the word "Feature" is normally used to refer to a PartDesign Feature object (PartDesign::Feature class) that is defined by the PartDesign Workbench. This is an operation or modelling step performed to create or modify a solid Shape following the feature editing paradigm.

See PartDesign Feature for more information about this type of object.

Usage

1. Switch to the PartDesign Workbench.
2. Press PartDesign Body.
3. Press PartDesign NewSketch to create a new Sketch.
4. Create a closed wire, and then use PartDesign Pad to extrude the sketch, and create an initial solid. This initial solid is the initial Feature.
5. Add more sketches and pads, and use other tools of the PartDesign Workbench to modify and transform the initial solid. Each of these steps correspond to Features of the Body.
6. Alternatively, add primitive objects, like PartDesign Additive box and PartDesign Subtractive cylinder. Any number of additive and subtractive steps are Features that are used to create a final volume.

Notes

In the general sense, a "Feature" can be any modelling step used to create a final Shape, with any tool of any workbench.

• For example, in the Part Workbench, in the constructive solid geometry workflow, a "Feature" could be any boolean operation, like Part Fuse, Part Cut, or Part Common.

In a more specific sense, a "Feature" is a modelling step used inside a PartDesign Body.

• For example, PartDesign Additive cylinder, PartDesign Additive loft, PartDesign Pocket, PartDesign Subtractive cone, etc., are all "Features".