Getting Started with MatterCAD

MatterCAD is a professional 3D design application for creating and modifying 3D models. Whether you are building something from scratch or editing an imported file, these guides will help you get up and running.

The MatterCAD Workspace

When you open MatterCAD, you will see several key areas:

• 3D Viewport - The main area where you view and interact with your 3D models
• Toolbar - Along the top, with buttons for common operations like undo, redo, grouping, and design tools
• Library Panel - On the left side, where you can browse primitives and your saved designs
• Properties Panel - On the right side, showing the parameters of the selected object
• Design Tree - Shows the hierarchy of objects in your scene

Topics

• Viewport Navigation - Learn how to rotate, pan, and zoom the 3D view
• Creating New Objects - Add primitive shapes and start building your design
• Adding Existing Objects - Import files from your computer or the library
• Editing Objects - Move, rotate, and scale parts directly in the 3D view
• Saving and Exporting - Save your work and export to different file formats

Quick Start

1. Add a shape - Open the Primitives panel and click a shape like Cube or Cylinder to add it to your workspace
2. Move it - Click and drag the object to reposition it, or use the up/down arrow to adjust height
3. Modify it - Select the object and adjust its parameters in the Properties panel on the right
4. Add more shapes - Add additional primitives and use Boolean operations to combine or subtract them
5. Save your work - Use the brand menu to save your design in MCX format, or export to STL for 3D printing

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Table of contents

• Adding Existing Objects
• Creating New Objects
• Editing Objects
• Saving and Exporting
• Viewport Navigation