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Juliana Misiko
Juliana Misiko

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How to Design a Tangram Puzzle Using 3D CAD Software

How to Design a Tangram Puzzle Using SelfCAD
Tangram puzzles, with their roots in ancient Chinese tradition, are a captivating way to explore geometry and creativity. These puzzles consist of seven flat shapes, known as tans, that can be arranged to form a variety of figures and designs. In the digital age, creating custom tangrams has become more accessible and engaging with the help of 3D modeling software. SelfCAD, an intuitive and user-friendly 3D design tool, provides a powerful platform for constructing and customizing a tangram puzzle from scratch. In this tutorial, we will explore how to use SelfCAD to design a tangram puzzle, from setting up the basic shapes to assembling a final 3D model ready for printing or digital use. Whether you're a designer, educator, or puzzle enthusiast, this guide will offer valuable insights into creating your own interactive geometric puzzles
To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/561v644l2v4n3y6q341eu2m5c4h3f37u3e3b

Once you’ve launched the editor;
From the drawing category on the toolbar choose freehand; From the tool panel choose rectangle

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Set height to 5, Set snap to grid vertices to true

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Click on highlighted point to draw rectangle

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Click on highlighted point to draw rectangle

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Click on highlighted point to draw rectangle

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Set mode to erase; From the tool panel choose brush

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Set size to 1; Click on highlighted point to draw

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Click on highlighted point to draw

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Press esc to stop drawing stroke
Click on highlighted point to draw

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Click on highlighted point to draw

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Click on highlighted point to draw

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Press esc to stop drawing stroke
Click on highlighted point to draw

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Click on highlighted point to draw

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Click on highlighted point to draw

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Press esc to stop drawing stroke
Click to finalize freehand drawing
Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 5

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Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the drawing category on the toolbar choose freehand; From the tool panel choose rectangle

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Set snap to grid vertices to true, height to 10

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Click on highlighted point to draw rectangle, Type in 240 value into the length measurement

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Click on highlighted point to draw rectangle, Type in 240 value into the width measurement

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Click on highlighted point to draw rectangle

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Click to finalize freehand drawing
Click move on the toolbar; Click center object button to center object

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Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the drawing category on the toolbar choose freehand; From the tool panel choose rectangle

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Set snap to grid vertices to true
Click on highlighted point to draw rectangle, Type in 204 value into the length measurement

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Click on highlighted point to draw rectangle, Type in 204 value into the width measurement

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Click to finalize freehand drawing
Click move on the toolbar; Click center object button to center object, Set x to 0, y to 5, z to 0

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Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click on drawing 2 to select it
Click stitch & scoop on the toolbar; From the tool panel choose difference, Choose drawing 3 to subtract

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Click to finalize difference
As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.
More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace.

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