What is AxisFlow

I'd like to share an early alpha version of AxisFlow, an experimental coordinate input module for FreeCAD.

I've worked with Bentley MicroStation for many years, and one of the tools that had the biggest impact on my workflow is AccuDraw. While moving more of my work to FreeCAD, I started wondering whether some of those ideas could be adapted to the FreeCAD ecosystem.

After a couple of weeks of AI-assisted development, the first working version of AxisFlow emerged.

Although inspired by Bentley's AccuDraw, AxisFlow is not intended to be a clone. The goal is to explore a coordinate-input workflow that fits naturally into FreeCAD and can evolve in its own direction.

Unlike a traditional workbench, AxisFlow is designed as a reusable point-input module. Geometry creation remains the responsibility of the tool that uses it. The project exposes a Python API and can be integrated into different commands and workbenches.

Current functionality includes:

• compass-guided 3D coordinate input with full directional control
• ortho and radial modes
• coordinate locks and Smart Lock
• object snapping through FreeCAD
• configurable keyboard workflow
• public Python API
• demo commands:
  • line drawing
  • move and copy commands
  • surface extrusion from lines

One important point: I do not see AxisFlow as something that should be imposed on FreeCAD.

FreeCAD has its own architecture and independent workbenches, and I fully respect that. AxisFlow is being developed as an optional module. If some workbenches eventually find value in integrating with it, that's great. If not, that's perfectly fine too.

The project itself was developed with extensive assistance from modern AI tools. Besides being a CAD experiment, it has also been an interesting exploration of AI-assisted software development.

At this stage, I am mainly interested in feedback and discussion, especially regarding:

• the overall concept;
• the module-oriented architecture;
• the API design;
• possible integration approaches with existing workbenches.

Any comments, criticism, or suggestions are welcome.

GitHub: https://github.com/LeonidWiebe/AxisFlow
Documentation: https://github.com/LeonidWiebe/AxisFlow/tree/main/man
Wiki: https://github.com/LeonidWiebe/AxisFlow/wiki/AxisFlow
Issues: https://github.com/LeonidWiebe/AxisFlow/issues

AccuDraw is a trademark of Bentley Systems, Incorporated. AxisFlow is an independent open-source project and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Bentley Systems.