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3. Computer Aided Design

Week Assignment

Model (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, …) a possible final project, compress your images and videos, and post a description with your design files on your class page

Learning outcomes

  • Evaluate and select 2D and 3D software

  • Demonstrate and describe processes used in modelling with 2D and 3D softwares

  • Demonstrate image and video compression

Have you answered these questions?

  • Modelled experimental objects/part of a possible project in 2D and 3D software

  • Shown how you did it with words/images/screenshots

  • Documented how you compressed your image and video files

  • Included your original design files

Individual Assignment

Compression Programs

Recent development ofdigital technologies made the Image, Video files size considerable big; however using them with original size for webpage is not efficient. Compression is used to to reduce the size of files uploading to webpage. There are two main types of compresses:

  • Image Compression
  • Video Compression

For Image Compression I used GIMP, which is GIMP Is a cross platform image editor. Below I demonstrated the full usage detail.

For Video Compression, I use freeconvert.com. It was also suggested to use the FFMPEG, which is a free command-line tool that used to convert, edit, and manipulate video and audio files.

FFMPEG

FFMPEG can be downloaded from ffmpeg.org and installed On Windows. FFmpeg runs from the command line (Command Prompt or PowerShell on Windows). The basic pattern is:

ffmpeg -i myvideo.mp4 myvideo.avi - Extracting audio from video - Pull the audio track from a video file:

ffmpeg -i myvideo.mp4 audio.mp3 - Trimming a video - Cut a clip from 15 seconds to 20 seconds:

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -ss 00:00:15 -to 00:00:20 output.mp4 - Resizing video - Make a video smaller (say, 720p wide):

ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vf scale=720:-1 output.mp4 - The -1 automatically calculates the height to keep the same aspect ratio.

Combining audio and video - Merge separate audio and video files: ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -i audio.mp3 -c copy output.mp4

Then they can be downloaded from FFMPEG.org

GIMP

This image represents my practice with GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program), a powerful open-source image editing software widely used for photo retouching, graphic design, and digital painting. The practice session involved working with different tools, settings, and image adjustments to enhance my understanding of GIMP’s functionality.

The first section of the image displays GIMP’s main interface, showcasing its toolbar on the left with various essential tools, such as selection tools, brushes, text tools, and color adjustments. This panel provides access to core image manipulation features, allowing for precise editing, drawing, and object transformation.

The second section highlights the “Tools” menu, where different image-editing options, including selection tools, transformation tools (scale, rotate), and paint tools (brush, pencil, airbrush), are available. This section of the practice likely involved exploring how to modify images, apply effects, and manage layers efficiently.

In case the selected image does not right size and its required part is inside section, so with TOOLS, the RECTANGULAR SELECT can be appied. Then on Image panel, CROP TO SELECTION function must be selected and it leavs out selected part.

In case the image position must be changed from vertical to horizontal position, VIEW panel can be selected, where FLIP & ROTATE can be applied to position it.

The last section features the “Scale Image” dialog box, which is used to resize images while maintaining quality. Here, I experimented with adjusting image dimensions (width and height), resolution, and interpolation settings. The interpolation method chosen was Cubic, which provides smoother scaling results by averaging surrounding pixels. This function is particularly useful when resizing images for printing, web design, or digital art projects.

After having right position and right size, the selected image gets further processed by IMAGE panel where IMAGE SCALE muast be applied to have fixed image size and resolution change to lower its pixel weight. As a result, the final image size and resolution identified.

After IMAGE SCALING, IMAGE sent to EXPORTED AS in FILE panel and saved to the golding folder.

Through this practice, I familiarized myself with GIMP’s interface, essential tools, and image scaling techniques. Learning how to efficiently use these features is important for photo editing, digital illustration, and optimizing images for different purposes. This exercise helped strengthen my skills in image processing and manipulation, making it a valuable step toward mastering graphic design and digital content creation.

Inkscape

The Inkscape is a powerful vector graphics software used for creating scalable illustrations, digital designs, and geometric patterns. My practice involved experimenting with basic and complex shapes, as well as exploring different color applications and path modifications. I created two simple geometric shapes, a tilted cyan square and a green rectangle, against a dark background. This suggests that I practiced basic shape creation, transformation (rotation, scaling), and color filling in Inkscape. These fundamental operations are crucial for understanding how objects are manipulated within a vector-based design environment.

Here I practiced drawing more diverse and detailed collection of geometric forms, including rectangles, ellipses, stars, and abstract polygons, in multiple colors such as blue, red, green, yellow, and purple. The overlapping objects and varying orientations indicate an exploration of layering, alignment, and path modification techniques. Additionally, I experimented with distorted stars and radial effects, possibly using Inkscape’s node editing, path transformations, and shape extrusion tools. The spiral designs at the bottom-right corner suggest an attempt to create dynamic and curved paths, an essential skill for vector illustrations.

Through this practice, I gained a better understanding of Inkscape’s shape manipulation tools, color adjustments, and design workflow. The exercise helped me become more familiar with vector-based drawing, which is useful for logo design, digital art, and scalable graphics creation. This foundational work builds skills necessary for creating clean, precise, and visually appealing vector illustrations.

freeCAD

FreeCAD is an open-source parametric 3D modeling software used for designing mechanical components, architecture, and engineering structures. The practice session involved exploring sketching, extrusion (padding), and 3D modeling techniques to create a structured model. It can be downloaded from this page shown on image.

Opeing page of FreeCAD gives choice for NAVIGATION STYLE which depend on user’s previous experience on, for example, BLENDER and etc. on EDIT panel, by selecting PREFERENCES, the SIZE OF TOOLBAR ICONS can be adjasted for user’s eyesight comfort.

The experience at freeCAD starts by clicking EMPLY FILE which leads to a new page.

Then on a new page, it asks to SWITCH BETWEEN WORKBENCHES where it is necessary to select PART DESIGN. There is TASKS on left panel below the main panel where CREATE BODY must be clicked and then CREATE SKETCHE opens where XY PLANE must be selected to have all elements of extensive SKETCH PANEL.

The following elements are key for making sketches. Depending of design plan, the SKETCH TOOLS can be used.

I used CIRCLE BY CENTER and drew rectangular by POLYLINE. the width and height of rectangular can be smoothed by horizontal and vertical constrains and then rectangular’s shape can be symmetrized on Y-line. After having the desired rectangular shape, its dimensions can be set to have exact measures for its width and lengths. After all actions, SKETCH must be closed.

On TASK PANEL, the PAD must be selected in order to give 3D shape by setting the PAD PARAMETERS. 3D View can be demonstrated by SHIFT + arrow movement.

Onshape

The Onshape is a cloud-based CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software. The Onshape interface shows the feature tree, which lists different steps involved in the modeling process, such as sketching, extruding, and cutting. The main viewport displays the 3D model in an isometric view, providing a clear perspective on its structure. The toolbar at the top contains essential tools for modifying and refining the design.

The model appears to be a mechanical component with various geometric features, including cutouts, extrusions, and cylindrical elements.

The main body of the model is a rectangular block, which serves as the base structure. Several notches and slots are visible on the top surface, which could be used for interlocking or assembly purposes. Additionally, a large circular cutout is positioned at the center, suggesting that the part is designed to accommodate another component, such as a shaft, bearing, or fastener. On one side of the model, there is a cylindrical extrusion, which could act as a connector for another part, indicating that this model may be part of a larger mechanical system.

The second and third images provide side views of the model, which help in understanding the depth, alignment, and placement of the features. The notches and cutouts on the top surface are more clearly visible from this perspective, highlighting their potential function in an interlocking mechanism or structural reinforcement. The circular cutout can also be seen in the side profile, showing its depth and positioning within the model.

The final image presents the bottom view of the model, emphasizing the large circular cutout at the center. This view is essential in evaluating how the part interacts with other components when assembled. It also helps ensure that all features are correctly aligned and proportioned, which is crucial in engineering and manufacturing applications.

I have made several designs by practising the different functions of ONSHAPE

Learning outcomes

For Computer-Aided Design, I practiced both 3D and 2D workflows across several tools. In FreeCAD, I built a parametric “solar panel frame” by sketching constrained rectangles, extruding to solids, and refining features—learning how bodies, pads, and constraints drive editable models. In Onshape, I recreated a tutorial part using sketches, cuts, and fillets, then inspected top/side/bottom views to verify dimensions and feature intent—useful for understanding assemblies and clearances. For vector graphics, I used Inkscape to compose geometric shapes, apply fills/strokes, align/boolean them, and prepare clean SVGs suitable for laser cutting or CNC import. Finally, in GIMP I practiced bitmap tasks—scaling with aspect control, layer/selection tools, transforms, brushes, and basic retouching—to generate textures and documentation images. Together, these exercises strengthened my parametric modeling, drafting, and graphics skills, and created a smooth pipeline from sketch to printable/laser-ready files and polished visuals for documentation.