GCrafter
Learn

What is GCrafter?

GCrafter helps you design box-jointed projects in 3D and turn them into 2D cut files for CNC, laser cutting, and woodworking workflows.

This Learn section introduces the main ideas behind GCrafter, how the workflow is organized, and where to go next as you build your first projects.

What GCrafter Is

GCrafter is a design tool for creating projects made from flat parts that assemble into 3D objects.

It is especially useful for:

  • Box-jointed and finger-jointed designs
  • CNC and laser-cut parts
  • Woodworking layouts
  • Enclosures, trays, organizers, cabinets, cases, and custom assemblies
  • Projects that start as a simple box but need to become something more specific

Instead of drawing every part manually, you begin with a structured 3D project. GCrafter then helps generate the flat parts needed to cut and assemble it.

The Basic Workflow

Most GCrafter projects follow the same general path:

1. Create a Project

Start a new project and choose the basic setup for what you want to build.

At this stage, you define the overall direction of the design rather than drawing individual parts from scratch.

2. Set the Main Dimensions

Enter the core measurements for your project, including:

  • Width
  • Height
  • Depth
  • Material thickness
  • Units
  • Basic layout options

These settings define the starting structure of the project.

3. Adjust the Parts

Once the basic shape is created, you can refine the design.

You may change:

  • Finger joint size
  • Part placement
  • Overhangs
  • Dimensions
  • Which panels or parts are included
  • How the project is assembled

The goal is to let the model stay connected as you make changes, so you do not have to redraw every related part manually.

4. Review the 3D Design

GCrafter lets you work with the project as an assembly first.

This makes it easier to understand how the parts relate to one another before creating cut files. You can check proportions, layout, and structure while the project is still in 3D.

5. Generate 2D Parts

When the design is ready, GCrafter converts the 3D assembly into flat 2D profiles.

These are the parts you will cut from sheet material using a CNC, laser cutter, or other shop workflow.

6. Export for Cutting

Export your project as a cut file, such as SVG or DXF, depending on your workflow.

You can then bring the file into your CAM software, laser software, or other production tools.

Designing in 3D, Cutting in 2D

GCrafter is built around a simple idea:

Design the object as an assembly, then produce the parts as flat profiles.

Many CNC and laser workflows start with flat drawings. That works well for simple signs and panels, but it can become difficult when the final object is a 3D assembly.

GCrafter works from the assembled form first. This helps you think about the actual object you are building, while still producing the 2D files your machine needs.

Box and Finger Joints

Box joints and finger joints are built into the GCrafter workflow.

When you change the size of a project, the joints can update with the design. This helps reduce the repetitive work that usually comes with manually editing interlocking parts.

This is useful when you need to:

  • Resize a project
  • Change material thickness
  • Adjust fit
  • Modify individual parts
  • Keep related parts aligned

Going Beyond a Basic Box

A simple box is often just the starting point.

From there, you can adapt the design into more specific projects, such as:

  • Tool organizers
  • Drawer inserts
  • Storage bins
  • Product displays
  • Electronics enclosures
  • Shop fixtures
  • Decorative containers
  • Custom furniture components

GCrafter is intended to support that progression: start with a clear structure, then modify it into the object you actually need.

PartLab

PartLab is for editing and customizing parts beyond the default box layout.

With PartLab, you can use generated parts as a starting point, then change them more directly. This allows you to create more custom shapes and assemblies while still benefiting from the project structure GCrafter provides.

You might use PartLab to:

  • Modify an existing panel
  • Replace a part
  • Add or remove geometry
  • Create openings or cutouts
  • Adapt a standard part into a custom component

What to Learn First

If you are new to GCrafter, start with these topics:

  1. Creating your first project
    Learn how to start a new design and set the basic dimensions.

  2. Understanding parts and panels
    Learn how GCrafter organizes the sides, top, bottom, and other parts of a project.

  3. Working with material thickness
    Learn why material thickness matters and how it affects joints and fit.

  4. Adjusting finger joints
    Learn how joint size and spacing affect the final assembly.

  5. Exporting SVG or DXF files
    Learn how to prepare your design for CNC, laser cutting, or CAM software.

  6. Using PartLab
    Learn how to customize generated parts for more advanced projects.

Before You Cut

Before sending a file to your machine, it is a good idea to check:

  • Material thickness matches the real material
  • Units are correct
  • The project dimensions are correct
  • Parts are laid out as expected
  • Joints look consistent
  • Any required kerf or CAM settings are handled in your cutting workflow
  • The exported file opens correctly in your machine software

GCrafter helps create the design and part profiles, but your final cutting setup may still depend on your machine, bit, laser kerf, material, and CAM settings.

Where to Go Next

Use this Learn section as a guide while you become familiar with the workflow.

A good path is:

  1. Create a simple box
  2. Change its dimensions
  3. Adjust the joints
  4. Export the parts
  5. Open the file in your cutting software
  6. Return to GCrafter and make a more customized version

Once the basic workflow is comfortable, you can begin using GCrafter for more specific projects and more advanced part customization.