Param Establish
FreeEstablish Parameters from sketches, Pad/Pocket properties, or Measure results (snapshot copy).
Param Establish is a FreeCAD workbench for building a clean Parameters store while you model. Promote sketch dimensions, Pad/Pocket feature values, or a Measure tool result from the model tree into named knobs you can reuse in later sketches and expressions — without Spreadsheet round-trips mid-edit.
What It Does
- Establish parameters from sketch dimensional constraints
- Establish from Pad / Pocket (and similar) Length / Angle properties
- Establish from Measure results (Distance, Length, Angle, Radius, Area) — snapshot copy (if the measure changes later, the stored value does not)
- GG Parameters Panel — edit knobs with deferred recompute (Apply when ready)
- Ensure Parameters VarSet — create a
Parametersstore if missing
Good For / Use Cases
- You're designing in PartDesign and want
BoxWidth,WallThick,PadHeightas real parameters while sketching - You measured a gap with FreeCAD's Measure tool and want that number as
GapAfor the next sketch - You already padded a sketch and want the pad Length in the same Parameters bag as the sketch dims
- You want a safe panel that doesn't recompute the whole document on every keystroke
Requirements
FreeCAD: 1.0, 1.1 · Run: GG Param Establish workbench / EstablishParameters
Install
Install (Windows)
- Download the
.zipand unzip it. - Copy the
GGParamEstablishfolder into FreeCAD Mod/ (see the zip's ownINSTALL.mdif the folder name looks different):
| FreeCAD | Typical Mod folder |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | %APPDATA%\FreeCAD\Mod\ |
| 1.1 | %APPDATA%\FreeCAD\v1-1\Mod\ |
- Restart FreeCAD.
- Workbench list → Param Establish (activate once so the toolbar appears).
- Optional: also copy the entry macro into Macro/ for Macro menu access.
Linux/Mac: FreeCAD → Edit → Preferences → General → Macro shows the equivalent path.
How To Use
- Activate GG Param Establish once after install.
- Select a Sketch, a Pad/Pocket, or a Measure object in the tree.
- Click Establish Parameters.
- Check the dims/properties to capture, name them, Establish.
- Drive other constraints with expressions like
<<Parameters>>.GapAor<<Parameters>>.BoxWidth / 2.
Tips & Limitations
- Prefer a VarSet named
Parametersover Spreadsheet for this workflow. - Measure capture is a snapshot, not a live link — remeasure and re-establish if the geometry changes.
- CAD utility only — you own model intent and expression setup in your documents.
- Formerly called "Sketch Params" /
GGSketchParams— use the new names only.
FAQ
Does this replace the Spreadsheet workbench? No — Parameters is a lighter-weight alternative for a handful of named values; reach for Spreadsheet if you need formulas across many rows.
Does a Measure-based parameter update automatically if the geometry changes? No — it's a snapshot at the moment you establish it, not a live link.
No warranty. This software and any models you generate are provided as is. The Gizmo Grotto is not liable for failed prints, unfit parts, or consequential damages. You are responsible for verifying dimensions, materials, and suitability for your use.
Early release. Features and defaults may change. Files you download today may be superseded by newer versions.
CAD utility only. You are responsible for model intent and expression setup in your documents.