MECHCAD 2026 manual
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Getting started
- Install MECHCAD 2026 (Direct Download / Microsoft Store)How to install MECHCAD 2026 on Windows with the direct installer (free 30-day Premium trial), and about the Microsoft Store listing.
- Welcome Window and 30-Day Premium TrialStart a free 30-day MECHCAD Premium trial from the Welcome window.
- Activate a licence keyEnter a licence key to activate MECHCAD on this computer.
- MECHCAD Editions: Standard, Expert and PremiumCompare what each MECHCAD Edition includes, and what you see when a feature is not in your Edition.
- Start Center: Recent Documents (Start / Recent Documents)Open recent work with thumbnails, create a new part, or open a file from the Start window.
- Create your first part in 5 minutesPractise the basic Sketch › Extrude workflow until you have your first 3D part.
- Sample jobs (Demo) included with the programOpen the sample Camera, PET Bottle, Modern Chair, Robot 6 Axis and CAM jobs.
Interface & settings
- The MECHCAD Main ScreenThe parts of the main window: workbench tabs, ribbon, Design Explorer, 3D view and document bar.
- Main Menus (File, Model, View, Help)The commands in the MECHCAD top menu bar.
- Ribbon and Command Search (F3)How to use the ribbon tabs and groups, and how to find commands with F3.
- Design Explorer (part tree)The part tree structure, the right-click menu, and editing features from the Design Explorer.
- Mouse Use and View RotationMouse buttons for rotate, pan and zoom, and how to set them to match Alibre or SolidWorks.
- Standard Views, View Cube and Normal ToTurn the view with the standard view buttons, the View Cube and the Normal To command.
- Display modes and the Display panelSwitch between Shaded, Shaded + Edges, Hidden edges and Wireframe, and adjust lighting, shadow and background.
- Realistic Render and Save RenderTurn on a studio-style realistic view and save a high-resolution PNG image.
- System Options (Program Settings)Every System Options page: General, Mouse Interaction, Keyboard Shortcuts, Sketching, Design Viewing and Color Scheme.
- Keyboard ShortcutsThe most-used keyboard shortcuts in every MECHCAD workbench.
- Measure (Distance, Angle and Size)Measure length, diameter, distance between objects and angle in both parts and assemblies.
Sketch
- Sketch Overview: Start, Finish and the Sketch RibbonStart a sketch on a plane or face, the parts of the Sketch ribbon, and how to finish a sketch.
- Sketch on a Face of the PartCreate or edit a sketch on a flat face of a 3D part.
- Line, Construction Line, Mid Line and PolylineDraw continuous straight lines, construction lines, lines from the midpoint, and polylines.
- Rectangle, Center Rect and 3-Pt RectDraw a rectangle from two corners, from the center, or from three corners (a tilted rectangle).
- Circle, Center Arc and 3-Pt ArcDraw circles and arcs in a sketch.
- Slot, Ellipse, 3-Pt Ellipse and PolygonDraw a slot, an ellipse and a polygon.
- Spline, Point and Text in a SketchDraw free-form curves, hole position points, and text as sketch shapes.
- Dynamic Input: Type Sizes While You DrawType a length, angle, width, height or diameter while drawing, and get the shape and dimension at once.
- Smart Dimension and Smart AngleDimension lines, circles, arcs, distances between objects, and angles.
- Constraints (Geometric Relations)Apply Horizontal, Vertical, Coincident, Parallel, Perpendicular, Tangent, Concentric, Equal, Midpoint, Point On, Symmetric and Fix.
- Trim, Extend, Fillet, Chamfer and Offset in a SketchTrim, extend, round corners, chamfer and offset lines in a sketch.
- Mirror, Linear Pattern and Circular Pattern in a SketchMirror and repeat shapes in a sketch along a line or around a center point.
- Snaps and Auto H/VSnapping to end points, midpoints, centers, intersections and alignment guide lines.
- Sketch Right-Click MenuCommands you can call by right-clicking empty space, a line, a point or a dimension.
- Project, Project All and Project FaceProject the edges of the part or another sketch into a sketch as reference lines or real lines.
- 3D Sketch (3D Paths)Create a 3D polyline or spline path for sweeping pipes, cables and frames.
- Helix / Spiral curveCreate a constant or variable pitch helix to use as a Sweep path for springs and threads.
Part
- Part Design OverviewThe workflow for building a parametric 3D part and the commands on the Part Design tab.
- Feature Parameters: the feature edit boxEdit an existing feature with an Alibre-style floating box, and the behaviour shared by all command boxes.
- Extrude (Boss)Add material by pushing a closed sketch perpendicular to its plane using To Depth, Mid Plane, Two Directions or Up To Face.
- Extrude CutRemove material with a closed sketch using To Depth, Mid Plane, Two Directions, Up To Face or Through All.
- Revolve and Revolve CutAdd or remove material by revolving a profile around an axis.
- Sweep and Sweep CutSweep a closed profile along a path to add or remove material.
- LoftCreate a solid that blends through two or more profiles on planes at different levels.
- Helix (springs and threads)Sweep a cross-section along an automatically generated helix for springs and threads.
- Hole Wizard (standard holes)Drill standard M3–M12 holes (Simple, Counterbore, Countersink, Tapped or Tapered) by clicking a face or a Point.
- Fillet and ChamferRound (Fillet) or bevel (Chamfer) part edges by clicking them.
- DraftTilt side walls so the part can be released from a mould.
- ShellHollow out a part to a wall thickness, leaving the selected faces open.
- Wrap / Project (Emboss / Deboss on a Face)Wrap a sketch around a cylinder or project it onto a face, then raise or recess it.
- MirrorMirror a body about a plane or a flat face and merge it into one part.
- Linear Pattern and Circular PatternRepeat a feature along a line (one or two directions) or around an axis.
- Path PatternRepeat a feature along a selected edge or curve.
- Reference Plane and AxisCreate offset reference planes, and reference axes from a hole, an edge or two points.
- Move Face and Simplify (Direct Edit)Push or pull a flat face directly, and heal and merge the faces of an imported part.
- Union, Subtract, Intersect, Scale and Rotate DatumCombine, subtract or intersect with another part, scale a part, and rotate it about the origin.
- Text (Raised or Engraved Lettering on a Face)Write raised or recessed text on a flat face.
- Picture (Image on a Face)Place a PNG/JPG image on a flat or cylindrical face, and adjust its size, rotation and mirroring.
- Recognize Features (Convert an Imported Part to Features)Import CAD and automatically build an editable feature history (base Extrude + holes).
- Gear WizardCreate parametric Spur, Rack, Internal, Helical, Worm and Bevel gears.
- Feed Screw Wizard (bottle feed screw)Create a bottle feed/timing screw from the bottle shape, pitch and thread hand.
- Part Color, Material and OpacitySet the colour, material (with density) and transparency of a part.
- Rollback, Regen and SuppressStep back through the history with the Rollback bar, recalculate the part, and turn features off temporarily.
- Parameters (named values and equations)Name the values you use often, such as width = 50, and write equations that refer to them. When you change a value, the part rebuilds automatically.
- Part PropertiesEnter the part number, description, material, finish, revision, vendor and cost for the title block and BOM. Mass is computed from the material.
- Surface ModelingCreate and edit surfaces from sketches, edges or faces, then knit, thicken or cut with them to get a solid.
- Sheet MetalBuild sheet metal parts with Base Flange, Edge Flange, Hem, Jog and Sketched Bend, then unfold to a Flat Pattern and export a DXF for the laser.
Assembly
- Assembly overviewJoin multiple parts with mates in the Assembly workbench, and the parts of the ribbon.
- Insert Parts and Sub-AssembliesBring parts, assemblies or CAD files into an assembly, and learn the sub-assembly rules.
- Assembly Explorer and Properties panelThe assembly tree, part states, right-click menu, and the part placement/colour panel.
- Add Mates with the Assembly Mates PanelSelect surfaces on two components, then choose a suggested mate type, with a preview before you confirm.
- Mate TypesWhat each of the 23 mate types does, and which surfaces you can use with it.
- Edit, flip and delete matesEdit mate values from the Assembly Explorer or Properties panel, and deal with conflicting mates.
- Auto MateAutomatically create mates at every contact point of the selected or visible parts.
- Drag and move parts (Drag Part)Drag parts so they follow their mates, rotate or copy them, and set drag sensitivity.
- Linear Pattern of partsRepeat a part or sub-assembly in rows, columns and layers.
- Component state: Show/Hide, Transparent, Fix, SuppressHide, show, make transparent, fix and suppress parts in an assembly.
- Derived Part: Union, Subtract, Intersect, Scale and Mirror PartCreate a new part from parts in an assembly without changing the originals.
- Explode and CollapseAnimate the parts apart into an exploded view, set the distance 0–100% with a slider, show center lines, and put them back together.
- 3D Notes and Pictures in an AssemblyAdd 3D text labels that point to components, and place pictures on faces.
- Pack and Go (.metpkg)Bundle an assembly and all its components into one package to share or copy.
Drawing
- Create a Drawing (Standard Views Creation)Create a 2D drawing from a part or assembly with standard views, dimensions and an automatic BOM.
- Ribbon and Drawing ExplorerAll commands in the Drawing tab, and how to use the mouse on the sheet.
- Views: Base, Projected, Section, Detail and Break ViewAdd projected, section, detail and broken views to the sheet.
- View Properties and the view right-click menuSet a view's scale, display style, tangent edges and orientation.
- Drawing dimensions: Auto Dimension, Smart Dimension, Hole Callout and OrdinateAdd automatic dimensions, click-to-dimension, hole callouts and ordinate dimensions.
- Notes, Leader, Balloon and symbols (Center Line, Datum, GD&T)Add text, numbered balloons, centre lines, datums and Feature Control Frames.
- BOM, balloons and tables (Hole, Revision, Cut List)Add a BOM table, automatic balloons, a hole table, a revision table and a cut list to the drawing.
- Sheet Properties and Title BlockChoose the paper size and fill in the title block.
- Export PDF, DXF, DWG and PrintExport the drawing as PDF, DXF or DWG, print it, and save .metdrw.
Motion & Analysis
- Motion Study and Motion StudioRecord mechanism positions (points), build a motion sequence, play it, and export a video.
- Play Motion, Spin, Linear Move and video/GIF recordingPlay joint motion, spin a part about an axis, and record the view as a video or GIF.
- Interference and Clearance CheckFind components that collide, and components closer together than a set distance, in an assembly.
- Auto BOM (Excel / PDF with pictures and balloons)Create a parts list with pictures, sizes and quantities, and export Excel/PDF with exploded views and balloons.
- Export HTML (3D web page for review)Export an assembly as a single HTML file that you can rotate, measure and explode in a web browser.
- Automation Workbench (robot cells and machines)Lay out robots, cobots, delta robots, conveyors and workpieces, then simulate pick and place.
- Robot LibraryBrowse and insert Cobot, Delta and Palletizer robot models into a cell.
- Pick & Place WizardSet up robot pick-and-place with pick and place points, speed, and a row/column/layer placement pattern.
- Motion Study Timeline (Automation)A keyframe timeline for motors, linear motion, and showing or hiding parts in a cell.
CAM
- CAM overviewCreate 2.5D / 3D milling and turning toolpaths from a part, simulate the cut, and generate G-code.
- New Job, Template and GeometryStart a new CAM job from a milling or turning template and define the workpiece.
- Stock, Frame (WCS) and ClearancesDefine the raw stock, the G54–G59 work zero and the safe planes.
- Tool Library and tool settingsChoose tools from the library and set holder size, spindle speed and default feeds.
- Operation ParametersWhat the sections of the operation box and the General, Geometry, Tool, Levels, Passes, Linking and Stock pages mean, including Tool Compensation (D-offset).
- Face and Pocket (2.5D)Face a surface and mill pockets with 2.5-axis operations.
- Profile and Ramp CutMill along outer or inner edges with cutter compensation, and ramp down along an edge.
- Drill and HoleDrill holes at multiple positions with Smart Hole (tick holes one by one, drill chosen automatically) and G81/G83 cycles.
- Slot, Step, Chamfer, Corner Round, Engrave and Thread MillMore 2.5D operations: slots, steps, chamfers, corner rounds, engraving and internal thread milling.
- 3D milling: Rough, Rest, Z-Level, Raster, Pencil and Mold TacticRough and finish 3D mold surfaces.
- Turning: Face, Rough, Finish, Axial Drill and Part OffCreate facing, G71 rough turning, G70 finish turning, axial drilling and part-off operations.
- Turning: Groove and Thread (G75 / G76)Turn grooves and M3–M64 metric threads with G75 and G76 cycles.
- Simulation (machining simulation and collision check)Simulate material removal, check collisions and cutting time, and step through the G-code line by line.
- Machine Manager and post-processorsChoose the machine, post-processor and travel limits, and edit the G-code format.
- Generate G-code and Shop PDF (setup sheet)Export G-code and print a setup sheet for the machine operator.
- Sample CAM jobs (Mill Demo / Lathe Demo)Five sample milling jobs and five sample turning jobs that cover every operation.
Import / Export
- MECHCAD file types and files you can openAll MECHCAD native file types, and the CAD formats you can open, import and export.
- Import CAD (STEP, IGES, STL) and CAD Import OptionsImport CAD files as a part or assembly, and what the import options mean.
- Open SolidWorks and Alibre files in MECHCADRead .sldprt/.sldasm and .ad_prt/.ad_asm directly, and what you get after import.
- Export STEP and STLExport a part as STEP for other CAD programs, and as STL for 3D printers.
License & Editions
- License Management: Edition Badge, Deactivate and License CertificateCheck the licence status, move the licence to another computer, and print a licence certificate.
- Updates (Check for Updates)Check for and install new versions: in-app updates for MA customers, and the direct download for everyone else.
Troubleshooting
- Troubleshooting Licence ProblemsCauses and fixes when you cannot activate, the licence has expired, or the computer is offline.
- Troubleshooting Display and Graphics Card ProblemsThe 3D view is blank, choppy or distorted, or clicks pick the wrong object on a high-resolution screen.
- Large Assemblies Run SlowlyTips to open, rotate and edit assemblies with thousands of components faster.
- Auto-Recover and crash reportsAutomatic assembly backups, recovery, and the log files written when the program crashes.
- Troubleshooting CAD Import ProblemsWhat to check when importing STEP, SolidWorks, Alibre or STL fails or the result is incomplete.
- Report a BugSend a problem report with a screenshot straight to the MET team from inside the program. You choose every item that is sent.