Base Point Indicator

The base point indicator defines the origin and orientation of a Print CAD dieline for downstream rendering. When the parametric system generates SVG previews, 3D models, and print-ready PDFs, it uses the base point to determine how the dieline is positioned and oriented in the output.

Purpose

In Print CAD, you draw geometry on a workplane that can have any coordinate origin. The base point indicator tells the system:

• Where the origin is — the (0,0) reference point for all coordinate calculations
• How the dieline is oriented — which direction is "up" and which is "right" in the output
• Where to anchor the rendering — the reference position for SVG thumbnails, storefront previews, and PDF exports

Without a properly set base point, the dieline may appear offset, rotated, or incorrectly positioned in the admin thumbnails, storefront widget, and Print Editor canvas.

Setting the Base Point

1. Select the point in your sketch that should serve as the origin. This is typically the bottom-left corner of the main panel or the center of the dieline, depending on your production workflow.
2. Assign it as the base point through the property browser or context menu.
3. Save the .pcad file.

When the file is uploaded to the Custom Libraries admin, the base point is preserved and used for all rendering operations.

Best Practices

• Choose a consistent location across all standards in your library. Bottom-left corner is a common convention that aligns with print production coordinates.
• Use a constrained point — the base point should be fully constrained (locked or defined by coincident/distance constraints) so it does not shift when parameters change.
• Test at multiple sizes — verify in the Sandbox that the dieline renders correctly at minimum, default, and maximum parameter values. An incorrectly placed base point may cause the SVG to appear cropped or offset at certain sizes.

Related Pages

• User Interface — Locate and select the base point in the graphics window and property browser
• Constraints — Lock the base point position so it stays fixed when parameters change
• Sandbox — Verify that the base point produces correct rendering at different sizes