ShapeString

In one sentence: Creates a compound of closed wire outlines from a text string using a TrueType or OpenType font — geometry that can be extruded into 3-D lettering.

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Overview

Workbench: Draft
Menu: Draft → Drafting → ShapeString
Command: Draft_ShapeString

The result is solid-quality geometry (wires, not a bitmap) that can be extruded with Part Design → Pad or Part → Extrude to make raised or engraved 3-D text.

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Parameters

Parameter	Description
String	The text to convert
Font file	Path to a .ttf or .otf font file
Size	Character height (in mm, model units)
Justification	Left / Right / Centre alignment

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Workflow: 3-D text

1. Place ShapeString on the working plane.
2. Switch to Part workbench.
3. Select the ShapeString, then Part → Extrude.
4. Set direction and depth to create 3-D letters.

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Python API

import Draft

ss = Draft.make_shapestring(
    String="FreeCAD",
    FontFile="/usr/share/fonts/truetype/dejavu/DejaVuSans.ttf",
    Size=10.0,
    Tracking=0
)
ss.Placement.Base = App.Vector(0, 0, 0)
App.ActiveDocument.recompute()

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Common mistakes and pitfalls

Font path is absolute

The font file path is stored as an absolute path. If you move the document to a different machine, the font reference will break. Use a font available on both machines, or embed a copy alongside the document.

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See also

• Draft Workbench — workbench overview