123D is a 3D modeling software similar to TinkerCAD, but has more capabilites. In addition to being able to build with basic shapes on a grid, you can create more specific custom shapes, and modify your shapes in more ways. In addition to making 3D models, 123D can also be used to make svgs or import svgs to use in 3D models.

These lessons will cover the tools in 123D and how to use them. As well as key differences between 123D and TinkerCAD.

Level one will go over a basic introduction to 123D and introduce some basic concepts.

• At the top of the screen is the toolbar, in the toolbar are the categories of tools. From left to right these are:
  • The context menu: this is where you create new files, open files, import files, save files, and export files.
    • Importing is not the same as opening, when you import something, you add it to your current design, opening a file creates a new design.
    • Exporting is not the same as saving, when you export a file, the file is made into a different file type, usually an stl, when you save, the file type is not changed. An exported file cannot be edited, while a saved on can.
  • The undo and redo buttons. The undo button will reverse actions, starting with the most recent, and the redo button brings it back. If you make a change after undoing you cannot redo.
  • The transform tab, this tab is used to move and scale your shapes.
  • The primitives tab, this tab contains basic premade shapes, like TinkerCAD
  • The sketch tab contains tools used to create 2D shapes in various shapes and sizes, these are usful to create custom shapes. The 2D outlines can then be made into 3D objects with the construct tab.
  • The construct tab has tools used to convert 2D sketches into 3D objects.
  • The modify tab has tools used to change the shape of an already existing object, such as giving a cube a rounded edge on one side.
  • The pattern tab has tools used to create duplicates of object in a specific pattern, for things like a pattern of spokes on a bike wheel.
  • The grouping tab lets you group and ungroup objects. If you modify one object in a group, all other objects are also modified.
  • The combine tab has tools that let you make one shape out of multiple objects. Once objects are combined, they can only be separated by the undo button.
  • The adjust tab has tools for measuring things like distance, or size.
  • The text button allows you to place text as a sketch that can then be made into a 3D object.
  • The last item, the snap button allows you to click one face of an object, and a face on another to precisely connect them. This is a valuable tool for precise adjustments.

• Like TinkerCAD, 123D has basic shapes you can use in your design, in 123D these are referred to as primitives. This tab also has 2D shapes that can be used with the sketch tab.
• Unlike TinkerCAD, you cannot change the dimensions of a shape once it has been placed. You can only scale it. Input your dimensions before you place the object.
• Another difference from TinkerCAD's basic shapes is you can precisely place the shapes. For example, if you place a sphere, you can then place a square on the surface of the sphere.
• When you click on a placed object, an action menu for that object will open at the bottom of the screen. This menu lets you move, scale, hide, view info, and export an object.
• To move an object you can use the move tool in the transform tab, or click the move button in the objects action menu. Doing this will place a set of symbols and buttons around the object.
  • The arrows are for precise movement in one of the three axes, by default these movements are in increments of 5 mm. You can click and drag the arrow, or you can click it and type in the text box that appears for precise movements.
  • The squares are for nonprecise movement in one of three planes, like the arrow, you can click and drag or click and type. These moves do not snap, and can be difficult to allign parts with.
  • The circle in the middle is for movement in any direction, these moves do not snap, and can be confusing to move parts with.
  • The three circles with arrows on either side are used to rotate the object in one of three axes. By default these move snap in increments of 5 degrees. These can also be dragged or typed in.
• The snap tool can be used sometimes in place of the move tool, just click a side of an object and where you want it and it move.
• Get some practice placing, moving, and grouping objects before moving on.

Level two will go over the sketch tools and the construct tools, and teach you how to create custom shapes.

• The first step for most custom shapes is a 2D sketch. Sketches are usually made with the tools in the sketch tab and the primitives tab.
• Sketches can be moved and rotated just like objects.
• Custom objects are made by converting a sketch into a 3D object with the tools in the construct tab.
• Try experimenting with some of the tools in the sketch tab, hovering over the buttons will give a brief summary of what the tool does.
• Once you have a basic understanding of the sketch tools, switch to the construct tab.
• The extrude tool takes a sketch and adds depth to it, making it into a 3D object.
• The sweep tool takes a sketch and extrudes it along a path. This tool needs a closed sketch with the flat side facing toward a line or edge of a shape that acts as the path.
• The revolve tool takes a closed shape and revolves it around an axis to create a shape. This tool needs a sketch of half of a shape, and you need to select one of the edges on the shape to use as an axis.
• The loft tool takes two sketches with the flat parts facing eachother, and connects them into a 3D object.
• Once you understand how the tools work, try using the tools to make a bowl.
• Once your bowl is finished, show it to an adult to finish level two.