Commands

ANALYSISDRAFT command in AutoCAD : Displays a color gradient onto a 3D model to evaluate whether there is adequate space between a part and its mold

This guide explains, step by step, how to use AutoCAD’s ANALYSISDRAFT command to evaluate draft angles on 3D models, why it may fail, alternative methods, practical tips, and a helpful FAQ for common reader questions.

Introduction

The ANALYSISDRAFT command in AutoCAD applies a color gradient to a 3D model to visualize draft angles relative to a specified pull direction. It is useful when checking whether a part will release from a mold or die, or to quickly inspect which faces meet a required draft specification. This guide assumes basic familiarity with AutoCAD’s 3D environment (solids/surfaces) and shows how to run the command, interpret results, troubleshoot common problems, and use alternatives.

What the ANALYSISDRAFT command does

  • Visually maps face normals of a 3D solid or surface to a color ramp based on the angle between each face and a chosen pull direction.
  • Highlights areas that are within, above, or below a target draft angle using distinct colors.
  • Helps identify faces that require design changes before molding, casting, or tooling.

Key benefits:

  • Fast visual feedback for manufacturability checks.
  • Non-destructive — does not modify geometry.
  • Configurable angle ranges and color schemes.

Where to find the command

  • Type ANALYSISDRAFT at the Command line and press Enter.
  • Or open the Visualize or Analyze ribbon tab (depending on your workspace) and look for Draft Analysis or Draft under the analysis tools.
  • The command may be unavailable in some Lite/limited AutoCAD versions (see FAQ).

Step-by-step: How to run ANALYSISDRAFT

  1. Prepare your model:

    • Ensure the object is a 3D solid or valid 3D surface. Blocks or external references (XREFs) may need to be exploded or edited in-place.
    • Turn on a shaded visual style (e.g., Realistic or Conceptual) so color overlays are visible.

  2. Start the command:

    • Type ANALYSISDRAFT and press Enter, or launch from the ribbon.

  3. Select objects:

    • Select the 3D solids or surfaces you want to analyze and press Enter.

  4. Specify the pull direction:

    • When prompted, specify a direction vector. Options typically include:
      • Use the current UCS Z-axis (default).
      • Pick two points to define a custom vector (click start and end points).
      • Enter vector components (e.g., 0,0,1).
    • The pull direction simulates the direction the mold will open.

  5. Set the angle range:

    • Define the minimum and maximum draft angles you want to visualize. Faces are colored based on their angle relative to the pull direction.
    • Example: set 0° (no draft) to 5° (minimum acceptable). Faces outside that band can be highlighted differently.

  6. Choose color scheme / display options (if prompted or available):

    • Select a color ramp or discrete color values for negative, within-range, and positive angles.
    • Some versions allow fill vs. wireframe display or control of overlay transparency.

  7. View results:

    • The model will show a color gradient or discrete colors indicating which faces meet, exceed, or fall short of your draft criteria.
    • Rotate the model to inspect problem areas and make notes for redesign.

  8. Clear analysis:

    • Use the command’s Off/Remove option, or run ANALYSISDRAFT again and choose to clear the display when finished.

Example: Quick before-and-after scenario

  • Before: A vertical cylindrical boss shows uniform color indicating little or no draft.
  • After: Changing the pull direction and setting a minimum draft of 2° shows the boss in a “fail” color on one side — revealing that the feature will stick in the mold and needs tapering.

(For best results, isolate the feature or hide other geometry to focus on the area of interest.)

Common options and what they control

  • Direction — Vector used to measure angles (critical).
  • Angle range — Minimum and maximum angles for acceptable draft.
  • Color method / Ramp — How angles are mapped to colors.
  • Display mode — Filled faces vs. wireframe overlay; transparency settings.
  • Apply/Remove — Turn the analysis on or off without modifying the model.

Note: The exact names and availability of options can vary slightly between AutoCAD releases.

Why ANALYSISDRAFT might not work (problems and fixes)

Problem: Nothing happens / command ends immediately

  • Fix: Confirm you have selected valid 3D solids or surfaces. The command does not work on 2D geometry.

Problem: Colors don’t appear or analysis invisible

  • Fixes:
    • Switch to a shaded visual style (e.g., Realistic or Conceptual).
    • Ensure the analysis layer isn’t frozen/off or masked by XREFs.
    • Increase overlay transparency or disable conflicting visual styles.

Problem: Direction seems incorrect

  • Fix: Specify the pull vector explicitly (pick two points or enter coordinates). Check the UCS orientation — the default direction may follow the current UCS.

Problem: Command not found / disabled

  • Fix:
    • Some AutoCAD flavors (e.g., AutoCAD LT) do not include 3D analysis tools. Verify your product supports 3D analysis.
    • Check for missing tool palettes or custom ribbon workspaces. Try the command line directly.

Problem: Working with Blocks or XREFs

  • Fix: Explode the block or edit the block in the Block Editor, or bind/convert the XREF to a local object before analysis.

Problem: Meshes or invalid surfaces

  • Fix: Convert meshes to solids where possible (or use suitable mesh analysis tools). Some forms of mesh geometry may not be supported.

Problem: Performance lag or slow display

  • Fixes:
    • Analyze only the required faces or isolate the object.
    • Simplify model/detail level.
    • Update graphics drivers and ensure hardware acceleration is enabled.

Alternatives to ANALYSISDRAFT

  • Use other AutoCAD analysis tools: Curvature analysis, Zebra stripes, or face normals analysis when appropriate.
  • Export or open the model in a dedicated mold-design/CAD package with advanced draft analysis (e.g., Inventor, SolidWorks, NX, or Fusion 360) for parametric control and reporting.
  • Perform manual checks by measuring angles:
    • Use SECTIONPLANE and measure with DIMENSION or MEASUREGEOM.
    • Create construction lines and use ANGLE or ALIGN tools to verify draft.
  • Convert to a mesh and use third-party plug-ins that provide more visualization or automated repair suggestions.

Tips for reliable results

  • Always define a clear pull direction — incorrect direction is the most common source of misleading results.
  • Turn on edge/face highlighting or isolate the part to inspect individual faces.
  • Save analysis settings as a custom style if you repeatedly use the same angle thresholds and colors.
  • Use layered visibility to avoid interference from other geometry.
  • Document failed areas by creating a 2D snapshot or exporting a view for review with stakeholders.

FAQ

Can ANALYSISDRAFT change my geometry?

No. ANALYSISDRAFT is a visual analysis tool; it does not modify the underlying geometry. Use it to identify problem faces, then edit the model separately.

Will ANALYSISDRAFT work on AutoCAD LT?

Probably not. Many 3D analysis tools are not available in AutoCAD LT. Check your product documentation. Full AutoCAD or verticals (Mechanical, Architecture, etc.) typically include draft analysis.

Can I export the analysis results (e.g., colors or data)?

AutoCAD does not directly export color-mapped analysis as a separate dataset in all versions. You can:

  • Take a screenshot or viewport save for documentation.
  • Record problem faces manually (notes or layers).
  • Export to a CAD format supported by more advanced CAM/mold tools that can produce reports.

Does analysis work on meshes and surfaces?

It works best on 3D solids and valid surfaces. Meshes may be supported depending on version, but results may be less reliable. Convert meshes to solids or use dedicated mesh tools if necessary.

How do I choose the pull direction precisely?

Specify the pull direction by:

  • Picking two points in the drawing to create a vector.
  • Entering vector components (X,Y,Z).
  • Aligning the UCS and using its Z-axis as the direction.
    Always verify by visualizing the direction arrow if the command shows one.

Why do I see unexpected colors on small faces?

Small faces or faces with normals that vary slightly can produce noisy results. Try:

  • Increasing the angle tolerance.
  • Merging or simplifying faces.
  • Analyzing larger regions rather than tiny fragments.

Can I save a custom color ramp or analysis preset?

Some versions let you save analysis styles or modify color ramps in the analysis dialog. If not available, document your preferred settings and recreate them each time, or use a script/LISP to apply consistent settings.

How do I remove or turn off the draft analysis overlay?

Run ANALYSISDRAFT again and choose the Off/Remove option (or use the analysis manager in your Ribbon) to clear the overlay without modifying geometry.

Use these instructions and troubleshooting tips to get accurate draft visualizations in AutoCAD and to streamline design reviews for molding and tooling.

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