Introduction to Netfabb

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Netfabb is a software application that provides tools and functions to prepare, analyze, and optimize parts for additive manufacturing.

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Netfabb supports 3D tessellated (triangle mesh) or parametric (CAD) files, as well as slice-based files.

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The Netfabb user interface is intuitive and flexible,

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allowing you to customize the view to meet your specific needs.

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You can also create and add a custom tab to the main menu for quick access to frequently used commands.

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When you open Netfabb, in the center you see the viewport, where the 3D model is displayed.

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On the right and left are views that contextually update,

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and that you can customize to include specific information or tools to help you interact with your project.

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To expand or shrink the viewing area, simply click the three dots and drag the edge of the viewport.

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In this case, the views are locked in place.

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Click Settings and then Unlock Views to enable customization, such as rearranging, hiding, or adding panes.

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For example, click the Project Tree and drag to dock it to another location, with the available options highlighted in blue.

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You can also detach the Project Tree, so that it floats freely and can be dragged around the screen or to a second monitor.

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To restore the previous layout, click Settings > Reset window layout > Center layout, then click OK to restart Netfabb.

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After reopening Netfabb, click Unlock Views again to enable customization, and then enlarge the viewport area.

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On the main menu of the user interface, you see tabs, including Home, Analyze, Modify, Arrange, and View,

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each containing different tools and functions to help you interact with your 3D model.

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Additionally, you can create a custom tab to access the commands that you use most.

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Select Settings, then Custom menus.

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In the Custom menus editor, select My Default Tab, and then click New panel to add a panel within the tab.

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In the Rename dialog, provide a name for the panel, such as “Prepare”, and then click OK.

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Now, on the left, expand and select commands from the existing panels,

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and click the Add arrow to include them in your custom panel.

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In this case, expand Home > Add Parts to select and add the Add Part and Part library commands.

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Next, expand Arrange > Arrange to add Move.

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When you are finished adding commands, click Apply.

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Now, you see My Default Tab added to the Main Menu, which includes the custom Prepare panel.

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You can add more panels to further customize the tab,

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enabling streamlined access to the tools that you need for your specific project.