cplane

The term "cplane" is often encountered in the context of computer-aided design (CAD) software. It is a shorthand for "construction plane" or "coordinate plane." Essentially, a cplane is a user-definable plane that serves as a reference for drawing, modeling, and manipulating objects within a 3D environment.

In many CAD programs, a default cplane is established at the origin of the coordinate system. However, users can create, move, rotate, and align new cplanes to various surfaces, edges, or other geometric elements. This flexibility allows for precise placement of new geometry relative to existing features, even on complex or non-orthogonal surfaces.

The cplane acts as a temporary drawing surface. When a user initiates a drawing command, such as creating a line or a circle, the software typically assumes the operation will occur on the active cplane. This simplifies the process of working in three dimensions by allowing users to focus on a 2D plane at a time, much like traditional drafting. Different cplanes can be saved and recalled, streamlining workflows for repetitive tasks or projects with intricate designs. The concept of the cplane is fundamental to efficient 3D modeling in many software applications.