Troubleshooting

Common Errors

"No Selection"

Cause: No objects are selected in the 3D view.

Solution: Select one or more objects in the 3D view before running the macro.

---

"No Exportable Objects"

Cause: Selected items are not solid objects (groups, annotations, etc.)

Solution: Select actual Part or PartDesign bodies with solid geometry.

---

"Invalid Directory"

Cause: The chosen directory doesn't exist.

Solution: Click Browse and select a valid folder.

---

"Format export failed"

Possible causes:

1. Object has invalid geometry

   • Try Part → Check Geometry first
   • Use Part → Refine Shape to clean up geometry

2. Disk full

   • Check available disk space

3. Permission denied

   • Choose a folder you have write access to

---

Export produces empty or corrupted files

Possible causes:

1. Object is a shell, not a solid

   • Check if object is a valid solid
   • Use Part → Check Geometry

2. Mesh tolerance too high

   • Lower the surface tolerance value
   • Try 0.01mm for fine details

3. Object has self-intersecting faces

   • Repair geometry before exporting

---

Quality Issues

STL has visible facets/triangles

Cause: Mesh tolerance is too high.

Solution:

• Lower surface tolerance (try 0.05mm or 0.01mm)
• Lower angular deflection for curved surfaces

File is too large

Cause: Mesh tolerance is too low, creating very detailed mesh.

Solution:

• Increase surface tolerance (try 0.2mm or 0.5mm)
• Use CAD formats (STEP) when detail isn't needed

Colors not exported

Cause: Most formats don't support color.

Solution:

• Use 3MF or OBJ with MTL for color support
• Export materials separately if needed

---

Performance Issues

Macro is slow to export

Possible causes:

1. Very complex geometry

   • Simplify the model before exporting
   • Use higher mesh tolerance

2. Many objects selected

   • Export in smaller batches

3. Very low mesh tolerance

   • Increase tolerance for faster exports

FreeCAD freezes during export

Possible causes:

1. Extremely complex mesh

   • Use higher tolerance values
   • Export one object at a time

2. Insufficient memory

   • Close other applications
   • Export in smaller batches

---

Getting Help

If you encounter an issue not covered here:

1. Check the GitHub Issues for similar problems
2. Open a new issue with:
   • FreeCAD version
   • Operating system
   • Steps to reproduce
   • Error message (if any)
   • Object type and complexity (if relevant)