ShadowBoxer · 4.52

Photo → precise, print-to-scale tool outlines · SVG & DXF for foam, CNC and laser · STL for Gridfinity bins

Step 1 of 6

Choose a photo

Appearance

Source

Resolution

Long edge cap. Full res may be slow on large photos.

Combine overlapping lightbox photos into one measured tool.

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Scale comes from the illuminated lightbox rectangle. Enter its measured width and height, then check the corner handles and highlighted ruler marks. Ruler marks are a visual check; they do not replace the dimensions.

Verify scale · lightbox dimensions

Ruler marks will be checked after the photo is processed.

Units

Width

Height

The bright area of your lightbox, edge to edge. Every measurement and export is scaled from this, so measure it once and check the Top View grid against the ruler in your photo.

Drag the four corner handles to match the bright board. Then press Next.

Separate touching tools

Drag a straight line across the contact point, extending beyond both edges. The resulting pieces become separate tools. The original photo stays intact; Undo restores a cut.

Detection mode

Auto-detect Click to select

Advanced · detection tuning

Hint for auto-tune

How many tools? (optional)

Leave blank for automatic.

P2 · Bilateral filter

Spatial σ 5

Color σ 35

Iterations 1

P3 · Auto threshold

σ-variance 0.33

Median M—

T_lo/T_hi—

Otsu—

P5 · Segmentation

Close kernel 2

Min tool spacing (mm) 15

Min area (mm²) 60

Trace samples 200

Precision edges (sub-pixel)

Diagnostic views

Detected tools

Click a name to rename it. Names go into the SVG, DXF layers and the print.

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Layout for

Drag right on empty space to select enclosed objects; drag left to include crossed objects. Shift adds to the selection. Middle-drag pans. Ctrl+C copies, Ctrl+V pastes, Ctrl+D duplicates. Copies are included in the finished export.

Tool tilt · save drawer width

Roll selected tools about their lengthwise axis. Enter measured maximum thickness and clear drawer height. Uses a rectangular envelope; round or contoured tools may save less space.

Tool thickness (mm)

Clear drawer height (mm)

Insert base thickness (mm)

Tilt angle (°)

Allows 1 mm headroom. Gridfinity includes an angled support floor with square pocket edges. SVG / DXF export the opening only. Turn off end mill compensation for tilted inserts.

Allowed rotation

Gap (mm)

Auto layout arranges rows. Nest creates an automatic layout, then tries smaller sizes. Auto size fits the sheet or bin around the current objects.

Export

Choose the output for the finished layout.

Image and print

100%

Drawer overview

100%Scroll: zoom · Middle/right drag: pan · Drag right: enclosed · Drag left: crossing · Alt-drag: select from anywhere · Rotation handle: drag; Shift snaps 15° · Click: select tool · Shift-click: select multiple · Arrows: move in mm · Shift: 10×

Build a drawer

Saved drawers

Tool library

Drag a thumbnail into the drawer. Double-click or press Enter to add a copy automatically.

Save tools from the current photo

Find toolsCategory

Add several copies

Quantity per tool

Drawer name

Display units

Drawer and printer dimensions

Enter measured inside drawer dimensions and usable print area, allowing for your brim or other printer margins.

Drawer width

Drawer depth

Drawer clear height

I measured and verified the clear drawer height

Usable print width

Usable print depth

Usable print height

Tool gap (mm)

Keep categories in separate holders

Arrange tools

Automatic layouts are proposals. Apply one when you are satisfied.

Highlight overlapping tools (overlaps are allowed)

Arrangement options

Tool direction

Allow mirrored tools when nesting Nest with shared finger sweeps

Recorded finger sweeps may overlap when pocket depth and fillets match. This option lets nesting use that space; manual sweep overlaps are always accepted. Tool bodies stay clear. Older baked outlines remain protected.

Rotation step

Angle step (°)

Turns start from each tool’s long axis. Smaller steps try more orientations; 15° is a good starting point for a crowded drawer. Both buttons use this setting.

Manual moves stay where you place them. Lock positions you want to keep. Review automatic layouts before applying; tools that do not fit remain visible outside the drawer.

Tools in this drawer

Print pieces

Drawer fill

Fill the drawer, including partial edge cells

Blank insert height

Pocket fillets

Top edge radius

Bottom edge radius

Top rounds the pocket opening; bottom rounds the floor. Blank keeps mixed values. A tool crossing print seams is updated in every piece. Merged pockets use the smallest radius in their group; apply to the whole drawer for matching radii. Narrow features or shallow pockets may reduce the radius. Tilted pockets keep their current shape.

Selected holder

Holder label

Engraved lettering

Lettering is cut 0.6 mm into the front label strip. A–Z, digits, spaces, dash, dot and slash. Blank removes lettering.

Size and placement

Columns × rows

Height (7 mm units)

Holder moves snap to the base grid. Tools must stay inside their holder and clear of other pockets. Invalid changes return to the last valid position.

Use pieces up to ¼″ smaller than the printer width and depth. Tool pockets may cross seams. Smaller edge pieces complete the drawer.

3D view

Export piecesExport format

SVG and DXF contain the holder boundary and pocket openings in mm. STL also includes depth, angled floors and engraved lettering.

STL archives include print pieces, a drawer map, and a backup. SVG and DXF archives contain fitted outlines for each piece.

GridFlock base

Generate puzzle-connected baseplates, preview them here, and download STL pieces.

Save and restore

Saved in this browser. Download a backup to keep a portable copy of your library and drawer.

ShadowBoxer · 4.52

Stitch an oversized tool

Ready to print?

ShadowBoxer flow map

1 · Capture

Tool Library → 2 · Build → 3 · Print

Create a GridFlock base

Tool library