FreeCAD: Variant Links - Tracked Vs Enabled

In this FreeCAD tutorial recap, we clear up one of the most confusing topics in parametric modeling: Variant Links and the difference between “Link Copy on Change – Enabled” vs “Tracking.”

If you’ve ever wondered why linked bodies behave differently when you modify properties, sketches, or features, this video breaks it all down step by step.

We start by creating a simple parametric body using a padded circle and a pocket with a polar pattern. From there, we introduce custom properties (such as a pocket count integer) and wire them into expressions using the FreeCAD expression editor. You’ll learn how to safely work around cyclic reference warnings and properly drive feature parameters from body-level properties.

Next, we create two variant links:

- One with Copy on Change set to Enabled
- One with Copy on Change set to Tracking
- Using real examples, we demonstrate:
- How and when a deep copy is created
- Why enabled links become fully independent after modification
- How tracking links remember state and reapply changes after refresh
- How updates from the original body propagate differently depending on link mode
- What the refresh checkmark means and when to use it
- Why selecting objects from the tree view is critical to avoid confusion

We also explore how new sketches and features added to the original body affect tracking links versus enabled links, and how FreeCAD manages configuration states behind the scenes.

This video is perfect for:

- FreeCAD users working with variant links
- Anyone using parametric design workflows
- Intermediate users confused by copy on change behavior
- Designers building configurable or reusable parts
#FreeCAD , #CAD , #3DPrinting
Journey with me and

Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/mangojellysolutions

Donate:
https://ko-fi.com/mang0
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/darrenbestone

Udemy:
Freecad Ultimate Beginners Extended Version
https://www.udemy.com/course/freecad-ultimate-beginners-extended-version/?referralCode=F7A41AFE83C33AD267CB

Subscribe:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUWhaOxsRk_5oPPq00_Y7Dw?sub_confirmation=1

Browse my Redbubble Shop:
http://MangojellyLabs.redbubble.com

Blog:
https://mangojellysolutions.blogspot.com/

Видео FreeCAD: Variant Links - Tracked Vs Enabled канала MangoJelly Solutions for FreeCAD