Q12 is a new web-based 2D parametric drawing tool built specifically for geometric problem solving, for playing interactive "what if" games with drawings, and for the design and optimization of mechanisms.

Q12 has the usual set of drawing constraints found in other CAD tools (e.g. "lines are parallel") but also supports inequality constraints, area constraints, and arbitrary expressions between geometric quantities. We built Q12 to solve problems like those below, after finding that existing CAD systems couldn't handle them well:

* Given dimensions on a surveyor's map, figure out if the stated land areas are correct. If there's not enough information, show the extra measurements that are needed to pin things down. * In a backyard design project, the volume of a swimming pool must be more than 20,000 gallons but its perimeter paving must be under 400 square feet. Drag the pool shape around to quickly explore the possibilities within these constraints. * A 5-bar mechanism to clamp a workpiece must not push it sideways when contact is made. Animate the motion to get an intuitive feel for how design changes affect its behavior. Optimize to determine the best part dimensions.

This is the first public release - still early, but already useful. More features will come, including 3D support at some point. Suggestions big and small are of course welcome.

-Russ