Skip to main content
SUPPORTBACK TO APP

Getting Started with DatumPilot

Learn how to create your account, navigate the dashboard, and build your first Feature Control Frame in DatumPilot.

Last updated: 2026-01-01

Getting Started with DatumPilot

What is DatumPilot?

DatumPilot is a web app for creating GD&T Feature Control Frames and running tolerance stack-up studies. It guides inputs step by step, checks entries against the platform rule set, and supports Builder, JSON interpretation, and stack-up workflows.

This guide summarizes common GD&T practice. Always defer to the applicable edition of the governing standard for authoritative requirements.

Creating Your Account

Sign Up Options

DatumPilot accounts are created with email + password. You’ll confirm your email during signup. For returning users, you can sign in with your password or use a Secure Link (passwordless) from the login page.

First Login

After signing up or signing in:

  1. If you chose email + password, you'll receive a confirmation email
  2. Click the confirmation link to verify your account
  3. If you used Secure Link, you'll receive a secure access link by email and click it to sign in
  4. On first login, you'll land on your Dashboard (/app)
  5. Your account starts on the Free plan with full access to core features

Password Reset

If you forget your password, use Forgot your password? on the login page. We'll email a reset link that takes you to /reset-password.

Understanding the Dashboard

The Dashboard is your central hub for managing GD&T work.

Library Overview

Your Library keeps FCFs and stack-up analyses in one place. The Library view shows:

  • Saved item name and description
  • Tags (if any)
  • Last updated date

Quick Actions

The top of your Dashboard provides shortcuts:

  • FCF Builder: Jump directly to the FCF Builder
  • Stack-up Analysis: Open the stack-up workspace
  • Library: Browse and organize your saved work

Recent Activity

The activity feed shows recent events such as:

  • FCFs created
  • Interpretations run
  • Stack-up analyses created
  • Library items saved

Navigation Sidebar

Access all application areas from the sidebar:

ItemDescription
DashboardOverview of your Library and recent activity
FCF BuilderCreate and edit Feature Control Frames
Stack-upPerform tolerance stack-up calculations
Limits & FitsCalculate ISO/ANSI fit limits and save fit artifacts
LibraryBrowse and organize your saved work
SettingsAccount preferences, billing, and display options

Set Up Your Library

Why Use the Library?

The Library gives you one place to store and find related FCFs and stack-up analyses.

Getting Your Library Ready

  1. Open Library from the sidebar or Dashboard quick actions
  2. Choose a clear naming pattern for your saved work (for example, include part, feature, and revision)
  3. Save FCFs and stack-up analyses to your Library as you create them

Your Library is now ready to contain FCFs and stack-up analyses.

Quick Start: Build Your First FCF

Follow these steps to create your first Feature Control Frame:

Step 1: Navigate to FCF Builder

Click FCF Builder in the sidebar or use the FCF Builder quick action.

Step 2: Select a Characteristic

Click on a GD&T characteristic symbol. For this example, select Position (the most common tolerance type).

The builder updates to show options specific to Position tolerances.

Step 3: Set Tolerance Value

Enter your tolerance value in the Tolerance field. For example: 0.25

The unit (mm or inch) follows your account settings.

Step 4: Add Datum References

For this example, Position needs a datum setup before the frame is complete:

  1. Select your Primary Datum (e.g., "A")
  2. Optionally add Secondary and Tertiary datums
  3. Set material boundary modifiers if applicable (MMB, LMB, or RFS)

Step 5: Preview the FCF

The live preview panel shows your Feature Control Frame as it will appear on a drawing. Verify:

  • Correct characteristic symbol
  • Proper tolerance value and any diameter symbol
  • Datum references in the right order
  • No validation errors

Step 6: Save to Library

  1. Click Save FCF
  2. Save it to your Library
  3. Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Mounting Hole Position")
  4. Click Save

Your FCF is now stored and can be exported or edited later.

Understanding Your Plan

Free Plan

Your Free account includes:

  • Library access to organize your work
  • 10 FCFs for Feature Control Frame definitions
  • 5 Stack-ups for tolerance analysis
  • 5 saved Fit calculations
  • 25 AI interpretations per month (GPT-4.1-mini)
  • Fits calculations (15/month)
  • PNG/SVG exports (10 each per month); PDF export requires Pro
  • JSON export is available on Pro

Free accounts have access to all builder features, real-time validation, and calculation engines.

When to Upgrade

Consider upgrading to Pro ($59/month) when you need:

  • Higher capacity: up to 2,000 FCFs and 250 stack-ups in your Library
  • Unlimited fits, AI interpretations, and exports (PNG/SVG/PDF)

To manage your subscription, go to Settings > Billing.

Getting Help

In-App Documentation

You're reading it. The Support section covers:

Contact Support

For account issues or technical problems:

Educational guidance only. DatumPilot is not affiliated with or endorsed by ASME, ISO, or ANSI.

Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics:

  1. Save your first item to the Library
  2. Build a few FCFs to get comfortable with the builder
  3. Try a stack-up analysis on an assembly you're designing
  4. Explore Settings to customize units and display preferences

For detailed guidance on the FCF Builder, continue to the FCF Builder Guide.