A block must be exploded to make changes and then be redefined.
A symbol must be exploded to work properly as part of a block.
Blocks use the selected point as their handle when being defined
Use a layer named "Hidden" and put certain stuff there for saving as reference with the idea that when you're ready to release the drawing that the Hidden layer will not be released. Kind of a "trash bin" that has not been emptied yet, just in case you need to refer back.
You can load any drawing (or symbol) as "reference only" that means it will appear but cannot be edited in the current file. It will not be saved with the current file.
When you dimension if you do not need dimensions that can be edited on the fly you can use the draw as text option when placing the dimensions, which will give you the correct measurements but store the dimensions not as a single dimension entity but as text, lines, and arrows.
For quick dimension query between 2 points hit 'U' (units) and set 2 points. Popup shows distance. Changing the value in the popup changes the entire drawing to a new scale.
If you are wanting to put the Text of a text file into a drawing, COPY it to the clipboard and then Paste it into the input field of a TEXT BLOCK command
Paste text from Word or other sources into 'Note Pad' and then 'cut and paste into DesignCAD. Note Pad strips out all but the ASCII and DesignCAD then uses the default text size current color and layer.
When 'Surface Connecting', experiment with lowest values of 'Planes per Line' and 'Intermediate Breaks' that get desired results for faster rendering and smaller file size.
Dimension->Center Mark puts 'Crosshairs' in a circle or arc.
Objects and Symbols use Attributes, (group the attribute with the object).
Blocks use Attribute or Attribute Definitions.
Attribute definitions can prompt you for a value such as a part number when you insert a symbol.
Both can propagate in a drawing.
'Attributes' will not duplicate/array, but 'attribute definitions' will.
Use a space, comma or other special character in the attributes between values (stud,doug fir,2x4,93") so they will import into Excel or other spreadsheet and create columns (*.lst file imports directly). Keep values in consistent order for columns, use 2commas (,,) for null value: (sill,,2x6,42")
To quickly PAN a drawing, just hold down CTRL+ALT and drag the mouse.
To Reset version 14:
1. Exit DesignCAD
2. Go to the START button and to chose RUN
3. In RUN go to the open dialog box.
4. In Open copy and paste this line
"C:\Program Files\IMSI\DesignCAD 3D Max 14\dcad14.exe" /reset
5. Click on Okay
6. Close the Run command
Clicking on the CROSS at the corner of the RULERS lets you set a new 0,0 point.
To get dimensions with 1/8's you need a precision of 3 or .001
To eliminate zero decimals - check the TRUNCATE ZEROS option in dimensions.
To move several points at once in points mode, drag a selection window around them, then gravity snap to one to move the whole group.
Both POLYGON ADD and WELD will merge two polyline, box or circle entities together.
Tickmarks can be any length:
create rulers and scale legends
divide any line into equal parts
quickly create grids and tables.
Use SCALE to resize an object in one or more directions
Use ZOOM to resize it in ALL directions.
The scaling goes in the direction away from the handle
A handle set at midpoint scales in both directions
You can single click on a resizing handle and then gravity snap it to a new point.
Array ALONG A CURVE will place objects equally spaced on any line, curve, arc or polyline.
A tube with 4 facets draws a square tube.
To create an 'equally spaced' parallel line of an ellipse, first 'vector convert' the ellipse.
To draw an arc by radius, set the center point and use 'J' (Point Control->Custom Distance) to set radius.
The Text Convert command converts selected 2-D text to 3-D text and vice versa.
To move an entity to another layer use 'Info Box' or 'Selection Edit->Copy to Layer' and then delete the original.
Four Point Move or Copy automatically sets 4 handles on the original and resizes it to 4 new points.
Extract a 'detail' with 'Section Copy' or 'Copy Image'
'Trim Two Lines' will extend OR shorten and join 2 lines that are touching or not.
Trim Command will both trim or extend one line to another.
Hotkey for 'Select Next' is 'ENTER'
To make a box 'Drawn as a Line' into editable lines select the box and then use 'Break Line' command.
Draw an equilateral box from a center point using POLYGON->Center/Vertex or Center/Midpoint
The SNAP GRID SIZE and the OPTIONS->CURSOR->SMALL STEP SIZE should be the same.
Doing a Separate By Color takes the colors in the drawing and arranges the items based on the order the colors were used in. Separate By Color means the first color used goes to layer one, the second color to layer two and so on.
You can select the entire contents of the screen with hotkey ctrl-A (select All) and then invoke the big A in the color toolbox menu to change the color of all entities.
Printing a region or selection:
The Fast Print command will print the current display area of the DesignCAD program as a fit to paper print.
Select (highlight) what you want to print and DO NOT USE Direct Print...
The print options will come up (if you are NOT using direct print)...
Now, check the box for print selection only....
In print preview click on 'Settings' and choose 'Print Region'.
Drag around the portion you want and then open it in it's own Print Preview by clicking the 'Print Region Preview' icon next to the printer icon on the toolbar.
The Info Box found in the View menu is a good tool to use to get length and other info on a selected object like a line.
You can apply more than one hatch to an object.
Apply first hatch, select it and move it to the side.
Apply second hatch.
Move first hatch back in place and use Edit->Display Order to move it to 'top'.
