Tuning nanoCAD

There are several tools for customizing the nanoCAD work environment and transferring settings between versions of the program or from one computer to another:

• 1. The User program settings (OPTIONS) are saved in Profiles (PROFILES). For example, the interface visual style, the cursor color, the list of paper formats, etc.
  • It is possible to transfer aprofile using the Import and Export buttons in the Profiles dialog (file with the *.wip extension). When you first start nanoCAD, you can transfer profile settings from previous versions of the program installed on your PC.
• 2. Customization of design objects is performed in the nanoCAD Design Settings (PARAMS) dialog box. For example, the list of scales, display parameters for dimension lines, leaders, etc.
  • The settings are automatically saved in a separate file. The dialog title displays the path to the settings file (by default, AppOptions.xml). Managing the saving, loading, and restoring of design element settings is described in the Saving and Transferring Settings to Another Computer section.
• 3. The program interface composition is configured using the Customize User Interface (INTERFACE). For example, creating custom menus, command aliases, keyboard shortcuts, etc. Interface settings are saved in configuration files in the C:\Users\User_name\AppData\Roaming\Nanosoft\nanoCAD x64 25\Config\ folder (for the ribbon, files with the *.xml extension, for other settings, a file with the *.cfg extension). Working with configuration files is described in the Interface Settings section. To transfer keyboard shortcuts, it is recommended to use the Import Keyboard Shortcuts command.
• 4. To save and transfer settings for the location of interface elements and their contents, there are the UIIMPORT and UIEXPORT commands. For example, the location of interface elements, the composition of the ribbon, etc. are saved.
  • User interface settings are saved in a ZIP file.

Migration of Settings from Previous Versions

Settings from installed previous versions of nanoCAD can be copied to new version.

On the first start nanoCAD will display Migration of settings dialog with list of all previously installed nanoCAD versions:

Clear the Hide old versions checkbox to show settings from earlier versions of nanoCAD (enabled by default). Select desired version or click Skip button to skip migration.

Note

Only nanoCAD settings from the Options dialog will be copied. The interface configurations (location of interface elements and their content) are transferred and copied by UIIMPORT and UIEXPORT commands.

To restore default program settings use Reset All button in the Profiles dialog The user can change various parameters of the nanoCAD working environment.

Migrating Settings at Minor Update

If a minor update of the program was installed over the already installed one, then the first time you start nanoCAD, a window will open asking if you want to save the previous user settings of the program.

Selection of Keep custom settings saves the created and installed profiles. The profile installed when exiting the program before the upgrade will open in the upgraded version.

Selection of Reset custom settings to the default state saves the profiles. The profile set when exiting the program before the update will not open in the updated version, the Default profile will be installed instead. The remaining profiles will remain in the Profiles dialog with all settings.

If you change the Default profile, its settings are transferred to the updated version.

Resetting user settings only resets the interface settings of the Customize interface dialog (INTERFACE command). The program settings in the Options dialog (OPTIONS command) and Design settings (PARAMS command) remain the same.

Regardless of resetting or saving user settings, the new version updates the functionality and adds new items to all settings dialogs.

Transferring User Interface Settings

To transfer user interface settings between the program versions or from one computer to another, the following commands are used: UIIMPORT and UIEXPORT.

Exporting User Interface Settings

Ribbon: Manage – Customization – Interface > Export UI

Menu: Tools – Customize > Exporting the Interface

The Export UI command allows you to save interface settings into a special package (ZIP file), which can be used to save and transfer settings.

The following is saved:

• Composition of interface elements (composition of the ribbon, toolbars, etc.) configured in the Customize user interface dialog;
• Interface settings performed manually:
  • State of displaying elements (displayed or not);Location of interface elements (position of toolbars, functional panels, command line);
  • Visual style of the interface;
  • The way the ribbon is displayed;
  • Size and position of the program window.

After configuring the interface, run the command and in the dialog box specify a place to save the package.

One of the files in the file package is the file saveduistate.cfg, containing interface settings performed manually. This file can also be created using the SAVEUISTATE command. If necessary, you can replace this file in the package.

Editing the file package composition

If necessary, you can edit the LSP file describing UIIMPORT and UIEXPORT commands, and change (delete or add) formats and particular files included in the exported package of settings.

The UITransfer.lsp is located in the folder C:\Program Files\Nanosoft AS\nanoCAD xх.х\Lsp.

Note

Before making any changes to UITransfer.lsp, make its backup copy to prevent loss of a correctly functioning file.

In order to edit the file, open it in any script editor, for example, in nanoCAD Script editor.

The global_IncludeInList line specifies the file formats and files that will be included in the set. By default, these are CFG, XML, PGP, INI formats.

The global_excludeFromList line specifies the file formats and files to be excluded. By default, this is the Cfg.ini file. By adding or removing formats and files, you can change the resulting settings package.

Save the modified file.

Importing User Interface Settings

The Import UI command allows you to download a package with user interface settings.

Note

The ZIP-file should be previously created by the Export UI command.

In order to apply the saved user settings to the current program version, it is necessary after starting the command to select the package of settings in the emerging dialog box.

After the import is completed, to apply the settings, the interface will be reset by the Restore Interface Elements (RESTOREUISTATE) command.

To complete the transfer of settings, restart the program.

Tuning Program Parameters

You can launch the command from the context (right-button) menu of the command line:

Tuning program parameters is performed in the Options dialog box:

There is a tree of options, grouped by sections, in the left part of the dialog box.

To see the parameters of the group, click twice on the name of the section or select the icon to the left of the section name. If you click the icon, the section (subsection) will be closed.

The Add, Modify and Delete buttons of the Action section become available; this means that the selected parameter from the tree can be edited.

The lower right field of the dialog displays brief information about the selected section, subsection or parameter.

To change a value of a parameter:

• Select/deselect the checkbox to the left of the parameter

or

• Click twice on the parameter

or

• Select the parameter and select the Modify button.

Parameters

Cursor

The section of graphic cursor setting.

Select

Parameters of frames to select objects.

Object Highlighting

Objects highlight style.

Fade Control

Objects fading level.

Grips

Parameters of the grips of the selected objects.

Color Settings

Colors of the program components.

195

Application Look

• Windows default
• Aqua
• Blue Laguna
• Deep Ice
• Graphite
• Iceberg
• Light
• Obsidian Black
• Platinum
• Silver
• Steel

You can use Apply button for fast preview of the selected visual.

Snap Settings

Defines the Snap settings.

Dynamic input

Manages mouse input, dimension input, dynamic tooltips, and tooltip appearance.

Mouse Settings

3D Orbit and Free Orbit Settings

198

Right Button Usage

The section redefines functions of the right button.

Floating windows

Section to configure interface of the floating document window.

Command Line

The section sets the parameters of the command line.

System Settings

Video subsystem and graphic displaying settings.

Save Documents

The section sets auto saving and backup parameters.

Undo Command Settings

The section sets auto saving and backup parameters.

Import/Export and Print Settings

The section sets settings for import, export and print commands.

206

Standard Directories

Section for specifying paths to both default folders for storing system files and user folders.

The section sets folders where miscellaneous system files are stored –fonts, line types, hatch patterns, multiline styles, plot styles and configuration files, templates, etc.

nanoCAD searches files in Common files location folders, then in subfolder downwards. First found file will be used and search will be stopped.

In the Common files location subsection, the path to the Samples folder is indicated, in which sample files are posted that demonstrate individual nanoCAD capabilities.

Note

Path to the Samples folder is not displayed in the Common files location subsection.

When the program searches for files, folders are viewed in the order they are listed in the subsections of the Standard directories section. The contents of the Common files location subsection are viewed first, then the contents of the next subsections in the order they are listed (from top to bottom). Folders in subsections are also viewed starting from the top one in the list and ending with the bottom one. At that, if the same file is located in different folders, the search stops as soon as the first copy of the file is found.

You can change search order using Up and Down buttons. Add, Modify, Delete buttons permits to add, modify or delete folders including default ones. Note that PlotConfigs and PlotSyles sections can only be modified, not deleted or added new paths.

To restore default folder search paths, you can use the UnSelect All button in the Profiles dialog (Manage menu - Options… > Profiles button).

Attention

All user settings will be lost when using the UnSelect All button!.

Dialogs for opening/saving files in nanoCAD are dynamically adjusted to display standard (default) and custom folders. Depending on where in the program the open/save file dialogs are opened (in other words, what types of file formats the dialogs work with), the corresponding folders are displayed in the nanoCAD list of the transition area, the paths to which are specified in the Standard directories section.

For example, with the same file search path settings, the lists of nanoCAD folders in the transition area of dialogs when opening drawing files (*.dwg) or loading linetype files (*.lin) will be different.

Template Usage

Section to specify templates for new documents and for import and export of documents.

Standards Audit Usage

Section for managing the settings for using the standard.

Papers

Contains standard paper formats. Allows the modification of an existing format or addition of a new one. The formats in this section are used for printing.

Raster File Formats

Raster file formats which can be inserted with Image from File command.

Text Settings

Section to specify a file with font for replacing.

API

Options for nanoCAD applications developers.

212

Feedback

Section for setting up feedback with developers and support service.

ETransmit

Create package with all necessary files – external links, raster images, fonts.

213

Default Raster Properties

The section for setting the default raster image properties. These options are used to display a raster when they are not explicitly set. For example, when opening a raster image that does not have a resolution value.

Georeferencing

Section for setting georeferences of raster images.

PDF Units

PDF measurement units to be used when inserting PDF as underlays and importing PDF, where measurement units are not specified.

Licensing

Section for setting licensing parameters of the program and its modules.

”Don’t show again” messageboxes

Warning message display control section.

Quick Properties

Section for setting up parameters of the Quick Properties bar.

Help format

Help format settings.

Profiles

Button in the Options dialog.

Command Line:PROFILES

A Profile is a set of custom settings with a unique name for working environment parameters. By default, nanoCAD saves all current settings in <> profile.

If several users, using one account to enter the system, work with the program, each of them can create a profile and load it for working. Another example of profile usage is for quickly switching between settings when working with different documents in the current session.

Only one profile can be current. When changing interface settings, the current profile is changed automatically.

To use the custom settings of the working environment on other computers, a profile can be saved in a file with a *.wip extension. A WIP-file loaded on the other computer changes only the setting of the current profile, which were saved in this file. Other settings remain unchanged.

A section of the Options dialog contains:

List with names of profiles available in the current document.

The profile selected in the list becomes the current one.

The button opens the Profile dialog box to create and manage profiles.

The list of all profiles is shown in the Profiles section.

The name of the current profile is shown in the Current profile field.

A new profile inherits the properties of the current profile.

To set a selected profile as the current one, select the Set Current button.

To delete a selected profile from the list, select the Remove button.

The Reset All button deletes all profiles and recovers the standard nanoCAD profile. Changes take effect after restarting the program.

Attention

Before applying the Reset All button, save user profiles or they will be deleted.

To create a new profile:

• 1. Open the Profiles dialog. In the list of profiles, select the profile the settings of which will be used for a new one. Click the Add button.
• 2. In the Profile dialog that opens, specify the name of the profile being created :

The profile name should not contain a back slash .

• 3. Select OK. The name of the created profile will be shown in the list of profiles.
• 4. Select the created profile in the Profiles: list and set it as current by the Set current button.
• 5. Go to the Settings dialog and make the necessary settings for the working environment. Click OK.

To save a profile:

• 1. Select the profile to save.
• 2. Click the Export button.
• 3. In the Save As dialog box specify the name and the folder location to save the profile, after that select the Save button.

To load a profile from other computer:

• 1. Select the profile in the list to which the changes should be written.
• 2. Click the Import button.
• 3. In the Open dialog box that opens, select the nanoCAD profile file.
• 4. Click the Open button .

The settings of the profile selected in the list will be replaced by the settings of the imported profile.

Attention

You can replace the profile only among one nanoCAD version. When you replace the profile from one program version into another version troubles with interface might occur.

Profile Quick Setting

Command line: QUICKPROFILE

The command opens the dialog for quick access to profile settings. Using this command you can set a current profile or create a new profile.

The Switch to Profile dialog contains a list of profiles, created or loaded in the current program session.

To set a profile current select a button with its name.

The Add button opens the Add Profile dialog to create a new profile.

Graphic Subsystem Settings

nanoCAD provides a wide variety of settings to adjust graphic subsystem, from selecting the video adapter graphics library, to configure different cases of graphic displaying in the drawing.

You can set up graphics settings in the Graphics settings section of the Options dialog.

Graphics Hardware Acceleration Settings

For correct and fast graphics displaying in a workspace, you can specify the way of nanoCAD interaction with PC’s graphics hardware accelerator and settings of the selected method.

The main ways the program interacts with the PC video subsystem are:

• use of OpenGL;
• use of DirectX;

software emulation in OpenGL mode (High Compatibility Mode).

There are special settings for every mode of interaction. OpenGL graphics library is set by default. This mode provides 3 OpenGL settings sets, which should be switched depending on the PC’s video adapter performance.

For the first time you should use autocheck of system performance of graphic system.

Automatic Adjustment of Graphic Hardware Acceleration

The program graphic subsystem might work slowly or become unstable with some video adapters and driver versions. For example, the cursor in the empty drawing moves unevenly or isn’t shown. In this case it is worth to estimate performance of PC video subsystem with automatic determination of the optimal set of graphics settings.

-Menu: Help – Video Subsystem performance check

After running the command, a window opens containing recommendations that must be followed to properly test the graphics subsystem.

The Test button starts the process of assessing the performance of the computer’s graphics subsystem. When the test is finished, the dialog with the results is shown:

The Report button is used to save the results of testing in a separate file.

To save the report in a separate file, click OK in the report window and specify the storage path.

Apply button enacts Graphics hardware acceleration settings that were recommended after automatic testing, and shows following message:

Click OK and restart nanoCAD to apply settings.

In case you click Cancel button, the settings recommended based on the results of automatic testing will not be applied.

The command can change only the following Graphics hardware acceleration settings:

Other options will not be changed. You should change them in Option dialog manually.

OpenGL Manual Adjustment

These settings can be changed manually in the Graphic settings section – OpenGL settings - Graphics hardware acceleration settings of the Options dialog:

For manual OpenGL adjustment, do the following:

• 1. Save all changes, close all drawings that you are editing.
• 2. Open the Options dialog box (menu Tools Options).
• 3. Open the System settings section – Vectorizer Type [OpenGL] and make sure that OpenGL is selected.

4. Open the OpenGL settings section – Screen caching [Accelerated]:

5. Select the setting variant different from the current one: Generic item or Accelerated item.

• 6. Click OK.
• 7. Open a new document and assess the speed of cursor movement.

DirectX Manual Adjustment

You can use DirectX instead of OpenGL graphics library.

Switch to DirectX in the Graphic settings - OpenGL/DirectX section of the Options dialog.

By default, when DirectX is selected, DirectX 11 is activated. If it is not supported by the system, then DirectX 9 is activated. You can change DirectX version manually by DirectX Version option in DirectX settings or NCGS_TOGGLE_DIRECTX command.

Sets threshold texture size for texture cache <…>

You can specify additional mode options in the DirectX settings section.

Displaying of small raster images is quicker when the image is saved in computer graphic memory. This coefficient limits the size of raster images that will be saved in graphic memory. The image is suitable if its largest size (vertically and horizontally) is less than the following value: the size of graphic memory multiplied by this coefficient. The coefficient is fractional number between 0.1 and 0.5.

DirectX Version

You can switch the used DirectX version in the DirectX settings section.

If the box is checked, then DirectX 9 is used.

When the box is not checked, the default DirectX version is used. In most cases, it is DirectX 11, but if it is not supported by the system (for example, RDP connections), then it is DirectX 9.

You can also switch DirectX version by NCGS_TOGGLE_DIRECTX command.

Graphic Subsystem Common Settings

After you have configured hardware interaction settings, you can configure other parameters of graphic subsystem. Discussed in this section, graphic subsystem settings are relevant for any type of hardware interaction – OpenGL / DirectX / OpenGL software emulation mode.

Antialiasing

Enable Use anti-aliasing check-box to smooth lines on the drawing:

Anti-aliasing does not work when Improved compatibility mode is enabled.

Rendering optimization

Optimize meshs rendering

Turn off displaying of solid text and hatch during document navigation (zoom, pan etc.).

Optimize rendering objects with linewidth

Turn off displaying of linewidth during document navigation (zoom, pan etc.).

Optimize text rendering

Turn off displaying of weight of bounding rectangles for the text during document navigation (zoom, pan etc.). Bounding rectangles are shown when Quick text (QTEXT) mode or Simplify text less than <…> pixels option is turned on.

Optimize small details rendering

Disable points and other graphic with the same size in navigation mode – Zoom, Pan, etc.

Simplify text less than <…> pixels

You can set the height of the text displaying in pixels. If the height of text object is less than this value, then it displays as the bounding rectangle of the text object.

Simplify text mode is disabled Simplify text mode is enabled

Renew the drawing to changes take effect.

Graphics displaying for very large drawings

If a drawing has a large size (the values of the cursor’s coordinates are 3000000 or higher), perhaps you need to switch on the following parameters to correct the graphics displaying:

Improved Compatibility Mode

If none of OpenGL and DirectX settings does not give an acceptable displaying quality, you can try to enable the improved compatibility mode.

The Improved compatibility mode emulates OpenGL with built-in Windows software tools and allows not taking into account PC’s hardware video accelerator.

To enable this mode set OpenGL mode and enable Improved compatibility mode checkbox. The settings will be applied to newly opened or created documents.

Usage of improved compatibility mode can significantly slow the process of image redrawing on the screen, therefore it is expedient to turn it on in cases, when it is acceptable to sacrifice display speed in favor of quality.

A number of graphical display do not work in this mode, including Anti-aliasing.

Customize User Interface

Ribbon: Manage – Customization – Interface > Customize interface

Menu: Tools – Customize > Interface…

Command line: INTERFACE

Customize User Interface dialog box is intended to:

• create and edit ribbon elements (tabs, context tabs, groups and icons);
• create new menus, toolbars, context menus;
• fill menus and toolbars by commands and create new commands;
• edit the composition and parameters of interface objects;
• add and change actions on objects, accelerators, aliases, tooltips;
• save all changes in a separate .cfg file and manage configuration files.

Attention

All changes made to the Customize User Interface dialog enter into effect after the program is reloaded.

To apply changes to ribbon elements, use the RELOADRIBBON command or the ALT+R hotkeys. No program restart is required.

Attention

When making changes to the interface settings through the Customize User Interface dialog, the display and location settings for palettes and toolbars are reset to the state specified by the user in the Customize User Interface dialog.

Note

Transferring and copying interface settings can be done using the UIIMPORT and UIEXPORT commands.

Dialog options

File

Drop-down menu with commands to manage configuration files:

• Open opens the dialog for searching and opening a configuration file with the *.cfg extension.
• Add new partial file creates a custom partial configuration file.
• Load partial file connects a partial configuration file to the main configuration file (master file).
• Unload current partial file disconnects the current partial configuration file.

Import shortcuts – loads keyboard shortcuts (combinations of hot keys for quick opening nanoCAD commands).

• Save saves the current configuration file.
• Save as… saves the current configuration file under a different name.
• Exit exits the dialog.

File name

A drop-down list of all configuration files, the field displays the path and name of the edited cfg file. The created user interface elements are added to the selected file. By default, the current configuration file is opened.

Note

The contents of the connected partial configuration files are displayed when you select the cfg file to which they are connected. Interface elements are changed/deleted in the file to which these objects belong, regardless of which file is currently selected.

Tabs

The dialog contains 9 tabs: Ribbon, Main menus, Toolbars, Popup menus, Accelerators, Object actions, Status bar, Rollover tooltips, Aliases

Parameters

File name Field displays the path and name of edited CFG-file.

File Commands to manage config files:

• Open

• Load partial file

• Upload current partial file

• Save

• Save as…

• Clear

• Exit

Upper left part of dialog displays all elements of opened tab. Move selected element with drag&drop.

Upper right part of dialog contains all nanoCAD tools: commands and controls. Use them to create and edit interface objects: menus, toolbars, status bar.

There is a filter for tools:

• Select a section to display elements of selected category.
• Or type the template to find appropriated tools

Information about the selected element and action to be done with it is displayed in the right bottom corner of the dialog box.

Properties in the lower left part of dialog displays properties of selected elements; they can be edited.

Commands for creating and editing interface elements (menus, toolbars, status bar, etc.) are called from the context menu of the element. The composition of the context menu commands depends on the current dialog tab and the selected element.

Work with partial configuration file

• 1. Select the Add new partial file command in the menu of the File button of the Customize User Interface dialog.
• 2. In the Select File Name dialog that opens, enter the file name. Click OK.The created files located in C:\Users\User_name\AppData\Roaming\Nanosoft**Ошибка! Неизвестное имя свойства документа.** 25.0\Config.

3. Select the created file from the drop-down list in the File name field. The tabs of the new configuration file are empty.

• 4. Create user interface elements (menus, toolbars, status bars, etc.).
• 5. Save the partial configuration file using the Save command in the File button menu.
• 6. Connect the partial configuration file using the Load partial file command in the File button menu. In the Open dialog box that opens, select the created partial configuration file.

• 7. Click OK in the Customize User Interface dialog.
• 8. Restart nanoCAD. The user elements are displayed in the interface.
• 9. To disable a partial configuration file, select the file in the drop-down list in the File name field and then select the Unload current partial file command in the File button menu.

When manually editing the configuration file, you can include additional files using the line #include <FileName.cfg>. If the file to be included is located in another directory, you should write the full path to it.

The process of creating a custom menu, toolbar and ribbon with examples is described in the article “Creating a custom menu, toolbar and ribbon in nanoCAD”, located on the official Nanosoft development website.

Ribbon Tab

The Ribbon tab of the Customize User Interface is intended to edit the ribbon.

In the left upper part, there is a tree of ribbon elements, which presents all its tabs, context tabs, panels and commands.

A ribbon element is created and edited through its context menu. The composition of context menu commands depends on the selected tree element. The element is moved by dragging it in the ribbon tree. You can add a new command in the ribbon by dragging it from the command list in the right part of the dialog.

Attention

To apply changes in the ribbon elements, use RELOADRIBBON command or hot keys ALT+R. It is not required to reboot the program.

Tabs

The ribbon contains a set of tabs on which controls and tools for creating and editing a drawing are compactly grouped.

Create a new tab

1. A new tab is added by selecting Add tab command from the context menu of Tabs section in the ribbon elements tree.

Upon the completion of all data entry, the tab will appear in the end of all tabs list.

To add a new tab immediately before the existing one, select the desired tab in the ribbon tree and select Insert tab in the context menu.

2. In the emersed Create ribbon tab dialog, fill the boxes

3. Click OK.

You can move any tab in the tree by a simple drag-and-drop.

Create tab elements

There may be panels inside a tab. Each tab should obligatory contain at least one panel.

• 1. Select a tab in the tree list.
• 2. In the context menu, select a command to create the desired element:
  • Add new panel
  • Add existing panel

Add new panel

• 1. Select the command in the context menu.
• 2. Fill parameters in the Create ribbon panel dialog box, click OK.

Add existing panel

• 1. Select the command in the context menu.
• 2. Select the element in the Select panel dialog box, click OK.

Context tabs

Context tabs become visible under certain conditions. For example, Layout appears only upon transfer to the paper space, Block Editor – when you enter block editing mode. It is impossible to add/remove context tabs. Context tab elements are created similarly to tab elements.

Panels

In each ribbon tab elements are grouped in panels – sets of commands similar in function.

Create new panel

Each tab should contain at least one panel. A panel can be added only to a tab or a context tab.

• 1. A new panel is added by selecting the Add new panel command from the context menu of the Panels section in the ribbon elements tree.
• 2. Fill the boxes in the Create ribbon panel dialog

UID Element identifier in the program. Name Internal name of the panel.

Text Name of the panel to be displayed on the screen.

3. Click OK.

Create panel elements

A panel can contain:

• Rows inside of which there are command buttons, lists and other interface elements;
• One panel’s dialog box that opens by button;
• Hidden rows separator.

To fill a panel with elements, it is necessary to create at least one row.

• 1. Select the panel in the tree list.
• 2. In the context menu, select the command to create a desired element:
  • Add row
  • Add dialog box launcher
  • Add hidden rows separator

Add dialog box launcher

A dialog box launcher is a button with an arrow located in the right lower corner of some panels and intended

• 1. To select the Add dialog box launcher command in the panels’ context menu.
• 2. In the Create dialog box launcher dialog box, to assign the command for Dialog box button, click button.

3. Select the required command in the Command ID dialog box. Click OK.

Add hidden rows separator

A separator is an arrow in a panel name, it unfolds the display of additional panel elements. You can create a separator through the context menu by selecting the Add separator.

Rows

A tool row is a set of commands situated in a panel in one row.

Create row elements

Row may include row panels, buttons, split buttons and separators.

• 1. Select a row in a tree list.
• 2. In the context menu select the command to create a desired element:
  • Add button
  • Add split button

• Add row panel

Add row panel

A row panel is added when it is necessary to divide a group into several vertical parts with different number of rows. A row panel can be added only inside a row.

Add button

A button can be added in a row by dragging a command from the command list on the right, as well as through the context menu.

• 1. Select the Add button command in the row’s content menu.
• 2. Set parameters in the Create ribbon button dialog box.

• 3. To assign command to the button, click button next to Menu macro ID field.
• 4. Select the required command in the Select command dialog box. Click OK.

Add split button

• 1. Select the Add split button command in the row’s context menu.
• 2. Set parameters in the Create ribbon dropdown dialog box.

• 3. To assign command to the button, click button next to Menu macro ID field.
• 4. Select the required command in the Select command dialog box. Click OK.

You can add buttons in the dropdown list by dragging commands from the command list on the right or through the Add button command of the context menu. Parameters of the drop-down list can be changed in the Properties field.

Filling rows with commands

• 1. Select the command in the right window of the tools list.
• 2. Drag it to the required row in the ribbon elements tree.

Add separator

A separator is a line or a spacing that are added in a panel, row panel, hidden rows, dropdown list for visual separation of commands.

• 1. Select the list row to place the separator before.
• 2. Select Add separator in the context menu.

Quick Access Toolbar

The Quick Access Toolbar is located at the top or bottom of the Ribbon and contains buttons for the most frequently used commands.

A button can be added to the Quick Access Toolbar by dragging a command from the list of commands on the right, or through the Add Button command in the context menu:

• 1. In the Create Ribbon Button dialog, click the button next to the Menu macro ID field.
• 2. Select the desired command in the Select a command dialog. Click OK.
• 3. If necessary, correct the Text field. Click OK.

If you select a specific button and use the Insert Button context menu command, the new button will be located immediately before the selected one.

Deleting Elements

• 1. Select the required element in the tree.
• 2. Use the Delete command of the context menu.

Main Menu

The Main Menus tab of the Customize User Interface dialog is intended to create custom menus and edit existing ones

All menus used in the program are presented in the tree list.

The commands to create and edit menus are called from the context menu. Composition of the context menu commands depends on the selected tree object.

Create Custom Menu

• 1. To open the Create menu context menu, select the top line of the Main menu tree (or right click in the list window). If you select a certain menu and use the Insert menu context menu command, a new menu will be located directly before the selected one.
• 2. Fill fields in a Create menu dialog:

UID Element identifier in the program.

Display name Displayed name on the screen.

3. Press OK.

New menu appears in the end of the list of elements. Move them using drag and drop.

Create elements of menu

• 1. Select the desired menu in the list of menus.
• 2. Select one of the items:
  • Add menu item
  • Add submenu
  • Add separator

Add submenu

• 1. Select Add submenu.
• 2. Fill fields in the Create menu dialog, press OK.

Add menu item

Menu item is a command in the menu list.

• 1. Select Add menu item.
• 2. Fill fields in a Create menu item dialog.

• 3. Click the button to add the command.
• 4. Select the desired command in a Select command dialog box. Press OK

button clears the field.

Add separator

Separator looks like a line in menu, submenu, toolbar, statusbar. Used to split commands by groups.

• 1. Select the menu bar to insert separator above.
• 2. Select Add separator in the context menu

Add commands into menu and submenu

• 1. Select the command from the right list.
• 2. Drag it and drop to menu at the left part of dialog.

Remove elements and menus

• 1. Select the desired element or menu.
• 2. Use Delete command in the context menu.

Toolbars Tab

Create custom toolbars and edit existing. It is possible to add commands, drop-down lists, controls and separators. Properties of selected toolbar are displayed in the Properties:

Create New Toolbar

• 1. To open the Create toolbar context menu, select the upper line of the Toolbars tree list ( or click the right mouse button in the list window). If you select a certain toolbar and use the Add toolbar context menu command, a new toolbar will be located directly before the selected one
• 2. Fill fields in a Create toolbar dialog box.
• 3. Click OK.

Parameters

UID Element identifier.

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Display name Displayed name of toolbar.

Position Position on the screen.

Visible Turns on/off visibility of toolbar.

Row Row for fixed toolbar.

Pos Position in the row of fixed toolbar.

Show text labels Turns on/off the display of text labels on buttons of the selected

toolbar.

Depending on the selected Show text labels mode, floating (located in graphic area) toolbars have different appearance:

The Show text labels box is clear The Show text labels box is checked

Add an element into toolbar

• 1. Select toolbar in the list.
• 2. Call context menu and select one of items:
  • Insert button
  • Insert control
  • Insert flyout
  • Insert separator
• 3. Fill fields in dialog box.

Add button

• 1. Select Insert button command.
• 2. Set Display name in the Create toolbar button dialog box**.**
• 3. Click button near Intername.
• 4. Select the desired command. Click OK.

It is possible to drag and drop command to add button into toolbar.

Add control

Drag and drop control from the list to add it into toolbar.

• 1. Select Insert control command.
• 2. Set Display name in the Create toolbar control dialog box.
• 3. Click the button near Control field.
• 4. Select the desired control in a Select control dialog box. Click OK.

Add drop-down toolbar

• 1. Select the Add toolbar command.
• 2. In the Create toolbar flyout dialog click the button next to the Main command field.
• 3. Select the command in the Select command dialog. Click ОК.
• 4. Click the button next to the Additional command field.
• 5. Select the command in the Select command dialog. Click ОК.

The button clears the field.

Toolbars Display Settings

Menu: View > Toolbars – Toolbars Settings…

Menu: Format > Interface – Toolbars Settings…

Command line: TOOLBARS

Sets the display of toolbars on the screen.

Options:

Show text labels Turns on/off text prompt on buttons.

Toolbar button Size Sets the size of all toolbars:

Small

Normal

Large

Accelerators Tab

Accelerators tab allows you to add keyboard shortcuts (hot keys) combinations for often used commands

Keyboard shortcut – is a combination of symbol key and control keys CTRL, SHIFT, ALT, For example, press CTRL+O to open a file, ; CTRL+S – to save the document, etc.

Combinations of hotkeys used in nanoCAD are displayed on the right side of context and drop-down menus, as well as in toolbar button tooltips.

It is possible to set several keyboard shortcuts for one command.

Accelerators tab contains existing shortcuts.

To create a shortcut

• 1. Click Create accelerator button.
• 2. Press the desired combination on a keyboard.

If combination is already used, the field is highlighted.

• 3. Pres the button near Intername field.
• 4. Select the desired command in a Select command dialog box. Click ОК.
• 5. In the Create accelerator dialog, place the cursor in the Shortcut field and press the desired combination on the keyboard

You can also assign a shortcut to a command by selecting it in the list of tools in the right window and dragging it to the list of commands on the left. The Create accelerator dialog will immediately display the Intername of the selected command. You just need to assign a combination in the Shortcut field.

If the assigned keyboard shortcut matches an existing one, a warning is displayed in which you can reassign the existing shortcut to another command.

Import shortcuts

1. Select the Import shortcuts command in the menu of the File button of the Customize user interface button.

• 2. In the Open dialog, select configuration files with *.cfg or *.cuix extension.
• 3. In the Import shortcuts dialog, check the combinations to import, click ОК.

Note

If the current file is the master file, then the combinations are added to ncadbase.cfg.

If the included file is the current one, the combinations are written to it. If there is a conflict between identical combinations (when a combination that already exists in ncadbase.cfg is written into the included one), the command that is higher in the list is executed.

If you attach a file with combinations using the Load partial file command, the combinations are processed. If there is a conflict between identical combinations, the command specified in ncadbase.cfg is executed.

However, it is recommended that you use the Import Shortcuts command to load shortcuts

Additional accelerator for command

• 1. Select the command in the list of shortcuts.
• 2. Call the Find tool context menu.
• 3. Select command in the list and call Create accelerator context menu.
• 4. Press the desired combination on a keyboard, then click OK

Change accelerator

• 1. Select command in the list of shortcuts.
• 2. Set new combination in Properties.

Remove keyboard shortcut

• 1. Select command in the shortcut list.
• 2. Click Delete accelerator button.

You can also delete the selected combination using the DEL key.

Object Actions Tab

The Object Actions tab of the Customize user interface dialog assign the commands and actions to be performed when using mouse buttons for the object selected on the acreen:

• Double-click on single object

• Double-click on multiple objects
• Context menu on single object
• Context menu on multiple objects

To add a command for double-clicking with the left mouse button on one or more objects, drag the command from the list of tools on the right to the desired action.

To add a context menu for single or multiple selection, select Add new menu or Add existing menu from the context menu of the desired action:

Status Bar Tab

Status bar tab manages elements in the status bar of nanoCAD.

It is possible to add button, control, property, separator to the status bar. Add element by drag and drop from the list of tools. Set the element parameters in Properties.

Add control

• 1. Select Insert control in the context menu.
• 2. Set parameters in Create status bar control dialog box.

Add button

1. Select Insert item in the context menu.

Set parameters in Create status bar item dialog box. Item parameters are identical to Create status bar control dialog box.

Add property

• 1. Select Insert property in the context menu.
• 2. Set parameters in Create status bar property dialog box.

The following parameters are added to the previous ones: Width, Fixed width.

Remove status bar elements

• 1. Select the desired element.
• 2. Use Delete command in context menu.

Rollover Tooltips Tab

Set properties to be displayed when cursor pointing to the object.

Object list is at the left part of tab.

Right part of tab displays properties to select.

The properties are enabled by clicking the checkbox. The Select All option includes all object properties in the tooltip.

Aliases Tab

Aliases tab sets alternate names (aliases and abbreviations) for commands to call them from command line.

One command can have several aliases. Each alias belongs to only one command.

The left part contains a list of commands with assigned aliases.

Create an alias

• 1. Click the Create alias button.
• 2. Click the button in Create alias dialog box, select the command from the list.
• 3. Type symbols into Alias field.

Or

• 1. Select command at the list.
• 2. Call Create alias in context menu.
• 3. Type symbols into Alias field.

Manage aliases in the Properties section:

The Show button highlights a command in the list of commands in the left window with aliases.

Change alias

• 1. Select command with alias from the left list in the tab.
• 2. Type new Alias into Properties:

Remove alias

• 1. Select command with alias from the left list in the tab.
• 2. Click Delete alias button.

You can also delete the selected combination using the DEL key.

Create New Command

Add custom command to the nanoCAD interface.

Custom command should be loaded with Tools – Application > Load application… and should be automatically loaded for each new nanoCAD session

• 1. Call Create command context menu in the command list.
• 2. Set command parameters in a Create command dialog box.

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3. Set new command parameters in the Create command dialog box. The highlighted fields are mandator for filling.

Command parameters:

UID Element identifier.

Intername The name of loaded command.

It can contain the following symbols: A-Z, 0-9, ), (, _, #,

$. No spaces.

Intername often fits with UID.

Localized name Localized name of command.

It can contain national characters and the following

symbols: A-Z, 0-9, ), (, _, #, $. No spaces.

Execution context Select Document if the command should work on

opened document.

Select Application to use command when no opened

document.

Weight Priority of command when several commands run at

once.

Lowest weight has the highest priority

Full name Full name of the command. Often coinsides with the

Display name.

Display name The name of command, displayed in menu.

Tooltip text Displayed when cursor pointing to the object.

Status text Text in the command line.

Bitmap DLL DLL-file containing the command.

Icon Icon of command, displayed on toolbars and menus.

The command appears in the list of tools in the right part of the Customize user interface dialog. It can be placed in the menu, toolbar or command line.

Create Virtual Command

Virtual command is real command with selected values and keywords. Used to create similar objects.

A virtual team is created based on an existing one. It is designed to call a regular command and pass it values stored as a virtual command parameter.

See an example: how to create circle with specified insertion point and diameter.

1. Select Create virtual command in the context menu on the command list.

2. Set parameters of new command in Create virtual command dialog box.

Command parameters

File nanoCAD configuration file in which this command is

written (registered).

Intername The name of loaded command.

It can contain the following symbols: A-Z, 0-9, ), (, _, #, $.

No spaces.

For example: circle300

Localized name Localized name of command.

It can contain national characters and the following

symbols: A-Z, 0-9, ), (, _, #, $. No spaces.

For example: circle300

Display name The name of command, displayed in menu.

For example: circle300

Real command Base command for virtual command.

There are two types of command call:

• Command parameters. Specify the command in Real command name field and then type its keywords in Keyword field
• Command line parameters. Inserts all the text from Keyword field to the command line.

For example, select Command parameters and then find Circle command in the list.

Keyword Value of command parameters. Type values in order of command line request through the space.

For example, type the following parameters: insertion point space radius.

10,10 300

When you call circle300 command, new circle will be created in specified point with specified diameter.

Design Settings

Interface and parameters of annotations are set in the Settings dialog box in nanoCAD:

The path to the settings file is shown in the top part of the dialog box.

The Open button opens a standard dialog box for the selection and loading of a new settings file.

The main window of the dialog contains the following tabs: Main, Standard elements, Symbols, Forms.

The parameters of the settings are shown in a tree form.

There is a graphic illustration of the adjusted parameters in the right part of the dialog box:

Select a parameter from the drop-down list:

or in the dialog box by pressing the button:

The values of some parameters are entered from the keyboard:

The drop-down list in the Standard section is used to change the standard:

It is strongly recommended to match a *.dwt working template with nanoCAD settings.

What can be unified:

• Dimension and text styles. It is recommended to adjust nanoCAD according to *.dwt template settings.
• The global scale of linetypes.
• Layers names and properties. By default, many nanoCAD objects use a “current” layer for insertion. It is recommended to set layers’ names from a *.dwt template.
• Layouts names and their settings.
• Plot styles of objects, if a *.dwt template with named plot styles is used.

The Legend area illustrates the use of background colors in parameters.

The Save as defaults contains the Symbols checkbox; when it is checked the design settings will be saved by default.

Main Menus

File menu

Save settings Saves changes to the current settings file.

Save settings as … Saves changes to a new settings file.

Load settings Loads settings from another file. Acceptable file types:

• Configuration files (*.xml)
• Settings for design elements (*.cfg)
• Interface settings (*.icf)

The settings files *.cfg and *.icf were used in previous versions of nanoCAD and contain settings that in this version are stored in AppOptions.xml.

Restore start settings Loads the settings preset in nanoCAD.

Attention

If the name of the file being saved coincides with the name of an existing file, the function of saving settings does not overwrite the old file, but supplements it. Therefore, when the standard is changed, for example, from ESKD to ISO, both standards will be available in the settings file.

Organization menu

The Organization menu controls the settings of organization standards.

Organization standard is a single file of settings (parameters, layers, profiles) for the enterprise. All settings are stored in one file.

In the settings dialog, in the table of profiles and layers, the Organization settings are highlighted in light gray.

The Organization menu includes the following items:

Create network settings

Creates a file of corporate settings to transfer to other machines or place on the common server. Steps to create a settings file:

1. After running the command, a selection field will appear next to each parameter and section.

2. Check the box to the left of those settings that will fall into the Organization. Click the OK button.

3. Provide a location and file name to save organization settings. The organization settings file will be created.

Set settings file …

Assigns a settings file, which will get preference over the current AppOptions.xml custom settings file. New documents will be created according to the values from the assigned file.

Flush Refusal to use the organization settings. In this case, the custom settings file

AppOptions.xml becomes the control file.

Apply organizatio n settings

document

to

Applying organization settings to documents created without using these settings.

Attention

The user cannot delete the Organization layers and profiles from the corresponding tables in the settings dialog.

When saving settings with new values, they will be applied only to the current document.

The configuration of settings in the Organization file and standards within the configuration should strictly correspond to the loaded settings in the application. If there is a mismatch, the settings override will not work!.

Main Options Tab

The tab is intended to set the nanoCAD main parameters.

Common settings

Current profile

Layer profiles are designed to organize the work of various departments of the enterprise on one drawing file. At the same time, each user works with his own group of layers, controlling their visibility by means of nanoCAD.

Since the drawing design depends on the settings for the placement of design elements by layers and the current profile of the drawing, then for each type of object you need to set the option of placement on the corresponding layer in the settings (for example, for leaders, the Leaders layer is set).

Depending on the current profile, a prefix will be added to the layer name.

Thus, you can group layers created by users with the same profiles (for example, layers of objects built by designers - by the “KB” prefix, and by technologists - by the “T” prefix).

Perform the Refresh command when opening a document

The Refresh command is performed at each opening of a document (see Refresh command).

Save proxy-objects with graphics

Enables or disables saving proxy objects with graphics.

Line types

Standard nanoCAD objects are displayed with line types provided by GOST 2.302. Line thickness and color parameters are included in the general settings section of the Linetypes group.

Automatically disable the “Use paper space units for scaling” option

When this option is enabled, while switching between layouts (or from model to layout), the Use paper space units for scaling option, located in the Linetypes dialog, will be reset.

Change current linetype scale

Enables or disables the scaling of linetypes in standard objects when their scale is changed. When the setting is enabled, inserted design elements and database objects are automatically scaled in accordance with the scale of the Scale toolbar.

Use table of colors and weights

Enables or disables the use of color and weights table. If the setting is enabled, you can use standard colors from the table. The Compatibility mode value is used when working with documents created in earlier versions of nanoCAD.

Standard text weight

Standardizes the amount of text weight for all texts, included in the design elements (except for sizes and texts) in a document, relative to the selected line weight:

• Disabled text weight is equal to line weight;
• 1/10 text weight is equal to 1/10 of line weight;
• 1/14 text weight is equal to 1/14 of line weight.

Line color and width

This group of settings assigns the design option for certain types of lines.

Edit

Decimal delimiter correction

Controls the way to automatically replace the decimal delimiter character:

• Do not correct decimal delimiter – does nothing with the delimiter.

• Use dot ”.” as decimal delimiter automatically replaces the delimiter with a dot; an option for programs that accept only a dot.
• Use system locale decimal delimiter decimal delimiter from OS localization settings is used.

Create and activate standard text and dimension styles in new documents and when changing standards

Controls the creation of standard styles. The default is Yes. Setting this parameter to No allows you to create new documents without predefined standard styles.

Explode Block References under drawing design elements

• Yes to overlap nanoCAD by objects, nanoCAD blocks are split.
• No to overlap nanoCAD by objects, nanoCAD blocks are masked (WIPEOUT).

Enable enhanced grips

When this function is enabled, additional nanCAD grips are displayed on the objects, for example: “Flip”, “Insert leader line”, etc.

Set associativity during insertion of objects

The setting is enabled by default. When it is disabled, the snap of inserted objects to primitives is not active.

For example, if the setting is enabled, when you set dimensions on a line, the dimension will be associated with the line. When you change the line, the dimension will change:

If the setting is disabled, only the line will change:

Use localized abbreviations of command keywords

Allows or denies the use of abbreviations for the command keywords described in the file with the .pgp extension and located in the nanoCAD installation folder.

Highlight color

The highlight color for primitives when it is required to specify them. For example, line highlighting when specifying for dimensioning.

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Automatically switch keyboard layout to local language

When you call dialogs with fields in nanoCAD, the local layout is automatically turned on.

Show rectangle around objects

Controls the display of the bounding box around objects and nanoCAD blocks. When this option is enabled, scaling is disabled by SHIFT+RMB.

Automatically turn on snaps: Nearest, Endpoint, Quadrant, Center, Intersection

Temporary turns on the listed snaps when some nanoCAD command work.

• If the option is disabled, some dimensioning modes will not work.
• If the option is disabled, the Direction toolbar will not work correctly.
• If the option is disabled, placement along the leader line, slope symbols, symbols of base and, possibly, other objects will not work.

To show the toolbar “Direction” automatically

Controls display of the Direction toolbar, which appears when inserting database objects and in a number of other commands.

Scale dimensions

Yes value. The global scale set in the Dimension Styles on the Fit tab is replaced by the design scale.

No value. The global scale is not changed.

Note

If the design scale differs from the global scale value, then a dimension style override will be created.

Scale texts

Applicable for the inserted text.

Yes value. When you change the design scale using the Scale toolbar, the Height parameter changes proportionally in the Text Format dialog for multiline text and in the command line for single line text.

No value. When you change the design scale using the Scale toolbar, the Height parameter does not change.

The platform saves the value of the last entered text height. When this option is enabled, changing the design scale proportionally changes the saved height value. The new text will have the modified height.

Example: Initial data – text height 10, scale 1:1. Change the scale to 1:15. The height of the new text will be 150.

Scale hatches

Applicable for the new hatches.

Yes value. When you change the design scale using the Scale toolbar, the Scale parameter in the Hatch changes proportionally.

No value. When you change the design scale using the Scale toolbar, the Scale parameter in the Hatch dialog does not change.

The platform saves the value of the last entered hatch height. When this option is enabled, changing the design scale proportionally changes the saved height value. The new hatch will have the modified height.

Example: Initial data – hatch height 10, scale 1:1. Change the scale to 1:15. The height of the new hatch will be 150.

Scale .dwg tables

The setting is used when creating a dwg table. If the setting is disabled, the table is inserted with the dimensions specified in the table creation dialog. If the setting is enabled, the size of the inserted table changes in proportion to the design scale.

Scale Block References

• Yes the block is scaled when the symbol scale (design scale) changes.
• No the block is not scaled when the symbol scale (design scale) changes.

Unlike design objects, which inherit the current symbol scale when created, a block has a symbol scale of 1:1 after insertion into a drawing.

Ignored layers

Specifies nanoCAD layers for which primitives located on them will not be overlapped by nanoCAD objects.

Clicking on the ellipsis will open the Ignored layers dialog for editing the list of layers:

The dialog menu allows you to add a layer and enter it manually, delete a line with a layer, or select a layer from those available in the drawing.

Unplotted layer

Specifies the layer on which nanoCAD objects excluded from plot (group markers, non-printable markers, mark anchors, shown dependencies) are placed.

Mini-toolbar for viewports

Controls the display of special nanoCAD mini-toolbar , by the right click inside the viewport. If the option is disabled, the standard nanoCAD context menu will be called.

By double-click

Establishes editing method for design objects by double-click. The setting has four parameters:

Program objects –

when this option is enabled, double-clicking on leaders and tables will open dialog boxes for editing the object; when this option is disabled, the Properties bar (PROPERTIES command) will be displayed;

Dimensions – when this option is enabled, double-clicking on a dimension will open the Edit Dimension dialog box; when this option is disabled, the command for editing multiline text will be displayed. The method for editing sub-dimension text (the second line of the dimension text) is configured using the Multi-Texts parameter;

Regular texts – when this option is enabled, double-clicking on a single-line text will open the Text Settings dialog box; when this option is disabled, the command for editing a single-line text will be displayed;

Multi-texts – when this option is enabled, double-clicking on a multi-line text will open the Text Settings dialog box; when this option is disabled, the command for editing a multi-line text will be displayed.

Design

ESCD Standard:

SPDS Standard:

Use symbol scale

Change the scaling type:

• Enabled Scale of symbol.
• Disabled Scale of dimensions.

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Drawing scale

Sets the default scale of design elements and the scale of geometry linetypes. By default:

• Standard 1:100;
• Standard 1:1.

Note

The scale of dimension line types is reserved and always defaults to 1.

Model scale

Sets the default measurement scale. The displayed value, which is set when setting dimensions, increases in direct proportion to the scale value. For example, when setting the dimension of a 10 mm segment with the measurement scale 1:10, the displayed value will be 100.

Text wipeout offset

Sets the default offset of the geometry mark from the text. At large sizes the background overlaps the geometry:

Cut CAD-platform elements

Controls the overlap of nanoCAD primitives by design elements. Is reverse-acting. Acceptable values: No, Cut, Wipeout.

Wipeout – closes a primitive.

Cut – cuts a primitive section. When deleting or moving, the cut primitive returns its state.

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No – does not overlap a primitive.

Default Tab

Allows you to set the default tab value in millimeters.

Font size for fractions

Sets the font size for fractions. Acceptable values: One step less, Equal to the main.

List of drawing scales

Sets the list of scales. Valid values: Standard only

(scales according to the Standard), Document only (scales read from the document), All (scales according to the Standard are added to the scales from the document).

To create custom scales in the document, use the Edit Drawing Scales (SCALELISTEDIT) command.

Default text style

Sets the default text style. Acceptable values: GOST 2.304, Standard.

Notifications

Enable hints

Enables or disables the display of hints in the notifier. The option does not apply to a notification with the Error status.

Avoid mouse pointer

Enables or disables the mode of automatic displacement of hints not to interfere with the selection of objects.

Hot keys

Hot keys are assigned to open Quick Options and Notifications (notifier) dialog boxes.

Databases access

The database includes, in addition to standard elements, table and format templates, bolted assembly templates, groups and markers, as well as examples and other custom elements. The choice of a specific database is determined by configuration of the path to the data source.

Data Source – a path to the file of the standard objects database.

Attention

When placing the nanoCAD database in a network resource, it is necessary to allow all users to write to the folder where the base is located. In this case, the file with the database itself can be read-only (then users will not be able to change the contents of the network database).

Clicking on the ellipsis will open the Select Data Source dialog:

nanoCAD provides for work with both local databases and с databases on PostgreSQL and MSSQL servers.

When using server database, it is necessary to specify the server name in the Server field (along with the name of the SQL database server). For example: SERVER or SERVER\SQLEXPRESS.

In the Database field, it is necessary to specify the name of database to which connection is made.

The PostgreSQL data source may require authorization. By default, the database is logged in as the standard user mclogin. To log in to the database with additional rights or as an administrator, you must log in.

To log in to PostgreSQL:

1. Click the Authorization button. The Authorization dialog box will open.

• 2. In the dialog box, specify the user and the password.
• 3. Click OK to confirm. The specified data will be used for further connections.

If the local database is used, it is necessary to select the Database source - PostgreSQL switch, and then specify a path to the database file.

For x32 computers, *.mcs (MS Access) files are used as a local database.

For x64 computers, *.mdf (LocalDB, for Windows 7 and above) files are used as a local database.

The necessary drivers are installed automatically when installing nanoCAD.

Note

Database access settings are interface settings. Problems can occur when using disk compression with connection to local databases (for 64-bit versions).

Standard Elements Tab

The Standard elements menu tab allows you to set parameters of imported IFC-objects.

Import encoding

ifc files can have different encodings. This parameter determines what encoding the files will be read in. This affects the display of object names.

Symbols Tab

The Symbols menu tab is designed to display nanoCAD symbols.

Dimensions

Setting dimensions display parameters of nanoCAD. Allows you to change the layer into which new and copied dimensions, dialog settings, etc. are automatically inserted.

Layer

Allows you to select the layer on which the new and copied dimensions will be placed by default.

Apply layer for all new dimensions

When the option is enabled, the copied dimensions will be placed on a drawing layer selected for dimensions. When the option is disabled, dimensions are placed on the current layer.

Ordinate dimensions

Controls built-in ordinate dimensions, can take ISO and GOST values. When the ISO option is enabled, the ordinate dimensions of the ISO standard built into the nanoCAD are used. When the GOST option is enabled, the ordinate dimensions of nanoCAD are used.

Left according the GOST, right – to ISO

Show dialog for new dimensions

Controls automatic opening the dialog for editing sizes after setting the size .

Arrows in chains

Replaces the arrows used in nanoCAD in dimensional chains. It is possible to replace with serifs, dots, or not replace at all.

Auto-dimension mode indicator

Controls the display of an additional indicator when using auto-dimension.

Notes

Notes display options. Allow you to change the size of text, arrows, type of pointers, etc.

Invert oblique arrow

Allows you to select the direction of oblique arrow.

Show dialog before inserting the object

When the option is enabled, it shows insertion box before inserting a leader.

Align text line by current UCS

When the option is enabled, the text line is rotated in the direction of the right coordinate system. In the figure below, on the left is the value Yes, on the right is No (according to WCS). For clarity, the coordinate system was rotated.

Save text in dialogs

When the option is enabled, earlier inserted text remains in the insertion field when inserting the next leader.

Copy text of note in MatchProperties command

This option controls the ability to copy text when using the Copy Properties command.

The rest of options allow for changing dimension of text, pointers, line thickness, location layer, color, etc.

Forms Tab

The Forms tab is designed to set parameters of text parts of tools to create standard drawing elements.

Table

Setting display parameters of nanoCAD tables.

Layer

Specifies the layer on which the inserted (created) table will be located by default.

Color

Sets the color for table elements.

Line thickness

Assigns thickness to border lines of table cells.

The By layer value corresponds to the standard thickness for the layer on which the tables are located by default. The By block value corresponds to the standard thickness for the block that contains the table. Selecting By Object value sets the thickness specified manually for table objects. The Default value corresponds to the default line thickness for this drawing.

Text style

Sets the standard text style inside the table. If the text style has the Default value, then its value is taken from the setting Main options – Design – Default text style.

Text height

Allows you to set a standard value for the text height. You can select the height from a set of standard values according to GOST 2.304 or enter your own height value manually.

Text color

Controls the choice of text color in tables. You can choose a color from a standard set of values or set your own color from the built-in palette.

Text weight

Allows you to select the line thickness of text characters in the table.

Width factor

Affects the compression of text in table cells.

Text indent

Allows you to select the value of the text indentation from the cell borders.

Notebook

Notebook path

The path to the notebook file.

3D Tab

The tab is designed to configure the construction and display of 3D objects (solids).

Common settings

Automatically project edges on sketch

If the option is enabled, then when you switch to sketch mode on a flat face of a solid, the edges of the face are automatically projected onto the flat sketch.

Automatically project the origin point on new sketch

Controls the creation of the origin point projection when creating a new sketch.

Automatically correct UCS while editing block reference with 2D constraints

Automatic correction of UCS while editing a block reference with 2D constraints.

Restore viewport’s camera while exiting 2D sketch editing mode

If enabled, the viewport camera will be in position before the sketch is edited.

Edit parametric constraint value upon creation

Controls the opening of the constraint editing dialog immediately after installation.

Associativity for new bodies

The enabled parameter allows you to build fixed bodies without the possibility of defixation. At that, the sketch should be attached to some plane.

Layer for sketches

Allows you to customize the name of the layer on which flat sketches will be located.

Layer for working objects

Allows you to customize the name of the layer on which the objects will be located.

Layer for sections

Allows you to customize the name of the layer on which the sections will be located.

Layer for parametric 3D solids

Allows you to customize the name of the layer on which parametric 3D bodies will be located.

Show thread helix

Controls the display of the thread helix.

Thread helix color

Thread helix color.

Thread face color

Thread face color.

Mass display precision

Mass display precision for inspector properties and part and assembly properties.

2D Views

Automatic update

Controls the automatic update of views from a model after a solid is changed.

Show thread

Controls the thread display.

Layer

Allows you to customize the name of the layer on which 2D views will be located.

Visible lines

Show on sections - controls the display of visible lines in sections.

Line color – determines the color of visible lines.

Linetype - determines the type of visible lines.

Lineweight - determines the weight (thickness) of visible lines.

Hidden lines

Show in views – controls the display of hidden lines in views

Line color – determines the color of hidden lines.

Linetype – determines the type of hidden lines.

Lineweight – determines the weight of hidden lines.

Section border

Settings differ from visible lines –controls the settings of the lines of section borders, which (settings) can be the same or different from the settings of visible lines. If No, then the next three parameters are not used.

Line color - determines the color of section border.

Linetype - determines the type of section border.

Lineweight - determines the weight of section border.

Hatch

Show – controls the display of hatch.

Face hatch – assigns the type of face hatch.

Pseudo section properties

Hatch

Show – controls the display of hatch on pseudo section.

Face hatch – assigns the types of face hatch.

Surface transparency - sets the transparency factor for the surface (0 - full transparency).

Quick Options

Hot keys for opening the quick options window are set on the Main options tab:

Quick options dialog box contains the most common options for design elements:

Current profile - allows you to select a settings profile;

Automatically turn on snaps - controls the automatic activation of snaps Nearest, Endpoint, Quadrant, Center, Intersection when inserting objects from the database;

Show invisible lines – controls the display of invisible lines hidden using ALT+RMB.

Settings of Layers Profiles

Layers profiles are used to organize different divisions of the design work within one drawing file. Every user works with their own group of layers.

For example, you have to annotate a drawing with leaders set separately by the compliance supervisor and the technologist.

Do:

1. Switch to the Symbols tab in the Settings dialog, select the Leader note in the Notes section, in the Layer field select the :

   

   Note

   The button opens the Table of layers dialog too.

   • 2. Select the New layer button to create a new layer. By default, a new layer will have a LayerN name, where N – layer’s number.
   • 3. Click on the created layer’s name to rename it. Type a new name Notes:

   

   • 4. Select OK.
   • 5. Select OK to close the Settings dialog box.

   

   When saving settings in a configuration file (not in a current document), all notes will be created on the Notes layer by default. It does not matter whether this layer is in the document. If a layer does not exist, it will be created with the parameters specified in the Table of layers dialog box.

   To separate the work of the compliance supervisor and the technologist, create layers profiles.

   6. In the Settings dialog switch to the Main options tab and in the Common settings section in the Current profile select the to open the Table of profiles dialog:

   

   • 7. Select the New profile button to create the new profile’s prefix. By default a new profile’s prefix will have a Profile1 name.
   • 8. Click on the created profile’s prefix name to rename it. Type a new name T_.
   • 9. In the Full profile name column rename Profile1 to Technologist:

   

   10. Using the same method to create the CS_ profile’s prefix:

   

   • 11. Select OK to close the Table of profiles dialog box.
   • 12. Select OK in the Settings dialog box.
   • 13. In the Save changes? dialog box select the Save to config file and current document parameter and select OK.

   As a result of the settings, according to which profile is set as current, you can create:

   • Technologist’s annotation on the T_Notes;
   • Compliance supervisor’s annotation on the CS_Notes;
   • Leader note on the Notes layer.

   To create technologist’s annotation:

   1. Select CTRL + SHIFT + Q hotkeys to open the Quick Options dialog box:

   

   2. Select the T_ profile from the drop-down list:

   

   3. Select OK.

   4. Create an annotation using the Notes>Universal notes command from the Draw menu. When the first annotation is being created, a new T_Notes layer is created on the Notes layer base:

   

   To create the compliance supervisor’s annotation:

   • 1. Select CTRL + SHIFT + Q hotkeys to open the Quick Options dialog box.
   • 2. Select the CS_ profile from the drop-down list.
   • 3. Select OK.
   • 4. Create an annotation using the Notes>Universal notes command from the Draw menu. When the first annotation is being created, a new CS_Notes layer is created on the Notes layer base:

   

   To create a universal note:

   • 1. Open the Settings dialog box.
   • 2. Open the Table of profiles dialog box.
   • 3. Select NO PROFILE.
   • 4. Twice select OK to close the dialog boxes.
   • 5. Create a universal note. When the first annotation is being created, a new Notes layer is created:

   

   To enhance visualization, you can set different colors for the Notes, CS_Notes and T_Notes layers**.**

   Do:

   • 1. Switch to the Symbols tab in the Settings dialog box and in the Notes – Universal note section select By layer in the Color and Text color fields.
   • 2. Select OK in the Settings dialog box.
   • 3. In the Save changes? dialog box select the Save to config file and current document parameter and select OK.
   • 4. In the Layers dialog specify the colors for the layers.

   

   

   Note

   Hotkeys for the Quick options dialog box are specified in the Hotkeys section in the Main options tab of the Settings dialog box:

   

   Saving and Transferring Settings to Another Computer

   There are three types of settings in nanoCAD – symbols, interface settings (highlighted yellow) and organization settings:

   

   The settings are automatically saved in a separate file and read when creating a new document:

   • Interface settings affect the operation of the application.
   • Settings for design elements determine how a drawing designed using nanoCAD will look.

   To use the settings made for design elements by default, check the Design Settings box in the Save as default section. The established parameters of the design elements settings items will be applied by default for all new documents, as well as for newly created design elements in the current document.

   Otherwise, all settings changes will be valid only in the current program session.

   Saving, loading and restoring settings for design elements is managed in the File menu of this dialog:

   

   Parameters:

   Save settins Saves the design element settings in the current document.

   When a new document is created, the settings will be the same as the settings set in a configuration file; the setting will only be applied to the current document.

   Save settings

   as…

   Saves settings in a separate file for later use.

   Load settings Loads saved settings from a file .

   Restore start settings

   Restores the settings supplied with the program

   Drawing Units

   

   Ribbon: Home – Properties > Units

   

   Menu: Format – Units…

   

   Command line: UNITS, UN

   The command opens the Drawing Units dialog box, where you can define the format and accuracy of the linear and angle units.

   By default, the base direction to measure angles is to the right of the initial point (East). Angles should be measured in a counter clockwise direction to give positive numbers.

   

   Parameters:

   Linear

   Type: Current format of linear units.

   Available formats in the drop-down list:

   • Architectural
   • Decimal
   • Engineering
   • Fractional
   • Scientific

   Precision: Accuracy of current linear units.

   Angle

   Type: Current format of angle units.

   Available formats in the drop-down list:

   • Deg/Min/SEC
   • Grads
   • Decimal degrees

   • Radians

   • Surveyor’s units

   Precision: Accuracy of current angle units.

   Base Angle: Direction of base angle.

   Available formats in the drop-down list:

   • East
   • North
   • West
   • South
   • Pick angle by specifying two points in the graphic area.

   Clockwise To change positive direction to measure angles to clockwise.

   Display in “input” format

   Enables/disables display of drawing units without spaces.

   Insertion scale

   Units to scale inserted content:

   Units to measure blocks and external references, inserted in a document. If a block or inserted document was created with units which do not coincide with the units set in this section, the block or inserted document will be scaled to the specified units. Scale is defined by the ratio of units in an inserted document and a current document.

   If the Undefined option is selected, the insertion is performed without scaling.

   Sample output

   Preview of current linear and angle units set in the dialog box.

   Lighting

   Units for specifying the intensity of light:

   Selecting light intensity units and lighting type. The following options are available in the drop-down list:

   • Generic standard lighting is included without lighting fixtures, lighting intensity units are not used (system variable LIGHTINGUNITS = 0);
   • American photometric lighting is included, American units of lighting intensity are used - Foot-candle (LIGHTINGUNITS = 1);
   • International photometric lighting is included, the lighting intensity units of the International System of Units (SI) are used - Lux (LIGHTINGUNITS = 2, default value).

   Non-dialog Mode of the Unit Command

   

   Command line: -UNITS

   Setting the format and precision of drawing units using the command line.

   Command option:

   Report formats: (Examples) List of available formats for linear units. 1. Scientific 1.55E+01 2. Decimal 15.50 3. Engineering 1’-3.50” 4. Architectural 1’-3 1/2” 5. Fractional 15 ½ With the exception of Engineering and Architectural formats, these formats can be used with any basic unit of measurement. For example, Decimal mode is perfect for metric units as well as decimal English units. Enter choice, 1 to 5 <2>: Select the unit format (sequence number from the list above). Press ENTER to finish selection. Enter number of digits to right of decimal point Set the precision of linear units. (0 to 8) <4>: Press ENTER to finish selection.
   Systems of angle measures: (Examples) List of available formats for angular units. 1. Decimal degrees 45.0000 2. Degrees/minutes/seconds 45d0’0” 3. Grads 50.0000g 4. Radians 0.7854r 5. Surveyor’s units N 45d0’0” E
   Enter choice, 1 to 5 <1>: Select the unit format (sequence number from the list above). Press ENTER to finish selection.
   Enter number of fractional places for display of Set the precision of angular
   angles (0 to 8) <0>: units. Press ENTER to finish selection.
   Direction for angle 90: List of directions of the base East 3 o’clock = 0
   (zero) angle. North 12 o’clock = 90
   West 9 o’clock = 180

   Enter direction for angle 90 <0>:	Select the direction of the base (zero) angle (sequence number from the list above). Press ENTER to finish selection.
   Measure angles clockwise? [Yes/No]? :	Select positive angle counting clockwise or counterclockwise

   Scale List

   In most cases, drawings are printed at an accurate scale.

   When printing a model space, the plot scale is set in the Plot dialog box. This scale determines the ratio of the unit of length in the printed drawing to the real unit used in creation of the drawing.

   When printing one of layout tabs, the scale is applied to the model itself displayed in the layout viewports. It defines, for each viewport, the ratio of the paper format dimensions to the model dimensions in the viewport.

   Standard scales are available from the list of scales in the corresponding nanoCAD tools: In the Plot dialog box:

   

   For a selected or active viewport:

   • in the status bar

   

   • in the Properties toolbar.

   The list of scales is managed in the Edit drawing scales dialog box

   

   Command line: SCALELISTEDIT

   Non-dialog mode: -SCALELISTEDIT

   In the dialog, you can add new scales, edit the existing ones, rebuild the scale list and delete unnecessary ones.

   

   Options:

   Scale list Displays the content of the current scale list.

   

   Opens the Add Scale dialog box to create a new scale. The dialog box sets the following parameters:

   Scale name to be displayed in the Scale list.

   Scale properties – ratio of paper units to drawing units.

   

   

   

   Show xref scales

   Enables the display of scales contained in external references and different from the document scales in the scale list.

   The xref scales are also available for editing.

   To display the standard scales in certain units of measurement in the list, press Reset button, in the Scale List dialog box select to restore the list of scales in required units.

   Symbol Scale and Measurement Scale

   There are two types of scale: symbol scale and measurement scale.

   The symbol scale is convenient when drawing in model space at a scale of 1:1, with subsequent design in paper space in a viewport. In this case, the design elements will look uniform in viewports with different scales.

   The measurement scale is used when initially drawing the model at a scale other than 1:1.

   The values for these scales can be set for any object, group of objects or document. New objects inherit the scale values from the document.

   The scale is usually selected during the initial setup of the application and is not changed thereafter.

   Specifying Scale

   The main tool for setting, changing and viewing scales is the scale button, located in the lower right part of the nanoCAD window in the status bar.

   This button displays the scale of the selected objects. If objects are selected, an asterisk symbol is displayed before the scale value (scale 1:1 means that 1mm of object equals 1 unit of drawing).
   If there are no objects selected, the button displays the document scale but the asterisk is absent.
   If the symbol scale value is displayed, the m character is in lower case. If the measurement scale value is displayed, the M character is in upper case.
   If the selected object does not support the selected scale, or selected objects have different scales, the scale value is not displayed.

   The current scale can also be changed using the Scale toolbar.

   To change scale in the current document:

   • 1. Select the type of sale by one of the ways:
     • set the value of the Use symbol scale setting (nanoCAD Design Settings (PARAMS) Main Options tab – Design section): the Yes parameter corresponds to the Symbol scale, No – to the Measurement scale;
     • select the scale type in the scale button in the status bar (in this method the Use symbol scale setting gets the value automatically).
   • 2. Select the scale value in the status bar or on the Scale toolbar.

   If there are no selected objects, the current drawing scale is changed, which will only affect newly created objects. If there are selected objects, the scale of only the selected objects is changed, the current drawing scale does not change. To change the scale for all objects in the drawing, select all objects.

   To change the default scale for new documents, save the current design settings in the nanoCAD Design Settings (PARAMS) dialog box – File menu – Save settings.

   You can set the scale for the selected objects or take the scale value from the selected object.

   To apply the scale to the selected objects or to take the scale from the selected object:

   • 1. Select the scale button.
   • 2. In the menu that opens, select the scale type (Symbol scale or Measurement scale).
   • 3. Select Set to selection.

   

   4. Select the objects on the drawing whose scale you want to change.

   To copy the scale from a selected object:

   • 1. Select scale button.
   • 2. In the menu that opens, select the scale type (Symbol scale or Measurement scale).
   • 3. Select Take from selection.
   • 4. Select the object in the drawing whose scale you want to copy.

   Symbol Scale

   Symbol scale is a settings parameter which decreases or increases the annotation objects in the drawing. This scale type is used for adjusting the display of annotation if it is too small or too big; for example, to change the size of an object’s arrows and text. This scale has no influence on the size of other objects.

   Symbol scale affects:

   • Annotation objects.
   • Linetypes with gaps and text.
   • Dimensions and special text.

   Symbol scale for objects is 1:1	Symbol scale for objects is 1:2

   The symbol scale can be set by two methods

   • 1. Set the Yes value of the Use symbol scale setting (nanoCAD Design Settings (PARAMS) Main Options tab – Design section).
   • 2. Select the scale type in the scale button in the status bar (in this method the Use symbol scale setting gets the Yes value automatically).

   

   You can select the desired value using the scale button in the status bar or in the Scale toolbar.

   

   Example of changing the Symbol scale from m1:1 to m1:5:

   

   • design elements (dimensions, leaders, etc.) are inserted 5 times larger;
   • geometry is inserted with a line type scale (dash length in dashed lines) equal to 5;
   • the displayed size value is taken as is;
   • the mode is shown by the letter m on the Scale toolbar and in the status bar.

   

   

   Measurement Scale

   This scale influences objects, but the size of the annotation of the objects stays unchanged. Linear dimensions are also scaled.

   Measurement scale can be set for the following objects:

   • Dimension objects; measurement scale influences the dimension text.
   • Special object from vertical applications can have influences on the measurement scale of an object size in the drawing**.**

   Measurement scale for all objects is 1:1	Measurement scale for all objects is 1:2	Measurement scale for dimension objects is 1:2 and for object is 1:1

   Use this scale if the drawing has a scale that differs from 1:1 scale.

   The measurement scale can be set by two methods:

   • 1. Set the No value of the Use symbol scale setting (nanoCAD Design Settings (PARAMS) Main Options tab – Design section).
   • 2. Select the scale type in the scale button in the status bar (in this method the Use symbol scale setting gets the No value automatically).

   

   You can select the required value in the scale button in the status bar or on the Scale toolbar.

   

   Example of changing the Measurement scale from M1:1 to M1:5:

   • design elements (dimensions, leaders, etc.) are inserted at a scale of 1:1, i.e. they will not change;
   • geometry is inserted with a line type scale (length of a dash in dashed lines) equal to 1, i.e. without changes;
   • the displayed value of dimensions (if they are not inside formats and are not associated with application objects) takes a scale factor inverse to the current scale (i.e. it will be 5 times larger than the measured one);
   • the mode is shown by the letter M on the Scale toolbar and in the status bar.

   

   Interaction with Global Scales

   The measurement scale (DIMSCALE system cariable) – parameter from the measurement styles manager on the Main units tab influences on the Measurement scale.

   Changing global scales influences drawing design objects inserted into the drawing with the same scale value. For example, if a linear dimension is inserted with a symbol scale of 1:10 and the scale of the dimension elements is 10, they will be linked, changing the scale of the dimension elements will change the scale of the linear dimension symbols.

   When changing the scale of an object manually, the link with global scales is lost.

   «Scale» Toolbar

   Ribbon: Manage – Customization – Interface > Toolbars > Scale

   Menu: View - Toolbars – nanoCAD toolbars - Scale

   

   Current scale can be changed to scale from Scale list in Scale toolbar. To transfer the scale from one object to another, use the buttons.

   Scale buttons:

   

   Get Scale from selected objects. It is necessary to specify the object from which the value for the current scale will be taken.

   

   Set Scale Set Scale to selected objects. It is necessary to specify the object to which the current scale will be applied.

   System Variable Monitor

   Ribbon: Manage – Palettes > System variable

   

   Menu: Tools > System variable

   

   Menu: View – Toolbars – Functional > System variable

   

   Command line: SYSVARMONITOR

   The System variable monitor displays system variables, their brief description and values, allowing you to edit, sort, search them and track changes in real time.

   

   Saves variables to a file and load from the file. It is possible to save both all and only pinned variables.
   Searches for variables by name.

   	Storage location:
   	- the variable is stored in the registry. Always retains its value.
   	- the variable is stored in the document. Its value changes only for a specific document.
   	- the value of the variable is saved only for the current session. After closing the program, the value is reset.
   	- no storage place. The value is stored until the document is closed.
   	Sorting is performed by clicking on the column heading or by selecting an item in the menu, which opens by a long click on the heading.
   System Variable	The name of the system variable.
   	Sorting is performed by clicking on the column heading or by selecting
   	an item in the menu, which opens by a long click on the heading. In addition to the direct and reverse alphabetical order, the variables
   	can be sorted by frequency of use (More popular) and time of change (Most recently) during an active session of the program.
   Value of Variable	The value of the system variable, which can be entered or selected from a list of fixed variants. Gray (muted) typeface indicates variables with constant values. If the value of a variable differs from its initial value, it is displayed in blue font. In most cases, the initial value is given in the variable description at the bottom section of the panel.
   	Click in this column opposite the variable to fix the variable at the top of the list, regardless of the sorting method. The variable moves to the top of the list, the icon appears in front of it.

   314

   	Click in this column opposite the variable to start tracking the change of the variable. Turned off lightbulb will appear, meaning that the variable has not yet been changed since the start of its tracking. If the value of the variable is changed (by a command or by a user), the bulb will ”light up”:
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