CADtools 7 User Guide
CADtools 7 User Guide
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CADtools 7
hot door
USER GUIDE
Table of Contents
This user guide is designed for use as a product tutorial or reference guide, with topics organized to follow the process of a typical project. When printing this user guide, please save paper by printing 2 pages per sheet. Also visit hotdoor.com for in-depth of contentsanimations. Table tutorials with tool
About CADtools 7............................................................5 Core features of CADtools 7............................................. 6 About Hot Door ..............................................................7 Updating or installing ....................................................8 Personalizing .................................................................9 Registration & technical support ..................................... 9 Working with older versions of Illustrator ..................... 10 Overview of the interface ........................................ 11-12 Setting up the document CADdocument panel with scale ......................... 13-16 CADguides panel ................................................... 17 Numeric input ...................................................... 18 2D CAD drawing tools .............................................. 19-24 CAD wall tools ......................................................... 25-31 Dimensioning control CADtext panel .................................................. 32-34 CADstyle panel ...................................................... 35 Automation: CADshortcuts Presets ............................................................ 36-37 Global interface control......................................... 37 Automatic dimensioning ....................................... 37 2D dimensioning tools ............................................. 38-48 Labeling CADlabels panel .................................................... 49 Label tools ....................................................... 50-56 Construction tools - title blocks and tables ............... 57-59 2D CAD editing Precision measuring with CADtracker Geometry ..................................................... 60 Transform .................................................... 61 Area Transform............................................. 62 Move ............................................................ 62 Repeat.......................................................... 63 2D CAD editing tools ........................................ 64-69 Isometric drawing CADisometric panel .......................................... 70-72 Isometric drawing tools ................................... 73-76 Isometric dimensioning tools ................................. 77-83 Quick reference ...................................................... 84-86 Advanced topics ..................................................... 87-89 Index .................................................................... 90-91
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hot door
http://www.hotdoor.com/ phone: 949-464-0300 fax: 949-464-0301 email: [email protected] 2010 Hot Door, Inc. PO Box 5220 Laguna Beach, CA 92652
HOT DOOR LICENSE AGREEMENT 2010 Hot Door, Inc. This manual, as well as the software described in it, is provided under license and may not be copied by any means without written consent of Hot Door except in accordance with the terms of the license. The existing artwork may be protected under copyright law and unauthorized use of this artwork could violate the rights of the original author. Hot Door, the Hot Door logo, CADtools, the CADtools logo are trademarks of Hot Door, Inc. Adobe and Adobe Illustrator are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems, Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Apple, Macintosh, and Power Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. HOT DOOR DOES NOT AND CANNOT WARRANT THAT THE SOFTWARE IS FREE FROM ALL BUGS, ERRORS AND OMISSIONS. HOT DOOR MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND PERFORMANCE OF THE SOFTWARE IS ASSUMED BY YOU. HOT DOOR OR ITS SUPPLIERS WILL IN NO EVENT BE LIABLE TO YOU FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INDIRECT DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS OR LOST SAVINGS, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THE SOFTWARE, EVEN IF HOT DOOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY THIRD PARTY. Because some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitations may not apply to you.
About CADtools 7
Welcome to Hot Door CADtools, a full-featured CAD plugin for Adobe Illustrator CS3, CS4 and CS5. CADtools offers an easy and elegant solution for designers who need the precision of CAD within the flexible, creative environment of Adobe Illustrator.
Shari Cheves, President Brendon Cheves Lead Software Engineer Garrett Walbridge & Jeff Winters Support Engineers
On Windows
1. If you are currently running Adobe Illustrator, quit the application. 2. If you have downloaded CADtools online, the file will be zipped. Double-click CADtools6.zip to unzip it. 3. Double-click Install Hot Door CADtools.exe. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the file named CADtools into the Adobe Illustrator > Plug-ins > Tools folder. 4. When you launch the Adobe Illustrator application again, a CADtools Personalization dialog will appear. If you have purchased an upgrade, enter the new CADtools 7 upgrade serial number, and then enter the CADtools 4, 5 or 6 serial number when prompted. If you have a full version, enter the new CADtools 7 full version serial number. 5. If you plan to use Illustrator with older CADtools files, please follow instructions on page 10, "Converting CADtools files with Legacy Text." After you have installed CADtools, you can always check to see if you have the latest version by selecting Window > CADtools > Check for Updates...
Hot Tip!
If you ever need to reinstall CADtools, just download the demo version from the CADtools > Demos section of the Hot Door Web site at www.hotdoor.com.
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Personalization: If you have purchased a full version of CADtools 7, enter your CADtools serial number (with a format XXX-X-X-#-XXXXXXXXXXX) and click OK. If you have purchased multiple licenses, you may enter your multi-license serial number. Illustrator will open and you will see some of the tools belonging to CADtools in the toolbox. The CADtools icons have red point markings. If you wish to use the demo version of CADtools, click the Demo button. CADtools will function for an unlimited time period but limits your drawing and dimensioning to 1:3 scale with access to only the top tool in six of the eight tool groups. The labels are limited to a curved leader and a circular border, and all label values will read "Demo." If you wish to purchase the full version of CADtools, click the Purchase button to launch the Hot Door Web site and store. Registration: To be eligible for free technical support, information on upgrades, and other special offers, please register your copy of CADtools online at: http://www.hotdoor.com (if you purchased CADtools directly from Hot Door, you are already registered) Technical support online: As a registered user, you are entitled to free email or phone technical support. Choose Window > CADtools > Technical Support to link directly to the tech support web page. Online tutorial: Choose Window > CADtools > Getting Started... to link directly to the online CADtools tutorial. Technical support by phone in California: 1-888-236-9540 Get fast and friendly help from real people, toll-free.
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2) Click Update when prompted 3) Open the CADstyle panel 4) Immediately select all artwork 5) Click Update links in the CADstyle panel Artwork should update and retain live dimensions. Make any necessary changes with CADtools artwork after you have updated links.
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Nine CADtools panels are accessible from the Window menu. You can also directly access useful CADtools web pages for tutorials, tech support, and updates.
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CADisometric Controls isometric/axonometric angles and allows one-click projection and flattening of artwork between 2D and isometric views CADlabels Sets the appearance of labels and options for automatic labeling including custom text, alpha or numeric increments, and object geometry data
CADshortcuts Loads and saves CADtools panel settings as presets, globally sets CAD units and precision settings, and applies automatic dimensioning with options CADstyles CADtext CADtracker Sets the appearance of dimensions, including size of arrowheads and witness lines Controls the text options for all CADtools dimensions and labels Displays geometric data for CADtools artwork (including location, length, perimeter, and area), transforms objects/area in scale, moves objects in scale, and repeats objects in scale Sets the thickness of walls and how they are measured (from inside, center or outside)
CADwalls
You can dock or stack CADtools panels just as you would handle other Illustrator panels. To add a CADtools panel to the icon dock in Illustrator, click and drag the title to the dock.
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Note about live dimensions: Dimensions that have been created with 'Create live dimensions' checked will automatically update with changes in scale and appearance. Dimensions that have been created with this option unchecked cannot ever be live. To automatically unlink the dimensions from their objects, ungroup the dimensions. Always ungroup dimensions prior to copying them into new documents. If you need to duplicate an object with live dimensions, copy and paste the object with its dimensions using menu items or key commands. Do NOT option-drag live dimensions to copy them, as they may not update properly.
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To delete a custom scale, first select the scale in the Scale popout menu and then choose Remove Custom Scale from the popout menu in the CADdocument panel.
Note about drawing with scale: Since scale affects only CADtools drawing, editing, labeling and dimensioning tools, remember to use the CADrulers, CADgrids, and CADtracker to monitor your values in scale. Object artwork is not affected by changes in scale - only dimensions and measurements are affected by scale. Changing scale does not resize artwork.
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In Step 1 of the Scale Calculator dialog, the selected object's real dimensions are displayed in terms of width and height. Choose the object width or height as the reference value, then enter a desired actual value on the right.
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Hot Tip! Use both CADtools full screen cursors and Adobe Illustrator Smart Guides to create, edit, and transform objects with precision. Choose Illustrator > View > Smart Guides. CADtools full screen cursors are helpful in creating CADtools objects only. Adobe Illustrator's Smart Guides help you create objects outside of CADtools and move any artwork on the document with snapping alignment. For optimal precision and control when creating or manipulating artwork, try CADtools full screen cursors, Illustrator Smart Guides, CADtracker, CADgrids and CADrulers.
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CAD Rectangle - Click and drag to create the shape. CAD Centered Rectangle - Click and drag. CAD Ellipse - Click and drag to create the shape. CAD Centered Ellipse - Click and drag. CAD 3-point Circle - Click three points to create the circle. CAD Arc by Radius - Click origin point, then click and drag another point to define the endpoint and radius of the arc. Click the second point without dragging to input values numerically. CAD Arc by Points - Click origin point, then click and drag another point to define the endpoints and curvature of the arc. Click the second point without dragging to input values numerically. CAD Line - Click and drag to create the line. Click and drag from the endpoint of a line path to continue the line. Shift-alt/ option drag to create isometric lines. Shift-drag to constrain to 45 angles. Control-drag after starting the line to constrain the line to the current angle. Click once with this tool on the document to enter line values numerically, including rise and run. Double-click the CAD Line tool icon to define settings that automatically connect paths and draw only at constrained angles. Tangent & Perpendicular Line - Click a curved path or ellipse and drag out to create a constrained line that is tangent or perpendicular to the path. Offset - Click a path and drag to create a scaled offset at the distance displayed while dragging. Scale is defined in the CADdocument panel and displayed units are defined the CADtracker panel.
Hot Tip! CADtools snapping, full screen cursors are helpful in creating CADtools objects. Select Show full screen and Snap to objects at the bottom of the CADguides panel.
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Select the CAD Centered Rectangle tool and place the cursor at the desired center of the rectangle. Click and drag from the center of the rectangle to the edge. Hold down the shift key while dragging to create a square.
CAD Ellipse
Select the CAD Ellipse tool and place the cursor at the desired center of the ellipse. Click and drag from one edge of the ellipse to the opposite edge. Hold down the shift key while dragging to create a circle. Note: To quickly toggle between Ellipse and Centered ellipse, use the alt/option key. To numerically create an ellipse in scale, click once with the CAD Ellipse or Centered Ellipse tool.
Select the CAD Centered Ellipse tool and place the cursor at the desired center of the ellipse. Click and drag from the center of the ellipse to the edge. Hold down the shift key while dragging to create a circle.
Select the CAD 3-point Circle tool and click three points to define the boundary of the desired circle. Any circle can be defined by three points.
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first click
Select the CAD Arc (by Points) tool and position the cursor where you want the arc to begin. If this is an anchor point, the cursor will change to ( ). Click the mouse button once and release the mouse button. Position the cursor where you want the arc to end. Click and drag back and forth to create the arc. Hold down the control key while you are dragging to create the opposite arc. To numerically create an arc (by points) to scale: 1) Click once where you want the arc to begin 2) Click once where you want the arc to end 3) Enter the values and units for the arc radius
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For persistent constrained lines, double-click the CAD Line tool and set the angle of constraint in the CAD Line Settings dialog. All lines will constrain to this angle and its opposite angle. The shift key will still constrain line angles to increments of 45. For dynamically constrained lines, double-click the CAD Line tool, uncheck the Constrain setting in the CAD Line Settings dialog, and select OK. Then select the CAD Line tool and start dragging a line at any angle. To constrain that angle, hold down the control key after dragging.
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Offset
To offset any path, select the Offset tool and position the cursor over the path. When the ( ) cursor appears, click and drag in the direction you want the offset to appear. The offset distance will appear as you drag the offset. The distance will be a scaled value using the scale set in the CADdocument panel, and the units set in the CADtracker panel. Click once on a path without dragging to access the numeric input dialog box to numerically create the offset in scale.
.25 cm
To see offset distance while dragging, check Show info while dragging in the CADtracker panel. Some shapes will not be able to offset beyond a certain distance without distortion.
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To add a new section, click the side of the wall and drag out, or click once to create the wall section numerically. To view wall measurements while dragging, make sure you have checked Show info while dragging in the CADtracker panel.
CADwalls cannot create complete enclosures, so be sure to leave openings while drawing spaces 26
to create a corner on a wall, click on the end of the wall (not the corner points) and drag to either side
If you have selected measure to the inside, additional wall segments will be joined like this:
If you have selected measure to the middle, additional wall segments will be joined like this:
If you have selected measure to the outside, additional wall segments will be joined like this:
Click and drag on the document to create a wall, or click once to access the numeric input dialog box to numerically create a wall.
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Remove Wall
To remove a wall, select the Remove Wall tools and position the cursor over the path of the wall that you want to remove. When the ( ) cursor appears, click to remove the wall extension. Note: Walls can only be removed if they are not joined to any dependent wall sections.
Hot Tip!
To obtain the area of a space inside walls, use the CAD Rectangle or Line tool to create a closed shape over the area. View the area in the CADtracker panel.
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primary wall
dependent wall
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A door will be created independently of the CADwall with grouped lines and objects that can be edited with Illustrator's selection tools. To delete the door, simply select it and click the delete button. If you are prompted that there is not enough space available for the door, try the following steps: 1. If you are click-dragging on the wall to position the door, drag along with wall until you see the door preview. You may need to drag along the other side of the wall to see the preview. The door cannot be inserted until there is enough space for it to swing open. 2. Check the thickness of the CADwall. The thickness of your walls are set in the CADwalls panel under Window > CADtools > Show CADwalls. If the thickness (in scale) is too small for the width of the door, it cannot be created. 3. Click once on the CADwall line to view the Door Insertion Settings. Make sure your door width setting is reasonable for the size of the wall.
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A window will be created independently of the CADwall with grouped lines and objects that can be edited with Illustrator's selection tools. To delete the window, simply select it and click the delete button. If you are prompted that there is not enough space available for the window, try the following steps: 1. Check the thickness of the CADwall. The thickness of your walls are set in the CADwalls panel under Window > CADtools > Show CADwalls. If the thickness (in scale) is too small for the width of the window, it cannot be created. 2. Click once on the CADwall line to view the Window Insertion Settings. Make sure your window width setting is reasonable for the size of the wall.
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Under the Dimension text placement section, adjust location of text, and spacing for the dimension value. Use the icons to set the location of dimension text inline or above line for horizontal, vertical, and inclined dimensions Enter a value for text distance above the dimension line (see sample on next page) Adjust the spacing between the dimension line and text with the Inline spacing slider Check Free sliding text to adjust the placement of the dimension inside the dimension line while dragging (use the control key while dragging to snap the dimension to center) Diameter or radius symbols can appear before or after dimension text Choose to show Isometric text as flat or projected with artwork
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Under the Primary dimension value section, set the units, precision and tolerance for dimensions. Set units, precision, and tolerance for dimension measurement values. Check Append to show the units after the dimension value. Select the ( ) option in the CADtext panel to show reference dimensions within parentheses (as approximations). If Dual dimensions is checked, dimensions will have an upper and lower value, useful in displaying measurement in two different forms. An additional section will appear called Lower dimension value. Set units, precision, and tolerance for the lower dual dimension value.
3.881
No options selected
3 cm
Precision set to 0
3.881 cm
Append selected
3.881 cm 1.528"
Dual dimension selected
(3.881 cm)
( ) selected 34
2.71 cm
Leader length
Appended unit
3.53 cm
Dimension line Witness lines 35
Witness line extension Text distance above line (CADtext) Dimension lines snap distance Witness line gap
Automation: CADshortcuts
The CADshortcuts panel easily controls CADtools panel settings (except scale) and applies CADtools dimensions automatically. CADtools panel settings can be changed with either Presets or Global interface control. Presets are saved invisibly into a file called 'CADpresets.' This file is located on Mac inside ~/Library /Application Support/Adobe. On Windows XP CADpresets is located in C:\Documents and Settings/yourusername/ Application Data/Adobe/CADpresets. On Windows 7 and Vista CADpresets is located in C:\Users\yourusername\AppData\ Roaming\Adobe
Define presets for all CADtools panel settings. Load or edit them into new documents. Presets are saved invisibly into a CADpresets file. Apply units and precision to all CADtools panels with the Apply buttons
Apply dimensions to all objects on the document or selected artwork by clicking the Document or Selection buttons. Choose types of dimensions from the linear and radial dimension checkboxes.
Once you have made adjustments to all of your CADtools panels, you can Define your CADtools settings by clicking the Define... button inside CADshortcuts.
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Choose from the radio buttons to change artwork to reflect the preset settings. You can experiment by loading Basic Architecture and Basic Engineering presets that come with CADtools. Notice how settings such as terminator appearance, units, and precision will change inside the CADtools panels. To rename or delete a preset, click the Edit button and select an existing preset. Click Rename or Delete to rename or delete the preset.
To define units for all CADtools panels, set the Units menu and click Apply. To define a precision for all CADtools panels, set the Precision menu and click Apply.
Automatic dimensions
To apply dimensions to your document or selected artwork, first use the checkboxes at the bottom of the CADshortcuts palette to select the type of linear or radial dimensions. Select Crosshairs to show circle center marks. To apply the settings to all objects in the document, select the Document button. To apply settings to all selected objects, select the Selection button.
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2D dimensioning tools
Horizontal Dimension (by Line) - Click and drag out any horizontal segment to dimension the horizontal distance between two anchor points. Horizontal Dimension (by Points) - Click multiple points anywhere on the document and drag to dimension their horizontal distances. Horizontal Datum Dimension - Click a point of origin, then click multiple points and drag to dimension the horizontal distances from the origin. Vertical Dimension (by Line) - Click and drag any vertical segment to dimension the vertical distance between two anchor points. Vertical Dimension (by Points) - Click multiple points anywhere on the document and drag to dimension their vertical distances. Vertical Datum Dimension - Click a point of origin, then click multiple points and drag to dimension their vertical distances from the origin. Inclined Dimension (by Line) - Click and drag any inclined segment to dimension the inclined distance between two anchor points. Inclined Dimension (by Points) - Click multiple points anywhere on the document and drag to dimension their inclined distances. Inclined Datum Dimension - Click a point of origin, then click multiple points and drag to dimension their inclined distances from the origin. Angle Dimension - Click a line of origin, then click and drag a nonparallel line to dimension the angle between the lines. Arc Length Dimension - Click a point of origin on a circular arc, then click and drag another point on the same arc to dimension the length along the arc between the points. Diameter Dimension - Click and drag a point on a circle to dimension its diameter. Radius Dimension - Click and drag a point on a circle to dimension its radius. Fillet Radius Dimension - Click and drag directly over an arc or fillet to display the radius of the arc or fillet at the cursor location. Bzier Curvature Dimension - Click and drag directly over a curved line to display the radius of the curve at the cursor location. Tangent Dimension - Click and drag directly over a curved line to display the tangent of the curve at the cursor location. Use alt/option key to display the normal line. Use shift to diplay the normal and tangent lines. Use control to toggle normal placement. Center line - Click and drag to create the line. Object center - Click within an object to mark the center of its bounding box.
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To change the datum dimension terminator to a JIS terminator, check Chain datum and JIS terminator in the CADstyle panel. Note about changing tools: To quickly toggle between Horizontal Datum Dimension and Vertical Datum Dimension tools, use the alt/option key.
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Vertical Dimension (by Points) The Vertical Dimension (by Points) tool will dimension the vertical distance between multiple points. You can define the location of these points anywhere on your document. Select the Vertical Dimension (by Points) tool and position the cursor at one end of the vertical distance you want to dimension. If this is an anchor point, the cursor will change to ( ) . Then click the mouse button once and release the mouse button. Position the cursor at the next point along the vertical distance you want to dimension. Continue clicking on points along the vertical distance until you have reached the last point to dimension. Then click the last point and drag to position the dimension line. Use the shift key while dragging to place the dimension line at a set distance from the object. The offset increment value is set in the Snap field in the Dimension lines panel of the CADstyle panel. Note about changing tools: To quickly toggle between Vertical Dimension (by Points) and Horizontal Dimension (by Points), use the alt/option key.
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The Inclined Dimension (by Line) tool will dimension angled or inclined line segments. A line segment is a path between two anchor points in Illustrator. Select the Inclined Dimension (by Line) tool and position the cursor over the inclined line you want to dimension. When the ( ) cursor appears, click the line and drag to position the dimension line. Use the shift key while dragging to place the dimension line at a set distance from the object. The offset increment value is set in the Snap field in the Dimension lines panel of the CADstyle panel.
The Inclined Dimension (by Points) tool will dimension the inclined, absolute distance between multiple points along any axis. You can define the location of these points anywhere on your document. Select the Inclined Dimension (by Points) tool and position the cursor at one end of the inclined distance you want to dimension. If this is an anchor point, the cursor will change to ( ). Then click the mouse button once and release the mouse button. Position the cursor at the opposite end of the inclined distance you want to dimension. If this is an anchor point, the cursor will change to ( ). Then click and drag to position the dimension line. Use the shift key while dragging to place the dimension line at a set distance from the object. The offset increment value is set in the Snap field in the Dimension lines panel of the CADstyle panel. Note about dimensioning on inclines: To prevent errors in measuring nonlinear inclined segments, the inclined chain dimension tool will only measure multiple segments contained within a reasonable angle.
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The Arc Length Dimension tool will dimension the length of a circular arc or circle defined by any two points on the circular arc or circle. Position the cursor over the arc or circle where the arc length dimension will begin. When the ( ) or ( ) cursor appears, click once on the arc or circle. Then position the cursor over the arc or circle where the arc length dimension will end. When the ( ) or ( ) cursor appears, click on the arc and drag to position the arc length dimension line. Hold down the control key while you are dragging to dimension the opposite arc length. Note about dimensioning lengths along curves: The Arc Length Dimension tool works only on circular arcs or circles. To retrieve the length between two points along a Bezier curve, copy the segment with the direct selection tool, paste, and use the CADtracker panel to view the length of the Bezier segment in scale. If necessary, use the Illustrator Add Anchor Point tool to add points along the Bezier curve for measuring.
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Radius Dimension
Select the Radius Dimension tool and position the cursor over the path of a circle. When the ( ) cursor appears, click and drag to position the radius dimension. Hold down the shift key while dragging to constrain the tool to multiples of 45. Hold down the control key while you are dragging to toggle the placement of the radius dimension text. Note about changing tools: To quickly toggle between radius dimension and diameter dimension, use the alt/option key.
Click and drag directly over an arc or fillet to display the radius of the arc or fillet at the cursor location. When the ( ) cursor appears, click and drag to position the fillet radius dimension. Hold down the alt/option key while dragging to constrain the tool to the center of the radius. Hold down the control key while you are dragging to toggle the placement of the fillet radius dimension text.
1.00 cm
1.00 cm
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Tangent Dimension
The Tangent Dimension tool will automatically display the tangent line at any point along on a Bzier curve. Select the Tangent Dimension tool and position the cursor directly over a Bzier curve. When the ( ) cursor appears, click and drag along the Bzier curve. While you are dragging along the curved path, you will see a tangent line at every point. To create the tangent line, release the mouse button at that point. Use alt/option key to display the tangent's normal. Use control to toggle normal placement.
Hot Tip!
To dimension type, convert type to outlines with the Create Outlines command in Adobe Illustrator. Or use the dimension by points tools to measure between any points on the document.
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Hot Tip!
To place a center line over a shape, first click the object with the circle center tool. Then select the center line tool and drag over one of the circle center lines.
Object Center
Select the Object Center tool and position the cursor over the path of an object. When the ( ) cursor appears, click once and release the mouse button. Hold down the alt/option key while clicking to create a smaller object center mark. Use the object center tool to find the center of any shape or path. The center is determined by the invisible bounding box enclosing the artwork. To apply object centers to text, create outlines before applying the Object Center tool.
with the alt/option key click on an object path
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Control label line appearance by choosing a label style icon Change label leader length Set label border shapes Adjust tightness of the label border Stretch shapes to fit to automatically resize label borders to fit around custom text or numbers Set format to ABC or 123 incremental, Geometry or Custom text format, with options for these formats appearing at the bottom of the CADlabels panel. Custom text can be set to be automatically selected after creating the label, making text input easier. The value for the custom text can be a fixed value in the Text field. leader length
Text
stretched shape to fit border tightness multiple line labels
Text
not stretched to fit
Note about multiple line labels: To create multiple line labels, click two or more points, then drag to make the label.
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Labeling: Tools
Label tool - Click and drag to create a label using the format settings in the CADlabels panel - ABC incremental, 123 incremental, Geometry or Custom text. If Custom text is selected, labels will be created with your own definable default text, selectable for easy editing. Datum feature - Click and drag to create the label. Datum target - Click and drag to create the label. Datum flag - Click and drag to create the label. Revision bubble - Click an object line, or click and drag to create the label. Section line - Click and drag to create the line. Use the CADstyle panel to make the section line double weight and appear with the prime symbol. Live labels: If you have created 'live' labels (by checking Create live dimensions in the CADdocument panel), you can adjust the length and angle of the label while maintaining the link to its artwork. Each CADtools label is automatically linked to a point created at the base of each label. To adjust the angle or extension of each label while retaining the link to its location point, use the CADtools Dimension Resize tool. If you want to move the entire label, be sure to select the linked point at the tip of the arrowhead before moving. If you do not include the linked point, the live label will relocate to the original location point when updated. Click Update Links in the CADstyle panel to update live labels after changing their settings, locations or their linked object location. To prevent labels from linking to points or objects, uncheck Create live dimensions in the CADdocument panel, or ungroup the labels. If you edit text of custom text labels or any other labels, you must select a new tool or Update links to preserve changes.
A A
a live Label or Revision bubble placed on an object will be linked to that object and update when moved
an invisible linking point at the base of each live label determines the label location when updated 50
Labeling: Tools
Label tool
The CADlabels tool draws labels according to settings in the CADlabels panel. Four different formats create labels which can increment alphabetically or numerically, generate object geometry information, and display custom text. To change the value of incremental labels, change the format to Custom text or edit the label text with Illustrator's Type tool. Text changes will be saved with the label. Format: ABC Incremental - If ABC Incremental is selected as the CADlabel format, the Label tool will create character labels which automatically increment according to the text settings in the CADlabels panel. To create an incremental label, first use the CADlabels panel to set the appearance of the label line, label shape, border tightness, and the letter of the next incremental label you plan to draw. Then select the Label tool and position the cursor where you want the label terminator to end. Click and drag to position the incremental label. Hold down the shift key while dragging to constrain the tool to multiples of 45. Hold down the control key while you are dragging to toggle the placement of the label text.
click and drag and the letter or number will increment according to the CADlabels panel
Use the After Z menu to change how alphabet labels will change in value after Z Set the value of the next alphabet label in the Next field 51
Use the Numbers menu to determine if incremental number labels will show all, even, or odd values Set the value of the next number label in the Next field
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Width: 0.500" Perimeter: 2.000" Area: 0.250" sq Using CADtracker Geometry values and units as defined in the CADtext panel under Primary dimension value X: Horizontal distance of top left corner of object from ruler origin Y: Vertical distance of top left corner of object from ruler origin Width: Horizontal width of artwork Height: Vertical height of artwork Length: Total distance along path(s) Perimeter: Total distance around closed path(s) Area: Total area inside closed path(s) or inside compound path(s). Area calculations will not be accurate for compound paths which overlap or compound paths which are projected in axonometric view
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Use the Select menu to determine if the default text will be selected or not selected after the label is created Enter text in the Text field if you want to create labels with the same custom text value
Use the CADtools Dimension Resize tool to select and adjust the angle of the label without moving its hidden linking point.
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click and drag and the letter or number will increment according to the CADlabels panel
Datum Target 1 A
To create a datum target, select the Datum Target tool and position the cursor where you want the terminator to end. Click and drag to position the datum target. Hold down the shift key while dragging to constrain the tool to multiples of 45. Hold down the control key while you are dragging to toggle the placement of the label text. The datum target will always be created with 1 and A text. To adjust the angle of the label while maintaining the link to its artwork, use the CADtools Dimension Resize tool to select and adjust the label. To change the text, use the Illustrator text tool to select and edit the type.
click and drag and the letter or number will increment according to the CADlabels panel 55
To create a datum flag, first use the CADlabels panel to set the letter or number of the next datum flag you plan to draw. Then select the Datum Flag tool and position the cursor where you want the terminator to end. Click and drag to position the datum feature. Hold down the shift key while dragging to constrain the tool to multiples of 45. Hold down the control key while you are dragging to toggle the placement of the label text.
Section Line
To create a section line, first use the CADlabels panel to set the letter or number of the next section line you plan to draw. To automatically double the stroke weight of the section line, check the Double section weight option in the CADstyle panel. To automatically add a prime symbol to the section line text, check the Prime section option in the CADstyle panel. Select the Section Line tool and position the cursor where you want the beginning of the line to appear. Click and drag to position the line, then release the mouse button to create the line. Hold down the shift key while dragging to constrain the tool to multiples of 45. To toggle the direction of the section line label, hold down the control key while dragging.
A
click and drag
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Construction tools
Title block tool - Click or click-drag desired area to enter values for creating a custom title block with drawing information. Table tool - Click or click-drag desired area to enter values for a table with specified rows, columns, lines, title and text placeholders.
1 2 3 4
Title: Clone House Date: August 1, 2010 Drawn by: Jed I. Master Page: 37 Scale: 1/4" = 1' sample title block
Table Title
Placeholder Placeholder Placeholder Placeholder Placeholder Placeholder Placeholder Placeholder Placeholder Placeholder
sample table
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Geometry
The Geometry section displays width, height, circumference, perimeter, area, angle, and line length of objects - including points and placed images.
Using CADtracker Geometry while you are drawing... X: Horizontal distance of cursor from the ruler origin Y: Vertical distance of cursor from the ruler origin W: Horizontal width of the artwork H: Vertical height of the artwork Angle between the first click point and the curent mouse location Length: Distance between the first click point and current mouse location Radius: Radius of circle or arc Diameter: Diameter of circle Perimeter: Distance around a path Circumference: Distance around a circular path Arc Length: Distance around the circular arc between two endpoints you have defined Area: Area of rectangles, ellipses and arc (show area in acres using CADtracker popout menu)
Using CADtracker Geometry with artwork selected... X: Horizontal distance of top left corner of object from the ruler origin Y: Vertical distance of top left corner of object from the ruler origin W: Horizontal width of artwork H: Vertical height of artwork Length: Total distance along path(s) Perimeter: Total distance around closed path(s) Area: Total area inside closed path(s) or inside compound path(s). Area calculations will not be accurate for compound paths which overlap or compound paths which are projected in axonometric view: accurate area inaccurate area
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Select an object or set of objects and enter values in the Transform panel (you can enter digits with up to five decimal places in text boxes). To change an objects horizontal location, enter a value in the X text box. To change an objects vertical location, enter a value in the Y text box. To change the width of a selections bounding box, enter a value in the W text box. To change the height of a selections bounding box, enter a value in the H text box. To rotate a selection, enter a new angle between 0 and 360 degrees in the Angle text box, or choose a value from the popup menu. To Constrain proportions of the transformed object, check Constrain. To select the reference point from which you are modifying the selection, click a handle on the square representing the objects bounding box. Click the Transform button to transform the selected objects. Click the Copy button to make a transformed copy of the artwork.
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Tranform
Move
CADtracker's Move section allows you to numerically move a selected object in scale.
Select points or objects and enter options in the Move panel (you can enter digits with up to five decimal places in text boxes). To move an object along the horizontal axis, enter a value in the X text box. To move an object along the vertical axis, enter a value in the Y text box. To move an object a distance along a rotated axis, first enter a value in the Distance text box. Enter a value for the rotation of axis in the angle text box, or choose a value from the popup menu. Click the Move button to move the selected points or objects. Click the Move button again to continue moving the objects as needed. Click the Copy button to make a copy of the artwork and move it.
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Select an object and enter options in the Repeat panel. To duplicate objects on a vertical path, enter the number of Rows in the Rows text box. Use the directional arrows to repeat up or down and left or right. To create space between the rows of duplicated objects, enter the actual value in the Space text box on the right of the Rows text box. The artwork will be created according to the scale set in your CADdocument panel. To duplicate objects on a horizontal path, enter the number of Columns in the Cols text box. To create space between the columns of duplicated objects, enter the actual value in the Space text box on the right of the Columns text box. The artwork will be created according to the scale set in your CADdocument panel. Use the Between menu to set the spacing between edges or centers of the selected objects. Click the Repeat button to repeat the selected objects.
Hot Tip!
Moving objects is easy with Adobe Illustrator's Smart guides. Choose View > Smart Guides while working with CADtracker, CADgrids and CADrulers for optimal precision and control when manipulating artwork.
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Dimension Resize - Click and drag a dimension to change the distance from the object it measures. Fillet - Click on a line segment near a corner, then click anywhere on the adjacent segment and enter the fillet radius in the dialog box. Use the alt/option key while clicking to create additional fillets with the same radius. Chamfer - Click on a line segment near a corner, then click on the adjacent segment and enter the chamfer offsets from the corner in the dialog box. Use the alt/option key while clicking to create additional chamfers with the same offsets. Trim - Click the excess portion of one of two intersecting lines to remove it, or click on a line to remove the distance to its closest endpoint. Extend - Click on a line, then click on any line or object which can be intersected by an extension of the line to extend it. Path Divider - Click on a path, then choose from options in the Path Divider dialog box to divide and/or mark the path into measured segments with points or crosshairs. Measure Scale - Click the first point from which to measure and drag to define the scaled distance. In the custom scale dialog box that appears, enter a scaled distance that represents the actual distance you dragged. The document scale will change based on this new equation, and the new scale will be added to the CADdocument Scale popup menu. Measure Distance - Click any point and drag to another point. The distance between the two points will appear on the screen in the units defined in the CADtracker panel. Proportion - Click on any object, then click on a second object. Select resize to width or height or constrain proportions. The first object will resize to match the proportions of the second. If multiple objects are selected but ungrouped, you may click on one of the objects to define it as the key object; the rest of the selected artwork will follow to match the proportions of the second clicked object.
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2.90 cm
Fillet
The Fillet tool allows you to create a fillet between two intersecting lines or a corner. The fillet radius is defined by the last value used in the numeric input dialog box. Select the Fillet tool and position the cursor over one of two intersecting lines which you plan to fillet. When the ( ) cursor appears, click once on the line, then position the cursor over the second intersecting line. When the ( ) cursor appears, click once on the second line to open the numeric input dialog box. Enter the fillet radius value to create the radius.
first click
second click
Note for creating multiple fillets: To automatically create additional fillets with the same radii, use the alt/option key while clicking on the adjacent line. Note for dimensioning: Dimensions will not update properly if an object is filleted after dimensions are applied. Be sure to fillet objects before adding dimensions.
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chamfer offset
Select the Chamfer tool and position the cursor over one of two intersecting lines which you intend to first chamfer. When the ( ) cursor appears, click once click second on the line, then position the cursor over the second intersecting line. When the ( ) cursor appears, click click once on the second line to open the numeric input dialog box. Enter the chamfer offset values to create the chamfer. Note for creating multiple chamfers: To automatically create additional chamfers with the same values, use the alt/option key while clicking on the adjacent line.
Trim
The Trim tool will automatically delete the excess portion of an intersecting path or the distance between the click point and the closest endpoint. For intersecting paths, select the Trim tool and position the cursor over the excess portion of the line. When the ( ) cursor appears, click once on the line to remove the distance to the intersection. For nonintersecting paths, select the Trim tool and click the path where you want to trim it. To trim multiple lines at once, select the Trim tool and click-drag over the excess portions of lines to trim. They will trim to the nearest intersecting line or at the click-drag point if there is no intersection. Note about trimming: To create trim points along the path without deleting the artwork, double-click the Trim tool and set the tool preferences.
drag over a set of lines to trim their excess or portions to the nearest intersection
The Extend tool will automatically extend a path to meet another path. Select the Extend tool and position the cursor over the path you want to extend. When the ( ) cursor appears, click once on the path, then click the path to which you want to extend. Note: The two paths must be able to intersect.
Path Divider
The Path Divider tool allows you to precisely divide a path in sections or in specified increments from beginning, middle or end. Divisions can be marked with anchor points and crosshairs and cut into paths. Select the Path Divider tool and click on the path you want to divide. Use the dialog box to set the options for division.
Measure Scale
click and drag the distance from which to measure
The Measure Scale tool allows you to set a custom scale based on a representative actual distance. Measure Scale works much like a legend on a map. Select the Measure Scale tool and click the first point from which to measure. Drag to define the scaled distance. In the custom scale dialog box that appears, enter a scaled distance that represents the actual distance you dragged. The current scale will change based on this new equation, and the new custom scale will be added to the CADdocument Scale popup menu.
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Proportion
The Proportion tool allows you to resize an object to another object's width, height, or all aspects with optional constrained proportions. Select the Proportion tool and click a point on one of the objects. Click any point on the second object. In the Proportion dialog box, select Resize to width or height. If you select both, you do not need to constrain proportions. The first object will resize to match the proportions of the second.
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If the selected objects to resize are grouped, then the objects will resize together to fit the proportions of the second object as shown.
1. Click one key object in the selected, ungrouped set - the "A" as shown
If the selected objects to resize are ungrouped, then the proportion will resize the objects together, but to fit only the clicked object into the second object as shown.
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select the lock to unlock the view and rotate the cube icon to change how isometric art appears on the document
Isometric projection - To project 2D artwork on to isometric planes, first draw artwork flat inside Adobe Illustrator. Dimensions can also be projected with the artwork. For creating 3-sided object views, draw top, front, and side in this arrangement:
TOP FRONT
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SIDE
side/right
click the face on the cube icon in the CADisometric panel to project artwork on that plane
bottom
Note: If you want the artwork to project on the same plane, remember to group the artwork before projecting. Ungrouped artwork
projected
Grouped artwork
projected
Note: If you ungroup artwork that was projected as a group, the artwork will not be live or able to flatten. Once you've projected artwork with the CADisometric panel, you can adjust the view angles to change the artwork's appearance. First, unlock the cube icon by clicking on the lock icon. Then click and drag to rotate the cube icon to freely change the appearance of projected shapes on your document. Or you can numerically adjust the angles of projection with the 2D and 3D fields in the CADisometric panel.
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Hot Tip!
To save time, start with a simple isometric cube and use it to set your desired view angles before creating isometric artwork. Then lock the view in the CADisometric panel to prevent changes. Isometric drawing - You can easily create isometric vector artwork with CADtools isometric drawing tools. The cube icon in the CADisometric panel indicates the face you are drawing. The default face is the front/left side. Drag with cmd/cntrl to create side/ right side. Drag with alt/option to create top/bottom sides. You will also see helpful cursor hints for snapping and alignment. For example, when the top corner of the side face aligns with the top of the front face, the cursor hint will appear - 'aligns with front.'
aligns with side aligns with front
Likewise, when you start dragging a top face from the corner point of a front or side, you will be able to see helpful cursor hints for aligning the top. When the cursor changes to ( ), you are over a corner point. The tolerance for face snapping is the same as the snap to grid tolerance in the CADguides panel.
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Use the following keys to create front, side or horizontal faces with the CADisometric drawing tools:
Front (or left side) vertical faces: No modifier key Side (right) vertical faces: Hold down the command key (Mac) or control key (Windows) after you begin dragging Top/bottom faces: Hold down the alt/option key after you begin dragging with the tool.
Isometric Rectangle - Click and drag to create the shape according to settings in the CADisometric panel. Isometric Centered Rectangle - Click and drag to create the shape from its center. Isometric Ellipse - Click and drag to create the shape. Isometric Centered Ellipse - Click and drag to create the shape from its center. Isometric Grid - Click and drag to create a grid based on the settings in the CADguides panel. Isometric Cube - Click and drag to create the front, side or top face (with control/command key for side or alt/option for top or bottom). After releasing the mouse, drag perpendicular to the side to create depth. (You do not need to hold down any modifier keys while dragging the depth of the cube.) When the desired depth is reached, click the mouse to finish creating the cube. Isometric Cylinder - Click and drag to create the front, side or top face (with control/command key for side or alt/option for top or bottom). After releasing the mouse, drag perpendicular to the side to create depth. (You do not need to hold down any modifier keys while dragging the depth of the cylinder.) When the desired depth is reached, click the mouse to finish creating the cylinder. Note: The CADguides panel allows you to view isometric grids which update with changes to the CADisometric panel.
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This tool works just like the Isometric Rectangle tool, except that the initial click point becomes the center of the isometric rectangle.
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This tools works just like the Isometric Ellipse tool, except that the initial click point becomes the center of the isometric ellipse.
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Isometric Cube
Select the Isometric Cube tool and click and drag a front, side, or top face just as you would draw an isometric rectangle. After releasing the mouse, immediately drag along the isometric angle without clicking to preview the cube depth. When the desired depth is reached, click the mouse to create the cube according to the current isometric view angle. Cubes are automatically grouped when created. Single-click on the document to create a cube numerically. The cubes central 'home point' will be placed at your click point. Note: Do not delete, undo, or choose another tool without finishing the cube or cylinder. Using undo before clicking to finish the tool may produce unexpected results.
home point
Isometric Cylinder
Select the Isometric Cylinder tool and click and drag a front, side, or top face just as you would draw an isometric ellipse. After releasing the mouse, immediately drag along the isometric angle without clicking to preview the cylinders depth. When the desired depth is reached, click the mouse to create it. The exact drag point (top or bottom) differs based upon how the cylinder was created. Cylinders are automatically grouped when created. Single-click on the document to create a cylinder numerically. The cylinder faces center point will be placed at your click point.
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Horizontal Isometric Dimension (By Line) Click and drag out any horizontal segment projected in isometric view to dimension the distance between two anchor points. Horizontal Isometric Dimension (By Points) Click multiple horizontal points in isometric view and drag to dimension the distance between two anchor points. Horizontal Isometric Datum Dimension Click a point of origin, then click multiple horizontal points in isometric view and drag to dimension the distances from the origin. Vertical Isometric Dimension (By Line) Click and drag out any vertical segment projected in isometric view to dimension the distance between two anchor points. Vertical Isometric Dimension (By Points) Click multiple vertical points in isometric view and drag to dimension the distance between two anchor points. Vertical Isometric Datum Dimension Click a point of origin, then click multiple vertical points in isometric view and drag to dimension the distances from the origin. Isometric Diameter Dimension - Click and drag a point on an isometric circle to dimension its diameter. Isometric Radius Dimension - Click and drag a point on an isometric circle to dimension its radius. Isometric Center line - Shift-click and drag to create the line in isometric view. Isometric Object center - Click on an object line to mark the center of its bounding box in isometric view.
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The Horizontal Isometric Dimension (by Line) tool will dimension horizontal line segments in isometric view. A line segment is a straight path between two anchor points in Illustrator. Select the Horizontal Isometric Dimension (by Line) tool and position the cursor over the line you want to dimension. When the ( ) cursor appears, click the horizontal line and drag to position the dimension line. Hold down the shift key while dragging to offset the dimension line in increments. The offset increment value is set in the Snap field in the Dimension lines section of the CADstyle panel. Hot Tip! Hold down the cmd/control key to create dimensions perpendicular to the isometric object.
The Horizontal Isometric Dimension (by Points) tool will dimension the horizontal distance between multiple points in isometric view. You can define the location of these points anywhere on your document. Select the Horizontal Isometric Dimension (by Points) tool and position the cursor at one end of the horizontal distance you want to dimension. If this is an anchor point, the cursor will change to ( ). Then click the mouse button once and release the mouse button. Position the cursor at the next point along the horizontal distance you want to dimension. Continue clicking on points along the horizontal distance until you have reached the last point to dimension. Then click the last point and drag to position the dimension line. Use the shift key while dragging to place the dimension line at a set distance from the object. The offset increment value is set in the Snap field in the Dimension lines section of the CADstyle panel. Hold down the control key to create dimensions perpendicular to the isometric object.
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The Vertical Isometric Dimension (by Line) tool will dimension vertical line segments in isometric view. A line segment is a path between two anchor points in Illustrator. Select the Vertical Isometric Dimension (by Line) tool and position the cursor over the line you want to dimension. When the ( ) cursor appears, click the vertical line and drag to position the dimension line. Hold down the shift key while dragging to offset the dimension line in increments. The offset increment value is set in the Snap field in the Dimension lines panel of the CADstyle panel. Hold down the control key to create dimensions perpendicular to the isometric object.
The Vertical Isometric Dimension (by Points) tool will dimension the vertical distance between multiple points in isometric view. You can define the location of these points anywhere on your document. Select the Vertical Isometric Dimension (by Points) tool and position the cursor at one end of the vertical distance you want to dimension. If this is an anchor point, the cursor will change to ( ) . Then click the mouse button once and release the mouse button. Position the cursor at the next point along the vertical distance you want to dimension. Continue clicking on points along the vertical distance until you have reached the last point to dimension. Then click the last point and drag to position the dimension line. Use the shift key while dragging to place the dimension line at a set distance from the object. The offset increment value is set in the Snap field in the Dimension lines section of the CADstyle panel. Hold down the control key to create dimensions perpendicular to the isometric object.
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Select the Isometric Diameter Dimension tool and position the cursor over the path of an isometric circle. When the ( ) cursor appears, click and drag to position the diameter dimension. Hold down the shift key while dragging to constrain the tool to isometric multiples of 45. Hold down the control key while you are dragging to toggle the placement of the diameter dimension text.
Select the Isometric Radius Dimension tool and position the cursor over the path of an isometric circle. When the ( ) cursor appears, click and drag to position the radius dimension. Hold down the shift key while dragging to constrain the tool to isometric multiples of 45. Hold down the control key while you are dragging to toggle the placement of the radius dimension text. Note: To quickly toggle between radius dimension and diameter dimension, use the alt/option key.
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Select the Isometric Object Center tool and position the cursor over the path of a circle or object. When the ( ) cursor appears, click once and release the mouse button to create the object center in isometric view.
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While you can set units for different functions globally in the CADshortcuts panel, you can set them uniquely in the panels: CADdocument - default units for numeric input CADguides - units for CADrulers CADtext - units for dimensions CADtracker - units for CADtracker display and red CAD text information displayed while drawing with 2D CAD drawing tools and CADwall tools You can use the following unit abbreviations: 1) Points: pt 2) Pixels: px 3) Picas: p 4) Millimeters: mm 5) Centimeters: cm 6) Meters: m 7) Kilometers: km 8) Mils: mil 9) Decimal inches with symbol: X.X 10) Fractional inches with symbol: X X/X 11) Decimal inches with units: X.X in 12) Fractional inches with units: X X/X in 13) Decimal feet and inches with symbol: X' X.X 14) Fractional feet and inches with symbol: X' X/X 15) Decimal feet and inches with units: X ft X.X in 16) Fractional feet and inches with units: X ft X/X in 17) Decimal feet with symbol: X.X' 18) Decimal feet with units: X.X ft 19) Miles: mi Note: If you do not specify a unit, the artwork will be drawn in the units specified in the CADdocument panel.
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Hold the alt/option key down when projecting artwork with the cube icon to automatically expand it. Use the control key to constrain the CAD Line tool to the angle at which you are dragging.
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Activity status
CADtools drawing, editing, dimensioning or labeling tool is selected Tool is selected and cursor is directly over a path Tool is selected and cursor is directly over an anchor point Tool is selected, you have already clicked once, and you need to click or click-drag to create artwork Tool is selected, you have clicked once or twice, and you are dragging You are directly over a dimension line. You will not be able to create a dimension when this cursor appears.
Dimensioning objects
When dimensioning by points, be sure to use the precision cursor over the anchor points to properly dimension the object. Inaccurate measurements will result if the dimensions are pulled from the lines rather than the anchor points.
When Free sliding text is checked in the CADtext panel, you can slide the dimension text. To lock it into center position with this option checked, use the control key while dragging.
3.53 cm
3.53 cm
Advanced topics
Saving artwork
You must save artwork in Illustrator CS or higher format or the dimension information may not display properly.
Adobe Illustrator CS3, CS4 and CS5 include DXF and DWG import and export in R13, R14, 2000, and 2004/2005/2006 formats. Once a file is imported as vector artwork inside Adobe Illustrator, CADtools can be used to dimension or edit the artwork. In some cases, an imported file may contain artwork comprised of small line segments. Dimensioning tools by line, as well as radius, diameter, arc length, and Bzier curvature dimensioning tools will not work for such segmented artwork. To connect these DXF line segments, use the Concatenate filter available at (http://rj-graffix.com/) For more information on opening or placing files within Illustrator, please refer to the DXF/DWG conversion link on the Hot Door Web site as well as the Adobe Illustrator User Guide, technical notes, and Adobe web site at (www.adobe.com).
Hot Door CADpatterns offers 134 patterns for technical drawing. DGI makes SignSymbols for creative use of road sign graphics. Code Zebra makes a comprehensive set of TechSymbols in seven categories: Architecture, Building Services, Landscaping, Electrical, Mechanical, Fasteners and General. Purchase the entire set or separate libraries at (www.hotdoor.com). Check the Hot Door Web site for updates on these and other design resouces as they become available.
Keyboard shortcuts
Adobe Illustrator includes Keyboard Shortcuts for making your own sets of shortcuts. The tools in CADtools can be accessed with keyboard shortcuts that you define. Choose Edit > Keyboard Shortcuts to edit or create Illustrator keyboard shortcuts. You can also create separate sets for different workspaces chosen from the Window > Workspace menu.
When using CADtools with MultiPage, uncheck Create and use dimension layer and Create live dimensions in the CADdocument panel. Use of MultiPage layers will conflict with the CADtools Dimension layer.
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Any dimensions linked to objects which have been duplicated with the alt/option-drag keys may not update correctly. To duplicate objects with dimensions, copy and paste the objects with their dimensions using menu or command keys not option-drag. To avoid unpredictable results, ungroup dimensions prior to copying and pasting them into new documents.
Your dimensions will automatically draw into a separate layer named Dimension Layer if 'Create and use dimension layer' is checked in the CADdocument panel. This Dimension layer can be hidden, locked, displayed, and printed like other layers created within Illustrator. All objects drawn in the dimension layer will be 1:1 scale. Avoid using the Dimension Layer for creating other artwork and make sure that you are working in the appropriate layer while you are drawing.
Circles and circular arcs created within Illustrator are constructed with Bzier curves. Therefore, the radius at any point of a circle or circular arc may reveal a variance of up to 5% of the original specified radius.
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For best results, create a simple isometric cube before creating artwork and adjust the view angles. Then lock the cube icon in the CADisometric panel to prevent accidental view changes. For separate isometric shapes that share the same plane, first create them as flat artwork and group them. Then project them to the front, side, or top plane with the cube in the CADisometric panel.
The area of a path that intersects itself cannot be calculated correctly by the CADtracker panel. Area can be calculated for single or multiple shapes as long as they are closed and do not include overlapping compound paths.
Patterns are not automatically transformed with CADtools objects, but you can force a transformation of pattern artwork by expanding and projecting it with your flat artwork using the CADisometric panel.
The geometry of isometric objects may naturally show many sharp angles in the artwork. If you plan to stroke the artwork, use Round Join for a cleaner appearance. You can choose Round Join in the Options panel of the Illustrator Stroke panel.
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Index
3-point circle 20
D
Datum feature 55 Datum flag 55 Datum target 55 Demo version 9 Diameter dimension 46 Dimensioning tool group 38 Dimension Resize 65 Door Insertion 30 DXF/DWG 87
A
Activation 9 Add wall 26-28 Advanced topics 87-89 Alt/option key 85 Angle dimension 38, 45 Arc (by points) 21 Arc (by radius) 21 Arc length dimension 38, 45 Area 53, 60, 62 Area transform 62 Auto-expand 70 Automatic dimensioning 37
E
Editing tool group 64 Ellipse 20 Expand 70, 72 Extend 67
B
Bzier curvature dimension 47, 88
F
Fillet 65 Fillet radius dimension 46 Flatten 70, 72 Free sliding text 33, 86 Full screen cursors 88
C
CADdocument panel 13 - 18 CADguides panel 17, 73, 89 CADisometric panel 22, 70-72 CADlabels panel 50-54 CADpresets file 36-37 CADstyle panel 11, 12, 35 CADtext panel 32-34 CADtracker panel 60-63 CADwalls panel 26-29 Centered ellipse 20 Centered rectangle 20 Chamfer 64, 66 Circle 20 Circle center 48 Constrained line 23 Control key 85 Converting older files 10 Cursor feedback 86 Custom label 49, 50, 54 Custom scale 14, 67
G
Geometry in CADtracker 60 Geometry label 53 Global interface control 36-37
H
Horizontal datum dimension 40 Horizontal dimension (by line) 39 Horizontal dimension (points) 39 Horizontal isometric datum dimension 79 Horizontal isometric dimension (by line) 78 Horizontal isometric dimension (by points) 78
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I
Icons 11 Importing older files 10, 87 Inclined datum dimension 44 Inclined dimension (by line) 43 Inclined dimension (points) 43 Incremental labeling 51-52 Interface 11-12 Isometric center line 83 Isometric cube 76 Isometric cylinder 76 Isometric diameter dimension 82 Isometric ellipse 75 Isometric grid 76 Isometric object center 83 Isometric radius dimension 82 Isometric rectangle 74
R
Radius dimension 46 Rectangle 20 Reference dimensions 32 Repeat 63 Revision bubble 56 Rise, run 22 Rulers 17
S
Scale 13-16 Section line 56 Serial number 8-9, 88 Shift key 85 Shortcut keys 86 Sliding text 86 Sliding walls 29 Span circle 35
K
Keyboard shortcuts 85, 87 Key object (proportion) 69
L
Labeling tools 50-56 Layer scales 13 Legacy text 10 License Agreement 4 Line 22-23
T
Table 57, 59 Table of Contents 3 Tangent 24 Title block 57-58 Transform 61 Trim 66
M
Measure Distance 68 Measure Scale 67 Move 62 Move wall 29 MultiPage 87
U
Unit abbreviations 18, 84
V
Vertical datum dimension 42 Vertical dimension (by line) 41 Vertical dimension (points) 41
O
Offset 24
W
Wall 25-31 Window Insertion 31