Tools and pallets of RealCADD

Tools and pallets of RealCADD

We saw in the " Rapid seen of RealCADD " that RealCADD has :

A pallet of tools and attributes A pallet of attraction A pallet of edition A pallet of Layers A pallet of Scripts

For the pallets with buttons, the dark grayed buttons are the selected buttons of which active.
For the pallet of tools above, the tool Sélection (the arrow) is active, while for the pallet of attraction, Grid and Vertex attractions are active.

The pallet of tools and attributes :
On the pallet of tool, one can activate only one tool at the same time. A click on a deactived tool activates this tool and automatically deactives the tool previously activated.
While clicking on a tool with the Option key down on Mac or the key alt on PC, one causes the display of the dialog of parameter setting of the tool, if it has one of them.
The various tools and functions of this pallet are :

The tool of selection, displacement or modification of the objects.
To select an object, it is enough to click above. RealCADD displays the object's handle.
To move an object, it is enough to take it apart from the handles by keeping the button of the mouse supported above, to move the mouse and to slacken it.
To modify an object, it is necessary to make in the same way but by taking it by one of its handles.
A multiple selection can be carried out thanks to a selection box : one presses on the button of the mouse with the cursor apart from an object, then one draws the mouse, a grayed dotted rectangle takes shape, one includes the objects which one wants to select in this rectangle and one slackens the button of the mouse.
Other solution, of the successive clicks on the objects which one wants to select by keeping inserted the key ' Shift' on Macintosh or the key ' <> ' on a PC.
Another combination of a key (Option on Macintosh or Alt on PC) with the Selection tool makes it possible to add a point to a polygon.
For that, it is enough to select the polygon and to draw one from its handles with this inserted key and a new node is to create that one draws where it is wished. See the example below. To remove a node, it is enough to move it on another. At the time of the unselection of the polygon, RealCADD controls the nodes and removes the doubled blooms.

The Lasso tool makes it possible to select the objects contained in the free figure which you draw with the tool.
If you do not close again the figure, RealCADD automatically does it by joining the beginning and the end of your layout.

The Main tool makes it possible to move your drawing without using the elevators.

The Zoom tool allows enlarge directly on part of the drawing by including it in a rectangle identical to the selection box.
One click on the drawing with this tool makes it possible to return at a sight with zoom 1 time.

The Text tool makes it possible to create or modify text objects.
For that, it is enough to click with this tool on the drawing to create a new text object, or to click on an existing text object to be able to modify it.

The Text with Line tool allow to trace text with an attch line. Start by draging a line, this with arrow, and move the mouse to draw this horizontal, clic when the lenth is good and enter the text.
The text can be above the line or in continuation of it. See the dialog of the preferences of this tool, menu Edit-Preferences-Text with line, or clic on the tool with the key Option down on Mac or the key Alt on PC, to display it.

The Line tool makes it possible to create lines while click and drag with this tool in the zone from drawing.
When you use this tool with the shift key down, the line is drawing in constrain mode.

The constrains line tool allow you to trace constrains lines with angles that you define in Edit-Preferences-Constrains angles
When you use this tool with the shift key down, the line is drawing in free mode.
If you clic on this tool with the key Option down on Mac or the key Alt on PC, RealCADD display the dialog "Constrains angles".

The rectangle tool makes it possible to create rectangles while click and drag with this tool in the zone from drawing.

In the same way for rectangles with corners rounded.

And for the ovals and the rounds.

For the creation of arcs, it is enough to start by drawing a line with this tool, the first point will be the center of the arc, the line defines the ray of the arc, the second point of the line will be the beginning of the arc, then by moving the mouse without pressing on his button, one defines the arc itself and one finishes with a clic when the arc is such as one wishes it.

Thanks to the tool Polygon, one traces polygons while starting by drawing a line which will be the first segment of the polygon then by moving the mouse and by carrying out successive clicks for each node of the polygon. One finishes is by double-clic for an open polygon or well RealCADD stops itself the procedure when the polygon is closed again.
The Shift key works also with the polygon tool to have constrains angles.
You can add point to a polygon by select it and by draging one of his vertex with the key Option down on Mac or the key Alt on PC.

With the regular polygon tool, you can trace automatically regular polygon.
To choose the number of side of polygon, clic on the tool with the Option key down on Mac or the Alt key on PC to display the dialog.

The free Line tool makes it possible to trace free lines by keeping the button of the inserted mouse and by moving the mouse.
These lines are in fact of the polygons with multiple nodes. RealCADD optimizes the number of the nodes by removing those which are useless. To use this tool, it is preferable to deactived the Grid attraction.

The spline tool allow you to trace spline.
This tool works like the polygon tool.
You can add point to a spline by select it and by draging one of his vertex with the key Option down on Mac or the key Alt on PC.

The sample quotation Line tool is used while starting by drawing a line between the two points which one wishes to dimension then by moving the mouse to position the quotation horizontally or vertically. One finishes by a click.

With the multiple quotation Line tool, one starts with a simple quotation, then successive clicks on the points which one wants to dimension and one finishes by double-click.

With the Prolong and Cut tool, you can prolong a line to another object, if it is possible, or cut the line at the intersection between the line and the other object.
To use this tool, click on it and draw a line between the line you want prolong or cut and the reference object.

The tool Parallel work like the menu "Parallel..." with the same parameters.
If no parameter were still specified, the dialog is displayed automatically when the tool is activated.
If the parameters were already fixed, to display the dialog to modify them, it is enough to maintain inserted the key Option on Macintosh or Space on PC when you click on the tool.

This zone of the pallet makes it possible to define the color features and their thickness.
While keeping supported the button of the mouse on the rectangle (here black), one causes the display of a pallet of color, one chooses the color which one wishes by slackening the button of the mouse after having position the cursor above.
One modifies the thickness of the features by modifying the value displayed in the editfield.
These modifications will apply to all the selected objects if there is, or well with the next objects created.

Here, by notching the box, one obtains dotted lines for the selected objects and the next objects created.
While keeping supported the button of the mouse on the dotted line, one causes the display of the pallet of choice of the dotted lines, one chooses the dotted line which one wishes by slackening the button of the mouse after having positioned the cursor above.

By notching these boxes, one obtains lines with arrows.
While keeping supported the button of the mouse on the line with arrows, one causes the display of the pallet of choice of the arrows, one chooses the arrow which one wishes by slackening the button of the mouse after having positioned the cursor above.

Here, one can apply a prime coat to the objects by notching the box and the fill color is selected like the color of the lines: while keeping supported the button of the mouse on the rectangle (here white), one causes the display of a pallet of color, one chooses the color which one wishes by slackening the button of the mouse after having position the cursor above.

Example of addition of a node to a polygon with the combination Option key on Macintosh or Space key on PC and Tool Selection, during one clic-drag-released of a node.

The pallet of attractions :

This pallet makes it possible to activate and deactivate, either by click, or by typing the corresponding letter, automatic attractions which knows RealCADD which is:
- attraction on the grid (G). the grid parameter with the general parameters, menu " Edit " - Item " Preferences - General ".
- attraction on the nodes of the objects (E).
- attraction on the centers of the objects (C).
- attraction on the intersections of the objects (I), including the ovals.
- attraction perpendicular (P), including to the ovals.
- tangent attraction (T).
According to the drawing tool used, certain attractions can be inactive. Thus attractions perpendicular and tangent functions only with the drawing tool Line.

The cursor of RealCADD reacts and adapts according to the mode in progress (selection or drawing) and of possibly found attraction.
In selection mode of the objects, RealCADD displays one of these cursors, , according to respectively which one has no attraction, that one is on an object, that a vertex attraction is detected, or an attraction centers, or intersection.
The indication of attraction in selection mode is significant to be able to take an object on one of its attractions and to move it on the attraction of another object. To take an object with one of its vertex, it should be taken directly without selecting it before. If not it will be modified or place to move it.
In drawing mode, RealCADD displays one of these cursors, , according to respectively which one has no attraction, which a vertex attraction is detected, or an attraction centers, or intersection, or perpendicular, or tangent.
Dice which an attraction is detected, you can act without needing to more approach you the point.

The Edit pallet :
This pallet has a very significant role. Thanks to it, one knows all the geometrical characteristics of the selected object or of the selected last and one can modify them. During the tracing of an object, all the data are updated instantaneously.
Its aspect is standart for the majority of the objects, but changes if a polygon or an arc is selected.

The standart aspect, here a line was selected.
x1, y1, x2, y2 are the co-ordinates of the ends of the line. dx and dy, its projections according to X and Y, L its length, A its angle.

Here a polygon is selected, the additional arrows make it possible to display the data of each segment of the polygon.

Here an arc is selected.
xc and yc defines the center of the arc, R its ray, D its diameter, SA its angle starting and AA is the angle of the arc.

This pallet indicates also the selected number of object, the coefficient of the zoom, the scale of the object which can be modified, and the name of the Layer on which is the object.
Interaction enters the drawing and the Edit pallet :

One wishes to trace a line with 45°, but with the mouse one obtains 44,7728°. One stops there...

...then one click in the editfield of the angle, one types 45...

...then one validates by typing a carriage-return, and the line is updated at 45°.

Here, one wants to trace a rectangle of 2,55m by 1,75m but with the mouse one obtains 2,434 X 1,693. (I begin with the mouse; -))

One thus enters the editfields, a formula in dx and a value for dy...

...and after validation, our rectangle is such as one wanted it.

It is thus seen that RealCADD admits the arithmetic formulas (+ - * / ()) in the editfields.
If the formula starts with + - * or /, RealCADD will combine the formula with the initial value.
In the example above, if one enters +0,116 in the editfield of dx, RealCADD understand initial value +0,116, and the result is 2,55 also. If you wish to enter a negative value without RealCADD combining it with the initial value, it is enough to start with 0- or spaces -.

The pallet to manage the Layers :
The concept of layers is very useful in CAD program.
That makes it possible to break up a drawing into homogeneous subset.
Thus on a plan of architecture, one will be able to have the layers, structure, partitions, equipment, quotations...
And according to the display or not of certain layers, the drawing can have several destination.
RealCADD allows the use of the layers and their management is made with this pallet:

In this example, we have 4 layers.
One creates a new layer while clicking on the button "New" and one removes them while clicking on the button "Delete" after having selected a layer. The suppression also acts with layer who have objects.
Each layer has a name, by defect Layer0 then 1... but that one can modify. Here the name of the 4th layer, Layer3, was selected and can be modified.
Each copy has also a scale of drawing "Scale" which one can also modify in the same way that the name. This scale is the scale by defect which will be used for the drawing of the objects on the layer. If one changes this scale after having to create objects, they will not be modified. In spite of this scale by defect, one can individually assign a scale different to an object via the edit pallet.
One layer is active, that on which will be created the objects, puts notched in column A (for active).
Each layer can be visible or not, box notched or not in the column V (for visible).
Each layer can have a default colo, box notched or not in the column C (for color). All objects of this layer will be Tous les objets du calque seront automatiquement dessinés avec cette couleur. Cela permet de bien visualiser sur quel calque est dessiné chaque objet.
To modify the default color of a layer, you must select the layer by click on its line, here Layer2 is selected. Thus RealCADD displays a rectangle of the default color of the layer on the left of the button " Down ". Then you can click on this rectangle to display the color's pallet, and choose the desired color.

If the box " Selection one all visible layers " is notched, the selection, the modification is also possible on the objects of the visible layers. Idem for attraction with the box " Attraction with all visibles layers".
The creation of the new objects always being done in spite of that on the only active layer.

Special keys in RealCADD :
During the use of RealCADD, think well of the special keys :
- the Shift key or '< >', which makes it possible to pass from the mode constrained to the nonconstrained mode at the time of the drawing of an object.
- the key Option on Mac or Alt on PC, which makes it possible to display the dialog of parameter setting of a tool during its selection.
- the key Option on Mac or Alt on PC, which also makes it possible to draw in parallel mode. The key must be down at least at the beginning of the use of the drawing tool. Example with the tool Polygon :

Here, the Polygon tool was used by combining the use of the 2 special keys :
- At the time of the 1st clic with the tool, the key Option or Alt being down, RealCADD use the parameter setting of the objects parallel. In our case, Parallel left notched, number = 1, distance = 0.3 (drawing scale = 1/50) and Parallel right notched, number = 2, distance = 0.15. The polygon was begin with point in bottom on the left.
- Once the drawing begun in parallel mode, the key can be up.
- The third segment of the polygon was obtained perfectly vertical while passing in constrained mode while pressing on the Shift key or '< >'.

And here is essence to be known on RealCADD to begin its use.

Good drawing !

And think of your contribution.

Eric POUSSE

	The tool of selection, displacement or modification of the objects. To select an object, it is enough to click above. RealCADD displays the object's handle. To move an object, it is enough to take it apart from the handles by keeping the button of the mouse supported above, to move the mouse and to slacken it. To modify an object, it is necessary to make in the same way but by taking it by one of its handles. A multiple selection can be carried out thanks to a selection box : one presses on the button of the mouse with the cursor apart from an object, then one draws the mouse, a grayed dotted rectangle takes shape, one includes the objects which one wants to select in this rectangle and one slackens the button of the mouse. Other solution, of the successive clicks on the objects which one wants to select by keeping inserted the key ' Shift' on Macintosh or the key ' <> ' on a PC. Another combination of a key (Option on Macintosh or Alt on PC) with the Selection tool makes it possible to add a point to a polygon. For that, it is enough to select the polygon and to draw one from its handles with this inserted key and a new node is to create that one draws where it is wished. See the example below. To remove a node, it is enough to move it on another. At the time of the unselection of the polygon, RealCADD controls the nodes and removes the doubled blooms.
	The Lasso tool makes it possible to select the objects contained in the free figure which you draw with the tool. If you do not close again the figure, RealCADD automatically does it by joining the beginning and the end of your layout.
	The Main tool makes it possible to move your drawing without using the elevators.
	The Zoom tool allows enlarge directly on part of the drawing by including it in a rectangle identical to the selection box. One click on the drawing with this tool makes it possible to return at a sight with zoom 1 time.
	The Text tool makes it possible to create or modify text objects. For that, it is enough to click with this tool on the drawing to create a new text object, or to click on an existing text object to be able to modify it.
	The Text with Line tool allow to trace text with an attch line. Start by draging a line, this with arrow, and move the mouse to draw this horizontal, clic when the lenth is good and enter the text. The text can be above the line or in continuation of it. See the dialog of the preferences of this tool, menu Edit-Preferences-Text with line, or clic on the tool with the key Option down on Mac or the key Alt on PC, to display it.
	The Line tool makes it possible to create lines while click and drag with this tool in the zone from drawing. When you use this tool with the shift key down, the line is drawing in constrain mode.
	The constrains line tool allow you to trace constrains lines with angles that you define in Edit-Preferences-Constrains angles When you use this tool with the shift key down, the line is drawing in free mode. If you clic on this tool with the key Option down on Mac or the key Alt on PC, RealCADD display the dialog "Constrains angles".
	The rectangle tool makes it possible to create rectangles while click and drag with this tool in the zone from drawing.
	In the same way for rectangles with corners rounded.
	And for the ovals and the rounds.
	For the creation of arcs, it is enough to start by drawing a line with this tool, the first point will be the center of the arc, the line defines the ray of the arc, the second point of the line will be the beginning of the arc, then by moving the mouse without pressing on his button, one defines the arc itself and one finishes with a clic when the arc is such as one wishes it.
	Thanks to the tool Polygon, one traces polygons while starting by drawing a line which will be the first segment of the polygon then by moving the mouse and by carrying out successive clicks for each node of the polygon. One finishes is by double-clic for an open polygon or well RealCADD stops itself the procedure when the polygon is closed again. The Shift key works also with the polygon tool to have constrains angles. You can add point to a polygon by select it and by draging one of his vertex with the key Option down on Mac or the key Alt on PC.
	With the regular polygon tool, you can trace automatically regular polygon. To choose the number of side of polygon, clic on the tool with the Option key down on Mac or the Alt key on PC to display the dialog.
	The free Line tool makes it possible to trace free lines by keeping the button of the inserted mouse and by moving the mouse. These lines are in fact of the polygons with multiple nodes. RealCADD optimizes the number of the nodes by removing those which are useless. To use this tool, it is preferable to deactived the Grid attraction.
	The spline tool allow you to trace spline. This tool works like the polygon tool. You can add point to a spline by select it and by draging one of his vertex with the key Option down on Mac or the key Alt on PC.
	The sample quotation Line tool is used while starting by drawing a line between the two points which one wishes to dimension then by moving the mouse to position the quotation horizontally or vertically. One finishes by a click.
	With the multiple quotation Line tool, one starts with a simple quotation, then successive clicks on the points which one wants to dimension and one finishes by double-click.
	With the Prolong and Cut tool, you can prolong a line to another object, if it is possible, or cut the line at the intersection between the line and the other object. To use this tool, click on it and draw a line between the line you want prolong or cut and the reference object.
	The tool Parallel work like the menu "Parallel..." with the same parameters. If no parameter were still specified, the dialog is displayed automatically when the tool is activated. If the parameters were already fixed, to display the dialog to modify them, it is enough to maintain inserted the key Option on Macintosh or Space on PC when you click on the tool.
	This zone of the pallet makes it possible to define the color features and their thickness. While keeping supported the button of the mouse on the rectangle (here black), one causes the display of a pallet of color, one chooses the color which one wishes by slackening the button of the mouse after having position the cursor above. One modifies the thickness of the features by modifying the value displayed in the editfield. These modifications will apply to all the selected objects if there is, or well with the next objects created.
	Here, by notching the box, one obtains dotted lines for the selected objects and the next objects created. While keeping supported the button of the mouse on the dotted line, one causes the display of the pallet of choice of the dotted lines, one chooses the dotted line which one wishes by slackening the button of the mouse after having positioned the cursor above.
	By notching these boxes, one obtains lines with arrows. While keeping supported the button of the mouse on the line with arrows, one causes the display of the pallet of choice of the arrows, one chooses the arrow which one wishes by slackening the button of the mouse after having positioned the cursor above.
	Here, one can apply a prime coat to the objects by notching the box and the fill color is selected like the color of the lines: while keeping supported the button of the mouse on the rectangle (here white), one causes the display of a pallet of color, one chooses the color which one wishes by slackening the button of the mouse after having position the cursor above.

The standart aspect, here a line was selected. x1, y1, x2, y2 are the co-ordinates of the ends of the line. dx and dy, its projections according to X and Y, L its length, A its angle.	Here a polygon is selected, the additional arrows make it possible to display the data of each segment of the polygon.	Here an arc is selected. xc and yc defines the center of the arc, R its ray, D its diameter, SA its angle starting and AA is the angle of the arc.

One wishes to trace a line with 45°, but with the mouse one obtains 44,7728°. One stops there...	...then one click in the editfield of the angle, one types 45...	...then one validates by typing a carriage-return, and the line is updated at 45°.

Here, one wants to trace a rectangle of 2,55m by 1,75m but with the mouse one obtains 2,434 X 1,693. (I begin with the mouse; -))	One thus enters the editfields, a formula in dx and a value for dy...	...and after validation, our rectangle is such as one wanted it.