tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:forum-5706790
Nabble - New user - Introduce yourself
2024-03-28T06:56:12Z
<h4>If you are new to the forum - feel free to introduce yourself and maybe tell us what you intend to use LibreCAD for!</h4>
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724388
LibreCAD is awesome...
2024-03-01T05:13:21Z
2024-03-01T05:13:21Z
Jota
Hi everyone, I'm very happy with LibreCAD, and I've only been using it for 2 weeks.
<br/><br/>I learned the correct way to work with the printing scales by reading the official manual and trying it out - the tutorials on the subject don't demonstrate it clearly, and if it was designed that way by the software developers, it was structured very cleverly.
<br/><br/>Those are my first drawings:
<br/><br/><a href="https://forum.librecad.org/file/n5724388/Teste_LibreCad_2.pdf" target="_top" rel="nofollow" link="external">Teste_LibreCad_2.pdf</a><br/><br/><a href="https://forum.librecad.org/file/n5724388/Teste_LibreCad.pdf" target="_top" rel="nofollow" link="external">Teste_LibreCad.pdf</a><br/><br/>I'm planning more postings soon!
<br/><br/>Hope you enjoy it!
<br/><br/>Keep up the good work!
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724382
Greetings from Bucks County, Pennsylvania USA
2024-02-28T06:13:21Z
2024-02-28T06:13:21Z
PaulieT
Hello everybody.
<br/><br/>My name is Paul and I'm a retired Engineer living in beautiful Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Since I retired, I spend most of my time constructing HO (1/87) Scale buildings and rolling stock. While I was working, I used AutoCAD and Draftsight for my design work. I now want to design some buildings and tools, however, AutoCAD is too expensive for hobby use. DraftSight is more reasonably priced but still expensive when you're on a fixed income. So, I'm giving LibreCAD a try.
<br/><br/>Regards,
<br/>Paul
<br/>
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724362
Re: Layers tab
2024-02-22T13:59:11Z
2024-02-22T13:59:11Z
dellus
You probably have closed it accidentally.
<br/>Activate it with Widgets - Dock Widgets - Layer List.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724361
Layers tab
2024-02-22T13:51:41Z
2024-02-22T13:51:41Z
artdrama186@icloud.com
Since starting new drawing the layers tab has disappeared on the right of screen. Cant seem to find it again as its not next to library as tutorial suggest. Any help appreciated.MP
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724332
Re: Offset tool does not work
2024-02-19T14:47:53Z
2024-02-19T14:47:53Z
Bob P
Thank you.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724331
Re: Offset tool does not work
2024-02-19T09:19:35Z
2024-02-19T09:19:35Z
aman
You have to select the item first to which you want to use offset.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724330
Re: Offset tool does not work
2024-02-19T08:33:01Z
2024-02-19T08:33:01Z
Bob P
yes, but it does not show up
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724328
Re: Offset tool does not work
2024-02-19T03:45:47Z
2024-02-19T03:45:47Z
aman
<img src="https://forum.librecad.org/file/n5724328/LibreCAD_distance.png" border="0"/><br/><br/>It is in the top bar.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724311
Offset tool does not work
2024-02-18T16:44:14Z
2024-02-18T16:44:14Z
Bob P
When I click on the offset tool the distance box does not come up, and I can't select to create offset.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724301
Re: New User
2024-02-13T06:46:46Z
2024-02-13T06:46:46Z
eudoxos
hi, Aman
<br/><br/>Thanks for the info. Most useful.
<br/><br/>I found examples of manually input "trivial" DXF files which I tested. Also I found some R12 and V2012. I worked out how to draw grade-level geometric shapes inputting data by hand. The thing I did not get my brain around was what strategic design direction they were going in when they designed these specs.
<br/><br/>For example they could have created functions for each of the shapes with a fixed-length record for passing parameters and receiving results (like template). You could easily locate any parameter/result because the record would be fixed.
<br/><br/>Instead they seem to have come up with an extremely fluid and dynamic concept of just streaming data interspersed with tags that (hopefully) allow you to determine what the data means while allowing you the flexibility to omit some parameters or in certain cases transmit data blocks in a different order.
<br/><br/>I have not seen the full benefits of this yet but it certain seems to have been a very courageous design feature!
<br/><br/>While I have your attention may I ask a couple of questions?
<br/>- Does anyone know of any copyright-infringement issues when writing software to auto-generate DXF files.
<br/>- In future if I have any questions relating to DXF files format could you please advise on the most appropriate forum to call out for help?
<br/><br/>Thanks in advance.
<br/>Best regards, Eudoxos
<br/>
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724293
Re: New User
2024-02-12T11:18:31Z
2024-02-12T11:18:31Z
aman
Welcome!
<br/><br/>An interesting presentation.
<br/><br/>DFX is autocads format, so many times asked, it is in the faq (links are at the top of the main page);
<br/><br/>LibreCAD does not support all features of Autodesk DXF format. Currently, only the following DXF formats are supported: R12, R14, 2000, 2004 and 2007.
<br/>
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724291
New User
2024-02-12T08:06:21Z
2024-02-12T08:06:21Z
eudoxos
hi, Everyone
<br/><br/>I am new to this community so thought I would say hello.
<br/><br/> I know nothing about CAD (2d/3d) except that:
<br/><br/>1. About 20 years ago I wrote my own software to lay track images for etching PCBs for home electronic projects. Although I did enjoy writing the software, on reflection, I could probably have saved time and done a better job by using free software such as libreCAD. I had never heard of libreCAD until 48 hours ago but many of the design features of my software were similar to those of libreCAD.
<br/>
<br/>2. About 5 years ago I made an investment in a 3d printer that has since been under-utilized. At the time I was not interested in learning how to use 3d input software but limited myself to relatively simple shapes and generated STL files programmatically (i.e., from mathematical equations representing the surface). This worked well for me at the time but only because the parts I needed were simple and easy to generate from an equation. Additionally the STL file is basically just a collection of triangles representing surfaces so the algorithm was simple.
<br/><br/>As I get older I made a list of "loose-ends" (peaks that I tried to climb when I was a younger but did not quite reach the top) and becoming more familiar with 2d/3d CAD was next on the list.
<br/><br/>The first 2d project I want to do is to write software that will automatically generate a command file so that libreCAD can read the commands, draw the image, then save to DXF (or convert to PDF).
<br/><br/>Originally I had been thinking of generating the DXF file programmatically from scratch. However, inspecting the contents of the DXF files that I have generated so far on libreCAD suggests the contents are far more complex than STL and perhaps contain information that is not necessarily used .
<br/><br/>Timewise if I can help out in some way with the development effort then I will try to do so. If there is a role currently available that would incidentally help me better understand the internal format of the DXF file then I volunteer!
<br/><br/>Best regards, Eudoxos
<br/><br/>
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724290
Re: Hello, new in forum, Juan, from argentina, with a couple of questions...
2024-02-12T07:11:58Z
2024-02-12T07:11:58Z
eudoxos
hi, Juan
<br/><br/>I am very new to libreCAD myself but this might be helpful.
<br/><br/>There is a "free-hand line drawing" function that allows you draw cursively in a loop and come back to the original point. I just tried it and found it difficult to come back to the same pixel. However, if you leave a short gap between the first and last points of the loop, then switch to end-point snapping, you can easily draw a clean straight line across the gap (since the software will automatically snap the point to the nearest line-end).
<br/><br/>I also checked and the "modify" tool seems to work with irregular free-hand-drawn shapes too. I could not get it to do what I wanted but that was because you would need to study "modify" and "free-hand" to see if/how they can be combined to clean up an irregular shape once you have drawn it.
<br/><br/>There are probably better ways to do this but they would take some time and programming experience. The above might be better than the other options immediately available. Good luck.
<br/><br/>Best regards, Eudoxos
<br/><br/>
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724278
Re: Hello, new in forum, Juan, from argentina, with a couple of questions...
2024-02-09T04:16:58Z
2024-02-09T04:16:58Z
juandaniel
Hello Fabrice, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my dumb questions..jejeje... yes I think you understood correctly, I meant to resume drawing the same line if you stop for some reason, to save the proggress for example.
<br/>I will check the link you provided, next I have to figure out how to convert a line to a polyline, I assume it is well covered in the manual...
<br/><br/>Thanks again for your time and good dispossition!
<br/><br/>Juan.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724274
Re: Hello All
2024-02-08T14:01:26Z
2024-02-08T14:01:26Z
LordOfBikes
Welcome GW and good luck with learning LibreCAD!
<br/><br/>Armin
<div class="signature weak-color">
<sup>investing less than half an hour into <a href="https://forum.librecad.org/template/NamlServlet.jtp?macro=adv_search_page&node=4499512" target="_top" rel="nofollow" link="external">Search</a> function can save hours or days of waiting for a solution</sup>
</div>
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724272
Hello All
2024-02-08T13:49:32Z
2024-02-08T13:49:32Z
Sir_Drgn
My Name is GW
<br/><br/>I design several things but most recently I'm starting to create custom leather armor. Many moons ago (20+ Years) I used autoCAD light in high school, so I have some base knowledge of CAD but it is very old and fuzzy lol.
<br/><br/>I am excited to learn this program and support this project.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724265
Re: Hello, new in forum, Juan, from argentina, with a couple of questions...
2024-02-07T14:20:13Z
2024-02-07T14:20:13Z
fa201
Hello,
<br/><br/>I am not sure to undeerstand "resuming a line" correctly. I you want to add more lines, you just select <b>line</b> button then click on the last point of previous line and keep drawing. To make sur the line is closed you need to make sure and each starting pont of a lne is coincident with the ending point of another line. This is done with SNAP END POINTS <a href="https://docs.librecad.org/en/latest/ref/snaps.html#snapping" target="_top" rel="nofollow" link="external">https://docs.librecad.org/en/latest/ref/snaps.html#snapping</a><br/><br/>I recommend check some video tutorials on Youtube as drafting process is not always obvious even when each function is understood. This needs a bit of practice.
<div class="signature weak-color">
Fabrice
<br/><br/>French hobbyist interested in 2D design.
</div>
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724243
Hello, new in forum, Juan, from argentina, with a couple of questions...
2024-02-05T03:23:52Z
2024-02-05T03:23:52Z
juandaniel
Hello, good morning, I would like to introduce myself, my name is Juan, I am from Argentina and I am 51 years old, almost 52. I work as an iron, blacksmith, and I am trying to catch up with new technologies, in particular with CNC metal cutting. I did some tests tracing the outline of a logo with Librecad, but I'm having some really basic problems, I'm sorry to bother with this, but I've been looking in the manual and tutorials, but with no luck. For now I mainly have two problems, Number one, I don't know how to close a line drawn around a logo, I trace the contour with the two-point line tool, making small strokes to preserve the definition of said contour, until I reach the point of starting point, where I should close the line, but I don't know how... I know it's pretty stupid, but for the life of me I can't find how.
<br/>The other problem is that I don't know how to resume a line if I interrupt it, that is, if I stop drawing it, for example to save the work in case there is a problem or I make a mistake. This has forced me to do all the checks I have done so far in one go, but as the more complex ones are more difficult and of course the chances of making a mistake and losing all the work increase.
<br/>So if anyone could help me with these two issues I would be very very grateful. To summarize... 1, how do I close a line once I finish drawing a contour? 2, how do I resume drawing a line that I have interrupted for any reason?
<br/>Again, thank you all very much for your time and attention!
<br/>Juan.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724164
Greetings From a Newbie in South Africa
2024-01-30T08:45:43Z
2024-01-30T08:45:43Z
SteveJay
Hi guys, retired and enjoying my many hobbies, including building and flying model Airplanes. Somewhere along the line (2006) I built a full size airplane - as such CAD has always been an important part of most things I do. I owned a legit version of AutoCAD 2000 and learnt to use and appreciate it until my upgrade to Windows 10 kicked that one into touch. The search for something suitable on a pensioners budget ultimately brought me LibreCAD. Of the many that I tried, this was the easiest to adapt to (closest to AutoCAD), I love it. Maybe someday it will have 3D ability, who knows? I had great help from a seasoned member of this group when I got tangled in the menu structures, thank you sir.
<br/><br/>Best wishes for 2024
<br/>SteveJay
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724163
Re: what manuals to use in learning Librecad?
2024-01-30T07:15:59Z
2024-01-30T07:15:59Z
aman
Hello and Welcome!
<br/><br/>For me worked (just tested) and has worked ever since I started using LibreCAD. The LibreCAD for Real Dummies is a viable doc. The author used CLK and CB acronyms, which were also explained in the book on page 39, you don't write those, they just indicate to witch part you will click or write.
<br/><br/>So on the commandline the functions would be <i>li</i> for line, and <b>rec</b> for rectangle.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724161
what manuals to use in learning Librecad?
2024-01-29T19:40:47Z
2024-01-29T19:40:47Z
PT Grey
I started with the "reference manual" but found too many problems and then found the manual for "dummies". I have used many different manuals in the past without any issues.
<br/>Ine the Dummies manual I started on Exercise 1(A$ Drawing Template) looking at the command line operation.
<br/>On page 40 it says to enter 'Clk TB: Line>Rectangle ** or on the CB: rec' I then pressed ENTER.
<br/>It replied with Unknown command. After a lot of playing around I discovered that it would not accept a SPACE. If I enabled a Line by Li it did the same. If I selected the Line function using the mouse, I could then use the command line to enter first point and then second point. I tried a rectangle and had the same results.
<br/>It appears there are many bugs and a lack of consistency between versions. I am using Version Version: 2.2.0-rc1
<br/>Compiler: GNU GCC 4.9.1
<br/>Compiled on: Feb 16 2018
<br/>Qt Version: 5.4.1
<br/>Boost Version: 1.53.0
<br/>System: Windows 11
<br/>Can someone direct me to a manual that actually works with Command Line? Or suggest another way to start learning this CAD program?
<br/>I have done CAD work about 10 years ago, but now they are becoming more complicated. I am quite ok with complexity, as long as the manuals are clear, precise and accurate for the version I am using.
<br/>Any help is appreciated.
<br/>Peter Grey
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724155
Re: new user
2024-01-29T06:00:58Z
2024-01-29T06:00:58Z
aman
See from the top menu Widgets/Dock Wigets, check the command line is selected.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724152
new user
2024-01-28T21:43:25Z
2024-01-28T21:43:25Z
Bob P
Just downloaded LibreCAD and I lost the Command Line. Must have clicked the wrong thing. How do I get it back?
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724137
Re: How can I place the drawing in 1:10 scale on the A3 sheet with the original value of dimensions?
2024-01-26T11:23:19Z
2024-01-26T11:23:19Z
Attila Andrési
Thanks!
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724136
Re: How can I place the drawing in 1:10 scale on the A3 sheet with the original value of dimensions?
2024-01-26T09:14:58Z
2024-01-26T09:14:58Z
LordOfBikes
Have a look at <b>Length Factor</b> in <i>Current Drawing Preferences -> Dimensions</i> tab. It should probably be 10 in your case.
<br/><a href="https://docs.librecad.org/en/latest/ref/draw-prefs.html#dimensions" target="_top" rel="nofollow" link="external">https://docs.librecad.org/en/latest/ref/draw-prefs.html#dimensions</a>
<div class="signature weak-color">
<sup>investing less than half an hour into <a href="https://forum.librecad.org/template/NamlServlet.jtp?macro=adv_search_page&node=4499512" target="_top" rel="nofollow" link="external">Search</a> function can save hours or days of waiting for a solution</sup>
</div>
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724134
How can I place the drawing in 1:10 scale on the A3 sheet with the original value of dimensions?
2024-01-25T15:23:01Z
2024-01-25T15:23:01Z
Attila Andrési
Hi,
I created a drawing in 1:1 scale and scaled it.
After that I created A3 sheet (with material, scale, last change, part name, e.g.) and wanted to put my draw with scale 1:10 to A3 sheet.
I imported block with Factor: 0.1 to A3 sheet.
The value of the length dimensions has been reduced to a tenth.
How can I place the drawing in 1:10 scale on the A3 sheet with the original value of dimensions?
Thanks.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724127
PaperPencil
2024-01-18T16:00:19Z
2024-01-18T16:00:19Z
PaperPencil
Hi
<br/><br/>Engineer by trade (although not actively drawing type), 2D cad user since 1995 or so, started with ACAD R12 in MS-DOS, been drawing since for mostly hobbies, studies or geometrical POCs at work to interact with colleagues who do draw, but not necessary think.
<br/><br/>LibreCAD was the best solution for Linux environment for a free tools and now when I can not revive my (decades old) licenses from the $$$ thefts I did jump fully on LibreCAD.. It is driving me nuts a bit, there is some really unfortunate design choices made though the worst is the halfway implemented "restict (to) orthologal" and the way that user is forced to use '@distance<angle [ENTER]' commands for parallel line drawing.
<br/><br/>It is nice though that there is something like LibreCAD which is not fully parametric (like free_3D_cad), model nor database driven, but a honest 2D CAD.
<br/><br/><br/>-Piece <smiley image="smiley_beam.gif"/>
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724115
Re: Enjoying Librecad
2024-01-14T01:28:57Z
2024-01-14T01:28:57Z
flywire
<blockquote class="quote dark-border-color"><div class="quote light-border-color">
<div class="quote-author" style="font-weight: bold;">FlaSundog wrote</div>
<div class="quote-message">have lots to unlearn.
</div>
</div></blockquote>
yeah, LC is just different different but not as much as alternatives,
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724108
Enjoying Librecad
2024-01-13T09:25:21Z
2024-01-13T09:25:21Z
FlaSundog
Hello - New to the Librecad experience and have lots to unlearn.
<br/><br/>Veteran of AutoCAD, Microstation, and several PC layout tools i.e. Mentor Graphics, Veribest, OrCAD.
<br/><br/>Started life as a drafter fresh out of High School in '69. First 20 years on a drawing board and the rest on Apollo Workstations and personal computers. Retired since 2013.
<br/><br/>AutoCAD fan but can't (don't want to) afford it and was pleasantly surprised at finding Librecad for home use. I enjoy making sawdust and have designed and built cabinets and other articles for my home. I also am a backyard beekeeper and build most of my wooden ware.
<br/><br/>As a result, I have many AutoCAD layouts and I am delighted that Librecad reads *.dwg.
<br/><br/>And, I'm apparently long-winded. But that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724061
Re: Library Browser
2024-01-03T19:39:16Z
2024-01-03T19:39:16Z
Colonel Dan
Dellus, that worked perfectly. Thank you so much for your help. I'm in business now and I think I can end this thread. When I have future questions, I suppose I should post them on an appropriate string rather than on this Introduce Yourself thread. You have been very patient with me and your advice was exactly what I needed - I really appreciate it. I hope to see you on other threads.
<br/>Dan
<br/>
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724060
Re: Library Browser
2024-01-03T15:01:56Z
2024-01-03T15:01:56Z
dellus
I don't know why it doesn't work for you.
<br/>Alternatively you could move or copy your electric and electronic library folders directly into the place where the "built in" samples are in your system. In Windows it's at C:\programs\LibreCAD\resources\library.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724057
Re: Library Browser
2024-01-02T22:22:07Z
2024-01-02T22:22:07Z
Colonel Dan
I really appreciate your help. I followed everything you've shown me, and with every step, I get a little closer, but still don't see the electronic or electrical parts that are in my library. I've played with the path listed in Options/application preferences/paths, but am not able to get anything I want in the window above "Insert". I do have two folders, one named MISC with four items in it, and the other named Templates with nothing in it.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724055
New LibreCad user in Ohio
2023-12-31T17:31:14Z
2023-12-31T17:31:14Z
Pbarr
Found this forum and am looking forward to learn from everyone here.
<br/>Mostly interested in woodworking plans for myself. As well as plans for remodeling our houe, and other projects.
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724053
Re: Newbie here needs help
2023-12-30T18:45:36Z
2023-12-30T18:45:36Z
AAR
Hi all
<br/>I have just entered into FORUM \. I will be using LibreCAD for personal use. Most CAD programs I have used were DWG format. Libre CAD struggles to import DWG & exports DXF. Can I continue to develop DXF files & when I import DWG files do I lose any data or does it corrupt the file when converting?
tag:forum.librecad.org,2006:post-5724051
Re: Library Browser
2023-12-29T06:32:12Z
2023-12-29T06:32:12Z
dellus
<img src="https://forum.librecad.org/file/n5724051/libbrowser.png" border="0"/><br/><br/><img src="https://forum.librecad.org/file/n5724051/libbrowser2.png" border="0"/>