NanoCAD is an affordable and powerful CAD software that offers many features similar to AutoCAD, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced drafters. To help you navigate NanoCAD effectively, here’s a list of the Top 5 Essential Commands that new drafters should know.
1. LINE (L)
What it Does:
The LINE command allows you to draw straight lines between two points.
How to Use:
- Type
Land press Enter, or click on the Line tool from the toolbar. - Click to specify the first point of the line.
- Click again to specify the endpoint of the line.
- Continue adding line segments, or press Enter to end the command.
Why It’s Important:
Lines are the foundation of most drawings. Whether you’re designing architectural layouts or mechanical components, the LINE command is one of the first tools you’ll use.
2. CIRCLE (C)
What it Does:
The CIRCLE command enables you to draw circles by specifying a center point and radius or diameter.
How to Use:
- Type
Cand press Enter, or select the Circle tool. - Click to specify the center point of the circle.
- Enter the radius or diameter, or click a point in the drawing to define the size.
Why It’s Important:
Circles are key for many design elements. This command helps you create circular objects like pipes, arcs, or rounded features easily.
3. MOVE (M)
What it Does:
The MOVE command allows you to move selected objects from one location to another.
How to Use:
- Type
Mand press Enter, or click the Move tool. - Select the object(s) you want to move.
- Specify a base point (the reference point for moving the object).
- Specify the destination point or move the object manually.
Why It’s Important:
This command is essential for repositioning objects without needing to redraw them. It’s often used when adjusting layouts or rearranging design elements.
4. TRIM (TR)
What it Does:
The TRIM command allows you to trim or cut off portions of objects to meet other objects or boundaries.
How to Use:
- Type
TRand press Enter, or click on the Trim tool. - Select the cutting edges (the objects to trim others to).
- Click on the parts of the objects you want to trim. They will be removed to meet the selected cutting edge.
Why It’s Important:
Trimming helps keep your drawing clean and tidy by eliminating excess lines or parts that don’t align with other objects.
5. DIMLINEAR (DIM)
What it Does:
The DIMLINEAR command allows you to create linear dimensions, which are used to indicate the size of objects or distances between points in your drawing.
How to Use:
- Type
DIMand press Enter, or click the Dimension tool in the toolbar. - Click to select the first and second points of the dimension (the points you want to measure).
- Click to place the dimension line at the desired location.
Why It’s Important:
Dimensions are crucial for communicating measurements and ensuring that the objects in your drawing are the correct size. The DIMLINEAR command is used to add those measurements.
Conclusion
These Top 5 Essential Commands in NanoCAD will help you efficiently navigate and create your drawings. Understanding and mastering these commands is the first step toward becoming proficient in NanoCAD. As you gain more experience, you’ll explore additional features, but these five commands are the core tools you’ll use frequently.