Exploring QCAD

[Grafpaper]

I’ve been using Macromedia Freehand for decades (it still works), it is a 2D, vector-based program. I want to make more accurate drawings so I’m trying out QCAD to see what kind of a learning curve is required to transition to a different type of drawing program. After drawing a rectangle and trying to move it I can see it will be a big transition.

[Husky]

Hello Grafpaper - welcome to the QCAD forum.

I’ve been using Macromedia Freehand for decades (it still works), it is a 2D, vector-based program.

QCAD is easy to learn but it will not be easy to get rid of the habits used over a long time at a predecessor program. However - I'm confident you will master it in no time!

[CVH]

Hi,

After drawing a rectangle and trying to move it I can see it will be a big transition.

Try this:
Make a selection.
- E.g. by selecting individuals lines with Shift-Click or with a box or selecting the rectangle shape that is a polyline.
Point not on a reference marker (Endpoint/Node) but just near it. Markers are the little colored squares.
Click, hold and start to drag.
- A preview of your selection will now stick to your cursor at the reference marker.
You may now release your mouse button.
Move it to where you want it and place it with a next click.
Or place it with typing the new position in the Command Line in absolute, relative and/or polar.

If you picked a reference marker itself you will only alter the position of that point.

Regards,
CVH

[Grafpaper]

Thank you for the tips. It will take time to learn new techniques.

I like that there is a manual available (I'm a technical writer). I reviewed the Table of Content and Index which helped me decide to try QCAD.