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HOT DOOR LICENSE AGREEMENT ©2004 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.

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About CADtools 3

Welcome to Hot Door CADtools, a full-featured technical illustration plug-in for Adobe Illustrator 9, 10 or CS. CADtools offers precision drawing and dimensioning power within the vector illustration environment.

Core features of CADtools 3
• Precision drawing tools for 2D and isometric or axonometric objects
• Live dimensions link to objects and respond to artwork changes
• Palette controls allow live editing of objects, dimension styles, scale, etc.
• Single or multiple layer scales per document
• Scaled snapping CADgrids and CADrulers
• Custom dimension and label styles
• Scaled move, transform and repeat
• International number format support
• Dual dimensioning and tolerancing
• Chain and datum dimension tools
• Auto-labeling tools
• Measure Scale tool
• Smart Trim and Extend tools

What’s new in CADtools 3
• Isometric drawing, projection and dimensioning
• Document and layer scales
• Dual dimensioning and tolerancing
• Tangent tool
• Increased options and control for dimension and labels
• Improved trim and extend tools
• Increased control with the CADtracker palette
• New Illustrator compatibility

Note: If you are upgrading to CADtools 3, please note that there are some very dramatic improvements to the interface and you should carefully review this user guide to benefit from the changes.

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Behind the concept

Hot Door, Inc. (metaphorical for 'exciting opportunity) was formed in 1996 around a product concept that bridged CAD and Adobe Illustrator. Our lead developer Brendon Cheves conceived the idea while teaching students how to use Adobe Illustrator to present their CAD files in a university classroom. After much research in the technical design field, CADtools 1 was developed and released in 1997. With the support of Adobe Solutions Network and thousands of happy customers, CADtools 2 was carefully crafted and released in 1999. Hot Door subsequently released other Illustrator plugin products including the popular Transparency, MultiPage, and Perspective plugins for Illustrator.

CADtools 3 is a culmination of our development of technical design features for Adobe Illustrator. Version 3 introduces long-awaited isometric control while refining the CADtools 2D drawing and dimensioning environment. The smart tangent tool is unveiled and CADtools labels show off greater adjustability. With dual dimensioning and tolerancing, CAD users can refine their measurements to professional standards without leaving Adobe Illustrator.

We strongly support our customers and always offer a 90-day money-back guarantee. Our customer service is unmatched, and we welcome your calls and emails every day. Please don't hesitate to ask questions or provide comments on our products - they wouldn't exist without your input!

Shari Cheves, President
Brendon Cheves & Jeff Winters Software Engineering

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Updating or installing CADtools

Updating from CADtools 2 on Macintosh or Windows
1. If you are currently running Adobe Illustrator, quit the application.

2. Double-click Install Hot Door CADtools. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the file named CADtools into Adobe Illustrator > Plug-ins > Tools folder. Your old version will be replaced.

3. When you launch the Adobe Illustrator application again, a CADtools Personalization dialog will appear.

Installing the full version of CADtools 3 on Macintosh or Windows
1. If you are currently running Adobe Illustrator, quit the application.

2. Double-click Install Hot Door CADtools. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the file named CADtools into Adobe Illustrator > Plug-ins > Tools folder.

3. When you launch the Adobe Illustrator application again, CADtools will automatically be in demo mode. To activate the full version, choose Window > CADtools > Activate CADtools... Use the CADtools Personalization dialog to enter your name and serial number.

Hot Tip!
If you ever need to reinstall CADtools, just download the demo version from the Hot Door Web site at www.hotdoor.com and choose Window > CADtools > Activate CADtools... to put in your serial number and activate the full version.

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Personalizing CADtools

If you have purchased a full version of CADtools 3, enter your CADtools serial number (with a format XXXX-X-X-XXX-XXX-XXXXX) and click OK. 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 each of the six tool groups.

If you wish to purchase the full version of CAD-tools, click the Purchase button on the CADtools Personalization dialog box to automatically launch the Hot Door Web site and online store with your Web browser software. When you purchase the full version of CADtools, you will be supplied with a serial number. Return to this window by choosing Window > CADtools > Activate CADtools... Enter your name and serial number to convert the demo to the full version.

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Registration and technical support

To be eligible for free technical support, information on upgrades, and other special offers, please register your copy of CADtools online at

Product registration
http://www.hotdoor.com/register.html
(if purchased directly from Hot Door, you are already registered)

As a registered user, you are entitled to free email or phone technical support:

Online detailed FAQ:
http://www.hotdoor.com/cadtools/faq.html

Online technical support form:
http://www.hotdoor.com/support.html

Technical support phone number:
949-464-0300

If you can't reach a technical support person by phone, please use the online form listed above. Online support is answered daily - often into the night - for your convenience.

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Overview of the CADtools interface

Finding the 56 tools
After you have properly installed CADtools and launched Adobe Illustrator, you will notice new CAD-tools drawing and dimensioning tools in the toolbox of Adobe Illustrator. In addition to the six new tools you see in the toolbox, there are many popout tools. Select the small arrows on the right of the tool icons and drag to highlight other tools. The six different tool groups can be separated by dragging the tearoff icon at the end of each set of hidden tools.

Color icons and tool behavior
CADtools icons are distinguished by their red point markings. The red points indicate the position of mouse-click(s) in relationship to the artwork created. Tool icons which have only one red point require only one mouse-click-and-drag – except for the object center tool, which requires only one mouse-click on a circle. Tool icons which have two red points require two mouse-clicks positioned on artwork as shown in the icon. For most of these tools, you must drag the mouse after the second click. The fillet, chamfer, extend, and wall healer tools do not require dragging after the second click.

Hot Tip!
The CADtools icons all contain red points which indicate the number and placement of mouse-clicks required to properly use the tool.

Finding the palettes
The seven palettes in CADtools are essential for controlling the appearance and creation of CAD artwork. To view and select one of these palettes, choose Window > CADtools. Refer to the list below for the names of the palettes and their functions.

CADdocument	Defines document-wide settings such as numeric input and scale
CADguides	Allows CADgrid and CADruler control in scale
CADtext	Controls the text options for all CADtools dimensions and labels
CADstyles	Sets the appearance of dimensions, including size of arrowheads and witness lines
CADlabels	Sets the appearance of labels and increments for automatic labeling
CADtracker	Displays geometric data for CADtools artwork (including location, length, perimeter, and area), transforms objects in scale, moves objects in scale, and repeats objects in scale
CADisometric	Controls isometric/axonometric angles and allows one-click projection and flattening of artwork between 2D and isometric views

Hot Tip!
To dock a palette, drag the palette tab of one palette to the bottom of another palette.

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Setting up the document: CADdocument

Before working with CADtools, it's important to use the CADdocument palette to define specific settings which affect the entire document – including scale by document or layer. The CADdocument palette also controls the units and precision for numeric input default values.

• Sets custom scales with this popup menu (see info on scale)

• Comma or decimal number format applies to all dimension text

• The thousands separator shows the comma in dimension numbers

• A dimension layer keeps your dimensions separate from other artwork

• Live dimensions will auto-update with changes in scale or appearance

• Set default units and precision for numeric input when using tools in CADtools. (You can always input your own units and override the default set-

• Set level of precision for numeric input.

• Choose Document-based scale for one scale on the entire document. Choose Layer-based scale to set unique scales per layer. When using scale, you can draw objects larger or smaller than actual size using a ratio of measurement. For example, if your scale is set to 1” = 1’, then an object 1” in length would dimension as 12” or 1’ in length using CADtools.

Note about live dimensions: Dimensions that have been created with 'Create live dimensions' checked will automatically update with changes made in CADtools palettes for 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 rather than option-dragging them.

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Setting up the document: Scale

Using CADdocument and scale
To change a layer or document scale, use the Scale popup menu in the CADdocument palette. Choose a scale from the three sections of presets: custom, architectural, and engineering scales.

To set a custom scale, choose Add Custom Scale... from the popout menu in the CADdocument palette. Enter values on each side of the “scale equation” in Absolute or Ratio format. Architectural scales are typically expressed in Absolute format and engineering scales are typically expressed in Ratio format. Choose independent CADtools units from the popup menus for each side of the Absolute equation. Use any number of digits in the fields. Add a space between digits representing feet and inches (ex: 1' 2 1/2”) You can add up to 5 custom scales to the custom scale menu.

To delete a custom scale, first select the scale and then choose Remove Custom Scale from the popup menu in the CADdocument palette.

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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Setting up the document: CADguides

CADguides establishes special grid and ruler settings for use with CADtools. The origin for CADrulers is defined by the Illustrator's ruler origin. If you plan to use isometric drawing and dimensioning tools, choose Isometric grid lines to preview the grid according to the settings in the CADisometric palette.

• Show grid and Show rulers display special scaled grids and rulers for use with CADtools

• Choose flat or isometric grid lines

• Change the grid color with the popup menu, and choose Other... to open the system level color picker for additional choices

• Snap to grid to snap the cursor to grid lines and intersections while using CADtools drawing tools; enter a value for snapping tolerance

• Units and precision settings are unique for CADrulers; append will add the unit label in the CADrulers

• Change the CADrulers font with the popup menu

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2D CAD drawing tools

Once you've set up your document settings, you can use CAD 2D drawing tools to easily create flat objects in scale. CADtools also supports numeric input in scale with the following units:

1) Points: pt
2) Picas: p
3) Millimeters: mm
4) Centimeters: cm
5) Meters: m
6) Kilometers: km
7) Decimal inches with symbol: X.X“
8) Fractional inches with symbol: X X/X“
9) Decimal inches with units: X.X in
10) Fractional inches with units: X X/X in
11) Decimal feet and inches with symbol: X' X.X“
12) Fractional feet and inches with symbol: X' X/X“
13) Decimal feet and inches with units: X ft X.X in
14) Fractional feet and inches with units: X ft X/X in
15) Miles: miOrthographic drawing tool group:
Click once on the document to input values numerically!
CAD Rectangle - Click and drag to create the shape.
CAD Centered Rectangle - Click and drag to create the shape.
CAD Ellipse - Click and drag to create the shape.
CAD Centered Ellipse - Click and drag to create the shape.
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.
CAD Wall - Click and drag to create the wall segment. Click and drag from the endpoint of a wall path to continue the wall.

CAD Rectangle
Select the CAD Rectangle tool and position the cursor where you want a corner of the rectangle to appear. Click and drag from one edge of the rectangle to the opposite edge. Hold down the shift key while dragging to create a square.

Note: To quickly toggle between the Rectangle and Centered Rectangle, use the alt/option key. To numerically create a rectangle in scale, click once with the CAD Rectangle or Centered Rectangle tool.

CAD Centered rectangle
Select the CAD Centered Rectangle tool and position the cursor where you want a corner of the rectangle to appear. 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 position the cursor where you want a corner of the ellipse to appear. 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.

CAD Centered Ellipse
Select the CAD Centered Ellipse tool and position the cursor where you want a center of the ellipse to appear. Click and drag from the center of the ellipse to the edge. Hold down the shift key while dragging to create a circle.

CAD Arc (by Radius)
Select the CAD Arc (by Radius) tool and position the cursor where you want the center of the arc. Click the mouse button once and release the mouse button. Then position the cursor where you want the arc to begin, which will be the length of the arc radius. Click and drag counterclockwise to create the arc. Hold down the control key while you are dragging to create the opposite angle.

Note: To quickly toggle between Arc (by Radius) and Arc (by Points), use the alt/option key. To numerically create an arc (by radius) to scale:
1) Click once where you want the arc to begin
2) Click once anywhere on the document with the alt/option key
3) Enter the values and units for the arc

CAD Arc (by Points)
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 with the alt/option key where you want the arc to end
3) Enter the values and units for the arc radius

CAD Line
The CAD Line tool allows you to see the line while you are dragging to create it and join it to other lines. Using the CADgrids, CADrulers, and CADtracker palette, you can precisely control the line size and placement.

Select the 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°.

For isometric lines, hold down the shift+alt/ option keys while dragging to constrain the tool to the current isometric angle. Isometric lines will not automatically update with changes to the isometric view. Be sure to set up your isometric view angles with the CADisometric palette before creating isometric artwork with the CAD Line tool.

To create polygons with the line tool, create a line, then position your mouse over an endpoint of the line. When the ( ) cursor appears, begin dragging to create a new line joined at that endpoint. Release the mouse button when you have positioned the line and continue the process as needed. If you want to close the path, click and drag the final line until the cursor is over the first anchor point of the polygon. When the ( ) cursor appears, release the mouse button and the polygon will close itself.

Note: To numerically create a line in scale, click once on the document with the CAD Line tool.

CAD Wall
The CAD Wall tool works much like the line tool, creating rectangles (representing walls) with a thickness defined by the last value used in the numeric input dialog box. To access the numeric input dialog box, click once on the document with the CAD Wall tool.

Select the wall tool and position the cursor where you want the end of the wall to appear. Click and drag to position the wall. Release the mouse button to create the wall. Hold down the shift key while dragging to constrain the tool to multiples of 45°.

To create an additional wall joined to the end of an existing wall, click on the end of a wall and begin dragging. Release the mouse button when you have positioned the wall and continue the process as needed. If you are creating a wall path and want to close the path, drag the final wall segment until the cursor is over the beginning of the wall path. When the ( ) or ( ) cursor appears, release the mouse button and the wall path will close itself.

Note: To numerically create a wall in scale, click once with the CAD Wall tool. Click once on the end of an existing wall to numerically create a new connecting wall.

If you want to heal multiple or intersecting walls, use the wall healer tool to select and heal the walls.

Hot Tip!
To obtain the area of a space bounded by a wall path which is completely closed, select one of the closed paths of the wall path with the direct selection tool. Use the CADtracker palette to view area.

To obtain the area of a space bounded by walls which is not completely closed, use the CAD rectangle or line tool to create a closed shape over the area.

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Dimensioning control: CADtext

Before dimensioning your objects, open the CADtext palette to define text attributes for CADtools dimensions and labels. Use the icon buttons to set the placement of text within the dimensions. Dual dimensions can also be set and adjusted separately. To change the text attributes of live dimensions after they are created, select them and make changes in the CADtext palette.

• Dimension font and size are set with the popup menu

• Use the icons to set the location of dimension text inline or above line for horizontal, vertical, and inclined dimensions; enter value for text distance above the dimension line (see sample on next page)

• Choose to show Isometric text as flat or projected with artwork

• Choose to move larger dimension text outside of crowded dimension line areas

• Diameter or radius symbols can appear before or after dimension text

• Check dual dimensions as needed - if this is unchecked, use 'Upper' menu choices to set single dimension units, precision and tolerance.

• Units, precision and tolerance settings are unique for upper and lower dual dimensions

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Dimensioning control: CADstyle

CADstyle helps you customize the appearance of dimensions. An Update links button adjusts your dimensions and reapplies these settings if artwork has been resized or moved. To change the style of live dimensions after they are created, select them and make changes in the CADstyle palette.

• Change the dimension color with the popup menu, selecting from presets, the current fill color, or other color using the system level picker - for custom colors, use Fill color

• Update links to apply changes to live dimensions

• Select from several terminator types and adjust weight, length, and angle with field values

• Dimension line weight and snap tolerance are set with field values

• Use field values to set witness line weight, extension beyond dimension line, and gap from object

• Choose to double the weight or add the prime symbol to Section lines (found in the Labeling tool group)

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2D dimensioning tools

Orthographic dimensioning tool group:

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.

Bézier 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 tangent normal. 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 on an object line to mark the center of its bounding box.

Horizontal Dimension (by Line)
The Horizontal Dimension (by Line) tool will dimension horizontal line segments. A line segment is a straight path between two anchor points in Illustrator.

Select the Horizontal 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 horizontal dimension line in increments. The offset increment value is set in the Snap field in the Dimension Lines panel of the CADstyle palette.

Note: To quickly toggle between Horizontal Dimension (by Line) and Vertical Dimension (by Line), use the alt/option key.

Horizontal Dimension (by Points)
The Horizontal Dimension (by Points) tool will dimension the horizontal distance between multiple points. You can define the location of these points anywhere on your document.

Select the Horizontal 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 panel of the CADstyle palette.

Note: To quickly toggle between Horizontal Dimension (by Points) and Vertical Dimension (by Points), use the alt/option key.

Horizontal Datum Dimension
The Horizontal Datum Dimension tool will dimension the horizontal distances between a point of origin and other points. You can define the location of these points anywhere on your document.

Select the Horizontal Datum Dimension tool and position the cursor at the origin on one end of the horizontal distance you want to dimension. If this is an anchor point, the cursor will change. 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 panel of the CADstyle palette

To make a datum dimension line appear as a linear chain of dimensions rather than stacked dimensions, check Chain datum in the CADstyle palette.

To change the datum dimension terminator to a JIS terminator, check Chain datum and JIS terminator in the CADstyle palette.

Note: To quickly toggle between Horizontal Datum Dimension and Vertical Datum Dimension tools, use the alt/option key.

Vertical Dimension (by Line)
The Vertical Dimension (by Line) tool will dimension vertical line segments. A line segment is a straight path between two anchor points in Illustrator.

Select the Vertical 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 vertical dimension line in increments. The offset increment value is set in the Snap field in the Dimension lines panel of the CADstyle palette.

Note: To quickly toggle between Vertical Dimension (by Line) and Horizontal Dimension (by Line), use the alt/option key.

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. 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 palette.

Note: To quickly toggle between Vertical Dimension (by Points) and Horizontal Dimension (by Points), use the alt/option key.

Vertical Datum Dimension
The Vertical Datum Dimension tool will dimension the vertical distances between a point of origin and other points. You can define the location of these points anywhere on your document.

Select the Vertical Datum Dimension tool and position the cursor at the origin on one end of the horizontal distance you want to dimension.

If this is an anchor point, the cursor will change. 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 palette.

To make a datum dimension line appear as a linear chain of dimensions rather than stacked dimensions, check Chain datum in the CADstyle palette.

To change the datum dimension terminator to a JIS terminator, check Chain datum and JIS terminator in the CADstyle palette.

Note: To quickly toggle between Vertical Datum Dimension and Horizontal Datum Dimension tools, use the alt/option key.

Inclined Dimension (by Line)
The Inclined Dimension (by Line) tool will dimension angled or “inclined” line segments. A line segment is a straight 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 palette.

Inclined Dimension (by Points)
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. 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. 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 palette.

Note: To prevent errors in measuring nonlinear inclined segments, the inclined chain dimension tool will only measure multiple segments contained within a reasonable angle.

Inclined Datum Dimension
The Inclined Datum Dimension tool will dimension the inclined distances between a point of origin and other points. You can define the location of these points anywhere on your document.

Select the Inclined Datum Dimension tool and position the cursor at the origin on one end of the inclined distance you want to dimension.

If this is an anchor point, the cursor will change. Then click the mouse button once and release the mouse button. Position the cursor at the next point along the inclined distance you want to dimension. Continue clicking on points along the inclined 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 palette.

To make a datum dimension line appear as a linear chain of dimensions rather than stacked dimensions, check Chain datum in the CADstyle palette.

To change the datum dimension terminator to a JIS terminator, check Chain datum and JIS terminator in the CADstyle palette.

Note: To prevent errors in measuring nonlinear inclined segments, the inclined chain dimension tool will only measure multiple segments contained within a reasonable angle.

Angle Dimension
The Angle Dimension tool will dimension the angle between any two nonparallel lines. Position the cursor over the first line. When the cursor appears, click anywhere on the line and release the mouse button. Then position the cursor over the second line. When the cursor appears, click anywhere on the line and drag to position the angle dimension line. Hold down the control key while dragging to dimension the opposite angle. Hold down the alt/option key while you are dragging to remove witness lines.

Arc Length Dimension
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 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 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: The Arc Length Dimension tool works only on circular arcs or circles.

Diameter Dimension
Select the Diameter Dimension tool and position the cursor over the path of a 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 multiples of 45°. Hold down the control key while you are dragging to toggle the placement of the diameter dimension text.

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: To quickly toggle between radius dimension and diameter dimension, use the alt/option key.

To dimension the radius of arcs, use the Bézier Curvature Dimension tool.

Bézier Curvature Dimension
The Bézier Curvature Dimension tool will automatically display the radius at any point on a Bézier curve. Select the Bézier Curvature Dimension tool and position the cursor directly over a Bézier curve. When the ( ) cursor appears, click and drag along the Bézier curve. While you are dragging along the curved path, you will see a radius and its arc at every point. To create the Bézier curvature dimension at any point, release the mouse button at that point. To hide the arc, hold down the control key while dragging.

Note: Circles and arcs created within Illustrator are constructed with Bézier curves. The approximation of their radius may reveal up to 5% difference in value using the Bézier Curvature Dimension tool.

Tangent Dimension
The Tangent Dimension tool will automatically display the tangent line at any point along on a Bézier curve. Select the Tangent Dimension tool and position the cursor directly over a Bézier curve. When the ( ) cursor appears, click and drag along the Bézier 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 normal. Use shift to diplay the normal and tangent lines. Use control to toggle normal placement.

Hot Tip!
To dimension type, convert type to outlines with the Create Outlines command in Adobe Illustrator.

Center Line
The Center Line tool will allow you to create a center line on your document. Select the Center 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°.

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.

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.

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Labeling: CADlabels palette

CADlabels offers many options for adjusting the appearance of labels. For incremental labels, set the letter or number that the next label will display. Choose a tight or loose distance for label borders. Remember to check "Create live dimensions" in the CADdocument palette if you want to create CADtools artwork that can later be modified in appearance.

Labeling tool group:
Incremental label - Click and drag to create a label using the incremental settings in the CADlabels palette.
Custom label - Click and drag, then enter text for the label in the dialog box.
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 palette to make the section line double weight and appear with the prime symbol.

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Labeling: Tools

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, ungroup the label so that it will no longer be linked to its original location point. Ungrouping dimensions or labels automatically unlinks them from artwork.

Incremental Label
The Incremental Label tool will create character or number labels which automatically increment according to the settings in the CADlabels palette. To create an incremental label, first use the CADlabels palette to set the appearance of the label extension, label shape, and the letter or number of the next incremental label you plan to draw. Then select the Incremental 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.

If you have created 'live' labels (by checking Create live dimensions in the CADdocument palette), you can adjust the length and angle of the label while maintaining the link to its artwork. Use the CAD-tools Dimension Resize tool to select and adjust live labels. If you want to edit the label with Illustrator tools, ungroup the label to unlink it and prevent updating.

Note: Label changes made without the Dimension Resize tool will not be retained when dimensions are updated with the Update links button. Also, you cannot use the CADlabels palette to change the increment value for labels after they have been created. To change the value of labels created with the Incremental label tool, ungroup the label before editing it.

Custom Label
The Custom Label tool will create text or character labels using a text input dialog box. To create a custom label, first use the CADlabels palette to set the appearance of the label extension and label shape. Then select the Custom Label tool and position the cursor where you want the label terminator to end. Click and drag to position the Custom 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. In the Custom label dialog box, enter the text for the label.

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.

Note: Label changes made without the Dimension Resize tool will not be retained when dimensions are updated with the Update links button. To change the value of labels created with the Custom Label tool, ungroup the label before editing it.

Datum Feature
To create a datum feature, first use the CADlabels palette to set the letter of the next datum feature you plan to draw. Then select the Datum Feature 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.

Use the CADtools Dimension Resize tool to select and adjust the label.

Datum Target
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, ungroup the label and use the Illustrator text tool to select and edit the type.

Note: If you do not ungroup the label after editing the text, the Update links button will change the datum target text to “1” and “A”.

Datum Flag
To create a datum flag, first use the CADlabels palette 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.

Revision Bubble
The Revision Bubble tool allows you to automatically encircle artwork or drag to make revision bubbles.

• To automatically encircle objects with a revision bubble, select the revision bubble tool and position the cursor over artwork or text path. Click once to create the bubble.

Note: Revision bubbles created in this manner will be linked to the encircled object. If the object is moved and Update Links is clicked, the bubble will redraw around the object in its new location.

• To create your own revision bubble, position the cursor where you want a corner of the bubble to appear. Click and drag from one edge of the bubble to the opposite edge. Hold down the shift key while dragging to create a circular revision bubble. Hold down the control or alt/option keys to adjust the bubble appearance.

Section Line
To create a section line, first use the CADlabels palette 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 palette. To automatically add a prime symbol to the section line text, check the Prime section option in the CADstyle palette. 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 placement of the section line label, hold down the control key while dragging.

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Precision control with CADtracker

CADtracker helps you monitor and edit object information with four panels. Use the units and precision fields at the bottom of the palette to change the display of measurements in the fields.

Geometry
The Geometry panel 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 0 pt on the ruler
Y: Vertical distance of cursor from 0 pt on the ruler
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 popup menu)

Using CADtracker Geometry with artwork selected...
X: Horizontal distance of top left corner of object from 0 pt
Y: Vertical distance of top left corner of object from 0 pt
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) - compound shapes are calculated as the total, rather than the difference of two objects

Transform
CADtracker's Transform panel allows you to numerically resize a selected object in scale.

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 object’s horizontal location, enter a value in the X text box.

• To change an object’s vertical location, enter a value in the Y text box.

• To change the width of a selection’s bounding box, enter a value in the W text box.

• To change the height of a selection’s 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 object’s bounding box.

Click the Transform button to transform the selected objects. Click the Copy button to make a transformed copy of the artwork.

Move
CADtracker's Move panel allows you to numerically move a selected object in scale. The Repeat panel allows you to numerically duplicate 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 moved.

Repeat
The Repeat panel allows you to numerically duplicate selected objects in rows and columns with scaled values.

Select an object and enter options in the Repeat panel.

• To duplicate objects on a horizontal 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 palette.

• To duplicate objects on a vertical 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 palette.

• 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.

Click the Repeat button again to repeat the new duplicated objects as needed.

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2D CAD editing tools

CAD editing tools modify existing artwork with a high level of control and precision. Only the Dimension Resize tool is limited to CADtools artwork. And the Measure Scale tool is very useful for calculating a scale for imported artwork or objects that have a known actual size without scale.

Editing tool group:

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 anywhere 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.

Wall Healer - Click on intersecting walls to unite them and delete their intersection lines.

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 popup menu.

Dimension Resize
The Dimension Resize tool allows you to change the distance between a dimension and the object it measures while maintaining the link.

Note: Dimension changes made with any other tool will not be retained when dimensions are updated with the Update links button.

Select the Dimension Resize tool and position the cursor over the label or dimension line which you plan to resize. When the cursor appears, click and drag to adjust the dimension. Use the shift key while dragging to place dimension lines at a consistent distance from the object. This offset distance is defined in the Snap text box in the Dimension lines panel of the CADstyle palette. To unlink a dimension from the object it measures, select and ungroup the dimension.

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.

Note: To automatically create additional fillets with the same radii, use the alt/option key while clicking on the adjacent line.

Chamfer
The Chamfer tool allows you to create a chamfer between two intersecting lines or a corner. The chamfer length is determined by the distance between the chamfer endpoints and the corner or intersection. These distances – chamfer offsets – are defined by the last value used in the numeric input dialog box.

Select the Chamfer tool and position the cursor over one of two intersecting lines which you intend to chamfer. 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 chamfer offset values to create the chamfer.

Note: To automatically create additional chamfers with the same offset 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.

To create trim points along the path without deleting the artwork, double-click the Trim tool and set the tool preferences.

Extend
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.

Wall Healer
The Wall Healer tool will unite two walls or wall paths which intersect. Select the Wall Healer tool and position the cursor over one of the intersecting walls. When the cursor appears, click once on the wall, then position the cursor over the second intersecting wall. When the cursor appears, click once on the second wall and both walls or wall paths will unite.

Measure Scale
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 scale will be added to the CADdocument popup menu.

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Isometric drawing: CADisometric palette

There are multiple ways to create and edit isometric artwork with CADtools. You can project flat artwork to top, front, or side planes, or you can draw isometric artwork with the CADisometric drawing tools. Both of these methods produce artwork that can be dimensioned with CADisometric dimensioning tools.

Note: You may want to copy your artwork or save a copy of your document before you start projecting artwork – especially if you need to preserve your 2D artwork.

The CADisometric palette helps you project flat artwork in isometric view and control the appearance of isometric artwork. Use the preset menu to choose from existing views, or create your own custom view by rotating the cube icon or using the 2D and 3D angle field values. Before rotating the cube icon, unlock it by clicking on the locked icon. Lock the view into place to prevent changes to the view.

Isometric projection - To project 2D artwork on to isometric planes, first draw artwork flat inside Adobe Illustrator. Use CADtools drawing tools if you need to create the artwork in scale. Dimensions can also be projected with the artwork.

Select the pieces of artwork that comprise one plane -choose Object > Group. Select each set of grouped artwork and click the corresponding plane on the icon in the CAD-isometric palette. If you create 2 or 3 views to project, arrange the artwork prior.

If you want the artwork to project on the same plane, remember to group the artwork before projecting.

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 palette, 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 palette.

Flatten to edit projections in 2D - If you need to edit the projected isometric artwork, select the artwork and click the Flatten button in the CADisometric palette. After you have made changes, click on the faces of the cube icon to reproject the artwork as top, front, and side planes.

Expand to edit projections in 3D - If you want to edit the artwork directly in isometric view, you should select and Expand the artwork to avoid unexpected reshaping. Use the Expand button located in the CADisometric palette to remove all internal links between the selected artwork and CADiso-metric settings. Some filters and tools such as Illustrator's gradient mesh will automatically expand the artwork and disable its 'live' attributes. Dimensions cannot be made on expanded artwork - be sure to finish all tasks related to measurement and adjustment before artwork is expanded.

Hot Tip!
To save time and unnecessary updates, 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 palette to prevent changes.

Isometric drawing - You can easily create isometric vector artwork with CADtools isometric drawing tools. The cube icon in the CADisometric palette 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.'

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, you are over a corner point. The tolerance for face snapping is the same as the snap to grid tolerance in the CADguides palette.

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Isometric drawing: Tools

Isometric (axonometric) drawing tool group:
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 palette.

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 palette. 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.

Isometric Rectangle
Select the Isometric Rectangle tool and position the cursor where you want a corner of the rectangle to appear. Click and drag from one edge of the rectangle to the opposite edge. To draw a front face rectangle, click and drag to the opposite edge. To create a side face, hold down the command/ control key after you begin dragging. To create a top or bottom face, hold down the alt/option key after you begin dragging. (Bottom faces can only be created if your isometric view is rotated so that the bottom view is showing.) Hold down the shift key to create a square in isometric view. The cube icon in the CADisometric palette indicates which face you are drawing.

To numerically create the rectangle, click once on the document. The click point will become the top right corner of a front face, the top left corner of a side face, and the bottom corner of a top face.

Isometric Centered Rectangle
This tool works just like the Isometric Rectangle tool, except that the initial click point becomes the center of the isometric rectangle.

Isometric Ellipse
Select the Isometric Ellipse tool and click and drag from one edge of the ellipse to the opposite edge. The cursor is located at the corner of the bounding box of the ellipse - not actually on the ellipse path. To draw a front face ellipse, click and drag to the opposite edge. To create a side face, hold down the command/control key after you begin dragging. To create a top or bottom face, hold down the alt/ option key after you begin dragging. (Bottom faces can only be created if your isometric view is rotated so that the bottom view is showing.) Hold down the shift key to create a circle in isometric view. The cube icon in the CADisometric palette indicates which face you are drawing.

Isometric Centered Ellipse
This tools works just like the Isometric Ellipse tool, except that the initial click point becomes the center of the isometric ellipse.

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. Remember to finish creating the cube depth before deleting, undoing or choosing another tool.

Single-click on the document to create a cube numerically. The cube’s central 'home point' will be placed at your click 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 circle. After releasing the mouse, immediately drag along the isometric angle without clicking to preview the cylinder’s 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. Remember to finish creating the cylinder depth before deleting, undoing or choosing another tool.

Single-click on the document to create a cylinder numerically. The cylinder face’s center point will be placed at your click point.

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Isometric dimensioning: Tools

Isometric dimension tool group:
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.

Horizontal Isometric Dimension (by Line)
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 panel of the CADstyle palette.

Hold down the control key to create dimensions perpendicular to the isometric object.

Horizontal Isometric Dimension (by Points)
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. 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 panel of the CADstyle palette. Hold down the control key to create dimensions perpendicular to the isometric object.

Note: For accurate measurements, make sure the artwork is arranged and grouped on one plane - to check this, flatten the artwork, adjust as needed, then group before reprojecting it. If the artwork is properly constructed, isometric dimension values should not change when the artwork and dimensions are flattened.

Horizontal Isometric Datum Dimension
The Horizontal Isometric Datum Dimension tool will dimension the horizontal distances between a point of origin and other points in isometric view.

Select the Horizontal Isometric Datum Dimension tool and position the cursor at the origin on one end of the horizontal distance you want to dimension.

If this is an anchor point, the cursor will change. 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 panel of the CADstyle palette. Hold down the control key to create dimensions perpendicular to the isometric object.

To make a datum dimension line appear as a linear chain of dimensions rather than stacked dimensions, check Chain datum in the CADstyle palette.

To change the datum dimension terminator to a JIS terminator, check Chain datum and JIS terminator in the CADstyle palette.

Note: For accurate measurements, make sure the artwork is arranged properly on one plane - to check this, flatten the artwork, adjust as needed, then group before reprojecting it. If the artwork is properly constructed, isometric dimension values should not change when the artwork and dimensions are flattened.

Vertical Isometric Dimension (by Line)
The Vertical Isometric Dimension (by Line) tool will dimension vertical line segments in isometric view. A line segment is a straight 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 thecursor 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 palette. Hold down the control key to create dimensions perpendicular to the isometric object.

Vertical Isometric Dimension (by Points)
The Vertical Isometric Dimension (by Points) tool will dimension the vertical distance between multiple points in isometric view. You can

hot door CADtools 3 for Adobe Illustrator 9,10 or CS

User Guide

hot door CADtools 3
for Adobe Illustrator 9,10 or CS