When you’re just starting with NanoCAD, mastering a few key commands can make your drafting experience smoother and more efficient. These essential tools will help you navigate NanoCAD, speed up your workflow, and produce precise drawings with confidence.
If you haven’t already, check out our previous guides:
- How to Set Up NanoCAD for a New Drawing: A Beginner’s Guide
- How to Use Layers Effectively in NanoCAD
Now, let’s dive into the Top 5 Essential Commands every new drafter needs to know!
1. LINE (L) – Draw Straight Lines
The LINE command is the backbone of any CAD software. It allows you to draw straight line segments between two points, which is essential for creating walls, outlines, and general geometry.
How to Use the LINE Command:
- Type L in the command line and press Enter.
- Click to specify the starting point.
- Move your cursor and click to define the endpoint.
- To continue drawing, specify additional points.
- Press Enter to finish the command.
Pro Tip: Use Ortho Mode (F8) to draw perfectly horizontal or vertical lines.
2. OFFSET (O) – Create Parallel Lines
The OFFSET command creates parallel lines, concentric circles, or copies of objects at a specified distance. It’s particularly handy for walls, framing, and repeated patterns.
How to Use the OFFSET Command:
- Type O and press Enter.
- Specify the offset distance (e.g., 4 inches or 100 mm).
- Select the object you want to offset.
- Click on the side where you want the offset to appear.
Example: Quickly offset a wall line to create a parallel line for thickness.
3. TRIM (TR) – Clean Up Overlapping Lines
The TRIM command lets you clean up intersecting or overlapping lines by cutting away unwanted segments. It’s essential for finalizing geometry and ensuring neat intersections.
How to Use the TRIM Command:
- Type TR and press Enter.
- Select the cutting edges (lines or objects that will act as boundaries).
- Press Enter to confirm the cutting edges.
- Click on the parts of the objects you want to remove.
Quick Tip: Double-press Enter after typing TR to use all objects as cutting edges automatically.
4. EXTEND (EX) – Lengthen Lines to a Boundary
The EXTEND command works like the opposite of TRIM. It allows you to stretch or extend lines until they meet a boundary object. This is helpful when finalizing connections between walls or grid lines.
How to Use the EXTEND Command:
- Type EX and press Enter.
- Select the boundary edge to extend to.
- Press Enter to confirm the boundary.
- Click on the line(s) you want to extend.
Pro Tip: Similar to TRIM, double-press Enter after typing EX to use all objects as boundary edges.
5. COPY (CO) – Duplicate Objects Quickly
The COPY command allows you to duplicate objects and place them anywhere in your drawing. This is particularly useful for repeating components like doors, windows, or furniture.
How to Use the COPY Command:
- Type CO and press Enter.
- Select the object(s) you want to copy.
- Press Enter to confirm your selection.
- Specify a base point (this is the reference point for the copy).
- Move your cursor and click to place the copy at the desired location.
- Repeat as needed or press Enter to finish.
Shortcut: Use the right-click Copy Selection option for a quicker workflow.
Honorable Mentions
While the five commands above are critical for beginners, here are a few additional tools you’ll quickly find useful:
- MOVE (M): Shift objects to a new position.
- MIRROR (MI): Create symmetrical copies of objects.
- ERASE (E): Delete objects from your drawing.
- DIMENSION (D): Add measurements for clarity and precision.
Conclusion
Mastering these top 5 commands will set you up for success as you start your journey with NanoCAD. By combining LINE, OFFSET, TRIM, EXTEND, and COPY, you’ll have the tools you need to tackle most basic drafting tasks efficiently.
If you want to improve your organization and take your skills further, check out:
Stay tuned for more beginner-friendly guides to make your drafting projects smoother and more professional!