PC Online 1998 October/PCO_1098.ISO/filesbbs/os2/bluecad.arj/BLUECAD.ZIP/bluecad.in_/bluecad.inf

OS/2 Help File | 1997-01-20 | 253.4 KB | 5,478 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. Introduction ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Manual Presentation

This manual has the purpose to being a guide to BlueCAD for all the users of
this program, both for beginners, who need basic information, and for those who
are already familiar with the product and therefore require fast information
about commands and some deeper knowledge on advanced features.

For the first time user of BlueCAD we recommend a preliminary reading of the
manual BlueCAD User's Guide, then a reading of the paragraphs of these
sections:

Giving a command
Command Classification
BlueCAD commands Operands
Notation conventions

Finally, to get familiar with the product we would like to recommend beginning
with the main screen of BlueCAD, navigating from this to the areas that are
part of it and to the Tools' windows.

We would like to remind you that by double-clicking on highlighted words or
sentences you will receive further information about them. Furthermore, another
way to access the previous topic is to press the ESC button.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.1. Giving a command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

You can activate a BlueCAD command by clicking on menu commands or icon
commands, by means of shortcuts, or fast selection via the keyboard or a macro.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.2. Commands Classification ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

BlueCAD's commands are divided into three operational categories:

 1. main commands;
 2. subcommands or secondary commands;
 3. Transparent commands.

Let's see what they are:

 1. Main commands are those which you can give at any time and which can
    instantly remove any other active command from the BlueCAD input buffer.
    Main commands are indicated by number (1). This number is shown, together
    with a short description of the command, when activating fast help. For
    example, a main command is Segment 2 Points.

 2. Subcommands or secondary commands are those, instead, that can be executed
    only if a main command or another subcommand is already active. The
    execution of a secondary command if this condition is not satisfied
    provokes an error condition that BlueCAD will immediately signal.
    Furthemore subcommands must be compatible with the active command. They are
    briefly tagged wit number (2). This number is shown, together with a short
    description of the command, when activating fast help.

    Moreover, in BlueCAD, the risk of act using secondary commands properly is
    reduced, since you can access such commands in contextual windows (with the
    exception of Data End located on the Horizontal Toolbar), therefore they
    are active only when the program can accept them.

    Among others, subcommands are all the commands of any snap point, which
    assume previous activation of main commands requiring point input, and all
    the selection commands, which assume main commands that require the
    selection of primitives.

 3. Transparent commands are those that you can give at any time, and the name
    comes from the fact they do not interfere with the current state of BlueCAD
    and they leave everything untouched after their execution. This kind of
    commands is tagged by number (0). This number is shown, with a brief
    description of the command, when activating fast help. For example, a
    transparent command is Redraw.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.3. BlueCAD commands Operands ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Operands required by BlueCAD's command are points, strings, numbers and
primitives (also called entities).

In this section it is explained how to:

Input of points
Input of strings
Input of numbers
Select primitives

Some of BlueCAD's commands will disactivate automatically once executed: for
instance the Open command will disactivate after the drawing is read.

Other commands will stay active even if you do not select them again and will
ask you new operands: for example, the command to draw a segment passing by two
points, Segment by 2 points will keep asking a couple of points after having
drawn the first segment.

Other commands stay active but need different numbers of operands in different
executions: for example, the command to draw Parallel segments given the
distance in its first execution will ask both distance and selection of the
segment that you want to reproduce, while the following execution will ask only
to select the segment, the distance being left unchanged.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.3.1. Input of points ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The coordinates of a point can be given in different ways:

 1. Pressing the mouse button 1 when the cursor is in the drawing area. When
    you move the cursor in this area, the coordinates of the point upon which
    it is positioned can be read in the Coordinates area.

 2. Inputting the coordinates directly using the Cordinates window

 3. Utilizing snap commands on existing primitives or on the grid

Some commands, for instance which create spline, need a varying number of
points. The command will keep asking you points until you input them all,
therefore giving the command Data End.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.3.2. Input of strings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

A string is a set of characters, blank spaces included, which make up a text of
one single line. You can input strings through the strings input window which
will be automatically opened by the program when an operand of string type is
required.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.3.3. Input of numbers ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Numbers can be input through a calculator window, when a general number is
needed, or through the Angles window, when the measurement of an angle is
needed. These windows are automatically opened by the program when an operand
of number type is required. The calculator window will have a different
appearance, namely the Scientific Calculator window or the Normal Calculator
window according to the setting of the Scientific Calculator in the Settings
window-General page.

These input windows use the same internal calculator to evaluate the numerical
expressions and they store the last ten inputted expressions into memory, in an
area that is common to all the windows, which is why those expressions can be
shared as well.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.3.4. Selection of primitives ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Graphic primitives can be selected singularly as follows: move the cursor
(that will look like a crosshair with what we refer to as a overimposed
trap-box) in the Drawing Area until you see the graphic entity you want to
select in the box, then press the mouse button 1. If in the square it is
possible to see more than one primitive, the one closest to the crosshair
intersection is selected. In order to avoid mistakes we suggest you to position
the cursor on a portion of the primitive that is far from others.

For some of the commands the position of the centre of the cursor with respect
to the selected primitive (to select one of its sides) is important.

The point used to select the only entity is called pick point.

For those commands which need it, it is possible to use the multiple selection
subcommands for the graphic primitives, which allow you to pick more entities
at the same time.

For example the Delete command requires the selection of one single primitive,
but lets you choose a set of entities, for instance those inside an area of
your choice (with the command Select zone and then, of course, indicating the
area containing all the primitives you want to act on), after that it will ask
you again to pick another single entity or a new set of them (multiple
selection command).

Some functions, for instance the one to create blocks, require a changeable
number of entities, and this is why this command keeps asking the selection of
new primitives until the user stops it with the command Data End.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1.4. Notation conventions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The pages of this manual refer to commands, menus, interactive windows,
BlueCAD's tools, descriptions of graphic entities, and to the main BlueCAD's
screen and its areas.

 1. Commands:

    The commands are detailed as follows, with these items:

    a. Command icon.

    b. name <1st operand> <2nd operand> ...

    c. command description and list of its operands.

       We then give some information on how to use the command, on what is
       particular about it, on links to other commands, on likely error
       conditions, and possible causes.

    d. ways to give the command.

       Finally you see two icons, both of which have texts attached, describing
       how to give the command: follow the ways to give the command with the
       mouse follow the ways to give the command with the keyboard

    The command icon is the pushbutton eventually present if the command can be
    given via the graphic interface, and it is the one appearing in the Command
    echo area when the command is active. Those commands which can not be given
    with the mouse have the following icon:

    The name is the one used to call the command when using a macro, that
    generally differs from the one we use in BlueCAD. When the name is missing
    it means that the command can't be called when using a macro. The operands,
    which are the data necessary to execute the command, are in number and type
    that depend on the command itself, and may even not be present. The
    operands are inscribed within these characters <...>. It could be that not
    all the mentioned operands are strictly necessary to execute a command, but
    that some are optional, depending on the need of an additional function of
    the command or not. Every time an operand is optional it is inscribed in
    square brackets ([...]). Since BlueCAD's commands require different kinds
    of operands, the sequence with which we pass them to the program becomes
    important. The command's syntax sets exactly this sequence so that
    misunderstanding becomes impossible. In the interactive way of functioning,
    it will be the program itself to induce the user to the correct use,
    prompting for the proper kind of operand in the Command Echo Area, using a
    different cursor and, for some types of operands like strings and numbers,
    by means of an Input Window.

 2. Menu:

    The user can access the menus selecting an item on the Menu bar.

    For the menu items a description of the commands is given.

 3. Interactive Windows:

    There are different types of interactive windows:

    a. in the Dialog windows and in the general Input windows the various
       fields are described.

    b. in the Tools windows, in the Attributes windows and in the Contextual
       windows the user can see a description and a drawing or image of the
       window. Double clicking on any icon part of the drawing will give access
       to the help text related to that icon.

    c. in the Input windows of the commands related to the attributes the user
       will have a description of the window.

 4. Tools of BlueCAD

    Here the Tools of BlueCAD, their characteristics and how to utilize them
    are described.

 5. Graphic entities description

    Here the graphic entities available in BlueCAD, their characteristics and
    different ways to create them are described.

 6. Description of BlueCAD's main screen and of its areas:

    Descending from the main screen of BlueCAD, in cascade, a brief description
    of the different areas, which are then visualised as it appears on the
    display during any work session is given. Double clicking on any of the
    features of the screen activates the contextual help, allowing a fast
    navigation through all the tools BlueCAD sets at the user's disposal.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. The main screen of BlueCAD ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This image depicts the actual appearance of the main screen when using BlueCAD.

At the top, from left to right, we have a line composed by the Control menu,
the Title Bar, the Minimize button and the Maximize button. Then, coming down,
we find the Menu Bar, the Horizontal Toolbar and the Upper Status bar. Further
down we see the Drawing area ,with the Vertical Toolbar on its left. At the
bottom there is the Lower Status bar.

Please select an area to see its description.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Other windows in BlueCad ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Beside its main screen, BlueCAD has at its disposal many other windows to
interact with the user. They are grouped as follows:

 1. Dialog windows

    windows for the program's setting and management

 2. Tools windows

    windows to create and modify commands and with macros

 3. Attributes windows

    windows for commands regarding attributes

 4. Input windows

    windows for giving command operands

 5. Contextual windows

    windows to input secondary commands for selection and snap points


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1. Dialog windows ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

BlueCAD interacts with the user utilising dialog windows to command and manage
the program, and to input the coordinates of points.

These are the available dialog windows:

Printer Setup window
Settings window
  Settings window-Grid Page
  Settings window-Color Page
  Settings window-Metafile Page
  Settings window-General Page
Manage Block window
  Create New Library window
  Delete Library window
  Block Search window
  Block Positioning window
Manage Layers window
  Layer Creation window
Coordinates window
Manage Macro window
  Insert macro window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.1. Printer Setup window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The dialog window is to set printout parameters. It is activated with the
command Printer Setup.

Top section

Describes the printer's features: name, output port, orientation, paper
dimensions.

Measurement units

lets the user select the real entity of the adimensional unit of the drawing.
It is active if the scale for the drawing has been set. The available
measurement units are:

   mm  (millimeter)
   cm  (centimeter. 1cm = 10mm)
   m   (meter. 1m = 100cm)
   km  (kilometer. 1km = 1000m)
   in  (inch. 1in = 2.54cm)
   ft  (foot. 1ft = 12in = 30.48cm)
   yd  (yard. 1yd = 3ft = 0.9144m)
   mi  (statute mile. 1mi = 1760yd = 1609.344m)

Preview

shows the sheet of paper as in the printer, and the profile of the area that
encloses all the visible entities:

   o if there is not any visible entity, you will see only the paper.
   o if the viewing mode is in more than one window, you will see the graphic
     area divided according to the windows. In this case it will be possible to
     print the drawing as it is, without using any option.

If the rectangle of the visible primitives is seen (it means one window view
mode), the user can position the drawing on the paper using the mouse button 2.
The Moved. option will be automatically set. It will not be possible to
reposition the drawing if the On Center or the Optimal window options are
active.

On Center

the drawing will be centered on the print area available.

Moved

the drawing will be put in the position where it had previously been placed
with the mouse.

If the drawing is neither on center nor displaced, it will be printed centered
in the current view.

Rotation

The drawing, in this case, is rotated 90 degrees. This option lets the user
match the orientation of the drawing with that of the paper without modifying
the printer setup.

Optimal window

the drawing scale is chosen by the program to shape the drawing according to
the dimensions of the paper. With this option the image will be automatically
centered.

Scale

this option allows you to choose the scaling factor. This factor, together with
the unit of measurement that was selected, defines the dimension on the paper
of the momentarily adimensional unit in the drawing. As an example, selecting a
scale of two and cm as the unit of measurement, a segment 1 unit long will be 2
centimeters long on the paper. The scale factor can be input either as a single
number or as a ratio, in the formats x/y and x:y.

Color

sets the printout in color or black and white. We want to remind you that if
you set the option in color, white entities will not be visible on white paper,
and pale colors might also have visibility problems.

Yes

will quit this Printer Setup dialog window saving modifications.

Delete

quits the dialog window without saving changes.

Help

shows this Help screen.

Printer...

shows the printer settings of the system.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.2. Settings window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Dialog window to adjust BlueCAD settings. It is activated by the command
Settings.

For settings you have different pages:

Grid Page
Color Page
Metafile Page
General Page
command Settings from the menu File in the Menu bar fast selection in menu
Alt+F,T


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.2.1. Settings-Grid Page window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

It is a page in the Settings window.

It lets you set the visibility property of the grid and related parameters.

Visible Grid (Yes/No)

It lets you change the state of visibility of the grid. This is visible if it
is ticked off.

Parameters

In this box, if the grid is visible, you can modify the parameters of the grid:

   Step

   in the next window beside you can set the grid step. It can be modified also
   if the grid is not visible.

   Color

   with the arrows beside the window you select the color for the grid.

   Points

   by ticking off this option, the grid will be drawn by means of points.

   Squares

   ticking this off will select the grid drawn by squares.

Undo

gives the settings their previous value, before this window was shown.

Default

gives the settings the values that were active at the time of the first
installation of BlueCAD.

Help

shows this Help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.2.2. Settings-Color Page window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

it is a page of the Settings window.

Colors Groupbox

Allows the user to change the colors associated with the Color attribute

To do this you need to open the Color palette, one of the System settings, then
drag the color you wish on the window you want to modify.

To changes the color of the Drawing Area you have to drag the color on the area
itself.

The following table sets the corespondence between the color boxes and the
attribute number

ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉ
Γöé0 Γöé1 Γöé2 Γöé3 Γöé
Γö£ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓöñ
Γöé4 Γöé5 Γöé6 Γöé7 Γöé
Γö£ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓöñ
Γöé8 Γöé9 Γöé10Γöé11Γöé
Γö£ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓöñ
Γöé12Γöé13Γöé14Γöé15Γöé
ΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿ

Undo

gives the settings their previous value, before this window was shown.

Default

gives the settings the values that were active at the time of the first
installation of BlueCAD.

Help

shows this Help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.2.3. Settings-Metafile Page window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

It is a page in the Settings window.

It lets you control the copy location for the selected entites with the command
Copy entity:

Clipboard

the entities are sent to the System Clipboard.

Files

the entities are copied in the file named in the File Name Groupbox

File Name Groupbox

You can input this field when the Files mode has been selected. In the textbox
the name of the file in which the primitives will be copied is specified. If
the file name does not specify the path, i.e. the name of the directory, the
file will be located in the program starting directory.

Undo

gives the settings their previous value, before this window was shown.

Default

gives the settings the values that were active at the time of the first
installation of BlueCAD.

Help

shows this Help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.2.4. Settings-General Page window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

It is a page in the Settings window.

It lets you control the general purpose BlueCAD settings:

Scientific calculator

if this item has been ticked, when a number is requested the Scientific
Calculator window will open, otherwise the Normal Calculator window will pop
up.

Sound

if this option has been ticked, the echo sound for commands is enabled. The
echo sound is a single note of a frequency of 2500 Hz and of a duration of 1
second that is emitted every time the user selects a point in the Drawing Area
and every time BlueCAD has executed a command lasting longer than 15 seconds.

Entity Creation Echoes

if this option has been ticked, all the echos when entities are created are
enabled. If the option does not have a mark, the echo for the drawing of the
following entities are disabled: Arc, Circle, Ellipsis, Spline and Dimension,
and the complete echo for the positioning of the Blocks. If you don't have the
fastest computer equipment, it may be a good idea to disable these echoes, to
since the program uses certain computational resources.

Optimal Dimensioning

If this option is checked, the optimal positioning of the dimensions text is
enabled.

View bitmap

if ticked, the viewing of bitmaps is enabled. The disabling of bitmaps viewing
is useful to speed up the time of redraw activities when seeing the bitmap is
not crucial.

View thickness

this option will let you see the thickness of those primitives thicker than 1.

Fast view thickness

it is enabled if the box for View thickness has been marked. If the sign is
present, the thickness is visualised in a fast mode, that is, with thickness
equal to 2 if higher than 1, otherwise, the thickness is designed correctly.

Undo

gives the settings their previous value, before this window was shown.

Default

gives the settings the values that were active at the time of the first
installation of BlueCAD.

Help

shows this Help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.3. Manage Block window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

A Dialog window for blocks management.

It is activated and deactivated with the command Manage Blocks.

You can work in BlueCAD keeping this window open.

This window appears to be like a clipboard made of one or more pages. Each page
is an open library of blocks, with its own label to identify it. In each of
these pages there are icons for each of the blocks stored in it. These icons
reproduce the look of the block they are associated with and underneath each
icon there is the name of the block.

The first page, the one with the leftmost tag, is always present and contains
the blocks stored in memory. The descriptions of the blocks in memory will be
saved permanently with the drawing if at least one block with that description
is positioned in the drawing. Memory is written on the first page tag.

To be able to work with the blocks of a library (or those in memory) you need
to activate that page.

The possible activities/operations are:

 1. block positioning

    dragging a block from the active page to the Drawing Area will start the
    block positioning:

    a. if the block is in a library, it is loaded into memory. If there are
       undefined blocks with the same name, they are promptly updated.
    b. The Block Positioning window , which allows you to control the scale
       factor and the positioning angle for the block, will open
    c. when the cursor is in the drawing area, a rectangle showing the real
       dimensions of the block will be associated with it.

    at this point BlueCAD will ask the user to specify the block's insertion
    point. This request will be active until the user presses the Delete button
    in the Blocks Positioning window or starts a new command.

    If the block you are inseting contains blocks that are not already stored
    into memory, these blocks are undefined blocks and, as such, are shown with
    the name of the block located in their origin. In order to see these
    sub-blocks correctly, you have to put them into memory: to do this, it is
    sufficient to drag and drop them, one by one, from the active page to the
    Drawing Area (see above). It is not necessary  to position them.

 2. Saving a block

    selecting and dragging an object from the Drawing Area to the active page
    saves the block in the blocks library. This option is disabled when the
    active page is one of the blocks in memory, since a block in the Drawing
    Area is already in memory.

 3. Library Manage Menu

    clicking the mouse button 2 when the cursor is in the labels' area will let
    you see a menu with the following items:

    a. New blocks library...

       opens the Create New Library window. If a new library is opened, a new
       label, for a new page associated with it, will appear.

    b. Delete blocks library...

       opens the Delete Library window. If a library is deleted, its page and
       label disappear. The operation has no influence on the blocks library
       and blocks saved on hard disk: the library simply cannot be accessed if
       not opened. To delete or rename the directory of the library you must
       use the usual commands of the operating system.

       The first page, the one with the blocks into memory, cannot be deleted.

 4. Library menu

    clicking the mouse button 2 when the cursor is in any free area of the
    active page, will show a menu with this item:

    a. Search...

       opens the Block search window. If you selected a block, it will be
       selected also in the page. This function is useful to find a block of
       which you know the name in a library containing many blocks, since in
       this case only a part of the icons is visible on the  page and also
       because usually the icons are not alphabetically sorted.

 5. block menu

    clicking with the mouse button 2 when the cursor is on any block's icon in
    the active page, you will see a menu with this title:

    a. Delete...

       it deletes the description of a block on which the cursor is located at
       the time you pressed the mouse's button. If it is a library block, its
       file will also be deleted. A window asking for confirmation will appear.
       If there are block entities positioned in the drawing which use that
       description, they become undefined blocks and are then shown with their
       name in the place of the cancelled block.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.3.1. Create New Library window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Dialog window to open a new block library.

It pops up when selecting the item New Library creation window... in the Manage
library menu in the Manage Block window.

In the entry field you can write the name of the library you wish to access. If
no such library exists, it is created when quitting this window by clicking on
the button Yes. Clicking with the mouse on the button on the right hand side of
the entry field, you access the list of the existing libraries. Selecting any
of them, its name will be entered in the entry field. Another name to access
these libraries is using the two navigation keys upwards and downwards, with
which you can move among libraries.

Yes

exits the Create New Library window opening the selected library. If a library
with such a name does not exist, it will be created.

Cancel

exits the Create New Library window without opening any library.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.3.2. Delete Library window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Dialog window to delete a library of blocks.

It is activated through the item Delete Blocks library... in the Manage library
menu in the Manage Block window.

In the window you will see the list of the open libraries. In this list you
have to select the library you wish to delete.

Yes

exits the Delete Library window deleting the selected library. If no library is
selected, it will quit the dialog box without any action.

Cancel

this command exits the window without deleting any library.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.3.3. Block Search window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Dialog window for searching a library for a block.

It is activated by means of the item Search... in the Library menu in the
Manage Block window.

In the window appears the list of the blocks saved in the library. In this list
you select the block you want to find.

Yes

quits the Block Search window highlighting the selected block. If nothing has
been selected, the window exits without doing anything.

Cancel

exits the Block Search window with no further action.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.3.4. Block Positioning window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Dialog window to control the scale factor and positioning angle of the block.

It is opened automatically by the program when the function block positioning
is activated by the Manage Block window.

Scale

in the entry field the scale factor appears with which the block will be
positioned. This value can be changed either directly by writing in the entry
field or by using the two buttons on the right hand side:

   arrow upwards increases by 1
   arrow downwards decreases by 1

the new entered value will be used only after clicking the button Apply.

Rotation

in the entry field the positioning angle will appear for the block. This value
can be changed either directly by writing in the entry field or by using the
two buttons on the right hand side:

   arrow upwards increases by 10
   arrow downwards decreases by 10

the newly set value will be used only after clicking the button Apply.

Apply

when clicked, the positioning of the block takes place according to the scale
factor and positioning angle values that you entered in the entry fields Scale
and Rotation in this window. If these values were changed, the modifications
will be rendered immediately visible by the command echo applied to the cursor
in the Drawing Area.

Cancel

closes the Block Positioning window and deactivates the function for block
positioning.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.4. Manage Layers window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Dialog window to manage the layers.

This is activated by screen giving the command Manage Layers.

All the changes are effective only if the window is exited with the Yes button.

Group Box Defined Layers

Contains the list of the layers that have already been defined. The names of
the layers appear on this list, one per line, and each line also contains,
starting from the left:

    1. a first symbol indicating:

      pen        work layer
      lamp       visible layer
      nothing    not visible layer

    2. a second symbol indicating:

      padlock    locked layer
      nothing    unlocked layer

    3. layer's number

    4. layer's description

The layers eventually selected on this list are those which the following
operations will affect.

   Select all

   command to select all the layers on the list

   Deselect all

   command to deselect all the layers on the list

Group Box in the top right corner

gathers all the check-boxes that let you modify the features of the selected
layers. If only one layer is selected, the controls will initially show the
characteristics, if more than one is selected, the controls will show the
features of the first listed layer. Changing the state of the buttons therefore
affects all the selected ones.

   Work

   this is active only if one layer is selected. If it is checked it means that
   the selected layer is the active one (work layer).

   You may define the active layer in two other ways:

       1. selecting it on the list in the Layers window
       2. starting the command layer attribute when BlueCAD is in the Define
          attributes mode.

   Visible

   if this is checked, then the selected layer is visible and so are all the
   primitives in it. The active layer is always visible

   Not visible

   if this is checked, the selected layer is not visible and so are all the
   entities in it.

   Locked

   if this control is checked, the layer is locked, or protected, and therefore
   it is not possible to cancel, change or add entities to that layer.

   Unlocked

   if this control is checked, the layer is not locked, therefore allowing all
   normal work activities.

Group box in the bottom right corner

contains pushbuttons to create, cancel and get information about the layers. To
modify the description of a layer that has already been created you need to
cancel it and create it again with the new description that you please.

   Create...

   opens the Layer Creation window. The layer you create will be added to the
   list of the defined layers.

   Info...

   this will activate a window where you can read information on primitives
   (number and type of) in the layer you are examining. If several layers are
   selected, the first one will be considered.

   Delete...

   It will delete the selected layers. A dialog window will open, asking for
   confirmation. The active layer cannot be deleted. Before you delete a layer,
   please make sure it does not contain any entity (in this respect, you may
   find the button Info... of some use), otherwise, although the layer would
   momentarily disappear from the list, when closing the window the layer would
   not be cancelled and you would get a message in the Messages Area.

Yes

exits the Manage layers window performing the changes you specified.

Cancel

exits the Manage layers window with no further action.

Help

shows this Help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.4.1. Layer Creation window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Dialog window to create a new layer.

You activate this window with the Create... button in the Manage Layers window.

Description

this entry field contains the description of the layer.

Number

this entry field contains the number of the layer.

Visible

if this is checked, the layer will be created as visible, otherwise it will be
invisible.

Locked

if checked, the layer will be locked, otherwise it is created unlocked.

Yes

quits the window creating the layer as desired.

Cancel

exits the dialog window without creating any layer.

Help

Shows this help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.5. Coordinates window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Dialog window for point input by specifying its coordinates.

You start it and quit it with the command Manage Coordinates.

X=

in this entry field write the X coordinate of the point.

Y=

in this entry field write the Y coordinate of the point.

Yes

writes a point at the coordinates you previously specified.

Help

Shows this help screen.

In the X= and Y= entry fields are always the coordinates of the last point that
has been entered always appear, so that they can be used for the next one.

In these X= and Y= entry fields you can enter expressions using the same syntax
one can use in the Normal Calculator window and in the Scientific Calculator
window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.6. Manage Macro Window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Dialog window to manage Macros.

It is activated through the command Manage Macros.

You can continue to use BlueCAD in the usual way without closing this window.

Available Macros

the upper frame contains the list of the existing macros. The macro you select
in this list is the one on which you can perform what follows. If no macros are
selected, the only operation you can perform is Insert... .

After you select a macro, in the lower frame you read the complete name of the
selected file, i.e. of the file containing the procedure that will be executed
when starting the macro from the Macro window. Furthermore, in the Bitmap frame
you can see the bitmap that is associated with it, actually drawn on the button
commanding the macro's execution in the Window Macro.

Insert...

opens the Insert macro window. The new macro you eventually add will be listed
together with the other.

Modify...

opens the Insert macro window, which in this case is utilised to modify an
existing macro.

Eliminate

eliminates selected macros from the list. This command does not affect the file
associated to that macro name at all. To delete this, you have to resort to the
operating system. The effect of this command, instead, is that you cannot start
the macro as a further command.

Test

tests the selected macro. It will be executed in the same way as if through the
Macro window: its commands will be carried out on the drawing. If the control
denominated Close dialog in test is checked, the window will be closed during
the test.

Close dialog in test

if checked, the window for Managing Macros will disappear during the test.

Bitmap

contains the bitmap associated to the macro you selected in the other frame,
where the available macros are listed. This bitmap is actually drawn on the
pushbutton that is linked to the macro in the Macros Window.

Yes

exits the Manage Macro window.

Help

shows this help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.1.6.1. Insert macro window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Dialog window to create or change macros.

It is activated with the buttons Insert... and Modify... in the Manage Macro
window.

Macro name

contains the name of the macro. This name can be at most 80 characters long.

Macro file Group Box

the Group Box shows the name of the file where the text of the procedure of the
macro is stored. The name is written without specifying completely the
directory path. The name can be input by clicking the Search... button.

   Search...

   calls a system input window to specify the file name for the macro.
   Initially the input window will be referred to the macros' directory.
   Specifying a file name that does not exist will provoke its creation. The
   name will be shown in the upper window.

   Edit...

   starts the system editor to modify the file associated with the macro, file
   whose name can be seen in the upper window. The content of the file must be
   a procedure for the REXX interpreter, a language that you have to know
   before changing anything.

Bitmap Group Box

on the right side of the Group Box appears the bitmap. When writing a new
macro, a default bitmap will be associated with it. This bitmap can be modified
clicking the Edit... button.

   Edit...

   starts the system icon editor to modify the bitmap associated with the
   macro, which is visible on the right hand side of the button. This button is
   not active if there is no name for the file in the Macro file Group Box.

Yes

exits the Input Macros window inserting the new macro or introducing the
changes. In case of insertion of a new macro, you have to first input the Macro
name and the Macro File.

Cancel

quits the window for the input of a macro without inserting a new macro or
recording changes to an existing one.

Help

shows this Help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2. Tools windows ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The tools windows are opened when pressing the corresponding buttons in the
Vertical Toolbar. If a window is already open, pressing the corresponding
button will close it.

By selecting the proper buttons in the Tool windows you can give commands to
create and to modify graphic entities and, using the macro window, to start the
execution of the available macros.

As for commands that can be started from the Horizontal Toolbar, these commands
are available also as menu commands.

At the time of closing the work session, BlueCAD stores into memory the state
of any window, either open or closed, and the position on the screen, to
restore the layout when the program is restarted.

These are the available Tools windows:

Creation window
Segments window
Circles window
Dimensions window
Modify window
Transformation window
Macro window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.1. Creation window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This Tools window contains the buttons to start generic creation commands:
text, hatching, point, spline, block and bitmap reading.

It is activated by the button in the Vertical Toolbar.

Select any button to get help on the related command:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.2. Segments window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This Tools window contains buttons to start commands to create segments.

It is activated by the button in the Vertical Toolbar.

Select any button to get help on the related command:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.3. Circles window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This Tools window contains buttons to start commands to generate arcs, circles
ed ellipses.

It is activated by the button in the Vertical Toolbar.

Select any button to get help on the related command:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.4. Dimensions window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This Tools window contains buttons to start commands creating dimensions.

It is activated by the button in the Vertical Toolbar.

Select any button to get help on the related command:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.5. Modify window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This Tools window contains buttons to start commands to modify.

It is activated by the button in the Vertical Toolbar.

Select any button to get help on the related command:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.6. Transformation window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This Tools window contains buttons to start commands of transformation.

It is activated by the button in the Vertical Toolbar.

Select any button to get help on the related command:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.2.7. Macro window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This Tools window contains buttons to start macros defined by Manage Macros. In
case there is no macro defined, this window will not be activated.

This window is activated by the button in the Vertical Toolbar.

In the following figure we can see an example of the Macro window with only one
macro defined, having the default button:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.3. Attributes windows ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The attributes windows are those windows with buttons related to commands
specific of some entities (like dimensions, texts and hatchings), windows that
are opened by the buttons in the Attributes area.

The input windows, both for general and specific purposes of some commands
related to attributes are automatically opened by the program when the user
requires the selection of an attribute.

The attribute windows are automatically closed if the user gives another
command or clicks the mouse button 1 when the cursor is out of the window but
in the Drawing area.

The following attributes windows are available:

Dimension attributes window
Text attributes window
Hatching attributes window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.3.1. Dimension attributes window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Attributes window for dimensions is activated when pushing the button in
the Attribute area and lets the user access the dimension attributes.

Select a button to get help on that command:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.3.2. Text attributes window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The text attributes window is activated by the button in the Attribute area and
lets the user access the text attributes.

Select a button for help about the related command:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.3.3. Hatching attributes window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The attributes window for hatchings is activated by in the Attribute area and
permits the user to access the Hatching attributes.

Click a button to get help on the related command:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4. Input windows ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

BlueCAD interacts with the user for the input of the the operands of the
commands through some specific windows that the program will open on the screen
when operands of that kind are required. They can be subdivided into generic
and specific ones for commands regarding attributes and system windows.

When the input of a point is needed, it is also possible to specify its
coordinates with the Coordinates window.

The input action can be cancelled or given a new command either :

 1. with the apt command in the Generic input windows and in the System input
    windows
 2. clicking the mouse button 1 when the cursor is out of the window but in the
    Drawing Area for Input windows for attributes commands

Once the input of the operand has been cancelled, the active command is halted
too, as if you had gived a Cancel command.

These are the available input windows:

Generic input windows

   Scientific Calculator window
   Normal Calculator window
   Angles window
   Strings window

Input windows for attributes commands

   Color window
   Line type window
   Thickness window
   Arrow type window
   Text origin window
   Hatching type window

System input windows

   When the name of a file is required, either in reading mode through commands
   like Open or in written mode with commands like Save as, you will
   automatically have on screen the input windows that the operating system
   sets at your disposal.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.1. Scientific Calculator window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

It is an Input window to specify numbers.

Input field

in the input field (upper window) you can specify numerical expressions up to
80 characters long. There are two ways to write in the window, either by
placing the cursor and then clicking with the mouse or writing the expression
with the keyboard. In this window, you will read by default the last number you
gave as an input, highlighted as wholly selected : any character you write will
take its place. If you do not want to have it deleted, but you wish to modify
it, you place the blinking cursor in the field at the position you like or
select it with the mouse or with the left and right navigation keys or with the
line start-line end keys: in this way the number will not be highlighted any
longer, so that you can change it.

The program will save the last ten numerical expressions, which you can recall
with the up and down navigation keys, or with the correspondent buttons.

When calculating the expression you wrote, eventually missing brackets will be
added automatically by the program.

There are four storing areas, activated and accessible all during your work
session. The content of these memories is visible in the four fields on the
left hand side, right underneath the input field.

Description of the buttons

for functions, on the right you can see the correct syntax.

   M1                   calculates the expression and stores the result in
                         memory number 1, whose content is shown in the field
                         on its left side
   M2 M3 M4           like M1 only for memories number 2, 3, 4
   M1 M2 M3 M4           recall the content of the corresponding memory
                         locations
   C                     clears the expression you wrote
   upward arrow          retrieves the previous expression
   downward arrow        retrieves the following expression
   ,                     comma: is used to separate variables of multivariable
                         functions (the pow(x,y))
   ( )                   left and right brackets
   у                     writes the number 3.1415926535897932
   deg->rad              calculates the expression and converts the result from
                         sexagesimal degrees to radiants
   rad->deg              calculates the expression converting the result from
                         radiants to sexagesimal degrees
   abs                   absolute value of x: abs(x)
   int                   integer part of x: int(x)
   sin                   sine of x (supposed in radiants): sin(x)
   cos                   cosine of x (measured in radiants): cos(x)
   frac                  fractional part of x: frac(x)
   round                 rounding of x to the closest integer number: rounds(x)
   tan                   tangent of x (in radiants): tan(x)
   atan                  angle (in radiants) the tangent of which is x:
                         arctan(x)
   odd                   1 if x is an odd number, 0 if it is even: odd(x)
   exp                   raising e=2.718281828459045 to power of x: exp(x)
   pow                   raising x to power of y: pow(x,y)
   sqrt                  square root of x: sqrt(x)
   freccia a sinistra    deletes the last number you input
   / * - +               arithmetical operators
   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0   numbers
   .                     decimal point
   =                     executes the calculation without quitting the window
                         and without inserting the number

Yes

will exit the Scientific calculator window inserting the number that is
obtained from the calculation of the expression in the input field. In case of
error, you will hear an alarm sound, and the quitting will be cancelled.

Cancel

will exit the Scientific calculator window with no number insertion and
cancelling the active command.

Help

will show this help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.2. Normal Calculator window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Input window to specify numbers.

Input field

in the input field you can write numerical expressions up to 80 characters
long. Given the small dimension of the field, if the expression is longer than
that, it will be only partly visible. You can write in this window either via
keyboard or by clicking the mouse on the buttons you see on the screen. In this
window you always see the last number you specifieds, as a wholly selected
text, i.e. highlighted: any number you specify will take its place. If you only
want to modify it, first you have to position the cursor with the mouse or with
the navigation keys or with the line start-line end keys: in this way the
number will not be highlighted any longer, so that you can change it.

BlueCAD saves into memory the last 10 expressions you  have written, that you
can recall with the upward arrow and the downward arrow navigation keys, and
with the correspondent buttons.

When performing the calculation, eventually missing right brackets will be
automatically added.

Buttons description

   C                     clears the expression
   upward arrow          recalls the previous expression
   downward arrow        recalls the following expression
   ( )                   left and right brackets
   leftward arrow        clears the last character you wrote
   / * - +               arithmetical operators
   1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0   numbers
   .                     decimal point
   =                     calculates the expression without quitting the window
                         and without inserting the number

Beside the functionalism you can access through the buttons, you can also use
any function available in the Scientific Calculator window: you just type it.

Yes

will exit the Normal Calculator window inserting the number that is obtained
from the calculation of the expression in the input field. In case of error,
you will hear an alarm sound, and the exiting will be cancelled.

Cancel

will exit the Normal Calculator window with no number insertion and cancelling
the active command.

Help

will show this help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.3. Angles window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Input window for input of numbers.

Input field

in the input field you can write numerical expressions up to 80 characters
long. Given the small dimension of the field, if the expression is longer than
that, it will be only partly visible. There are two ways to write in the
window, either placing the cursor and then clicking the mouse or writing the
expression with the keyboard. In this window, you will read by default the last
number you gave as an input, highlighted as wholly selected : any character you
write will take its place. If you do not want to have it deleted, but you wish
to modify it, you place the blinking cursor in the field at the position you
like or with the mouse either with the left and right navigation keys or with
the line start-line end keys: in this way the number will not be highlighted
any longer, so that you can change it.

BlueCAD saves into memory the last 10 expressions you wrote, that you can
recall via the upward arrow and the downward arrow navigation keys, and with
the correspondent buttons.

When performing the calculation, eventually missing right brackets will be
automatically added.

Buttons' description

   upward arrow          recalls the previous expression
   downward arrow        recalls the following expression
   numbers               provides a congruent number of predefined angles

Besides the predefined angles provided, naturally it is possible to write in
the input field, using the keybvoard and any angle. It is also possible to use
all the expressions in the Scientific Calculator window.

Yes

will exit the Angles window inserting the number that is obtained from the
calculation of the expression in the input field. In case of error, you will
hear an alarm sound, and the exiting will be cancelled.

Cancel

will exit the Angles window with no number insertion and cancelling the active
command.

Help

will show this help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.4. Strings window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Input window for the input of strings.

Input field

in the input field you can write your string that can be up to 80 characters
long.

BlueCAD saves into memory the last 10 strings you wrote. By clicking the mouse
on the button on the right hand side of the input field you will access the
list of these last 10 strings. You can select one of them, which will then be
loaded onto the input field, where you can modify it. Another way to access
these strings is by the upward arrow and downward arrow, with which you can
move from one string in the list to another, starting from the latest one.

In the case you select one of these strings, it will appear in the input field
as selected text, i.e. fully highlighted: this means that the first character
you specify will take its place. To change it, you have to first position the
cursor where you wish to elaborate it, either with the mouse or with the left
and right navigation keys and with the line-start line-end keys: in this way,
the string will not be selected, and you will be allowed to modify it as you
like.

Yes

will exit the Strings window, inserting the string that is in the input field.

Cancel

will exit the Strings window, without inserting any string and cancelling the
active command.

Help

will show this help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.5. Color window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Input window for the Color command. The colors you see here are the default
ones, and will be different if re-defined with the Settings-Color Page window.

The following table specifies the correspondence between buttons and the number
of the attribute:

ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉ
Γöé0 Γöé1 Γöé2 Γöé3 Γöé4 Γöé5 Γöé6 Γöé7 Γöé
Γö£ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöÇΓöñ
Γöé8 Γöé9 Γöé10Γöé11Γöé12Γöé13Γöé14Γöé15Γöé
ΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.6. Line type window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Input window for the Line Type command.

The following table specifies the correspondence between buttons and the the
number of the attribute:

ΓöîΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÉ
Γöé1Γöé2Γöé3Γöé4Γöé5Γöé6Γöé7Γöé
ΓööΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÿ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.7. Thickness window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Input window for the Thickness command.

The following table specifies the correspondence between buttons and the the
number of the attribute:

ΓöîΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÉ
Γöé1Γöé2Γöé3Γöé4Γöé5Γöé6Γöé7Γöé8Γöé
ΓööΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÿ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.8. Arrow type window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Input window for the Arrow Type command.

The following table specifies the correspondence between buttons and the the
number of the attribute:

ΓöîΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÉ
Γöé0Γöé1Γöé2Γöé3Γöé4Γöé5Γöé6Γöé
ΓööΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÿ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.9. Text origin window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Input window for the Text Origin command.

The following table specifies the correspondence between buttons and number of
the attribute:

ΓöîΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÉ
Γöé3Γöé6Γöé9Γöé
Γö£ΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöñ
Γöé2Γöé5Γöé8Γöé
Γö£ΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓö╝ΓöÇΓöñ
Γöé1Γöé4Γöé7Γöé
ΓööΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓö┤ΓöÇΓöÿ


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.4.10. Hatching type window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Input window for the Hatching Type command.

The following table specifies the correspondence between buttons and number of
the attribute:

ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓö¼ΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉ
Γöé1 Γöé2 Γöé3 Γöé4 Γöé5 Γöé6 Γöé7 Γöé8 Γöé9 Γöé
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Γöé10Γöé11Γöé12Γöé13Γöé14Γöé15Γöé16Γöé17Γöé18Γöé
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ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.5. Contextual windows ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

When it is requested to input a point you can recall, by pushing the mouse
button 2, the Snap points window in order to start a Snap point command.

In the same way, when the selection of an entity is required and the command
needs a multiple selection, it is possible to recall, by pushing the mouse
button 2, the Selection window to start a selection command.

By clicking the mouse button 1 out of the window but in the Drawing Area the
contextual window is closed and the request for the operand follows the same
modes previous to the opening of the contextual window with the mouse button 2.

The following windows are the available contextual windows:

Selection window
Snap points window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.5.1. Selection window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This is the contextual window for the Selection commands.

Click a button to get help on the related command:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3.5.2. Snap points window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

It is the contextual window for the Snap commands.

Click a button to get help on the related command:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. BlueCAD commands ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

BlueCAD commands can be given by menu, except for the two special commands
Cancel command and Data End, plus the snap commands and the selection commands
which can be activated through the Contextual windows.

In this section the commands that can be used in macros and the shortcuts,
useful for a fast input of some commands, are also reported.

This section contains:

Menu commands
Other commands
Macro commands
Shortcuts


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1. Menu commands ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

BlueCAD commands can be generally given by means of the menu bar, with some
exceptions.

The main menus are:

File
Edit
Manage
View
Draw
Modify
Attributes
Trasformations
Information
Help


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.1. File ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In the File menu all the commands that you use in BlueCAD when you perform the
following are collected :

Storage operations on the drawings you made

   New
   Open
   Save
   Save as

   Import DXF
   Export DXF

Print operations

   Print
   Printer Setup

Change in program settings

   Settings

Program exit

   Exit


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.1.1. New ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

deldraw

Sets the program parameters at the proper values and initialises the memory.

If the drawing currently in memory has been changed from the last save or
reading operation, the program will ask what to do with the changes you have
introduced.

If the drawing currently in memory has been changed from the last save or
reading operation, the program will ask if the modified version has to be
saved, discarded, or if it should ignore the command. command New from the menu
File in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar shortcut Ctrl+N.
fast selection in menu Alt+F,N


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.1.2. Open ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

read <string>

Loads into memory the drawing whose name is <string>, making it the current
working drawing. The name of the drawing will appear in the Title bar.

The selection of the name of the drawing to be loaded happens through the
dialog window that the program will automatically open.

Before performing the command, the program will ask the user for confirmation
(Yes/No)

If the drawing currently in memory has been changed from the last save or
reading operation, the program will ask if the modified version has to be
saved, discarded, or if it should ignore the command. command Open from the
menu File in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar shortcut Ctrl+O.
fast selection in menu Alt+F,O


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.1.3. Save ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

save

Saves the drawing in memory with the same name that you can read in the Title
bar.

The difference between this command and Save as is that in the former case the
drawing is saved with the same name it already has.

Before accomplishing the action, the program will ask confirmation of the user
(Yes/No). command Save from the menu File in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar shortcut Ctrl+S.
fast selection in menu Alt+F,S


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.1.4. Save as ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

savas <string>

This command saves the drawing that is currently in the  computer's memory with
the name specified in the <string> operand. The name of the drawing will appear
in the Title bar.

A dialog window automatically activated by the program will assist you in the
selection of the name.

The whole drawing's database is saved, including those primitives that are not
visible.

The descriptions of the blocks that are in the drawing are saved at the same
time. The descriptions of those blocks that are in memory but do not have any
instance in the drawing are not saved, to avoid increasing the file dimension.

The current operating state (windowing, visible layers, settings etc.), il also
saved, to recover fully the working session.

Before performing the operation, explicit confirmation (Yes/No) is asked of the
user. command Save as from the menu File in the Menu bar shortcut Ctrl+A.
fast selection in menu Alt+F,V


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.1.5. Import DXF ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

dxfin <string>

Loads the drawing, with the name specified in <string>, that is written in DXF
format. The drawing is loaded into by the program without discarding the
current drawing.

The selection of the name of the drawing is done through the window that the
program activates automatically. command Import->Dxf from the menu File in the
Menu bar fast selection in menu Alt+F,I,D


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.1.6. Export DXF ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

dxfout <string>

Saves the current drawing in DXF format, with the name specified by the
<string> operand.

The selection of the name of the drawing is done through the proper window that
the program activates automatically. command Esport->Dxf from the menu File in
the Menu bar fast selection in menu Alt+F,E,D


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.1.7. Print ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

print

Sends the current drawing to the printer. Entities that are not visible, as
they belong to non visible Layers, will not be printed.

The current printer settings will be used. Before starting the actual
operation, explicit confirmation (Yes/No) is asked of the user. command Print
from the menu File in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar shortcut Ctrl+P.
fast selection in menu Alt+F,P


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.1.8. Printer Setup ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

setprinter <scale> <unit> <center> <x_perc> <y_perc> <rotate> <color>

Calls the window for setting the printer parameters

scale defines the scaling factor

unit defines the unit of measure:

1 = millimeters
2 = centimeters
3 = meters
4 = kilometers
5 = inches
6 = feet
7 = yards
8 = statute miles

center: 0=not centered, 1=centered, 2=displaced

x_perc: x-coordinate of the point you want at the center of the printout,
measured from the center point of the drawing. It is then expressed in
percentage of the width of the drawing. This operand is used if center=2

y_perc: y-coordinate of the point you want at the center of the printout,
measured from the center point of the drawing. It is then expressed in
percentage of the height of the drawing. This operand is used if center=2

rotate: 0=not rotated, 1=rotated

color: 0=black and white printout, 1=color printout command Printer Setup from
the menu File in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar fast selection in menu Alt+F,R


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.1.9. Settings ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Calls the Settings window. Settings are saved when shutting the program down
and then restored at the time of the next working session. command Settings
from the menu File in the Menu bar fast selection in menu Alt+F,T


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.1.10. Exit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

quit

Finishes the working session.

Before executing the command the user is asked for confirmation (Yes/No).

If the drawing currently in memory has been changed from the last save or
reading operation, the program will ask if the modified version has to be
saved, discarded, or if it should ignore the command.

When closing the working session, BlueCAD also saves dimensions and the
position of the main screen, the status (open or closed) and positions of the
tools windows and the Settings, to restore the situation thoroughly at the next
session.

Also saved (and therefore restored) are the settings in the Settings window.
command Exit from the menu File in the Menu bar shortcut Ctrl+X.
fast selection in menu Alt+F,X


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.2. Edit ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In the Edit menu all the BlueCAD commands for the following are grouped
together:

Editing activities

   Undo
   Repeat

Copy to clipboard

   Copy to clipboard of

      pictures
      entities


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.2.1. Undo ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

backward

Discards all the changes beginning with the last one. This command can be given
until consecutive modifications (up to 100) can be back-traced, or up to 32,000
single changes. command Undo from the menu Edit in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar shortcut Ctrl+U.
fast selection in menu Alt+E,U


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.2.2. Repeat ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

forward

It gives the possibility to retrieve all the changes caused by the last Undone
operation. This command can be executed to replicate all the Undone operations.
command Repeat from the menu Edit in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar shortcut Ctrl+R.
fast selection in menu Alt+E,R


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.2.3. Clipboard ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

A copy of the drawing, or a part of it, sent to the clipboard, lets you share
it with other programs capable of reading that information (word processors,
publishing programs, spreadsheets, etc.)

Two copy modes are available, in bitmap format using Copy image and in metafile
format with command Copy entity.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.2.3.1. Copy image ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

clipbmp <point_1> <point_2>

Copies on the system's clipboard in a bitmap format the part of the drawing
that is contained in a rectangle with two non consecutive vertices in the
specified points. command Clipboard->Copy image from the menu Edit in the Menu
bar fast selection in menu Alt+E,C,I


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.2.3.2. Copy entity ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

clipout <primitive_1> ... <primitive_n> <DataEnd>

Copies the selected primitives on the system's clipboard in metafile format.

The selection of the primitives can take place as consecutive selections and
has to be ended by the command Data End (<DataEnd>) since the number of
primitives you can select is variable.

We would like to remind you that the color of the copied entities is mantained,
so that, for instance, white entites will be totally invisible on a white
background word processor.

You are allowed to copy the selected entities in a file instead of a clipboard:
this is controlled with the Settings-Metafile Page window. command
Clipboard->Copy entity from the menu Edit in the Menu bar fast selection in
menu Alt+E,C,E


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.3. Manage ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In the Manage menu there are all the commands that let the user set and
manipulate some facilities of the program:

Manage Blocks
Manage Layers
Manage Coordinates
Manage Macros
Read bitmap


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.3.1. Manage Blocks ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Recalls the Manage Block window. Through this window it is possible to open and
close libraries of blocks in which to save created blocks or from which to read
and position already existing blocks in the drawing.

Recalling Manage Blocks a second time provokes the closing of the interactive
window. command Blocks from the menu Manage in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar shortcut Ctrl+B.
fast selection in menu Alt+M,B


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.3.2. Manage Layers ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

layedit

This will activate the interactive window for layers management. With this
window you can create and delete layers, define the work layer, define every
layer if it is visible or not, its protection status, its description.

Recalling Manage Layers a second time provokes the closing of the interactive
window. command Layers from the menu Manage in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar shortcut Ctrl+L.
fast selection in menu Alt+M,L


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.3.3. Manage Coordinates ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This activates the Coordinates window. . In this window you can input
point-type operands, when required, directly specifying the point's
coordinates, instead of picking it with the cursor or as a snap point of
another entity.

When operands of different type from the point are needed, this window, if
open, will close, to prevent the user's mistakes, and will appear automatically
when point-type operands are required.

Recalling Manage Coordinates a second time provokes the closing of the
interactive window. command Coordinates from the menu Manage in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar shortcut Ctrl+I.
fast selection in menu Alt+M,C


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.3.4. Manage Macros ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This activates the Manage Macro window. With the help of this window you can
create, insert, change, try one and eliminate macro written in REXX language.
command Macros from the menu Manage in the Menu bar shortcut Ctrl+M.
fast selection in menu Alt+M,M


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.3.5. Read bitmap ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

bmpmerge <string> <point>

This reads a bitmap with name <string> and positions it at the selected point.

The selection of the name of the bitmap can be done with the window that is
automatically activated by the program.

The bitmap is set as a background for all the graphic entities, that are drawn
over it.

The bitmap can be in the following formats:

extension   format
BMP         bitmap OS/2 e Windows
TIF         Microsoft/Aldus Tagged
GIF         CompuServe Graphics Interchange
PCX         ZSoft PC Paintbrush Image
TGA         Truevision Targa/Vista bitmap
IAX         IBM Image Access eXecutive
XBM         X Windows bitmap
IMG         GEM Raster

The bitmap is scalable with the command Scale bitmap and can be deleted with
the command Delete bitmap.

The visibility of all the bitmaps is controlled by the setting of the View
bitmap in the Settings-General Page window. command Read bitmap from the menu
Manage in the Menu bar
button in the Creation window fast selection in menu Alt+M,R


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.4. View ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The View menu has those BlueCAD commands which help you manage the many viewing
modes:

Enlargement
Zoom all
Zoom previous
Redraw
Panoramic
Positive Zoom
Negative Zoom

Views a:

   1 window
   3 windows
   4 windows


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.4.1. Enlargement ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

enlwin <point_1> <point_2> <window>

It shows, in the chosen window, the portion of the drawing that the user
selected clicking with the mouse in two different positions in the active
window. This allows a different view of the drawing's details without losing
the first view. In case the user is viewing the drawing only through one
window, the name of the third operand <window> is not asked for. command
Enlargement from the menu View in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar fast selection in menu Alt+V,E


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.4.2. Zoom all ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

viewall <window>

It shows the entire drawing in the maximum scale as permitted by the dimensions
of the screen. This lets the user visualise all the drawing in all its parts.
If the user is using just one window, then it is not asked to specify the
<window>. command Zoom all from the menu View in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar fast selection in menu Alt+V,A


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.4.3. Zoom previous ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

previous

This lets the user retrieve the previous view mode or, in other words, lets the
user go one step back with any view command that he may have used, for example
enlargement or translation or to make changes in number and dimensions of the
windows used. It is possible to retrieve only the previous view mode. command
Zoom previous from the menu View in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar fast selection in menu Alt+V,R


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.4.4. Redraw ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

redraw

It clears the screen and draws everything again. It is implied by all the
viewing commands, and it can be used to clean up the screen after operations
that have modified the drawing. command Redraw from the menu View in the Menu
bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar fast selection in menu Alt+V,D


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.4.5. Panoramic ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

pan <point_1> <point_2>

It moves the whole drawing in the direction of a segment that the user has
specified, for a distance that is the length of the segment. This command can
be considered to be quite similar to the Translation command, but there are the
following differences:

 1. this transformation is concerned only with the viewing mode, not the
    structure of the drawing: the graphic entities do not change, they remain
    where they are
 2. this transformation always acts on all of the drawing
 3. this transformation is immediately executed without any further command
    such as Move or Copy
command Panoramic from the menu View in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar fast selection in menu Alt+V,M


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.4.6. Positive Zoom ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

zpos2 <window>

This command starts a positive zoom on the chosen window, doubling the scale
for all the primitives. As a result, all the details will be seen double the
size, and on the screen half of the previous portion will be visible. If the
user has a single window on the screen, the operand <window> is not asked for.
command Positive Zoom from the menu View in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar fast selection in menu Alt+V,P


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.4.7. Negative Zoom ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

zneg2 <window>

This instruction performs a negative zoom, so that everything becomes half its
previous size. This results in there being more entities and more of the
drawing on the screen, but the degree of detail will be minor. If only one
window is in use, the program won't ask for the <window> operand. command
Negative Zoom from the menu View in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar fast selection in menu Alt+V,N


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.4.8. Views ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

It is possible for the user to have different windows simultaneously on the
screen. Each window is independent from the other, this means that the viewing,
selection and creation commands can be separately given in each window.

The drawing area can be divided in:

1 window
3 windows
4 windows


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.4.8.1. 1 window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

w1 <window>

It sets the screen as a single window, so that the user can switch from a multi
window to a single window. The window selected as the command's operand will be
used to define the view of the new window. If the user has one window already
on screen, the operand <window> won't be asked for and the command will result
in null. command Views->1 from the menu View in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar fast selection in menu Alt+V,V,1


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.4.8.2. 3 windows ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

w3left <window>

It divides the screen in three portions, one of these is double the size of the
other two and is on the left hand side of the screen. The window specified in
the operand fells the program which view is being used in the new three
windows. If the actual view mode is single-window, no <window> is asked for.
command Views->3 from the menu View in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar fast selection in menu Alt+V,V,3


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.4.8.3. 4 windows ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

w4center <window>

This splits the screen to four windows. The window specified in the operand
fells the program which view is being used in the new four windows. If the
actual view mode is single-window, no <window> is asked for. command Views->4
from the menu View in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar fast selection in menu Alt+V,V,4


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5. Draw ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In the Draw menu you find the commands to create the graphic entities of
BlueCAD.

Graphic entities represent basic entities on which the program acts and are:

Segment:
  2 Points
  Piecewise Linear
  Horizontal-Vertical
  Sloped
  Parallel, Distance
  Parallel, Point
  Tangent to circle, Point
  Rectangle
Arc
Circle:
  Center, Point
  Center, Radius
  3 points
  Segment, Center
  Double Tangency
  3 Segments
Ellipsis
Text.
Hatching
Point
Spline
Block:
  Block Creation
Dimension:
  2 points
  Segment
  Angle
  Diameter
  Radius
  Parallel Segments


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.1. Segment ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

To create a segment, it is generally necessary to give the coordinates of its
two extremes. In order to do this you can resort to the following commands:

Segment 2 Points
Segment Piecewise Linear
Segment Horizontal-Vertical
Rectangle

It is also possible to create segments making proper use of already existing
entities as support:

Segment Sloped
Segment Parallel, Distance
Segment Parallel, Point
Segment Tangent to circle, Point

Commands also related to the making of segments are available through the
Segments window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.1.1. Segment 2 Points ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

segment <point_1> <point_2>

This command creates a segment having the two points specified as operands as
its extremes. command Segment->2 Points from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Segments window fast selection in menu Alt+D,S,2


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.1.2. Segment Piecewise Linear ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

piecewise <point_1> ... <point_n>

This command creates a piecewise, that is a succession of adjacent segments.
This entity is not a single entity, but the segments which compound it are
single entities and can therefore be modified. command Segment->Piecewise
Linear from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Segments window fast selection in menu Alt+D,S,L


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.1.3. Segment Horizontal-Vertical ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

hvseg <point_1> <point_2>

It draws a horizontal or vertical segment, with respect to the reference x and
y axes, passing through the first of the two points you specified. The segment
will then result vertical or horizontal according to the direction specified by
the two points together. As a matter of fact, if the angle between the
segment's direction and an horizontal axis is between zero and 45 degrees or
between 135 and 180, the segment will result horizontal, otherwise it will be
drawn vertically. In other words, the segment will be horizontal if the second
point is closer to the horizontal axis than to the vertical axis through the
first of the points. command Segment->Horizontal-Vertical from the menu Draw in
the Menu bar
button in the Segments window fast selection in menu Alt+D,S,H


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.1.4. Segment Sloped ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

atangle <angle> <segment> <point>

This command creates a segment that is sloped of <angle> degrees with respect
to the selected segment (which must already exist) starting from <point> (that
will be the segment's starting point).

The pick point will set the direction and the orientation of the new entity. It
will be drawn rotated of the specified angle toward the same side of the old
segment where the pick point is. The angle is measured starting from the
segment itself in the direction of the extreme that is closer to the pick
point. If the segment is only partly visible, then the visible section is
considered when deciding the orientation. The length of the new segment will be
the same as the old one. command Segment->Sloped from the menu Draw in the Menu
bar
button in the Segments window fast selection in menu Alt+D,S,S


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.1.5. Segment Parallel, Distance ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

pardist <number> <segment>

It generates a segment that is parallel to an existing one at a distance that
is specified by <number>. The segment will be drawn on the same side of the
existing segment where the pick point is.

In the following instances of the command, you will not be asked for the
distance, which will be considered as the one you used before, and you will
only select the segment you want to duplicate.

You can create parallel segments also with the command Segment Parallel, Point.
command Segment->Parallel, Distance from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Segments window fast selection in menu Alt+D,S,D


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.1.6. Segment Parallel, Point ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

parpt <segment> <point>

It creates a segment parallel to the one you specified as an operand and which
the <point> operand belongs to.

You can also draw segments with the command Segment Parallel, Distance. command
Segment->Parallel, Point from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Segments window fast selection in menu Alt+D,S,P


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.1.7. Segment Tangent to circle, Point ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

tgconpt <primitive> <point>

It creates a segment tangent to the selected <primitive>, passing through
<point>; <primitive> can be an arc of circle, a circumference, an ellipsis.

Of the two which could be drawn, the program will draw the segment at the
shortest distance from the pick point of the entity. command Segment->Tangent
to circle, Point from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Segments window fast selection in menu Alt+D,S,T


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.1.8. Rectangle ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

rectangle <point_1> <point_2>

This command creates a rectangle, the diagonal of which has as extremes the two
points you selected. The rectangle will be formed of four distinct entities of
the type segment, which therefore will have to be modified, in case, one by
one. command Segment->Rectangle from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Segments window fast selection in menu Alt+D,S,R


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.2. Arc ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

a3pt <point_1> <point_2> <point_3>

The command will generate an arc of circle passing through the three points of
which you will be requested to specify the coordinates.

The first and the last of the points you specify with the command will become
the extremes of the arc, the second one will be any point along the arc, as
requested by the geometry. The three points cannot be aligned. command Arc from
the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Circles window fast selection in menu Alt+D,A


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.3. Circle ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

To create a circle it is necessary to give the coordinates of three points.
Since we are drawing graphic entities laying on the same plane, there are
different ways to specify the circle: by center and a point on it or by center
and length of its radius. It is also possible to draw a circle using existing
entities as support.

These are the commands for drawing circles:

Circle Center, Point
Circle Center, Radius
Circle 3 Points
Circle Segment, Center
Circle Double Tangency
Circle 3 Segments

The commands related to circles are also available in the Circles window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.3.1. Circle Center, Point ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

ccenpt <point_1> <point_2>

This command generates a circle centered on <point_1> and passing by <point_2>.
command Circle->Center, Point from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Circles window fast selection in menu Alt+D,C,P


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.3.2. Circle Center, Radius ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

ccenrad <number> <point>

This command generates a circle centered on <point> and with radius measuring
<number>.

In the following instances of the command, radius will default to <number> and
you will tell the program only the new center <point>. command Circle->Center,
Radius from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Circles window fast selection in menu Alt+D,C,R


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.3.3. Circle 3 Points ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

c3pt <point_1> <point_2> <point_3>

This command creates the only circle passing by the three points you want. They
must not be aligned. command Circle->3 Points from the menu Draw in the Menu
bar
button in the Circles window fast selection in menu Alt+D,C,3


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.3.4. Circle Segment, Center ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

ctg <segment> <point>

It creates a circle centered on <point> and tangent to the <segment>.

The command does not work on primitives different from the segment primitive.
command Circle->Segment, Center from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Circles window fast selection in menu Alt+D,C,S


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.3.5. Circle Double Tangency ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

c2tg <number> <primitive_1> <primitive_2>

This command creates the circle tangent to the two selected primitives and with
radius measuring <number>.

This command can be given only if you selected primitives of type: segment,
circle, arc of circle, ellipsis.

In the following instances of the command, you will not be asked for the
radius, which will remain the same, and you will only select the two tangent
entities. command Circle->Double Tangency from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Circles window fast selection in menu Alt+D,C,D


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.3.6. Circle 3 Segments ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

c3tg <segment_1> <segment_2> <segment_3>

The command generates a circle that is tangent to the three given segments.
Selection of other sorts of primitives is not allowed. Refer to this command to
inscribe a circle in a triangle. command Circle->3 Segments from the menu Draw
in the Menu bar
button in the Circles window fast selection in menu Alt+D,C,E


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.4. Ellipsis ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

ellaxispt <point_1> <point_2> <point_3>

The command draw an ellipsis given the extremes of one of the axes and a point
on it.

The operands above are respectively:

 1. - first extreme of one of the axes
 2. - second extreme of the same axis
 3. - any point on the ellipsis

The axis can be either the major or the minor, but it is important that the
points must not be aligned. Furthermore, the projection of the third point on
the straight line on which the mentioned axis lays has to be within the two
extremes. command Ellipsis from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Circles window fast selection in menu Alt+D,E


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.5. Text ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

text <string> <point>

This command writes the text of the <string> in the <point> of which you have
to input the coordinates. The length of the string cannot exceed 80 characters.

The program will open the Strings window, where you will specify the content of
the <string>. command Text from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Creation window fast selection in menu Alt+D,T


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.6. Hatching ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

hatching <primitive>

This command makes the hatching of a closed perimeter possible beginning from a
side of the perimeter. However, it isn't possible to identify other closed
perimeters that are situated within. The perimeter can be made up of a maximum
number of primitives equal to 5000, greater than that for normal use.

The selection is possible on segments, circle arcs, circles and ellipsis.

If the selected primitive belongs to only one closed perimeter, the position of
the centre of the selected trap has no influence.

If the selected primitive belongs to more than one closed perimeter then the
position of the centre of the selected trap becomes important, because the
search for the closed perimeter takes place by "resting the right hand" on the
selected primitive on the same side where the center of the selection trap is
and moving ahead until reaching the starting position. If the center of the
selection trap is on the inside of a inner closed perimeter, then this will be
identified, if it is on the outside of the outermost closed perimeter then this
will be identified. command Hatching from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Creation window fast selection in menu Alt+D,H


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.7. Point ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

point <point>

It creates a point type primitive within the <point> specified. It is necessary
to introduce its coordinates. command Point from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Creation window fast selection in menu Alt+D,P


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.8. Spline ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

spline <point_1> ... <point_n> <data end>

It generates a spline as an interpolation between the points identified, whose
coordinates you must introduce.

The introduction of the points must be concluded by the command Data End (<data
end>) because the number of component points of the spline are variable.

The maximum number of points that can be selected for building the spline is
100. command Spline from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Creation window fast selection in menu Alt+D,L


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.9. Block ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

With BlueCad you can group together different entities by defining a block.
After having defined a group of objects as a block, the program manages this
group as a single entity.

There is a command available for creating blocks.

It is possible to have access to the management of the blocks (both those in
the memory and those in the library).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.9.1. Block Creation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

bldef <string> <point> <primitive_1> ... <primitive_n> <data end>

It groups together the selected primitives, so as to form a single primitive of
type block.

The string indicates the need for a name, made up of not more than 16
characters, which will distinguish the block. If you are using a hard disk
formatted FAT you are advised not to use more than 8 characters for the block's
name, because this name will be also used by the file where the block will
eventually be stored in the library. If the disk is formatted HPFS then there
won't be any problems.

The <string> will be requested through the Strings window which will be
automatically opened by the program.

The <point>, whose coordinates will have to be introduced, represent the
block's position on the drawing.

The selection of the primitives can take place by susequent selection and must
be concluded by the command Data End because the block's primitive components
are variable in number.

All primitives can become part of a block, including other blocks. The
introduction of blocks within blocks is possible up to a maximum of 10 levels.

After this command the primitives selected for the creation of the block are no
longer present in the drawing as a single entity but are part of the block.

Other blocks like the one that has just been created can be set by using the
Manage Block window, which also makes the management of blocks from the library
possible. command Block->Creation from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Creation window fast selection in menu Alt+D,B,C


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.10. Dimension ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

BlueCAD provides a group of dimension functions which take into consideration
the standards UNI-ISO, these are associative and allow the tolerances to be
controlled.

The easiest dimension is the one between two points whose coordinates must be
introduced:

Dimension 2 Points

The other commands dimension already existing graphic entities:

Dimension Segment
Dimension Angle
Dimension Diameter
Dimension Radius
Dimension Parallel Segments

The position of the dimension text is influenced by the setting of the
Optimized Dimensioning in the Settings-General Page window: if the Optimized
Dimensioning is activated the dimension text will be automatically centered,
otherwise it will be set at the selected point.

Following this, the dimension text can be modified so as to substitute the real
value of the dimension with any other one or with a code, (Modify dimension
text), and its position can also be modified (Modify dimension).

It is also possible to break the association between the dimension and the
primitive which the dimension refers to (Detach dimension).

The association between the dimension and its reference primitive brings about
a transformation of the primitive, which modifies the dimension which
automatically fits in with the new geometry. Similiarly, in modifying the
primitive the dimension will be modified or eliminated if the primitive
dimension is still logical or not.

Commands to create dimensions are also available in the Dimensions window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.10.1. Dimension 2 Points ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

d2pt <point_1> <point_2> <point_3>

It creates the dimension between <point_1> e <point_2> and positions it on the
<point_3>. command Dimension->2 Points from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Dimensions window fast selection in menu Alt+D,D,2


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.10.2. Dimension Segment ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

dsegment <segment> <point>

It creates the dimension of the <segment> that has been selected and positions
it on the <point>. command Dimension->Segment from the menu Draw in the Menu
bar
button in the Dimensions window fast selection in menu Alt+D,D,S


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.10.3. Dimension Angle ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

dangle <segment_1> <segment_2> <point>

It creates the relative dimension of the angle of the two segments and
positions it on the <point>. Two segments that meet form four angles. The angle
that is dimensioned is the one that is on both the semi-planes identified by
the two segments and by the pick points. In other words, the first pick point
indicates where the angle is in relation to the first segment, the angle which
will be one of the two where the plane part is divided by the second segment.
The pick point on the second segment indicates the angle between the two
possibilities.

It isn't possible to associate to angle dimensions a tolerance. command
Dimension->Angle from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Dimensions window fast selection in menu Alt+D,D,A


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.10.4. Dimension Diameter ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

ddiam <circle> (<arc of circle>) <point>

It creates the diameter dimension of the <circle> (o of the <arc of circle>)
and positions it on the <point>.

If the <point> is within the circle the dimension line will be the diameter
which passes through <point>, if it is outside the extremes of the horizontal
or vertical diameter will be quoted, in relation to the position of the
<point>. command Dimension->Diameter from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Dimensions window fast selection in menu Alt+D,D,D


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.10.5. Dimension Radius ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

dradius <circle> (<arc of circle>) <point>

It creates the dimension radius of the <circle> (or of the <arc of circle>) and
positions in on the <point>.

The dimension line is on the right line passing through the centre of the
circle (arc of circle) and passing through the <point>.

If the <point> is outside the circle it goes from the <point> to the circle, if
the <point> is inside the circle the dimension line becomes the radius if the
distance of the <point> from the centre is less than 2/3 of the radius,
otherwise it goes from the <point> to the circle. command Dimension->Radius
from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Dimensions window fast selection in menu Alt+D,D,R


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.5.10.6. Dimension Parallel Segments ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

dparseg <segment_1> <segment_2> <point>

It dimensions the distance between <segment_1> and <segment_2> and positions it
on the <point>.

The parallelism between the two segments is verified. command
Dimension->Parallel Segments from the menu Draw in the Menu bar
button in the Dimensions window fast selection in menu Alt+D,D,P


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.6. Modify ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In the Modify menu there are all the BlueCAD commands that permit the user to
make modifications on the graphic entities which are part of the drawing.

General commands

   Delete
   Delete part
   Trim
   Fillet
   Break

Commands operating exclusively on segments

   Modify segment

Commands operating exclusively on dimensions

   Modify dimension
   Detach dimension
   Modify dimension text

Commands operating exclusively on text

   Modify text

Commands operating exclusively on bitmaps

   Delete bitmap
   Scale bitmap

The modification commands are also accessible through the Modify window

In case you change a primitive which has an associated dimension, the dimension
is modified or cancelled, depending on whether the dimension itself still has a
meaning:

It is changed with the commands:

   Delete part (if there is only one primitive left)
   Trim
   Fillet
   Modify segment

It is deleted with the commands:

   Delete
   Delete part (if more than one primitive is left)
   Break

All other modification commands are not effective.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.6.1. Delete ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

delete <primitive>

It deletes the selected primitive.

You can select more than one primitive at the same time, even ones of a
different type. command Delete from the menu Modify in the Menu bar
button in the Modify window shortcut Del.
fast selection in menu Alt+O,D


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.6.2. Delete part ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

delpart <primitive>

If you select a primitive which intersects one or more times other entities
this command will eliminate:

o that part of the selected primitive that is included between one of its
  extremes and the point of intersection, in case there is only one
  intersection.

o that portion of the primitive included between one of its extremes and a
  point of intersection or between two intersection points, depending on which
  portion of the primitive is selected, if there are multiple intersections.

The selection works on segments, circles, ellipses and splines. command Delete
part from the menu Modify in the Menu bar
button in the Modify window fast selection in menu Alt+O,P


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.6.3. Trim ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

trim <primitive_1> <primitive_2>

This lets you make the extremes of the selected primitives coincide exactly, by
means of a shortening or of a prolongation, depending on if an intersection
exists or not.

The selection works on entites such us segment, arc of circle, circle, ellipsis
and spline. In case of selection of splines, the trimming  takes place only if
an intersection point exists. command Trim from the menu Modify in the Menu bar
button in the Modify window fast selection in menu Alt+O,T


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.6.4. Fillet ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

fillet <number> <primitive_1> <primitive_2>

This command will draw an arc of circle to connect the two selected primitives.
As a bending radius the program will utilise the <number> the user has provided
as one of the operands. The primitives will be prolonged or shortened depending
on the case.

In the subsequent executions of the command the radius will not change, and
only the selection of the two primitives will have to take place. command
Fillet from the menu Modify in the Menu bar
button in the Modify window fast selection in menu Alt+O,F


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.6.5. Break ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

break <primitive>

If the user selects a compound primitive, that is one that is made up of others
,as in the case o a block, a dimension, a text or a hatching, this command will
disassemble the graphic entity of the single components. By giving this same
command again, it is possible to reduce the compound primitive to a group of
segments.

The command will operate on any kind of graphic primitive, with the exception
of point and segment primitives. The latter is the basic primitive that is the
result of a break command.

The user can select more entities at the same time, even of different type.
command Break from the menu Modify in the Menu bar
button in the Modify window fast selection in menu Alt+O,B


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.6.6. Modify segment ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

modseg <segment> <point>

This command is used to modify a segment you have selected, moving on to the
<point> operand the extreme closest to the pick point. If the segment is only
partly visible, only visible part is considered to get the extreme point that
must be modified. command Modify segment from the menu Modify in the Menu bar
button in the Modify window fast selection in menu Alt+O,M


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.6.7. Modify dimension ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

dmodif <dimension> <point>

This command moves the <dimension> text to the specified <point>.

This command comes in handy to make the drawing more legible when there are
many dimensions. command Modify dimension from the menu Modify in the Menu bar
button in the Modify window fast selection in menu Alt+O,O


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.6.8. Detach dimension ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

dtear <dimension>

This command eliminates the association between the selected <dimension> and
the primitives (one or more) which it is referred to, making the dimension
independent. The user can select more dimensions at the same time. command
Detach dimension from the menu Modify in the Menu bar
button in the Modify window fast selection in menu Alt+O,H


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.6.9. Modify dimension text ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

dmodtext <string> <dimension>

This command replaces the text of the selected <dimension> with the content of
the <string> operand.

The <string> is required by means of the Strings window which is automatically
made visible by the program.

Changing the text of a dimension lets you write and therefore visualise any
text instead of the value of the dimension. This can be useful for dimensioning
details which are not in the same scale, or to write an acronym instead of the
real figure.

The position of the '#' character in the dimension text locates the position of
the real value of the dimension. The '#' character can be preceded or followed
by other characters, and it can be absent too. command Modify dimension text
from the menu Modify in the Menu bar
button in the Modify window fast selection in menu Alt+O,Y


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.6.10. Modify text ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

txtedit <text> <string>

This command lets you modify the selected <text>, replacing it with the
<string> operand.

After selecting the text, the program will request the user to specify the new
text, via the Strings window which will propose the actual text, therefore
letting the user change it. command Modify text from the menu Modify in the
Menu bar
button in the Modify window fast selection in menu Alt+O,X


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.6.11. Delete bitmap ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

bmpdelete <bitmap>

This command will delete the bitmap that the user has specified.

Bitmaps can be positioned with the Read bitmap command, and can be scaled with
the Scale bitmap command. command Delete bitmap from the menu Modify in the
Menu bar
button in the Modify window fast selection in menu Alt+O,E


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.6.12. Scale bitmap ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

bmpscale <bitmap> <point_1> <point_2> <number>

This command will set the new dimension for the selected bitmap, imposing the
value of the <number> operand as the distance between the other operands
<point_1> and <point_2>.

With this command you can set a specific value for one of the bitmap's
dimensions. This dimension can be one of the sides, a particular detail, the
distance between two of its points.

For example, if you want that a bitmap that you have selected to have a certain
height, you give this command, you select the bitmap, you specify the two
extreme points of one of the two vertical sides and then the value you want it
to have: the bitmap will be scaled accordingly.

Since the characteristic of a bitmap, to act as a background and not to be a
graphic entity, it is not allowed the selection of points by means of any snap
point command.

Bitmaps can be moved with the Read bitmap command and deleted with the Delete
bitmap command. command Scale bitmap from the menu Modify in the Menu bar
button in the Modify window fast selection in menu Alt+O,A


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7. Attributes ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In the Attributes menu you can find all the BlueCAD commands that let you
define, change and manage in every respect the attributes of the graphic
primitives.

By attribute, we mean a property, a typical characteristic that you can
associate to an entity, like the color property that is logically connected
with every primitive of type segment.

Graphic entities are created with the current, or actual, values for the
attributes. These attributes can be modified later, one at a time.

BlueCAD has two states or modes of attributes:

o Define attributes mode
o Modify attributes mode

which are in mutual exclusion and which you can start or choose through their
respective menu commands or the Attributes mode button which is located in the
Attributes area.

The attributes commands, which are unique, are designed to define the current
values for the attributes or to change their values for entities that already
exist. The course of action depends on the program mode. Another thing is that
in Define mode commands regarding attributes are "transparent", in Modify mode
they are considered "main commands" (please see the Commands classification).

Attributes commands can be classified as definition commands, generic
attributes commands, this means that they apply to all entities, and finally
attributes commands specific to some entities, which are dimensions, texts, and
hatchings:

Attributes Mode Selection Commands

   Define attributes
   Modify attributes

Generic attributes commands

   Color
   Line Type
   Thickness
   Layer

Dimension Attributes commands

   Arrow Type
   Dimension Gap
   Number of decimals
   Upper tolerance
   Lower tolerance
   Reset tolerances

Text Attributes commands

   Text Height
   Text Font
   Text Slant
   Text base to height ratio
   Text Origin

Hatching Attributes commands

   Hatching Angle
   Hatching Step
   Hatching Type

Please notice that the dimensions' text has the same attributes as any text
entity (except for the text origin attribute).

You can also start these commands by buttons in the Attributes area.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.1. Define attributes ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

atdef

It sets the Define mode for attributes.

You need this command when you want to make a particular value for an attribute
current during your work session. The value you set then becomes the current
value, this meaning that all the entities you create will inherit that value
for that attribute. This mode will stay active until you start the modify
attributes mode. command Define from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Attributes area fast selection in menu Alt+A,D


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.2. Modify attributes ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

atmodif

It starts the Modify attributes mode.

Under this mode, you can change the values of the attributes of an entity
without altering their current values. This mode will stay active until you
give the command for the define attributes mode.

In the modify mode the attributes command can select more than one primitive at
the same time. For generic attributes, you can select primitives of different
types. command Modify from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Attributes area fast selection in menu Alt+A,M


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.3. Color ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

color <number>

This command sets the value of the color attribute at <number> (between 0 and
15, starting value 1).

Interactively you will choose the color within the Color window which will be
automatically opened by the program. The program will provide the right number.

Different color hues can be defined by means of the Settings-Color Page window.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Color from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Attributes area fast selection in menu Alt+A,C


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.4. Line Type ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

linetype <number>

It sets the line type attribute at <number> (between 1 and 7, starting value
1).

Interactively you will choose the line type within the Line type window which
will be automatically opened by the program. The program will provide the right
number.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode

With some display adapters, when the thickness is visible and in Normal mode
(i.e. not fast mode), lines with thickness over 1 are shown on screen as being
line type 1, also if this latter attribute is different. Anyway this does not
affect the print outs, that are always correct. command Line Type from the menu
Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Attributes area fast selection in menu Alt+A,L


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.5. Thickness ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

thickness <number>

It sets the value of the Thickness attribute at <number> (between 1 and 8,
starting value 1).

Interactively you will choose the thickness within the Thickness window which
will be automatically opened by the program. The program will provide the right
number.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode

The View mode for line thickness of visible entities in the Drawing Area,
instead, can be changed in the Settings-General Page window in the following
ways:

 1. not visible thickness: entities are drawn with a thickness value at 1. You
    will have maximum drawing speed.
 2. visibile thickness: entities are drawn with the pertinent thickness. The
    drawing speed is slower for entities with a thickness value over 1.
 3. fast thickness: all entities with a thickness value over 1 are drawn with a
    thickness value of 2. Drawing speed is slower for these primitives, but not
    as slow as in the previous case.

The thickness you see on the screen depends on the resolution of your graphics
equipment and does not correspond to the one of the printout you get with the
Print command. The line thickness that is printed is always the correct one,
independently of the View mode.

With some display adapters, when the thickness is visible and in Normal mode
(i.e. not fast mode), lines with thickness over 1 are shown on screen as being
line type 1, also if this latter attribute is different. Anyway this does not
affect the print outs, that are always correct. command Thickness from the menu
Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Attributes area fast selection in menu Alt+A,T


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.6. Layer ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

layer <number>

It sets the layer attribute value at <number>. (between 1 and 1023, starting
value 1). The layer must already exist.

The layer is an attribute and, as such, is associated to the graphic entities.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode

By the way, when in Define attributes mode, this command sets as the active
layer the one identified by <number>, showing its description in the Messages
area, of the Lower Status bar.

You can define the active layer in two other ways:

 1. defining the work layer in the Manage Layers window
 2. selecting it in the list shown in the Layers window

Both ways can be utilized wathever the Attributes mode. command Layer from the
menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Attributes area fast selection in menu Alt+A,Y


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.7. Dimension Attributes ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Dimension attributes are:

Arrow Type
Dimension Gap
Number of decimals
Upper tolerance
Lower tolerance
Reset tolerances

It is important to underline that the dimensions' texts use the texts'
attributes (except for the Text origin).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.7.1. Arrow Type ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

arrowtype <number>

It is a dimension attribute. It sets the type of termination for the dimension
line at <number> (between 0 and 6, starting value 1).

Interactively you will choose the arrow type within the Arrow type window which
will be automatically opened by the program. The program will provide the right
number.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Dimension->Arrow Type from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Dimension attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,E,A


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.7.2. Dimension Gap ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

extdis <number>

This is a dimension attribute:

o if <number> is positive, it defines the distance between the reference points
  and the reference lines of the dimension

o if <number> is negative, its absolute value defines the length of the
  reference lines, which will start anyway from the dimension line and finish
  at the reference points.

This command is useful when detaching reference lines from their dimensioned
entity. The initial value is 0, which corresponds to dimensions with reference
lines adjacent to the primitives or to the point of dimension.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Dimension->Dimension Gap from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Dimension attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,E,G


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.7.3. Number of decimals ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

decnum <number>

It is a dimension attribute. It sets the number of digits with which the
dimension value is visualized (between 1 and 4, starting value 2). The digit
number for the tolerances is fixed at three decimals.

You can also specify a negative number: in this case the number of digits after
the decimal point is the absolute value of <number>, and trailing zeros are
eliminated. In this case, trailing zeros are taken out from the tolerances as
well.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Dimension->Number of decimals from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Dimension attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,E,N


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.7.4. Upper tolerance ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

uptol <number>

It is a dimension attribute. It sets the value of the upper tolerance of all
the dimensions.

Together with the lower tolerance, it can be reset with the command Reset
tolerances.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Dimension->Upper tolerance from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Dimension attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,E,U


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.7.5. Lower tolerance ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

lowtol <number>

It is a dimension attribute. It sets the value of the lower tolerance of all
dimensions.

Together with the upper tolerance it can be reset with Reset tolerances.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Dimension->Lower tolerance from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Dimension attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,E,L


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.7.6. Reset tolerances ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

tolrst

It eliminates the tolerances of the dimensions:

it resets all the tolerance values that are no longer shown. command
Dimension->Reset Tolerances from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Dimension attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,E,T


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.8. Text Attributes ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Text attributes are:

Text Height
Text Font
Text Slant
Text base to height ratio
Text Origin

It is important to underline that these attributes are defined also for
dimensions (except for Text origin).


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.8.1. Text Height ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

height <number>

It is a text attribute. It defines the height of the cell where the text
characters are to be inserted. The height refers to the longer dimension of an
Upper case character, 'A' for instance. Starting value is 10.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Text->Height from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Text attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,X,H


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.8.2. Text Font ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

font <number>

It is a text attribute. It defines the font to be used to display a text
(between 1 and 5, starting value 1).

Available fonts are proportional, which means that the font width is not
constant but depends on the particular letter, so as to make it more legible.

A negative font <number>, instead, will write the text with the same font as
its absolute value but in a non-proportional manner, i.e. constant width. This
kind of font turns out to be quite useful, for instance, when writing tables
with text and digits in columns, so as to keep them aligned.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Text->Font from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Text attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,X,F


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.8.3. Text Slant ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

slant <number>

It is a text attribute. It sets the slant of characters within the text cell
(in sexagesimal degrees), in relation to the straight text, i.e. <number> is
the width of the angle between the axis of their bigger dimension and the axis
the text lays on. A positive value inclines the text forward, a negative value
backwards. The starting value is 0 degrees (upright text).

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Text->Slant from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Text attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,X,S


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.8.4. Text base to height ratio ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

hbratio <number>

It is a text attribute. It sets the ratio base over height for a text cell.
(starting value 0.7).

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Text->Base to height ratio in menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Text attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,X,B


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.8.5. Text Origin ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

txtorig <number>

It is a text attribute. It defines the origin point of your text with reference
to the point of location specified in the Text command (between 1 and 9,
starting value 1).

Interactively you will choose the text origin within the Text origin window
which will be automatically opened by the program. The program will provide the
right number.

Dimension texts do not have this attribute.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Text->Text Origin from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Text attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,X,O


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.9. Hatching Attributes ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Hatchings attributes are:

Hatching Angle
Hatching Step
Hatching Type


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.9.1. Hatching Angle ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

hatchang <number>

It is a hatching attribute. It sets the angle attribute of a hatching at the
<number> you need (it must be in sexagesimal degrees): this angle is the slant
of the hatching.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Hatching->Hatching Angle from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Hatching attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,H,A


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.9.2. Hatching Step ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

spacing <number>

This is a hatching attribute. It sets the step attribute of a hatching at the
value, <number>, you want. The step is the distance between two lines in a
hatching.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Hatching->Hatching Step from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Hatching attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,H,S


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.7.9.3. Hatching Type ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

hatchtype <number>

This is a hatching attribute. It lets the user choose a specific kind of
hatching among the 18 ones available (between 1 and 18, starting value 1).

Interactively you will choose the hatching type within the Hatching type window
which will be automatically opened by the program. The program will provide the
right number.

Dealing with attributes it is possible to:

o define the current value of the attribute in the Define attributes mode
o modify the value of the attribute of an already existing primitive in the
  Modify attributes mode
command Hatching->Hatching Type from the menu Attributes in the Menu bar
button in the Hatching attributes window fast selection in menu Alt+A,H,T


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.8. Transformations ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In the Transformations menu there are the BlueCAD commands necessary to start
geometric transformations on graphic entities in your drawing.

This is how it works:

 1. The user has to set the transformation which he wants to use, this can be
    translation, rotation, mirroring or scaling.
 2. He then executes the transformation, which operates on the selected
    primitives with the transformation that the user had initially chosen. The
    transformation commands let the user select new entities upon which the
    same set transformations will always be carried out.

The transformation commands are:

Commands to select the transformation

   Translation
   Rotation
   Scaling
   Mirroring

Command to set the multiple copy

   Number of Copies

Commands to start the transformation

   Copy
   Move
   Stretch

In case a dimension is associated to a primitive which is transformed, the
dimension is automatically updated to the new geometry of the primitive:

 1. Copy: this operation maintains the association between primitive and
    dimension only if these two items are included in the same exact selection
    (which therefore will be multiple).
 2. Move: the dimension is displaced jointly with its primitive, even if it is
    not selected. If the dimension is attached to more than one primitive,
    which are not all moved at the same time, then the dimension is stretched
    according to the new geometry.
 3. Stretch: the dimension changes in the same way as in Move, in the case of
    the primitives included in the selection area, and is stretched to follow
    the new geometry of the primitives straddling the area, which are stretched
    as well.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.8.1. Translation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

translation <point_1> <point_2>

It sets a transformation of translation along a segment, i.e. with values given
by the difference between correspondent coordinates of the two given points.
command Translation from the menu Transformations in the Menu bar
button in the Transformation window fast selection in menu Alt+T,T


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.8.2. Rotation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

rotapoint <point> <number>

It sets a rotation transformation of an angle (in sexagesimal measure) of
<number> around the selected <point>. The angle will be seen in
counter-clockwise direction.

Interactively the specification of the rotation angle will be done by the Angle
input window. command Rotation from the menu Transformations in the Menu bar
button in the Transformation window fast selection in menu Alt+T,R


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.8.3. Scaling ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

scale <point> <number>

It sets a scale transformation in relation to the inserted point of a factor
equal to <number> chosen. The scaling factor can be negative, not zero. command
Scaling from the menu Transformations in the Menu bar
button in the Transformation window fast selection in menu Alt+T,S


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.8.4. Mirroring ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

mirsegm <point_1> <point_2>

It sets a mirroring transformation in relation to a segment which has as
extremes the two selected points. command Mirroring from the menu
Transformations in the Menu bar
button in the Transformation window fast selection in menu Alt+T,I


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.8.5. Number of Copies ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

times <number>

It says how many times the chosen transformation will be repeated.

It affects only subsequent executions of the Copy command and allows the
repetition, for the <number> of times specified, of the transformation that the
user has chosen.

This command has to be given before giving the Copy command, and set out again
at each new transformation, which restores the number of copies at its initial
value, i.e. 1. command Number of Copies from the menu Transformations in the
Menu bar
field in the Transformation window fast selection in menu Alt+T,N


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.8.6. Copy ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

copy <primitive>

This command copies the selected primitive in the location specified by the
transformation that has been set.

It is different from the Move command, in that Move deletes the selected entity
and creates a new one in the final position, whereas the copy action does not
affect the selected object.

If, prior to the copy command, the user sets a Number of Copies higher than 1,
the program will generate as many copies of the primitive as specified. command
Copy from the menu Transformations in the Menu bar
button in the Transformation window fast selection in menu Alt+T,C


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.8.7. Move ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

move <primitive>

It moves the selected primitive in the position defined by the transformation
that has been set.

It is different from the Copy command, in that Copy creates a copy of the
original primitive in the final position of the transformation, whereas Move
transfers the chosen primitive from the original position to the final one.

If prior to the execution of the command Move the command Number of Copies has
also been activated, this won't have any effect upon the movement of the
primitives.  command Move from the menu Transformations in the Menu bar
button in the Transformation window fast selection in menu Alt+T,M


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.8.8. Stretch ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

stretch <point_1> <point_2>

This command requires the selection of an area whose vertexes are in the points
given as operands. Using the set transformation:

 1. performs a displacement as described for the Move command on those
    primitives totally inside the specified selection area.
 2. changes nothing in those primitives totally out of the selection area.
 3. changes those segments, arcs of circle, hatchings or dimensions straddling
    the edges of the selecton area in a way that does not affect the outer
    vertices but modifies those included in the selection.

The Number of Copies command does not influence the move command. command
Stretch from the menu Transformations in the Menu bar
button in the Transformation window fast selection in menu Alt+T,E


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.9. Information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In the Information menu there are all the BlueCAD commands that let the user
have information about:

Graphic Entities
Drawing
Points distance


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.9.1. Graphic Entities Information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

info <primitive>

It shows a window containing information relating to the selected primitive.
The type of information varies with the type of primitive selected.

This command is "transparent" if given when another command is running, it is
considered a "main" command when no other commands are activated (see Commands
classification), therefore letting the user get information on more subsequent
entities without having to give the command again. Finally, to cancel the
active command, use the Cancel command. command Graphic entities information
from the menu Information in the Menu bar
button in the Horizontal Toolbar fast selection in menu Alt+I,I


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.9.2. Drawing Information ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

idrawing

This shows the actual state of the drawing. In the viewing window there is
information regarding number and type of entities in the drawing, both visible
and total. command Drawing Information from the menu Information in the Menu
bar fast selection in menu Alt+I,D


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.9.3. Points distance ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

distance <point_1> <point_2>

This shows the distance between <point_1> and <point_2> and the projection
along the coordinate axes of the distance segment.

 The distance command turns out to be useful when it is necessary to verify the
correct geometric dimensioning of the primitives in the drawing.

This command is "transparent" if given when another command is running, it is
considered a "main" command when no other commands are activated (see Command
Classification), therefore letting the user get information on more subsequent
distances without having to give the command again. Finally, to cancel the
active command, use the Cancel command. command Points distance from the menu
Information in the Menu bar fast selection in menu Alt+I,P


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.10. Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In the Help menu there are the commands to get help from BlueCAD:

Contextual Help
Using Help
Help Index

When the help window is open, you can keep working with BlueCAD without having
to close it.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.10.1. Contextual Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The contextual help lets the user have Help on the active command. If there is
not any active command this help mask-window will be shown.

The Help Index is also available. command Contextual from the menu Help in the
Menu bar shortcut F1.
fast selection in menu Alt+H,C


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.10.2. Using Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The help use provides the user with suggestions on how to access the help.
command Help Use from the menu Help in the Menu bar fast selection in menu
Alt+H,U


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.1.10.3. Help Index ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The help index shows a directory by which you can access, in order, the various
items in the BlueCAD help document.

Contextual Help is also available. command Index from the menu Help in the Menu
bar fast selection in menu Alt+H,I


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2. Other commands ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

BlueCAD's commands are generally given from the menu bar. The special commands
Cancel command, Data End and the secondary commands (see Commands
classification) are exceptions, which the user can activate in the Contextual
windows and which assume that another command is already active.

The BlueCAD commands which are not listed among the Menu commands are:

Cancel command
Data End
Snap commands
Selection commands


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.1. Cancel command ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

delcom

This action will cancel all the active commands: it will let the user quit a
command previously given, so as to make the program receptive to new commands.
button in the Horizontal Toolbar shortcut Esc.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.2. Data End ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

selend

This action will end a data input session when the number of operands for that
command is not preset by the program.

Some of the commands, see for instance create spline, require a number of
points that can vary from time to time, whilst other commands, the one which
creates blocks for example, requires a variable number of primitives. In such
cases the command continues to ask the user for new operands (points or
primitives) until the user considers the process over and therefore gives this
command, Data end. button in the Horizontal Toolbar shortcut Ctrl+E.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.3. Snap commands ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Snap point commands let the user perform actions and commands on primitives
picking some special points, or meaningful points.

Often it happens, in the making of a drawing, that the user needs to refer not
so much to a generic point but to points which belong to other primitives. It
may be necessary to draw a segment whose one extreme coincides with that of
another segment, or to pick the point from which a block is bound to. Otherwise
it can be necessary to work on a grid as if it were a sheet of ruled paper. Il
all these cases the snap point commands let the user get automaticly the chosen
snap point on the primitive or on the grid.

These commands can be given when a command, already activated, needs the input
of a point: on this occasion, by clicking the mouse button 2, the Snap points
window will open, and it will permit the user to give these kinds of commands.

The search for the snap point can be made permanent in case the necessity
arises to pick many snap points of the same kind consecutively, and then it can
be disabled.

The following snap commands are available in BlueCAD:

Commands to activate/deactivate the permanent snap point

   Enable permanent snap
   Disable permanent snap

Snap points commands

   End Point
   Mid Point
   Center Point
   Intersection Point
   Origin Point
   Point over Point
   Near Point
   Grid Point


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.3.1. Enable permanent snap ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

snap <string>

This will set a permanent snap mode, which the user will specifiy with the
<string> operand, choosing among the following:

pestremo   (End Point)
pmedio     (Mid Point)
pcentro    (Center Point)
pintersez  (Intersection Point)
porigine   (Origin Point)
psnap      (Point over Point)
pvicino    (Near Point)
grsnap     (Grid Point)

With this permanent snap mode the user can pick exactly the same kind of snap
points to use in more subsequent commands, without having to specify each time
the type of snap point needed.

The selection of the specific snap point can be done with the Snap points
window (the same one utilised to activate the single instance snap point
selection) which is activated automatically by the permanent snap button.

When the permanent snapping is active, the cursor will change slightly, and
four dots will appear around the cross. When it is required to specify a point,
if it is close to a primitive the program will try to pick the point on the
entity itself. If it succeeds in this action, this will be the selected point,
otherwise (for instance if that sort of snap point is not possible on that sort
of primitive), the program will snap on the actual location of the cursor in
the Drawing Area.

When made active, the permanent snapping can be temporarily ignored without
disabling the permanent snapping mode: to do it, the user has to activate the
Snap points window through the mouse button 2 and select the sort of snap point
he wants. This way the permanent selection is temporarily disabled, and
automatically enabled for the following points. button permanent snap in the
Upper Status bar


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.3.2. Disable permanent snap ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

delsnap

It disables the automatic search for snap points that were set with the Enable
permanent snap command.

The command is needed to completely disable the automatic search, but not to
modify the kind of snap point the program permanently utilises. button
permanent snap in the Upper Status bar


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.3.3. End Point ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

end <primitive>

This command consents the user to locate exactly the extreme point of the
selected graphic entity that is closest to the pick point.

The selection of primitives is possible for segments, arcs of circles, circles,
ellipses and splines.

If the segment is only partly visible, only the portion of the drawing that is
visible is considered to get the closest extreme point.

Regarding arcs of circles, also considered are any eventual point of
intersection of entities with vertical or horizontal diameters.

Regarding circles, only intersections of the entity with vertical or horizontal
diameters are considered (there aren't any extremes because the circle is a
closed curve).

Regarding ellipses, only the four points of intersection with two diameters
major and minor are considered (in this case too, there aren't any extremes
because the ellipses is a closed curve). button in the Snap points window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.3.4. Mid Point ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

mid <primitive>

This command will locate the medium point of a primitive.

In this case, the selection of primitives is possible only for segments, arcs
of circles and splines. button in the Snap points window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.3.5. Center Point ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

center <primitive>

This command lets the user locate the center of a primitive.

The selection of primitives can be done on arcs of circles, circles, ellipses
and points.

Regarding ellipses, the center specified is the midpoint of the connection of
the two focuses, that is the point of intersection between the two axes (major
and minor). button in the Snap points window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.3.6. Intersection Point ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

pintersec <primitive_1> <primitive_2>

This command lets the user locate the intersection between the two selected
primitives.

The selection of primitives can be done on segments, arcs of circles, circles,
ellipses and splines.

If the intersections are plural, the program will pick the closest point to the
one that helped in the selection of the second primitive. button in the Snap
points window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.3.7. Origin Point ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

orig <primitive>

This command is used to select the origin of the selected primitive.

The selection of primitives is possible on text, hatchings, blocks and
dimensions.

It will pick the position point of texts and blocks.

It will pick the baricenter of hatchings.

It will pick position point of texts of dimensions. button in the Snap points
window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.3.8. Point over Point ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

onpoint <point>

This command sets as snap point the primitive of type <point> that will be
selected.

The effect is like that of the Center Point command given on a point, the
difference being that with Point over Point the user can select only point
primitives, and not other kinds. button in the Snap points window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.3.9. Near Point ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

near <primitive>

Given the selected <primitive>, it selects the point of this primitive which is
nearest to the pick point.

The selection of primitives is possible on segments, arcs of circles, circles,
ellipses and splines. button in the Snap points window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.3.10. Grid Point ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

grid <point>

It binds the movement of the cursor to the closest grid point.

 When this command is under execution, the cursor is visible in its position,
and its echo is also shown on the closest snap point of the grid.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.4. Selection commands ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 The selection commands let the user select in the drawing some particular
subsets of graphic entities depending on where they are situated in the Drawing
Area.

The selection commands can be started when an active command requires the
selection of one or more primitives: in this case, clicking the mouse button 2,
the Selection window will open, and where which the user can therfore start the
following commands:

Select all
Select zone
Select external zone


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.4.1. Select all ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

sall

This subcommand permits the selection of all of the primitives, totally or
partly visible on the screen. button in the Selection window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.4.2. Select zone ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

szone <point_1> <point_2>

This subcommand selects all and only those visible primitives which are totally
enclosed in the rectangular area having two non consecutive vertices in the
specified points. button in the Selection window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.2.4.3. Select external zone ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

scomplzone <point_1> <point_2>

This subcommand will select all and only the visible primitives not entirely
enclosed in the rectangular area having two non consecutive vertices in the
specified points. button in the Selection window


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3. Macro commands ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Macro Commands are functions that can be called from within BlueCAD's
macros. They can be used as further commands when working with BlueCAD. The
user can work and operate with macros through the Manage Macros command and
they are activated by the Macro window.

The Macro Commands are:

 1. a command to directly use the BlueCAD commands:

   CADCmd <expression>

 2. commands for the attributes:

   CADAttGet
   CADAttRestore
   CADAttSave
   CADAttSet

 3. commands to manage the graphic data base:

   CADDbCloseQue
   CADDbCode
   CADDbFirst
   CADDbGetName
   CADDbLast
   CADDbNext
   CADDbOpenQue
   CADDbPrev
   CADDbSetName

 4. commands to read the graphic data base:

   CADDbArc
   CADDbDot
   CADDbSegm
   CADDbText

 5. commands to manage the blocks:

   CADClearSel
   CADInsel
   CADCrSim
   CADPosSim

 6. input and output commands:

   CADInput
   CADMsgBox
   CADOutMes
   CADSelect


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.1. CADAttGet ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADAttGet <idprim> <attrib>

It reads the attributes of the graphic entity which has identifier <idprim>
inserting them in variables that are created automatically to start from the
prefix <attrib>. The variables are:

variable                attribute
<attrib>.Color          color
<attrib>.LineT          line type
<attrib>.Thick          thickness
<attrib>.Level          layer
<attrib>.HatchAng       hatching angle
<attrib>.HatchT         hatching type
<attrib>.Step           hatching step
<attrib>.HCar           text character height
<attrib>.FontT          text font type
<attrib>.Just           text origin
<attrib>.BHRatio        text character base/height ratio
<attrib>.Slant          text character slant
<attrib>.DimRef         dimension gap
<attrib>.DimDecNum      dimension number of decimals
<attrib>.DimArrRatio    dimension arrow type

The specific attributes for determined entities make sense only if <idprim> is
an entity of that type, for example the hatching step makes sense only if the
primitive is hatching. The type of entity is known with the command CADDbCode.

Example:

call CADAttGet id, 'att'

after the call in att.Color there is the color of the entity which has
identifier id, in att.LineTthe line type, etcetera.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.2. CADAttRestore ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADAttRestore

It restores the current values of the attributes with the ones previously
memorized with the command CADATTSave..

Example:

call CADAttRestore


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.3. CADAttSave ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADAttSave

It saves the current values of the BlueCad attributes, that is those with which
the new graphic entities are created.

It serves to be able to memorize these values before carrying out operations
which modify them, for example with the CADAttSet command.

It is used with the command CADAttRestore which restores the saved values as
running.

Example:

call CADAttSave


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.4. CADAttSet ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADAttSet <attribute> <number>

 It assigns the <number> value to the current value of the <attribute>.

The attributes are:

COLOR          color
LINET          line type
THICK          thickness
LEVEL          layer
DIMARRT        dimension arrow type
DIMREF         dimension gap
DIMDECNUM      dimension number of decimals
HCAR           text character height
FONTT          text font type
SLANT          text character slant
BHRATIO        text character base/height ratio
JUST           text origin
HATCHANG       hatching angle
STEP           hatching step
HATCHT         hatching type

Example:

call CADAttSet 'COLOR', 2


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.5. CADClearSel ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADClearSel

It initials the queue of the selected graphic entities.

It is used with the command CADInsel and the command CADCrSim to create blocks.

Example:

call CADClearSel


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.6. CADCmd ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADCmd <expression>

The <expression> is a sequence of one or more strings that contain commands and
operands.

In <expression> BlueCAD commands can be directly used with the respective
operands, as they are described in this manual. It is important to remember, as
described in the Notation Conventions, that the name recognized by macro is
generally different from the name used in BlueCAD and that it is brought back
with the help of the commands.

The syntax to use in <expression> is the following:

 1. the various expression elements, either commands or operands, are separated
    by spaces.

 2. the points are written in x,y format, without intermediate spaces. If the y
    coordinate (format x) is missing, the y from the last point placed is
    taken. If the x coordinate (format ,y) is missing, the x from the last
    point placed is taken.

 3. The strings are written between apexes.If the string contains apexes, they
    must be written doubled. If the string does not contain either spaces or
    apexes, its initial and final apexes can be removed, provided that the
    string isn't the initial part of the name of a BlueCAD command.

 4. the numbers can be written with or without the decimal. The whole part and
    the decimal part must be separated by a point. The exponential format is
    not foreseen.

 5. the pick point for the selection of primitives and the video points can be
    input as real points. This can be a problem when the visualization is at
    more than one window.

To find the command that has a given name the search help function is useful,
used in all the sections.

Some examples of the use of the command CADCmd:

 1. reading of the drawing demo1.dis

    call CADCmd 'read demo1'

 2. initialing ofBlueCAD

    call CADCmd deldraw

 3. creation of a segment from point 0,0 to point 10,10

    call CADCmd 'segment 0,0 10,10'

 4. creation of the BlueCAD text on point 10,10

    call CADCmd 'text BlueCAD 10,10'

 5. creation of the BlueCAD's world text on point 10,10

    call CADCmd 'text ''BlueCAD''''s world'' 10,10'

 6. redraw of the BlueCAD screen

    call CADCmd redraw

 7. setting of color 2 as the current color

    call CADCmd 'atdef color 2'

 8. movement of all the visible primitives 10 to the right

    call CADCmd 'translation 0,0 10 move sall'

Some notes on the use of the command CADCmd:

 1. The use of the visualization commands that request the window selection
    when the view is at more than one window, which for example viewall and
    zpos2, is possible when only one window is in view.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.7. CADCrSim ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

<idprim> = CADCrSim <string> <point>

It creates the block by name <string> with the origin on the <point> uniting
the graphic entities inserted in the queue of the selected graphic entities.

The queue must be initialed with the command CADClearSel and the entities can
be inserted with the command CADInsel.

The return value <idprim> is the identifier of the block created or 0 in the
case of error.

Example:

idsim = CADCrSim( 'Name', px, py )


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.8. CADDbArc ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADDbArc <idprim> <arc> <attrib>

It reads the data of thearc or of the circle which has identifier <idprim> from
the data base. Furthermore, it reads the attributes in the variables that are
created starting from the prefix <attrib> with the method described in the
command CADAttGet.

The data of the arc and the circle are :

variable        datum
<arc>.P1x       coordinate x of the first end point
<arc>.P1y       coordinate y of the first end point
<arc>.P2x       coordinate x of the second end point
<arc>.P2y       coordinate y of the second end point
<arc>.Pmx       coordinate x of the mid point
<arc>.Pmy       coordinate y of the mid point
<arc>.Cenx      coordinate x of the center
<arc>.Ceny      coordinate y of the center
<arc>.ArcAng    angle under the arc in radiants
<arc>.Rad       radius
<arc>.Versz     positive if the arc is drawn counter-clockwise from the first
                to second end point, otherwise it's negative.

Example:

call CADDbArc id, 'arc', 'att'

after the call in att.Color there is the color of the arc which has identifier
id, in arc.Rad the radius, etcetera.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.9. CADDbCloseQue ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADDbCloseQue <idque>

It closes the scanning of the graphic data base queue which has identifier
<idque>, the queue previously opened by the command CADDbOpenQue. The
identifier <idque> is the return value of the CADDbOpenQue command.

Example:

call CADDbCloseQue que


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.10. CADDbCode ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

<code> = CADDbCode <idprim>

It reads the code of the graphic entity which has identifier <idprim> from the
data base.

The return value <code> is the graphic entity code

Example:

code = CADDbCode( id )


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.11. CADDbDot ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADDbDot <idprim> <dot> <attrib>

It reads the data of the point which has identifier <idprim> from the graphic
data base. Furthermore, it reads the attributes in the variables that are
created starting from the prefix <attrib> with the method described in the
command CADAttGet.

The point data are:

variable       datum
<dot>.Px       coordinate x of the point
<dot>.Py       coordinate y of the point

Example:

call CADDbDot id, 'dot', 'att'

after the call in att.Color there is the color of the point which has
identifier id, in dot.Px the coordinatae x, etcetera.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.12. CADDbFirst ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

<idprim> = CADDbFirst <idque> <code>

It reads the identifier and the code <code> of the first entity inserted in the
queue which has identifier <idque>.

The return value <idprim> is the identifier of the entity, or it's 0 if there
aren't any entities in the queue.

The queue must have been opened previously with the command CADDbOpenQue. The
identifier <idque> is the return value of the CADDbOpenQue command.

The last entity of the queue can be obtained with the command CADDbLast, the
next one with the command CADDbNext, the previous one with the command
CADDbPrev.

Example:

id = CADDbFirst( que, 'code' )


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.13. CADDbGetName ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADDbGetName <idprim> <string>

It reads the name <string> of the graphic entity which has identifier <idprim>
from the graphic data base.

The name can be as long as eight characters and it will be a blank string
unless it wasn't previously inserted by the command CADDbSetName.

Example:

call CADDbGetName id, name


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.14. CADDbLast ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

<idprim> = CADDbLast <idque> <code>

It reads the identifier and the code <code> of the last entity inserted in the
queue which has identifier <idque>.

The return value <idprim> is the identifier of the entity, or 0 if there aren't
any entities in the queue.

The queue must have been opened previously with the command CADDbOpenQue. The
identifier <idque> is the return value of the CADDbOpenQue command.

The first entity of the quque can be obtained with the command CADDbFirst, the
following one with the command CADDbNext, the previous one with the comman
CADDbPrev.

This command is useful, for example, for reading the identifier of the entity
just created with a BlueCAD command carried out by the command CADCmd: the
entity in this case is the last of the queue PRIQUE (see CADDbOpenQue).

Example:

id = CADDbLast( que, 'code' )


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.15. CADDbNext ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

<idprim> = CADDbNext <idque> <code>

It reads the identifier and the code <code> of the entity inserted in the
queue, which has identifier <idque>, after the last scanned entity.

The queue must have been opened previously with the command CADDbOpenQue. The
identifier <idque> is the return value of the command CADDbOpenQue.
Furthermore, the scanning must have already been initiated with the command
CADDbFirst or with the command CADDbLast.

The return value <idprim> is the entity identifier, or it's 0 if there aren't
any more entities in the queue or in the case of error.

The previous queue entity can be obtained with the command CADDbPrev.

Example:

id = CADDbNext( que, 'code' )


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.16. CADDbOpenQue ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

<idque> = CADDbOpenQue <queue>

It opens the scanning of the type <queue> graphic data base queue. The <queue>
types of accessible queues are:

PRIQUE    queue of all the graphic entities
SELQUE    queue of the selected graphic entities

The return value <idque> is an identifier that can be used with the scanning
cammands CADDbFirst, CADDbLast, CADDbNext and CADDbPrev, or -1 if the operation
was not successful.

The scanning of the queue can be closed with the command CADDbCloseQue. More
scannings can be opened at the same time on the same queue.

Example:

que = CADDbOpenQue( 'PRIQUE' )


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.17. CADDbPrev ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

<idprim> = CADDbPrev <idque> <code>

It reads the identifier and the code <code> of the entity inserted in the
queue, which has identifier <idque>, before the last scanned entity. The queue
must have been opened previously with the command CADDbOpenQue. The identifier
<idque> is the return value of the CADDbOpenQue command. Moreover, the scanning
must have already been initiated with the command CADDbFirst or with the
command CADDbLast.

The return value <idprim> is the entity identifier, or it's 0 if there aren't
any more entities in the quque or in the case of error.

The next queue entity can be obtained with the command CADDbNext.

Example:

id = CADDbPrev( que, 'code' )


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.18. CADDbSegm ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADDbSegm <idprim> <segm> <attrib>

It reads the data of the segment which has identifier <idprim> from the graphic
data base. Furthermore, it reads the attributes in the variables that are
created starting from the prefix <attrib> with the method described in the
command CADAttGet.

The segment data are:

variable       datum
<segm>.P1x     coordinate x of the first end point
<segm>.P1y     coordinate y of the first end point
<segm>.P2x     coordinate x of the second end point
<segm>.P2y     coordinate y of the second end point

Example:

call CADDbSegm id, 'segm', 'att'

after the call in att.Color there is the color of the segment which has
identifier id, in segm.P1x the coordinate x of the first end point, etcetera.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.19. CADDbSetName ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADDbSetName <idprim> <string>

It assigns the name <string> to the graphic entity which has identifier
<idprim> .

This name can be as long as eight characters and as a consequence can be read
with the command CADDbGetName.

Example:

call CADDbSetName id, 'name'


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.20. CADDbText ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADDbText <idprim> <text> <attrib>

It reads the data of the text which has identifier <idprim> from the data base.
Furthermore, it reads the attributes of the variables that are created starting
from the prefix <attrib> with the method described in the command CADAttGet.

The text data are :

variable       datum
<text>.txt     text string
<text>.Px      coordinate x of the positioning point of the text
<text>.Py      coordinate y of the positioning point of the text

Example:

call CADDbText id, 'text', 'att'

after the call in att.Color there is the color of the text which has identifier
id, in text.txt the text string, etcetera.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.21. CADInput ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADInput <type> <datum>

It requests BlueCAD, aside from the user, to emit a type <type> operand. The
requested operand is written in the variable, depending on the type, that is
created starting from the prefix <datum>. The foreseen operand types and the
variables relative to the data are:

NUMBER         number

   variable       datum
   <datum>.num    number

POINT          point

   variable       datum
   <datum>.x      coordinate x of the point
   <datum>.y      coordinate y of the point

STRING         string

   variable       datum
   <datum>.str    string

Example:

call CADInput 'NUMBER', 'datum'

after the call in datum.num there is the number inserted by the user.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.22. CADInsel ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADInsel <idprim>

It inserts the entity which has identifier <idprim> in the selected graphic
entities queue.

It is used with the command CADClearSel and the command CADCrSim to create
blocks.

Example:

call CADInsel id


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.23. CADMsgBox ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADMsgBox <message> <title>

It interrupts the execution of the REXX procedure and opens a window with title
<title> in which the message <message> appears. The execution resumes when the
user pushes the window button.

Example:

call CADMsgBox 'message', 'title'


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.24. CADOutMes ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

CADOutMes <string>

It visualizes the message <string> in the BlueCAD Messages area.

Example:

call CADOutMes 'message'


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.25. CADPosSim ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

<idprim> = CADPosSim <string> <point> <angle> <scaling> [<library>]

It positions the block <string> on the point <point> using a positioning angle
<angle> and a scaling factor <scaling>. Optionally, the library <library> in
which to search the block can be specified. In the case that the library is not
specified, the block must be in memory.

The return value <idprim> is the positioned block identifier, or it's 0 in the
case of error.

Example:

id = CADPosSim( 'grnd', px, py, 0, 1, 'mech' )


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.3.26. CADSelect ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

<nsel> = CADSelect <number>

It requests the selection of one or more graphic entities from BlueCAD. BlueCAD
asks for the entity selection until a quantity equal to the <number> is not
selected. If the <number> is negative or 0, the selection request will continue
until the user inserts the end data command.

The return value is the number <nsel> of selected entities, contingently 0 if
no entity was selected or -1 in the case of error.

The selected primitives are inserted by BlueCAD in the selected graphic
entities queque SELQUE (see CADDbOpenQue).

Example:

nsel = CADSelect( 1 )


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4.4. Shortcuts ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The user can make use of a combination of keys to give commands and to carry
out a lot of tasks faster:

push           to
Ctrl+O         Open
Ctrl+B         Manage Blocks
Ctrl+E         Data End
Ctrl+I         Manage Coordinates
Ctrl+L         Manage Layers
Ctrl+M         Manage Macros
Ctrl+N         New
Ctrl+P         Print
Ctrl+R         Repeat
Ctrl+S         Save
Ctrl+U         Undo
Ctrl+A         Save as
Ctrl+X         Exit
Del            Delete
Esc            Cancel command
F1             Contextual Help


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. BlueCAD Tools ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

To make the production of your drawing easier, BlueCAD puts the following tools
at your disposal:

Grid
Layers
Blocks

To add new tools to the existing ones, BlueCAD puts at your disposal this
instrument:

Macros


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.1. Grid ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The grid is something similar to ruled paper, but it gives the user the chance
of moving discretly and definably with the cursor.

Visibility of the grid and binding of the cursor to the grid can be controlled
independently.

Therefore you can choose among the following:

 1. free cursor, invisible grid
 2. free cursor, visible grid
 3. grid-bound cursor, invisible grid
 4. grid-bound cursor, visible grid

The settings of the Grid are controlled through the Settings-Grid Page window
and are:

 1. visibility
 2. step (i.e. distance between two straight parallel lines forming the grid)
 3. color
 4. view mode (by points or by squares)

The snapping of the cursor to the grid is set through the snap grid command.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.2. Layers ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The layer is an attribute (layer attribute) and, as such, can be associated to
graphic entities.

The layer is defined by:

 1. number: it is the value of the attribute, and can span from the range
    1-1023. This means that there can be up to 1023 layers at the same time. At
    the beginning of BlueCAD, or after a New command only the layer with value
    1 is defined.

 2. description: it is a text that is useful to explain what information there
    is in the layer and it appears in the Messages area when defining a new
    active layer.

 3. visibility: if a layer is visible then all the primitives or entities which
    have as a layer attribute that number are visible, and viceversa. The
    active layer is always visible. This visibility feature, or attribute, is
    useful to control different detail levels in the drawing, both in the
    drawing and in the printing phase.

 4. protection: if a layer is said to be protected, it becomes impossible to
    delete or modify any of its primitives, and it is not even possible to add
    new entities. This is useful to prevent unwanted modifications to a
    finished part of the drawing.

Through the Manage Layers dialog window the user can create new layers and
delete old ones, change the visibility and protection attributes, define the
active layer, get information  on  entities in the differerent layers

With the command layer attribute it is possible to define the active layer and
to change the layer attribute of already existing primitives (so to move from
one layer to another)

With the Layers window the user can list the defined layers and define a new
active layer.

When a drawing is saved (with the Save command or the Save as command) the
situation of the defined layers is saved with it. When the drawing is opened
the layers situation is restored to how it was.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.3. Blocks ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

A Block is an instrument that BlueCAD puts at your disposal to select more
entities and group them together, so defining a new entity.

We must distinguish between the description of a block and the single block
entity that the user inserts in the drawing. The description is unique and it
is created for the first time with the Block Creation command, it can be saved
in the blocks library  with the Manage Block window and later retrieved from
the library with this window. A block that the user defines in such a way can
be set several times, always through this window, and be located in more than
one place, therefore, creating many different block entities. Each of these
entities can be positioned at a different angle of positioning and at a
different scale factor.

It must be clear that the description is not a graphic entity, but the single
block entities in the drawing are. The description of the block is saved with
the drawing only if at least one block which has such a description is actually
present in the drawing. It is convenient to save a block description in the
library if it is likely to be used again in the future.

The Create Block command creates a block description assigning it:

 1. a name, which will allow future access to the block. This name is not to be
    longer than 16 characters. No distinction is made between upper and lower
    case. Since this name will also be used for the file name in which the
    block will be stored in the library, if you use a FAT formatted hard disk
    avoid exceeding 8 characters for the name. There is no problem if the HPFS
    format is used.

 2. a point of origin, usually a snap point of one of the primitives that are
    part of the block. The block creation command puts a block to substitute
    the selected entities, primitives that are now part of the block's
    description. This point of origin coincides with the location where the
    block itself is positioned. In the course of the following insertions, the
    position of the entities in relation to the origin will be the same, taking
    into account of the positioning angle and ot the scale factor. The origin
    of a block can be selected with the Snap point command Origin Point.

The Manage Block window permits the user to cancel blocks too. If, by using
this window, the description of a block is deleted, all the blocks in the
drawing which were referred to will become undefined blocks and are, therefore,
changed to the name of the block itself centered where the block was located.
If another block with that name is created or loaded from a library, then all
those undefined blocks will be updated with that new description.

A block entity can be broken, in which case it is deleted and its place is
taken by all the primitives that are part of it. This action does not affect
the description of the block.

Using blocks gives this advantage:

 1. It permits the definition of one single object made of more entities, so
    that the user can insert it in the drawing several times, even at a
    different angle and scale factor.

 2. It permits saving this object in the library, so as to use it in another
    work session and with another drawing.

 3. It permits the user reduce the memory space occupied by the drawing, if he
    uses the same block several times: the description is saved just once,
    while single block-entities do not occupy a lot of space.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.4. Macros ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In BlueCAD the user can write macros in REXX language.

Macros can be used as further commands within BlueCAD. With the Manage Macros
macros can be created, inserted, changed, tried out and deleted. Macros which
have been inserted can be activated, or run, like any other command, with the
buttons in the Macro window.

Macros, in the system, are identified with a name, to which a bitmap is
associated, that is the one drawn on the corresponding button in the Macro
window and a file, with extension .rxm, containing the procedure that is run
when the macro is started. The bitmap is stored in a file with the same name,
identical to the previous one, but with extension .bmp. Access to both files is
takes place via the windows called from the Manage Macro.

At the end of the work session BlueCAD saves the situation of the macros which
have been inserted to be retrieved again when the program is started once
again.

REXX language is available from the operating system to write procedures which
are usually used as command files (see the documentation of the operating
system).

BlueCAD's macros are REXX language procedures which have access to all the
functions that the operating system sets at the user's disposal, at least for
procedures written in this language (to run the macros is is necessary to call
the interpreter of the operating system).

In addition, BlueCAD offers a set of functions which allow the user to access
the functions of the program. These functions are regarded by the REXX
interpreter as procedures and as such can be called within macros by the
instruction CALL of the REXX interpreter.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. Graphic Entities ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Graphic entities available in BlueCAD are:

Segment Entity
Arc of Circle Entity
Circle Entity
Ellipsis Entity
Text Entity
Hatching Entity
Point Entity
Spline Entity
Block Entity
Dimension Entity


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.1. Segment Entity ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The segment is a straight line between two points, which are called extremes.

In BlueCAD segments can be drawn in different ways with the create segment
commands.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.2. Arc of Circle Entity ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The arc of circle is a section of a circle between two points called extremes.

In BlueCAD arcs of circle can be created with the create arc commands.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.3. Circle Entity ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

A circle is a closed line made of all those points on a plane at the same
distance from a point called center. This common distance is called radius
(specifically, the previous definition is the one of circumference, and the
definition of circle is the area of the plane enclosed by the circumference,
but we will always mean the line and not the surface).

In BlueCAD circles can be created in different ways, through the create circle
commands.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.4. Ellipsis Entity ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

An ellipsis is a closed line made of all those points for which the sum of
their distances from two distinct points, the focuses, is constant. The
straight line through the two focuses is called the major axis, the straight
line perpendicular to it at the medium point between the focuses is called the
minor axis.

In BlueCAD ellipses can be drawn with the create ellipsis command.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.5. Text Entity ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Text is a string of characters located starting from a point called origin.
Text is a whole single primitive although it is shown through a set of
segments.

In BlueCAD text can be created by the create text commands.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.6. Hatching Entity ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This entity represents the hatching of an area with a closed line as a
boundary. Although it is shown as a complex of segments, it is a single
primitive.

In BlueCAD, you create hatchings with the create hatching command.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.7. Point Entity ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

A point is the simplest of the entities you can create when using BlueCAD. A
point in BlueCAD is the same as a point in geometry.

In BlueCAD you can create points with the Create point command.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.8. Spline Entity ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

 Splines available in BlueCAD are cubic splines. This means that a spline in
BlueCAD is a continuous sequence of third degree polynomial plots. At the
junction points, called nodes, first and second derivatives are continuous too.
This entity is utilized to draw a curve passing through a certain number of
points not on a straight line.

In BlueCAD, spline entities can be created with the create spline command.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.9. Block Entity ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

A block is a graphic entity made of other entities put together, in any number.
A block is a single entity, even if you still perceive it, of course, as made
of those selected entities, and, as such, can be drawn, cancelled, changed.

A block entity is a block drawn in a certain location, with an angle and a
scale factor that can be specified at drawing time.

In BlueCAD, to position blocks the user needs the Manage Block window, that
lets him manage the blocks' libraries as well.

If, when using this window, you cancel the description of a block, all the
blocks which were referred to this description become undefined blocks, and the
program will visualise them just by means of their id-name in the same place.
If another block with the same name is created or loaded from a library into
the drawing, the new description will take the place of all the names.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.10. Dimension Entity ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

A dimension is a text saying a measurement, that can be of a distance, of an
angle, of a radius or of a diameter. The dimension is, again, a single
primitive, even if it is shown as text, some segments and, sometimes, an arc of
circle.

Dimensions, in BlueCAD, are of different types, according to what measurement
they have to communicate, and can be created with the Create dimension
commands.

This illustration shows schematically a typical example of a dimension:

              ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉ
      ΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉΓöét+ΓöéΓöîΓöÇΓöÇΓöÉ
      ΓöéltΓöéΓöédtΓöéΓöét-ΓöéΓöértΓöé
  daΓöé ΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿΓööΓöÇΓöÇΓöÿ Γöéda
ΓûáΓöÇΓöÇ>ΓûáΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓöÇΓûá<ΓöÇΓöÇΓûá
ep  Γöépp      dl      ppΓöé  ep
    Γöé                  Γöé
    Γöé                  Γöé
    Γöérl              rlΓöé
    Γöé                  Γöé
    Γöé                  Γöé
    Γûárp              rpΓûá

short form description
da     arrow
dl     dimension line
rl     reference line
ep     extention point
pp     projection point
rp     reference point
t+     upper tolerance
t-     lower tolerance
rt     right text
dt     dimension text
lt     left text

Left and right text can be present if the text of the dimension is modified.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. Plotting ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

To plot a drawing it is necessary to save it into memory with the Save command
or the Save as and  then to use the program for plotting BluePLOT located in
the folder BlueCAD.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Dimension Tolerances ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Tolerances are values that you can associate with any dimension, with the
exception of angles dimensions, which indicate the maximum deviation between
the real dimension and the drawing's one. There are two tolerances, the upper
tolerance and the lower tolerance, and they are shown, when present, as two
text objects with dimension that is 0.45 times the character height of the
dimension's text. These two text objects will be positioned, the one for the
upper tolerance above, the one for the lower tolerance below, on the right hand
side of the dimension.

If you define one of these two tolerances, the other one is defined as well by
the program with zero value.

In BlueCAD you control tolerances with the following commands:

Upper tolerance
Lower tolerance
Reset tolerances


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Drawing Area ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The drawing area is part of the main screen of BlueCAD, and is the area of the
screen where the drawing is shown, where it is possible to input points, and to
select entities.

The drawing area, utilizing different Views, can be divided into one or more
windows.

In order to change the color of the background of the drawing area, open a
window with the Color Palette you find in the System Settings folder, then drag
and drop the color of your choice in the drawing area. This turns out to be
quite useful, for instance, when you want to draw primitives with the same
color as the background, which would otherwise be not visible.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Title bar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

It contains the name of the program, with its version number, followed by the
name of the drawing you are working on, which can be:

 1. Drawing.dis when you start or after giving a New command

 2. the name of the drawing you have just opened

 3. the name you have typed in the last Save as command


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Menu bar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The following image shows you the Menu Bar, with which you may access the menu
commands of BlueCAD.

Please select any area to view its detailed description.

You may access the menu commands through the keyboard:

To select the menu item, press the Alt key and, at the same time, the key of
the character that is underlined in the menu name.

There are two ways to select the command (or the subsequent drop down menu),
after you release the two keys:

o just press the key of the character you see underlined in the menu item, or
  in the secondary menu.
o place the highlighting on the command of your choice with the upward and
  downward navigation keys, then press Enter.

For example, to start the New command in the File menu, press Alt+F, followed
by the N key.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Horizontal Toolbar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

With the icons in this toolbar you can start many useful commands.

Select any of the buttons to read the related help screen.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Vertical Toolbar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

With this toolbar you can open and close the Tools Windows.

Select any area here to read its detailed description.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Upper Status bar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

From the left, this bar is made up of the Echo commands area, the Permanent
snap Button (Snap) and the Attributes area.

Click on any part of the image to know more about it.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Echo commands area ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This area is in the Upper Status bar.

Here you will see:

 1. on the left, the active command's icon, which corresponds to the icon of
    the command's button, if the command has one, and if it doesn't, then it is
    the following:

    if no command is active, the area reserved for the icon will not show
    anything.

 2. on the right, the type of operand actually requested by the active command.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Lower Status bar ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Normally, the Lower Status Bar is split in two areas: on the left there is the
Coordinates area, on the right the Messages area. When the program is showing
the fast help of one of the commands in the Message Area, this will occupy the
whole of the Lower Status Bar.

Select any area to get help about it.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Coordinates area ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

In this area of the screen the X and Y coordinates are shown of the point in
the Drawing Area where the cursor is located. If, by moving the mouse, you
select something outside the drawing area, the coordinates of the last point
will be shown.

When an operand which implies a length is required, for instance when a second
point is asked for in the command Segment 2 Points, this length L will also be
shown.

This area is part of the Lower Status bar.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Messages area ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

It is an area where you can read the messages BlueCAD sends you. Here, the text
of the fast help is also shown.

This area is part of the Lower Status bar.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Permanent snap Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This button (Snap button) is in the Upper Status bar and lets you activate and
deactivate the permanent snapping to the snap point you have chosen.

The button can be in two states:

o If you can't see a check mark:

   Permanent snapping is deactivated. To activate the permanent snap point you
   push the button: the Snap points window will pop up and, through it, you can
   select the snap point you wish.

o If you can see a check mark:

   Permanent snapping is activated. To
   deactivate the permanent snapping you press the button.

Please notice that when the permanent snap mode is active and you wish to
change the kind of point the system is bound, you have to press the button
twice: the first time is to deactivate the actual mode, the second time is to
activate it in the new style.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Attributes area ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This area is in the Upper Status bar.

It is made of the following, from left to right:

 1. a window that shows you a line which has the current attributes, i.e.
    color, line type, thickness
 2. the Layers window
 3. the Attributes mode Button
 4. the buttons of the commands for generic attributes (color, line type,
    thickness and layer)
 5. the buttons to activate the specific attributes windows (dimension
    attribute window, text attributes window e hatching attributes window).

Click on any area to read a detailed description.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Attributes mode Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This button is in the Attributes area and lets you select the Attributes mode.

This button can be drawn in two styles:

BlueCAD is in Define attributes mode

BlueCAD is in Modify attributes mode

By clicking the button, BlueCAD switches to the other mode, therefore by
clicking twice you will return to the starting mode.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Current line attributes window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This window is in the Attributes area.

BlueCAD shows in this window a line sample with the current color, line type
and thickness attributes. If you create a new graphic entity, it will inherit
the attributes you see in this window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Layers window ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This window is in the Attributes area.

This window will show of the active layer, its number and its description.

With the button on the right you can access the list of the existing layers
and, if you select one in the list, it will become the active one.

The active layer can be set in two other ways:

 1. setting the working layer in the Manage Layers window
 2. giving the command Layer attribute when BlueCAD is in the  Define
    attributes mode


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Control menu ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The control menu is in every dialog window. It lets you access some system
functions, like closing, moving and minimizing the window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Minimize Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Pushing this button is the same as giving the Minimize command from the control
menu. Once you have made the window an icon, to see it full size again, press
the keys CRTL+ESC and select BlueCAD in the Windows list.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Maximize Button ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

If you select this command, BlueCAD's window reaches its maximum dimensions,
i.e. it fills the screen. Select it twice and the window will return to its
previous dimension.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Giving a command with the mouse ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Here are some examples of commands given through the mouse:

 1. command Open from the menu File in the Menu bar

    means move the cursor on to the Menu Bar where File is written and press
    the mouse button 1: this causes the opening of the File menu. Then move the
    mouse until the cursor is where Open is written in the menu. At this point
    you can press the mouse button 1 to select the command, Open.

 2. command Segment->2 Points from the menu Drawing in the Menu bar

    means move the cursor on to the Drawing item in the Menu Bar and click the
    mouse button 1, then move the mouse until you reach where Segments is
    written and click the mouse button 1: this will let you see a submenu on
    the screen. Then move the cursor on to the item 2 Points in the submenu and
    press the left button to select the command.

 3. Horizontal Toolbar button

    means moving the cursor on to the icon of the command which is in the
    Horizontal Toolbar, and then press the mouse button 1. The icon of the
    command is the one that you can see in the top left corner in the Help
    window.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Giving a command with the keyboard ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Here are some examples of how to command through the keyboard:

 1. shortcut Ctrl+O

    means pressing the Ctrl key and the O key at the same time

 2. menu fast selection Alt+F,O

    means pressing the Alt key and the F key at the same time, to select the
    menu, then releasing both the keys and pressing O to select the menu item

 3. menu fast selection Alt+D,S,2

    means pressing Alt and D at the same time to select the menu, then
    releasing them both to press S to select the submenu then releasing the
    button again to press 2 so as to carry out the final selection of the
    command in the submenu.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Icon commands ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Most of BlueCAD's commands can be started not only from the Menu bar but also
from buttons which can be:

in the Horizontal Toolbar

in the Tools windows

in the Attributes area

in the Contextual windows


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Fast Help ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Fast Help about commands can be made active just by pressing the mouse button 1
on any menu item, or pressing the mouse button 2 when the cursor is on the
button of an icon command.

The fast help text is shown in the Messages area in the Lower Status bar.

Basically fast help is a brief description of the command, preceeded by a
symbol which indicates the which category of command it belongs:

(1)  main command
(2)  secondary command
(0)  transparent command


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Dragging an object ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Dragging (and dropping) an object means:

 1. position the mouse on the point (object) you wish.

 2. click on it with the mouse button 2.

 3. keep the button 2 pressed, shift the mouse until you position the cursor on
    the final spot.

 4. release the button 2 of the mouse.

If the relocation of the entity you have picked is not allowed, the cursor will
become a No-entry sign.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Identifier of a graphic entity ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The identifier of a graphic entity is a number, unique for each graphic entity
created, which identifies it. The identifier is used by the Macro commands to
manage the Graphic Entities.

For example, the identifier is the return value of some functions such as
CADDbFirst and CADPosSim, and is used to identify a graphic entity in function
such as CADAttGet, CADDbSegm and CADInsel.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Graphic entity code ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The code of a graphic entity is a number that is used by the Macro commands The
available codes are:

code      entity type
1         arc of circle or circle
2         ellipsis
5         dimension
6         point
7         hatching
10        segment
11        block
12        spline
13        text


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden> Graphic data base queues ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

BlueCAD manages the graphic entities in the graphic data base by inserting them
in queues which are accessible by the following Macro commands for the
mangement of the graphic data base:

CADDbOpenQue      to open the scanning
CADDbCloseQue     to close the scanning
CADDbFirst        to scan the first entity
CADDbLast         to scan the last entity
CADDbNext         to scan the following entity
CADDbPrev         to scan the previous entity