10 Time-Saving TrueCAD Tips Every Designer Should KnowTrueCAD is built to be fast and familiar for designers who need precise drafting without unnecessary complexity. These 10 practical tips focus on workflow, shortcuts, and small habits that compound into big time savings. Each tip includes quick how-to steps and why it helps.
1. Master the Command Line and Shortcuts
Most repetitive tasks are faster by typing than by hunting through menus.
How to:
- Learn core command names (LINE, TRIM, COPY, OFFSET, FILLET).
- Customize hotkeys for commands you use often.
- Use command aliases (e.g., L for LINE, C for CIRCLE).
Why it saves time:
- Direct command entry reduces mouse movement and menu navigation delays.
2. Create and Use Blocks for Reusable Content
Blocks (symbols) let you reuse standard details like fixtures, furniture, or title blocks.
How to:
- Group geometry and use the BLOCK or WBLOCK command to save.
- Insert with INSERT or use Design Center to drag-and-drop blocks.
- Use dynamic blocks for variations (e.g., different sizes or orientations).
Why it saves time:
- Reuse reduces redrawing and ensures consistency across drawings.
3. Set Up and Leverage Layers Strategically
A disciplined layer system keeps drawings organized and speeds selective editing.
How to:
- Create layers for categories (walls, dimensions, annotations, hidden lines).
- Use layer states to switch visibility for different phases.
- Freeze or lock layers rather than turning them off to protect content.
Why it saves time:
- Quickly isolate and edit specific elements without interfering with others.
4. Use Selection Filters and Quick Select
Precise selection avoids accidental edits and speeds bulk changes.
How to:
- Use QSELECT to select by object type, color, layer, or property.
- Use Selection Filters (FILTER command) to build complex criteria.
- Learn window vs. crossing selection and remove/add to selection with Shift.
Why it saves time:
- Makes bulk edits and cleanup fast and reliable, especially in crowded drawings.
5. Employ Parametric Constraints and Object Snaps
Constraints and snaps keep geometry accurate with fewer manual adjustments.
How to:
- Apply geometric constraints (parallel, perpendicular, coincident) where appropriate.
- Turn on Object Snap (OSNAP) and set preferred snaps (endpoint, midpoint, intersection).
- Use running object snaps (press Shift+Right-Click or the OSNAP toolbar).
Why it saves time:
- Prevents small misalignments that require later fixes; speeds precise placement.
6. Use Templates and Standard Layers/Styles
Start each project from a tailored template to avoid repetitive setup.
How to:
- Create a .dwt template with predefined layers, dimension styles, text styles, title block, and units.
- Load and update templates when standards change.
- Store commonly used blocks in the template.
Why it saves time:
- Eliminates repetitive setup tasks and enforces company standards immediately.
7. Optimize Drawing Scale and Viewports Early
Setting scales right prevents rework on annotations and details.
How to:
- Decide drawing scale before placing dimensions or text.
- Use paper space viewports for multiple scales in one layout.
- Lock viewports after zooming to desired scale.
Why it saves time:
- Avoids scaling mismatches that lead to redrawing annotations and reformatting sheets.
8. Batch Plot and Export Efficiently
Printing and exporting in batches saves time at delivery stage.
How to:
- Use Batch Plot (Publish) to print multiple layouts or files at once.
- Create a page setup for each sheet size and reuse it.
- Export to PDF in batches and use combined multi-sheet PDFs for client delivery.
Why it saves time:
- Reduces repetitive plotting steps and ensures consistency across delivered sheets.
9. Clean Up Drawings with Audit, Purge, and Overkill
Regular cleanup keeps file sizes down and performance fast.
How to:
- Run AUDIT to fix errors.
- Use PURGE to remove unused blocks, layers, and styles.
- Use OVERKILL (or equivalent) to remove overlapping or duplicate geometry.
Why it saves time:
- Faster file opening, less lag when editing, and fewer issues when sharing files.
10. Automate Repetitive Tasks with Scripts and Macros
Scripting small routines saves hours when repeated across projects.
How to:
- Record actions as macros where supported or write simple script (.scr) files.
- Use LISP routines or built-in automation tools to batch-change attributes or rename layers.
- Store frequently used scripts in a toolbar or easy-access folder.
Why it saves time:
- Turns repetitive manual sequences into one-click actions.
Quick Starter Checklist
- Save a project template (.dwt) with your standards.
- Assign hotkeys for 10 most-used commands.
- Build a block library for common details.
- Set up layer states for common drawing phases.
- Create scripts for repetitive cleanup and exports.
These tips are practical and immediately actionable. Start by implementing one or two (templates and hotkeys give an immediate payoff) and add more over time for compounded efficiency gains.
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