Key Techniques

Create your designs quickly and easily by learning these key methods.

You will save a lot if time if you use these key techniques - especially keep in mind the techniques shown in red:

1. SNAP & NUDGE: Don't try to position items with the mouse, Use the snap feature and then nudge lines into position with the keyboard arrow keys.
2. NUMERIC BAR: Don't try to size items with the mouse. Enter sizes on the numeric bar.
3. INTERSECT: Learn to use the Intersect button to divide lines where they cross. This helps you easily create new shapes that would otherwise be difficult to draw.
4. Don't redraw circles and other shapes to make copies. Use the Repeat button.
5. Instead of using the arc button, use Line | Corner | Round.
6. SAMPLE SHAPES: See how some of the Samples Shapes are drawn to learn how these techniques are combined.
7. Refer to these web help sections for more important techniques.

Z Values

The Z value in your drawings indicates how much material will be perpendicular to the screen.

Try to minimize Z values. For example, start drawing your part in the Top view using the largest dimensions of your shape. For example, to create a 1 x 2 x 3 brick, draw a 2 x 3 rectangle in the Top view. Exceptions include round items which should begin with a circle in the Top view. 

If you can't create your shape by adding material via positive Z values, start with a shape representing more material than you need and remove material via negative Z values.