VariCAD

Reference Manual
 Table of Contents
1 FOREWORD .........................................................................................................................................8

2 INTRODUCTION TO VARICAD.......................................................................................................8

3 VARICAD INSTALLATION PROCEDURE.....................................................................................8

3.1 HARDWARE A SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS .......................................................................................8
3.2 VARICAD IN NETWORK ENVIRONMENT ..........................................................................................9
3.3 OUTPUT DEVICES .............................................................................................................................9
3.4 SYSTEM SETTINGS AND CONFIGURATION, SYSTEM FILES ................................................................9
3.4.1 What to Do after the Installation before the First Run ................................................................9
3.4.2 Configuration File Location........................................................................................................9
3.4.3 Configuration Files ...................................................................................................................10
3.4.4 Setting Other Graphical Editor Parameters..............................................................................10
3.4.5 Language Dependent Files........................................................................................................11
3.4.6 Masks.........................................................................................................................................11
3.4.7 Commands for Setting VariCAD Parameters ............................................................................11
3.4.8 Color Palette Modification ........................................................................................................12
3.4.9 Commands for Setting VariCAD Drawing Parameters.............................................................14
3.4.10 VariCAD Installation and Directory Structure......................................................................14
4 GETTING STARTED.........................................................................................................................15
4.1 RUNNING VARICAD ......................................................................................................................15
4.2 VARICAD LAYOUT ........................................................................................................................15
4.3 VARICAD CONTROLS ....................................................................................................................15
4.4 OPENING A DRAWING.....................................................................................................................16
4.5 OPENING MULTIPLE DRAWINGS AT A TIME....................................................................................16
4.6 SWITCHING AMONG THE DRAWINGS ..............................................................................................16
4.7 SAVING DRAWINGS ........................................................................................................................17
4.8 CLOSING DRAWINGS ......................................................................................................................17
4.9 VIEWING DRAWINGS ......................................................................................................................17
4.10 TEXT VIEWING ...............................................................................................................................17
4.11 TITLE BLOCK VIEWING ..................................................................................................................17
4.12 DRAWING PARAMETERS .................................................................................................................18
4.13 DEFAULT DRAWING .......................................................................................................................19
4.14 PROTOTYPE DRAWING ...................................................................................................................19
4.15 ENDING VARICAD.........................................................................................................................20
4.16 SECURITY DRAWING BACKUP ........................................................................................................20
5 USER INTERFACE............................................................................................................................20
5.1 OBJECT TYPES IN THE DRAWING (ENTITIES) ..................................................................................20
5.2 OBJECT ATTRIBUTES AND THEIR SETTING ......................................................................................21
5.3 LINETYPES......................................................................................................................................21
5.4 LAYER DEFINITION.........................................................................................................................22
5.5 OBJECT WORKSETS ........................................................................................................................22
5.6 ZOOM - WORKING WITH DISPLAY ................................................................................................22
5.6.1 Individual Zoom Options ...........................................................................................................23
5.7 DRAWING SCALES ..........................................................................................................................24
5.8 DRAWING FORMATS .......................................................................................................................24
5.9 DRAWING UNITS ............................................................................................................................24
5.10 COORDINATE SYSTEM ....................................................................................................................24
5.11 ORTHOGONAL GRID .......................................................................................................................25
5.12 CONSTRUCTION LINE SYSTEM........................................................................................................25

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 5.13 STEP-MODE ....................................................................................................................................27
5.14 ORTHO MODE.................................................................................................................................27
5.15 SNAP MODES, SPECIAL SELECTIONS ..............................................................................................28
5.16 SINGLE OBJECT SELECTION ............................................................................................................29
5.17 ENTERING COMMANDS FROM THE KEYBOARD ...............................................................................29
5.18 ENTERING COMMANDS FROM THE ICON MENUS ............................................................................29
5.19 ENTERING COMMANDS FROM PULL DOWN MENUS ........................................................................29
5.20 ENTERING COMMANDS USING THE CTRL KEYS ..............................................................................30
5.21 ENTERING COMMANDS USING FUNCTION KEYS .............................................................................30
5.21.1 Function Keys Configuration (basic configuration): ............................................................30
5.21.2 UNDO and REDO Commands ..............................................................................................31
5.21.3 Important Keys ......................................................................................................................31
5.21.4 Key Equivalents List ..............................................................................................................31
5.22 HELP - HELP SYSTEM .....................................................................................................................31
5.23 POINTING DEVICE - MOUSE............................................................................................................32
5.24 GRAPHIC INPUT FOR LOCATION......................................................................................................32
5.25 GRAPHIC INPUT FOR ANGLES .........................................................................................................33
5.26 WRITING SPECIAL CHARACTERS ....................................................................................................33
5.27 ALPHANUMERIC INPUT, EXPRESSIONS AND STRINGS .....................................................................34
5.27.1 Mathematical Expressions Input ...........................................................................................34
5.27.2 Mathematical Functions ........................................................................................................35
5.27.3 Predefined Variables .............................................................................................................35
5.28 OBJECT, LAYER, DISTANCE, ANGLE AND COORDINATE CHECK ....................................................35
5.29 SELECTION USING REGION .............................................................................................................36
5.30 SELECTING FROM DIRECTORIES AND DIALOG BOXES ....................................................................37
5.31 ADDITIONAL RULES .......................................................................................................................37
6 VARICAD VS. OTHER SYSTEMS DATA CONVERSION ..........................................................37
6.1 DXF FORMAT CONVERSION PROGRAMS ........................................................................................38
6.2 INDIVIDUAL POSSIBLE OPTIONS .....................................................................................................38
6.3 IGES INPUT....................................................................................................................................40
6.3.1 Calling the Conversion Program...............................................................................................40
6.4 IGES OUTPUT ................................................................................................................................40
6.4.1 IGSO - sets output parameters into IGES.................................................................................40
6.4.2 START Section ...........................................................................................................................40
6.4.3 GLOBAL Section .......................................................................................................................40
6.4.4 Parameter Delimiter..................................................................................................................40
6.4.5 Record Delimiter .......................................................................................................................40
6.4.6 Product Identification from Sending System .............................................................................41
6.4.7 File Name ..................................................................................................................................41
6.4.8 Native System ID .......................................................................................................................41
6.4.9 Preprocessor Version ................................................................................................................41
6.4.10 Model Space Scale.................................................................................................................41
6.4.11 Max. Number of line weight gradations ................................................................................41
6.4.12 Width of Maximum Line Weight in Units...............................................................................41
6.4.13 Date and Time of File Generation.........................................................................................41
6.4.14 Minimum User-intended Resolution ......................................................................................41
6.4.15 Approximate Maximum Coordinate Value ............................................................................41
6.4.16 Name of Author......................................................................................................................41
6.4.17 Author’s Organization ...........................................................................................................41
6.4.18 Version Flag ..........................................................................................................................41
6.4.19 Drafting Standard Flag .........................................................................................................42
6.4.20 Date Model Was Created or Modified...................................................................................42
6.4.21 Color Mapping ......................................................................................................................42
6.4.22 Linetype Mapping ..................................................................................................................42
6.4.23 Line Width Mapping ..............................................................................................................42

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 6.4.24 Preprocessor Outputs ............................................................................................................43
6.4.25 Core Record...........................................................................................................................43
6.4.26 Configuration Loading/Saving ..............................................................................................43
6.4.27 IGES Objects Supported by VariCAD Software ....................................................................43
7 DRAWING THE OBJECTS ..............................................................................................................43
7.1 LINES .............................................................................................................................................44
7.1.1 Line Creation.............................................................................................................................44
7.2 MULTIPLE LINE ..............................................................................................................................44
7.3 SHAFT ............................................................................................................................................44
7.4 ARROWS .........................................................................................................................................45
7.5 AXIS ...............................................................................................................................................45
7.6 RECTANGLE............................................................................................................................... .....45
7.7 POLYGON .......................................................................................................................................45
7.8 TANGENTS ......................................................................................................................................45
7.9 GRAPHS ..........................................................................................................................................46
7.10 ELLIPSIS .........................................................................................................................................46
7.11 POINTS ...........................................................................................................................................46
7.12 CIRCLE ...........................................................................................................................................46
7.13 ARCS ..............................................................................................................................................47
7.14 TEXTS.............................................................................................................................................48
7.15 SPLINE ............................................................................................................................................49
8 EDITING OBJECTS...........................................................................................................................49
8.1 DELETING .......................................................................................................................................49
8.2 BLANKING ......................................................................................................................................49
8.3 UNBLANKING .................................................................................................................................49
8.4 EDITING TEXT ................................................................................................................................50
8.5 BREAKING UP AN OBJECT ..............................................................................................................50
8.6 CHANGING A LAYER.......................................................................................................................51
8.7 CHANGING A (PEN) COLOR ............................................................................................................51
8.8 CHANGING A LINETYPE ..................................................................................................................51
8.9 BREAKING AN OBJECT....................................................................................................................51
8.10 TRIMMING AN OBJECT....................................................................................................................51
8.11 REMOVING AN OBJECT SEGMENT ...................................................................................................51
8.12 EXTENDING AN OBJECT ..................................................................................................................52
8.13 CREATING A CORNER .....................................................................................................................52
8.14 CHAMFERING AN EDGE ..................................................................................................................52
8.15 ROUNDING AN EDGE ......................................................................................................................52
8.16 BREAKLINE ............................................................................................................................... .....52
8.17 EDITING AN ARC TO A WHOLE CIRCLE...........................................................................................52
8.18 EDITING A SPLINE...........................................................................................................................53
8.19 POLYLINE INTEGRATION ................................................................................................................53
9 OBJECT TRANSFORMATIONS .....................................................................................................53
9.1 TRANSLATION AND COPY ...............................................................................................................53
9.2 ROTATION AND COPY .....................................................................................................................54
9.3 DYNAMIC MOVEMENT AND ROTATION ..........................................................................................54
9.4 SCALING .........................................................................................................................................54
9.5 MIRRORING ....................................................................................................................................54
9.6 OFFSET LINES.................................................................................................................................55
9.7 STRETCH ........................................................................................................................................55
9.8 COPY TO ARRAY ............................................................................................................................55
10 DIMENSIONING ................................................................................................................................56
10.1 HORIZONTAL ..................................................................................................................................56

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 10.2 VERTICAL............................................................................................................................... ........57
10.3 SLANT ............................................................................................................................................57
10.4 ANGULAR .......................................................................................................................................57
10.5 DIAMETER ......................................................................................................................................58
10.6 RADIUS...........................................................................................................................................58
10.7 THREAD..........................................................................................................................................58
10.8 FINISH SYMBOLS ............................................................................................................................58
10.9 WELDING SYMBOLS, GEOMETRIC TOLERANCY..............................................................................58
10.10 EDITING A DIMENSION ...............................................................................................................59
11 HATCHING.........................................................................................................................................59
11.1 SEMIAUTOMATIC ............................................................................................................................59
11.2 SEMIAUTOMATIC WITH PATTERN SELECTION .................................................................................60
11.3 AUTOMATIC ...................................................................................................................................60
11.4 AUTOMATIC WITH PATTERN SELECTION ........................................................................................60
11.5 CREATING A HATCH PATTERN .......................................................................................................60
12 SYMBOLS ...........................................................................................................................................61
12.1 OPENING A LIBRARY ......................................................................................................................62
12.2 ADDING OBJECTS TO A SYMBOL.....................................................................................................62
12.3 CREATING A SYMBOL TO LIBRARY.................................................................................................62
12.4 INSERTING A SYMBOL INTO THE DRAWING ....................................................................................62
12.5 INSERTING SYMBOLS FROM ICON DRAWING MENUS ......................................................................62
13 BLOCKS - NON-GRAPHICAL INFORMATION ..........................................................................62
13.1 CREATING A BLOCK .......................................................................................................................63
13.2 SAVING BLOCK TO THE DISK..........................................................................................................63
13.3 INSERTING A BLOCK INTO THE DRAWING .......................................................................................63
13.4 EDITING A BLOCK OR A POLYLINE .................................................................................................64
13.5 EDITING BLOCK OR POLYLINE NAME AND NAME EXTENSION .......................................................64
13.6 EDITING BLOCK INSERTION POINT .................................................................................................64
13.7 EDITING BLOCK ATTRIBUTES .........................................................................................................64
13.8 INSERTING BLOCKS FROM ICON DRAWING MENUS ........................................................................64
13.9 EXTRACTING BLOCK ATTRIBUTES TO A FILE - BOM .....................................................................64
14 DESIGN STRUCTURE, BOMS AND TITLE BLOCKS ................................................................66
14.1 DESIGN STRUCTURE .......................................................................................................................66
14.1.1 BOM - working with the design structure.............................................................................66
14.1.2 BOM window Choices ...........................................................................................................67
14.2 ADD TO DESIGN STRUCTURE ..........................................................................................................69
14.3 ATTRIBUTE MASK (BOM INDENT).................................................................................................69
14.3.1 AMA - attribute mask............................................................................................................70
14.4 TEXT INSERTION - INSERTING BOM INTO DRAWING .....................................................................70
14.5 CROSS MASK ..................................................................................................................................71
14.5.1 CMC - cross mask creating ..................................................................................................71
14.6 DATA MASK - TITLE BLOCK FILLING MASK ..................................................................................71
14.6.1 DTM - entering data mask....................................................................................................71
14.7 FILLING TITLE BLOCKS ..................................................................................................................72
14.8 DELETING INFORMATION FROM TITLE BLOCKS ..............................................................................72
14.9 LISTING DRAWING DATA ...............................................................................................................72
14.10 EXPORTING NON-GRAPHICAL INFORMATION .............................................................................72
14.10.1 EMA - export mask ...............................................................................................................72
15 GRAPHICAL LIBRARY CONTENTS ............................................................................................73
15.1 ENGINEERING .................................................................................................................................73

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16 MECHANICAL PART CALCULATIONS ......................................................................................74
16.1 TENSION SPRINGS ...........................................................................................................................74
16.2 MECHANICAL PARTS CONNECTIONS ...............................................................................................74
16.3 TORSION .........................................................................................................................................74
16.4 BEARINGS.......................................................................................................................................74
16.5 GEARS ............................................................................................................................................74
16.6 BELT DRIVES ..................................................................................................................................74
16.7 BEND ..............................................................................................................................................74
16.8 SECTION AREA CALCULATION .......................................................................................................74
17 PLOTTING, PRINTING ....................................................................................................................74
17.1 PRINTING TO A DEVICE UNDER WINDOWS NT/95 ..........................................................................74
17.2 DATA OUTPUT TO UNIX DEVICES...................................................................................................75
17.2.1 System Command Setting for Export to Devices....................................................................75
17.2.2 Setting the Printed Lines........................................................................................................75
17.3 IMAGE EXPORT TO BITMAP FILES...................................................................................................75
18 3D MODELING...................................................................................................................................76
18.1 HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS FOR 3D....................................................................76
18.2 3D SETTING AND CONFIGURATION ................................................................................................76
18.2.1 Configuring 3D Display ........................................................................................................76
18.2.2 Solid Creating Configuration ................................................................................................77
18.2.3 Placement Configuration, Panel Positions and Others .........................................................77
18.3 DISPLAY IN 3D ...............................................................................................................................78
18.3.1 Display in 3D, 2D/3D Switching ...........................................................................................78
18.3.2 Solids Blanking and Unblanking ...........................................................................................80
18.3.3 Solids Shading .......................................................................................................................80
18.4 BASIC VOLUME CREATING .............................................................................................................81
18.4.1 Predefined Solids...................................................................................................................81
18.4.2 Creating Curves.....................................................................................................................82
18.4.3 Creating Solids by Moving Creating Curve ..........................................................................83
18.5 TRANSFORMING, PLACING AND COPYING SOLIDS ..........................................................................84
18.5.1 Placing Solids........................................................................................................................84
18.5.2 Solid Coordinate System........................................................................................................84
18.5.3 Solid Transforming, Specifying 3D Location ........................................................................84
18.5.4 Location Transformation .......................................................................................................85
18.5.5 Copying Solids.......................................................................................................................86
18.6 SELECTING SOLIDS .........................................................................................................................86
18.6.1 Solid Selection for Further Manipulation..............................................................................86
18.6.2 Solid Groups..........................................................................................................................87
18.7 BOOLEAN (SET) OPERATIONS .........................................................................................................87
18.7.1 Adding and Cutting Solids.....................................................................................................87
Rounding and Chamfering Edges..........................................................................................................88
18.7.3 Hole Drilling and Milling......................................................................................................88
18.8 BASIC VOLUME AND SOLID EDITING ..............................................................................................89
18.9 EXPORTING VIEWS AND SECTIONS FROM 3D TO 2D.......................................................................89
18.9.1 Re-export into 2D, 2D documentation upgrade.....................................................................90
18.9.2 Sections..................................................................................................................................90
18.10 CHECK FUNCTIONS AND CALCULATIONS ...................................................................................91
18.10.1 Solid Volume, Mass and Center of Gravity ...........................................................................91
18.10.2 Crash Test..............................................................................................................................92
18.10.3 Interferences among Solids ...................................................................................................92
18.10.4 Coordinate Check ..................................................................................................................92
18.10.5 Distance Check ......................................................................................................................92
18.10.6 Other Check...........................................................................................................................93

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 18.11 CREATING A DESIGN STRUCTURE FROM 3D ...............................................................................93
18.12 MECHANICAL PART LIBRARY IN 3D...........................................................................................93
18.13 WORKING WITH ASSEMBLIES .....................................................................................................95
18.13.1 Assembly ................................................................................................................................95
18.13.2 Other Resources ....................................................................................................................96
18.14 SURFACE DEVELOPMENT ...........................................................................................................96
18.15 3D PRINTING ..............................................................................................................................96
18.16 TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WORK IN 3D.......................................................................97
19 INTERNET CONNECTION..............................................................................................................97

20 COMMAND REFERENCE ...............................................................................................................98

20.1 CREATING 2D OBJECTS ..................................................................................................................98
20.2 DIMENSIONING ...............................................................................................................................98
20.3 EDITING 2D OBJECTS .....................................................................................................................99
20.4 TRANSFORMATIONS .....................................................................................................................100
20.5 CHECK..........................................................................................................................................100
20.6 WORKSETS ...................................................................................................................................101
20.7 SET DRAWING ATTRIBUTES .........................................................................................................101
20.8 CUSTOMIZING VARICAD .............................................................................................................101
20.9 BLOCKS ........................................................................................................................................101
20.10 SYMBOLS..................................................................................................................................101
20.11 SAVING AND OPENING DRAWINGS, OUTPUT ............................................................................102
20.12 DESIGN STRUCTURE, BOM......................................................................................................102
20.13 MACROS ...................................................................................................................................102
20.14 INTERNET .................................................................................................................................102
20.15 OTHER COMMANDS ..................................................................................................................103
20.16 OTHER FUNCTIONS USED IN MENUS ........................................................................................103
20.17 MECHANICAL PART CALCULATIONS ........................................................................................103
20.18 ZOOM AND IMAGES PROCESSING (BOTH 2D AND 3D) ............................................................104
20.19 3D FUNCTIONS .........................................................................................................................104
20.19.1 3D ZOOM and Images Processing......................................................................................104
20.19.2 Creating Solids ....................................................................................................................105
20.19.3 Editing Solids.......................................................................................................................105
20.19.4 Transformation ....................................................................................................................105
20.19.5 2D creation..........................................................................................................................106
20.19.6 3D Assembly ........................................................................................................................106
20.19.7 3D BOM...............................................................................................................................106
20.19.8 3D Check Functions and Calculations ................................................................................106
20.19.9 Customizing .........................................................................................................................107
21 TROUBLESHOOTING....................................................................................................................107
21.1 TROUBLES WITH STARTING VARICAD (UNIX ONLY)...............................................................107
21.2 CONDITIONAL VARICAD STARTUP..............................................................................................107
21.3 ERRORS FILE ................................................................................................................................108
21.4 THE ICON MENU DOES NOT APPEAR............................................................................................108
21.5 THE PULL DOWN MENU DOES NOT APPEAR ................................................................................108
21.6 THE DRAWING CAN NOT BE OPENED NOR SAVED........................................................................108
22 APPENDICES ...................................................................................................................................108
22.1 ASCII TABLE OF USED CHARACTERS ..........................................................................................108
22.2 USED FONT OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................109
22.3 VARICAD COLOR PALETTE .........................................................................................................109

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1 Foreword
This guide contains technical description of the VariCAD graphical system. It does not feature a
conception of either computer aided design textbook or common instruction for working with computers.
The user is supposed to have at least basic knowledge of computers in general and computer aided
design (CAD). To get to know the system using this guide, the user is supposed to work together with the
system. During introduction of the graphical editor, it is recommended to use online help which includes
the text of this guide.

2 Introduction to VariCAD
The system is equipped with all basic resources necessary both for constructors’ and designers’ work
in engineering. It includes functions for 3D modeling, 2D drawing, editing, transformations,
working with user defined objects, blocks, groups and symbol creating capabilities. The whole system is
very customizable and widely open.
The system includes several modules:
- Solid modeling
- Resources for drawing documentation creation
- Mechanical part and symbol libraries
- Calculation module
- Working with non-graphical information (title blocks, design structures, BOMs, data export to
information systems)
- Parametric construction
- System customization resources

3 VariCAD Installation Procedure

The system installation is done based on instructions included in the distribution pack or in case
of download from Internet according to instructions listed on the www page. The system is available on a
CD or on a 3.5" floppy disks and also on the Internet. Before using the VariCAD system, it is useful to
customize it according to your individual needs - see: System Settings and Configuration, System Files
. Install the system upgrade according to instructions available below. Uninstall VariCAD using
the operating system resources.

3.1 Hardware a Software Requirements

VariCAD requires fully 32bit OS NT Windows, Windows 95/98, or Linux environment. It is
recommended to use the resolution of at least 1024x768 pixels, minimum is 800x600 pixels, minimum 256
colors, 32 768 colors is better (15 or 16 bit per pixel).
Minimal recommended RAM amount is 16MB for 2D drawing and 32MB for working in 3D. For
working in the middle or higher range in 3D, it is recommended to have at least 64MB of memory. When
installing with less memory, the computer may use swapping, which may cause worse performance of
VariCAD. In case of opening a larger number of drawings and insufficient memory, the computer may
also use swapping. The slowest processor for 2D can be PC 486, and for modeling in 3D - a Pentium
processor (Pentium Pro would be better).
The VariCAD installation takes up to 20MB of disk space, it is recommended to reserve 20MB space
for each subsequent user, with respect to the number of created drawing documentation, you may need
much more disk space. It is useful to use a backup device (e.g. MO disk, ZIP drive).

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3.2 VariCAD in Network Environment
VariCAD can be fully used in network (client/server or Peer-to-Peer alternatives). You can install it
on a server and run it on any terminal or you can install and run it on more network terminals.
Created data (drawings, design structure, etc.) can be saved directly during your work to any location in
the network, which allows easy backup and data management. Every user can define his access. Also, in
Linux OS, access privileges to different file types are available. You can secure your data by defining
access privileges.

3.3 Output Devices

VariCAD supports output to all standard output devices, which are using pen, ink, pin or laser
technology. The output is made using HPGL, PCL or EPSON mode. Under Windows NT and Windows
95, VariCAD uses the system drivers to output.

3.4 System Settings and Configuration, System Files

Under Windows NT/95, the system is usually installed into the following directories: C:\Program
Files\VariCAD\bin and C:\Program Files\VariCAD\lib and subdirectories, unless you choose another
location during the first installation.
To run VariCAD under Linux (Unix), it is necessary to set the executable file paths to:
/usr/bin/xvcad or other installation directories - see: VariCAD Installation and Directory Structure
When either Bourne-shell or Corn-shell is used, the file .profile in the user’s home directory should also
include the path setting: PATH=$PATH:/usr/bin/xvcad export PATH When C shell is used, the file .cshrc
in the home directory:
set path=(path1 path2 pathn /usr/bin/xvcad).
Except setting the file .profile or .cshrc, it is possible to customize the operating system, e.g. by
changing the file /etc/default/login by adding the entry to the PATH variable.

Prior to using VariCAD, it is recommended to set it up according to your needs. The VariCAD
environment settings can be modified anytime. The VariCAD environment is created in the directory
from which the user starts it by copying configuration files. Then, every user can create different
environment by modifying these files (in a text editor or directly from VariCAD environment). See the
configuration files overview in: Configuration Files If you can not start VariCAD, read the:
Troubleshooting

3.4.1 What to Do after the Installation before the First Run

If the directory structure for drawings, blocks, symbols and other file types is not created
automatically during the installation, run VariCAD and set the file paths using the PTH command, if
you do not want to use the given options. Then you can create the appropriate paths from the operating
environment. During each VariCAD startup, the presence of all set directories is checked. In case of
their absence, VariCAD offers their creation.
During the VariCAD installation, the standard working environment setting is processed.

3.4.2 Configuration File Location

During VariCAD startup, a directory with VariCAD configuration files is created for every user
- the configuration files are copied from this directory:
/usr/lib/xvcad/cfg (C:\Program Files\VariCAD\lib\cfg).
Every user can create different environment by modifying these files then. If the system finds
the appropriate configuration files in the configuration directory, it does not copy them from
/usr/lib/xvcad/cfg (C:\Program Files\VariCAD\lib\cfg).

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3.4.3 Configuration Files
All configuration files are stored in the VariCAD system directory. If you want to run VariCAD from
the command line from a different directory than the system directory, configuration files are copied to
the configuration directory as set in the file paths.con.
Configuration files appear in ASCII format and it is possible to set them using a text editor or
within VariCAD environment. Configuration files are divided to drawing configuration files and
system configuration files and they do not influence each other. This division is visible in the Options
pull down menu.

Configuration Files:
system.con - VariCAD parameters
dwformat.con - drawing parameters
defdr.con - additional drawing parameters
paths.con - file paths and access rights
lang.con - selected communication language
fontdef.con - dialog box font
textcode.con - Windows dialog box diacritic mark coding
kbdcodes.con - keyboard mapping
windows.con - window handling
rgb.con - color palette
fonts.con - graphical text font table
flicons.con - floating menu location
cblocks.con - color mapping for colors from parametric blocks
cplt.con - assigning pen numbers to color numbers
dxfin.con - DXF file transfer parameter settings
sort.con - alphabet table setting for sorting design structure
shades.con - tint substitution table for 16/32 colors
hatch.con - hatch pattern parameters
igesin.con - IGES file transfer parameter settings
export.con - path settings for data transfer from and to design structure
dash.con - linetype description for information system device output
patch.con - includes data for specific hardware defects correction and it is created for individual
installations only

Commands invoked by using the ctrl and function keys are defined in files ctrlk.en and fkeys.en.
Both of these are text files and their structure is described in the heading. You can redefine these files by
editing.

3.4.4 Setting Other Graphical Editor Parameters

These settings are saved in the system.con file, unless stated otherwise. Parameters saved here are
used each time you run VariCAD, and they are valid till you change them next time.
Sound output - sets using the command SOU - the sound can be totally turned off or, if the OS and
hardware allow so, you can set its length, intensity and frequency. The sound output is used whenever the
system indicates an alert.
Coordinate display method - is set using the APE command. The number of changes to the
automatic backup save is set using the BAK command. See: Security Drawing Backup
Aperture size is set using the APE command. Icon menu is modified by editing the file imenu.en.
Path setting and access rights to files are set using the PTH command. Path and file access rights are
saved in the paths.con file.

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3.4.5 Language Dependent Files
ctrlk.en - ctrl key mapping
fkeys.en - function key mapping
imenu.en - icon menus
menu.en - pull down menus
commands.en - system commands !no changes recommended!
estr.en - system dialog boxes !no changes recommended!
man.en - electronic guide
upgrades.en - new functions and corrections description that are not described in the guide which can be
run from the pull down menu using Upgrade .
info.en - basic information about VariCAD to be displayed from the About VariCAD pull down menu

Conversion Modification
You can set the rules for data conversion from DXF files using the following files.

dxfin.con - dxfin program parameter table

dxfin0.dat - transfer table of text from dxf
dxfin1.dat - transfer table of colors and styles from dxf
dxfin2c.dat - transfer table of double-characters from dxf
dxfin3.dat - transfer table of text styles from dxf
dxfin4.dat - transfer table of strings from dxf

3.4.6 Masks
Files for working with non-graphical information.
stand.ams - attribute mask - non-graphical information list and attributes, defined block attributes
*.ims - title block masks - protocols for filling title blocks
aliasatt.msk - renaming attribute names from parametric blocks (or mechanical part libraries)
stand.xms - cross mask of information transfer between design structure files and data files - controls
the non-graphical information flow from the design structure (BOM) to detailed drawing title blocks
and vice versa (relation between BOM and title blocks)
stand.ems - data transfer between the design structure and external systems

All *.con files are text files, commented and usually with their structure description. All *.en files are
text files and are supposed to be changed (all with exception of estr.en and commands.en) and
commented with structure description. The dxf*.dat files are text files with commentary and their
structure must be preserved. Commentaries in files start with the # character.

3.4.7 Commands for Setting VariCAD Parameters

The parameters set here are valid for each VariCAD session. They are saved in configuration files
system.con, windows.con or others. It is recommended to run them from Options pull down menu.

WPST - Setting window properties

Settings for dimensions and position of the main window and floating dialog boxes, color palette
properties and responding to pressing Alt-F4. There is also an important setting for restoring the area under
floating dialog boxes.

SCR - setting screen output

This function allows to turn on the output buffer (it speeds up drawing in some cases) and define 2D
circle drawing.

PTH - file pathnames

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 Using this command, you can set VariCAD paths and define file access privileges, which are created
in these directories. If there are multiple options to a given path, the files are searched according to the
option sequence stated. When creating files, the files are saved using the first option only. It is not
recommended to change the VariCAD system paths and to use them to save your own files.

Choose the defined pathname from the dialog box, enter it and define the access rights based on your
needs.
Given pathnames (prefixes) are added to the filename as a character group, so they have to end
with the / character. Appending without any prefixes will proceed, when the filename does not include
the /, \ or : characters (slash, backslash, and colon). Also, under Windows NT/95, use the / character
as a directory separator.
Under Unix, after you enter pathnames to given file types, indicate the access privileges based on
selections from the menu - the privileges (rights) define, whether the file is:

-rw-rw-rw- read and write for everybody

-rw-rw-r-- read and write for everybody in the workgroup, for others read only
-rw-r--r-- read and write for owner, read only for others
-rw-rw---- read and write for everybody in the workgroup
-rw-r----- read and write for owner, for workgroup read only
-rw------- read and write for owner only

SOU - sound output

The sound output catches user’s attention in important moments. For example, if a wrong task is
done during the work with VariCAD (incorrect input from the keyboard, required object was not found,
...) and also in such cases, when the system needs confirmation (reading) returned value.

Enter the tone length (0 turns the sound output off), frequency in Hz and intensity, or just the
sound output yes-no. (according to the options).

BAK - number of changes to backup

Drawing backup saves your data when incorrectly leaving VariCAD for any reason.
Enter the number of changes in the graphical drawing database. After reaching the number, the
drawing is automatically saved into the backup file. For a detailed description, see: Security Drawing
Backup

3.4.8 Color Palette Modification

VariCAD requires hardware which is able to display at least 256 colors. The colors can be changed
using the COL command. The settings changed here are saved to the rgb.con file. Then, you can
change the color associations to original colors generated during parameter block creating using the
COL command. Setting are saved in the cblocks.con file.

COL - color setting

VariCAD colors are set to default values after the first run. You can set the VariCAD colors
according to your needs using a dialog box. By changing the entity colors, you change the RGB
coordinates, not the color number. When setting the colors that influence a spatial element (buttons,
sliders and pull down menus), mind the current setting of light and dark title bar. Colors that contain
multiple colors (text and text background in pull down menus) have to be tested.
You can set the parametric block color (mechanical part database) by replacing the colors in the
sub-dialog box by pressing the Block colors button.

In the dialog box, choose the color you want to change and change its RGB coordinates by moving
the slider. When moving, press the mouse selection button. Color changes during the movement. To
confirm the change, choose OK. To return to default values, choose Reset. The color palette is saved in
the rgb.con file.

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 Use predefined color palette setting displayed from the floating macro icon menu.

PAL - sets color palette

You can change the selected color as well as choose another color palette from the predefined color
palletes. When modifying color palette, you can create any palette you want and save it for use in various
projects. It is recommended to use predefined palettes first.

BTS - input button setting (mouse buttons mapping)

Defines the mouse button function. Enter the number of buttons and define by pressing the appropriate
button:
- which is the selection button
- which is the confirmation button
- which buttons runs undo in a command dialog box
The button selection allows everybody to modify the input according to his work style or toggle the
control for left-handed users. These settings are stored in the system.con file. Other mouse property
settings are invoked using the MPS command.

MPS - mouse property setting

Allows you to set time intervals when working with mouse and the option of double-clicking when
selecting files from directories.

KBM - keyboard mapping

This function defines the function of keys that do not include letters. When mapping according
instructions, press individual keys - function keys, ESC, Backspace, TAB and other keys. Mapping is
saved in the kbdcodes.con file.
This function is important when implementing for different hardware than PC. When installing
VariCAD the common way, the keys are defined correctly.

STR - File and layer name modifications.

Allows all the file and layer names to be:
- unchanged
- converted to uppercase
- converted to lowercase
- files to converted to lowercase and layers to uppercase
Set the input change type, if you always use turned on Caps Lock , as VariCAD distinguishes uppercase
and lowercase for layers and Unix distinguishes uppercase and lowercase for file names.
If the layer names are set to uppercase or lowercase, the layer name conversion is done according to
the settings not only when entering new layers, but also when opening drawings. You can use this when
importing drawings from other systems, e.g. from DXF, if you do not want the uppercase layer name
input.

BMS - design structure settings

Sets the design structure display:
- text width
- maximal width of displayed name
- text formatting. Formatted text is justified into columns which are wide enough according to the setting in
attribute mask ( AMA ), however, the non-formatted text includes completely all the data. When
displaying the filename, the design structure is displayed using indenting.

DBF - dialog box font setting

Sets the text height and width for the dialog box fonts in Windows NT/95. Also, the font weight is set
(font boldness). Set it for normal window size and also for reduced window size (800x600 resolution).
System does not have to generate all the fonts correctly, so try more alternatives.

2RG - object selection using region

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 If you select objects in the drawing into group for next manipulation and click outside any object
with the cursor, the system: - warns, object not found or - the location you picked considers the first of
the two opposite points of the region (boundary box) to define the region for object selection.
This function sets the system behavior in such situations.

3.4.9 Commands for Setting VariCAD Drawing Parameters

VariCAD drawing parameter settings are described in: Drawing Parameters

3.4.10 VariCAD Installation and Directory Structure

When installing VariCAD, the following directories are created:
/usr/lib/xvcad (\Program Files\VariCAD\lib) - includes configuration files, fonts, menus, help files,
data masks and other data structures
/usr/lib/xvcad/demo (\Program Files\VariCAD\lib\demo)- includes demonstration drawings
/usr/lib/xvcad/gl (\Program Files\VariCAD\lib/gl) - graphic libraries menu
/usr/lib/xvcad/gbl (\Program Files\VariCAD\lib\gbl) - graphic libraries blocks
/usr/lib/xvcad/gsym (\Program Files\VariCAD\lib\gsym) - graphic libraries symbols
/usr/lib/xvcad/icons (\Program Files\VariCAD\lib\icons) - icon menu
/usr/bin/xvcad (\Program Files\VariCAD\bin) - VariCAD system executable files
/usr/bin/xvcad/glib (\Program Files\VariCAD\bin\glib) - includes graphic libraries with programs
generating parametric blocks (mechanical parts).

If you use a shared disk on another network node and VariCAD is run on the local station or when
(due to disk space lack) VariCAD is installed into other directories, you can make either real directory
linking to /usr/lib/xvcad (C:\Program Files\VariCAD\lib) and /usr/bin/xvcad (C:\Program
Files\VariCAD\bin) or create the /usr/lib/var_install file, where the real install pathnames are described
(1st is the place /usr/bin/xvcad and 2nd is the place /usr/lib/xvcad) under Unix.
To let the user run VariCAD under Unix, it is necessary to set the program path also to
/usr/bin/xvcad (system variable PATH), or to different directories, where the system can be installed.

Except the actual directory structure, some files are installed into the path /usr/lib (C:\, C:\windows,
C:winnt). They are:
var_install - file including paths which substitutes /usr/bin/xvcad and /usr/lib/xvcad, if the installation is
not processed into common directories (if not processed automatically)
Every user has saved system configuration files in his directory, which he runs VariCAD from.
Everybody can create his own environment by modifying these files.
Also, every user has his defined access pathnames to files in the paths.con file. There are the
prefixes for individual groups listed: - drawings, data files and design structure files,
- blocks,
- symbols,
- graphic libraries,
- online help,
- plotter, printer and laser printer output files,
- icon menu,
- access rights to files,
- macros.
Three pathnames are defined for drawing, block and symbol groups. The first one is inserted
automatically, if the filename is not given with any special prefix, the second one represents the @ prefix
and the third one the # prefix, or they are available using buttons during selection from directories.
With these file types, user also defines the access rights (privileges) for the files created.
Two pathnames are defined for macros and graphic libraries. If the required file is not found in the
first path, it is searched in the other one.

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4 Getting Started
This section and the following ones describe VariCAD operations and functions. The chapters
tell you about VariCAD capabilities and using functions.
To use VariCAD quickly and effectively, you should understand the communication rules of the
system - it’s help system, pull down and icon menu structure. And last but not least, it is necessary to
know the Command Reference and to read the command dialog box which often allows you to
modify the command or set its behavior.

4.1 Running VariCAD

Start VariCAD by double-clicking the VariCAD icon in the system environment the same way you
start any other program. Under Unix, you can start VariCAD from the command line of the terminal
window.
If the VariCAD icon is not installed under Windows NT/95/98, create a VariCAD shortcut icon. In
order to function correctly, you should modify the paths VariCAD starts from.

4.2 VariCAD Layout

In the lower part of the screen, you can see the command window for communication containing
three rows of text. There, the system information is written, and this part is also used for alpha-numerical
input.
There is a menu bar pulling down the menus in the upper part. At the right, you can see the icon
window and there is a information window above it, which includes:
- a current layer in 2D
- cursor coordinates in 2D
- crosshairs in 3D
- status line:
the first character (if present) means:
O - ortho mode is turned on , H - the following line will be horizontal
V - the following line will be vertical, the second character (if present) means:
S - step mode (rounding the input value to chosen value), the third character (if present) means:
E - you can edit the block the next character (if present) means:
MW - macro recording or
MR - macro running

4.3 VariCAD Controls

Each function can be called using a command (decribed in: Entering Commands from the
Keyboard). The command may include minimum three and maximum six characters. Uppercase and
lowercase is not distinguished.
Calling commands using icon (described in: Entering Commands from the Icon Menus ) or pull down
menus (described in: Entering Commands from Pull Down Menus ) or using the Ctrl key
(described in: Entering Commands using the Ctrl Keys ) and function keys (described in: Entering
Commands using Function Keys ) is converted inside VariCAD to command call. The _ character
(underline) at the beginning means i.e. transparent entering (used especially when you enter commands
via function keys). This method can not be used for entering commands written at the command line, they
are included in the commands defined in the menu.
If the command starts with an exclamation mark (!), the system supposes a macro behind the
exclamation mark and when the macro is found, it is started. If you enter !$ in front of the command, the

15
macro is started so that you have to confirm each step by pressing a key. When you enter !n!, you have
to wait between the steps for n seconds, n is from 1 to 9 - serves for demonstration (macro steps are
respected only by the ZOOM and DOP commands). If the command contains @ at the beginning, it
is started as an icon menu. This method is used for standard graphic libraries.
The standard functions are usually cycled. You can terminate them by pressing the ESC or the undo key,
by invoking the graphic menu with function selection or by invoking another function using the ctrl
keys.

4.4 Opening a Drawing

When running VariCAD, the open drawing is called NONAME and you can enter the name when
saving it. If you enter a non-existing name while opening a drawing, you can modify the parameters of
the new drawing. During your work in VariCAD, you open other drawings using the DOP
command, eventually DAD command. In the first case, the existing drawing is replaced by another
one, in the second case, it is added to the editor as another drawing. You can open up to 32 drawings at a
time in the editor.

DOP - drawing invoking for editing (drawing opening)

Choose a filename from the directory or enter the name from the keyboard. If you made any changes
in the previous edited drawing, it is necessary to confirm its saving or close it without saving.
If the extension is not entered, the binary file type is used *.dwb, otherwise ascii *.dxf.

DPO - inserting another drawing into the open drawing

In the dialog box, choose the name of the drawing to be inserted into the open drawing. You can also
enter the name from the keyboard. Specify the insertion point - lower left corner of the inserted drawing.
Objects in the added drawing are displayed with the highlighted color, it is definitely inserted after
confirmation and they can be moved in entered direction dx and dy.
The inserted drawing accepts the parameters of the open drawing including its scale. This way, you
can change the drawing scale. The inserted drawing layers that are not defined in the open drawing are
converted to layer 0 and linetype and colors are maintained. To correctly convert the layers, it is necessary
to have set the default or open drawing according the inserted drawing ( DEF command).

RMD - deletes a file from the disk

This function deletes an open file from the disk without replacing it. It deletes a file after
confirmation. You can use this command to erase redundant files, old files or e.g. working copies of files.

4.5 Opening Multiple Drawings at a Time

DAD - adds another drawing into the editor
Like with the DOP function enter or choose the drawing to edit. The original drawing is still open
and the selected drawing is opened as another drawing. You can not see more open drawings in the
drawing window at a time. But VariCAD allows you to switch among these drawings. To do so, use the
DCH command, icon or pull down menu. Using the DRG function, you can dynamically transfer
selected objects among open drawings. You can transparently switch among open drawings during this
function. You can open up to 32 drawings. If you open multiple extensive drawings, you put more
demands on the system memory.

4.6 Switching among the Drawings

DCH - switching among drawings.
If you have only one drawing open, this function is not available. If you have just two drawings
open, the system switches to edit the other drawing. If you have more than two drawings open, you can

16
choose the drawing from the open drawing list in dialog box with the > arrow pointing to the currently
edited drawing. The stars indicate previously edited drawings. Choose a drawing you want to switch to.
Doing so, you interrupt any active function and the system is in basic state again. An exception is the
DRG function. Here, you can copy selected objects into other drawings.

4.7 Saving Drawings

DSV - saves the drawing
Enter the name of the drawing you want to save. By default, you are offered the name it was loaded
under. You can also choose a name from the directory - chosen file will be then overwritten.
The *.dwb drawing is created. To create the *.dxf format, choose the .dxf option button.

DPS - saves part of a drawing

Enter a name the selected objects will be saved under. You can also choose a file from the directory
- the file will be overwritten. Then, enter the reference point and select and include the objects into
the workset. After selection, the selected objects are saved into a separate drawing.
The *.dwb file is created. To create the *.dxf format, choose the .dxf option button.

4.8 Closing Drawings

CLO - ends the edited drawing.
If you made some changes, the system asks for confirmation, whether to save the changed drawing
or not. Then, choose a drawing from the menu you want to switch to. If you have just two drawings
open, the system automatically switches to the second drawing. If you have just one drawing open,
VariCAD ends itself after confirmation as with the EXT command.

4.9 Viewing Drawings

DRV - views drawings
Choose a filename from the directory to display in the window. The drawing viewer allows you to
view the whole drawing or just part of it, and it is possible to open this drawing for editing, add it as
another drawing for editing or use this drawing as a prototype with the option to enter its new name. In
combination with an open design structure (active design structure - the one that was used during
the last VariCAD session), you can directly insert viewed drawings from the viewer into the design
structure.

4.10 Text Viewing

TXV - lists a text file
Choose a text file name in the directory to list it in the window.

4.11 Title Block Viewing

This information is described in: Listing Drawing Data.

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4.12 Drawing Parameters
Default parameters described below are saved into the defdr.con file and are used whenever you
open a new drawing. Thus, they are connected to a specific drawing. Drawing format, grid spacing and
scale can be changed directly while creating a new drawing, unless the default parameters are used. You
can set multiple parameters using the following commands: LAY the layer setting - you can define
drawing layer custom setting. TXA - text parameters - you can set text attributes (height, angle, slant,
insertion point, font). ARA - arrow parameters - you can set the arrow drawing method. DMA -
dimension parameters - you can set the dimension drawing method including variants dependent on
drawing standards. FMT - changes the drawing format or fills or changes the format table - it allows to
create custom formats. These data are saved in the format.con file together with the dimension text
marking method of radius and diameter dimensions, thread, and drawing units. If you are drawing in
inches or millimeters and you want to change the drawing units, toggle them using the UNI command.
This command toggles the drawing units for new drawing (inches, millimeters). Then, the
correspondent borders format will be offered. GRI - changes the grid spacing or turns the grid off/on.
Values set this way are saved in particular drawings. You can save values to the default drawing or use
such a drawing as a prototype drawing. The text height, distance of dimensions, dimension line
overshoot, distance of dimension line from the dimension, and arrow length are used so that these values
were preserved even with drawing scale other than 1:1 (the values correspond to drawing on paper and
drawing readability on the terminal). Text parameters, arrow and dimension parameters can be
changed when inserting text, drawing arrows and dimensioning. The parameter changes made in the edited
drawing are saved into the defdr.con file using the DEF command - default drawing.

F8 , LAY - layer setting

The layer is defined with the name and has the linetype and color defined. You can define up to 250
layers. It is recommended to use the layers to diversify the different object types (dimensions,
hatches, outline) or different parts in the assembly.
This function sets the current layer (line attributes), which you will draw the next objects in. The
predefined layer is saved with the default drawing values. Except making existing layer current, you can
change the linetype and color, create a new layer or delete an existing layer.
You can delete only those layers which include no objects, which is not default and you can not delete
the 0 layer.

ALS - automatic layer switching

This function turns automatic layer switching on/off when you draw 2D objects. With commands like
line/circle, it sets the layer 1 (outline), when you draw axis, it sets the layer 2 (axis), when
dimensioning, it sets the layer 3 (dimension) and when hatching, it sets the layer 4 (hatch).
For correct activity of switching when this mode is turned on, the appropriate layers have to be
defined. In original installation, the predefined layers are arranged this way. You can make the layer
definition and their control using the LAY command and save it using the DEF command.

TXA - text parameters (text attributes)

According to the dialog box:
1) attributes - text height, text angle, text slant, line spacing (multiple of the height)
2) insertion point position - 9 options, it is a text insertion point in relation to rectangle surrounding the
text. According to the combination at the left, in the middle and at the right, multiple line text is
centered. Combination of left, middle, right with up, middle and down
3) text font - from the displayed menu

ARA - arrow parameters

According the dialog box:
1) arrowhead style - whether it is drawn at the beginning, at the end, or both at the beginning/end of the
line. The beginning is the first specified point, the end is the last specified point.
2) arrow length - arrow length at the beginning and the end
3) arrow style - arrow shape - full, empty or open triangle, tick (construction dimensions).
You can change setting while drawing the arrow - ARR command.

18
 DMA - dimensioning parameters
Dimension settings are described under HDI command - dimensioning

FMT - sets the drawing format

Changes the drawing format according to menu. The Drawing format influences the zoom function,
borders drawing - BOR function or the output to devices (plotter, printer or laser printer).

CHU - changes units

This command changes units in the drawing. If the drawing is drawn in inches, it is redefined to
millimeters and vice versa. Graphic text and dimension text values do not change.

UNI - sets the units for new drawing and defines formats.
Choose whether the new drawing will be created in inches or millimeters. After choosing, you can add
definitions of your own formats.

BOR - sets borders of the drawing

Draws an external and internal borders around the drawing. The size is derived from the drawing
format. You can redefine borders size using FMT command.

SCH - changes drawing scale factor

Allows to change a 2D drawing scale factor. Use this, if the original scale factor is not suitable for
documentation purposes. As the scale factor makes a reference for dimensions, hatches, descriptions and
other annotation objects, newly created elements will appear with different proportions. Thus, it is
recommended to erase old objects of such type and then create from the scratch. The scale factor
change should be done prior to dimensioning, hatching and refining the 2D documentation.

4.13 Default Drawing

Each newly opened drawing has parameters set according to the last defined default drawing. Default
drawing is a drawing parameter definition.

DEF - saves default drawing values

After confirming the query, the edited drawing parameters are saved into the defdr.con file. New
drawings will inhere parameters from this saved default drawing.

OST - other settings

Alert messages display when loading invisible objects.

4.14 Prototype Drawing

Except entering a new drawing with pertinent value definition, it is possible to use any drawing
as a prototype. Then, while entering the name of the new drawing, you enter: new=prototype.
Drawing indicated as prototype must exist and must be stored in the drawing directory. During such
opening, it is copied under the name marked as new and it is opened for editing. All objects and
parameters are completely copied.
The most suitable opening of the prototype file is from the drawing viewer - DRV or from the design
structure viewer.

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4.15 Ending VariCAD
EXT - ends VariCAD
VariCAD closes after confirmation. If a drawing was changed, you are prompted to save it. If the
changed drawing was saved in another format than the default one (*.dwb), for example, *.dxf or *.igs,
the confirmation of saving the drawing also appears.

4.16 Security Drawing Backup

Security backup is performed after the specified number of changes in drawing is reached. The saving
is done after the task is finished. A higher number of changes does not slow down the computer, but
increases the amount of possible change loss in the drawing. However, backup after each change in the
drawing saves the whole drawing after each command change and with extensive drawings, you can
encounter a slow-down. It is recommended to set the value to 2-4. The backup is saved to the specified
backup directory (e.g. backup). After reaching the appropriate number of changes, the backup.con control
file is created in the backup directory and the edited drawing is saved with marked drawing sequence
number and dwb extension. If you edit more drawings at a time, each drawing is saved to the backup
directory with the sequence number after reaching the change limit number. If VariCAD is closed
incorrectly, all previously edited drawings can be automatically open after running VariCAD next time. In
case of correct VariCAD closure, all backup files icluding the control file are deleted. To set the number
of changes (limit value), use the BAK command.

5 User Interface

5.1 Object Types in the Drawing (Entities)

Point - is used for auxiliary constructions, line or arc division. You can create points individually,
grouped on a line or arc. Points are always displayed as squares and their size is not influenced by
zooming. When plotting, the points display as squares independently on the drawing size. see:
Drawing the Objects

Line - succession of several line segments (or just 1 segment), includes ellipsis, freehand line, line
drawn in rectangular projection lines, polylines and charts. When manipulated, it behaves like a
complex (it can be broken to line segments). It is used for outlines, axis, auxiliary lines, etc. see:
Drawing the Objects

Arc - full circle or arc specified by a center point, radius, and start/end angle. The angle is specified
counterclockwise, the zero angle is at right on the X axis. A full circle has a start angle of 0 and the end
angle of 360, the start angle can not be less than 0. Only in case of polylines (preserves the direction of
creating objects) the radius may have negative value and the start angle may be greater than the end
angle (the direction is then clockwise). It is used for outlines, auxiliary lines, axis, etc. see: Drawing the
Objects

Symbol - objects integrated into one complex, the reference point and connection points are defined,
behaves like a complex. Symbols are saved to symbol libraries. When creating a symbol, you can set
line attributes (type and color) saving or not - the attributes specified in the default layer may be used. It
is expoloded into the components. It is used for scheme symbols, shape and position tolerance, welds,
etc. You can use connection points within snap mode. See: Symbols

Arrow - polyline (or line) with an arrow at one or both its ends, behaves like a complex, can be exploded
into polylines. It is used for making leaders, creating special dimensions, etc. See: Drawing the Objects

20
 Hatches - area fill, simple and pattern, can be exploded into individual lines, behaves like a complex.
It is used for area fill, in case of dense and horizontal usage, they can be used for whole uniform fill.
(instead of solid fill function) see: Drawing the Objects

Text - 1 to 10 lines inserted as a note under different angles, horizontal lines for entering bigger graphic
text. You can use national alphabet characters. You can choose the letter size, slant and font types. See:
Drawing the Objects

Dimension - is distinguished into horizontal, vertical, diagonal, radius, diameter and angle subtypes. The
dimension is editable, you can add tolerances. Dimension behaves like a complex, breaks up into lines,
arrows, circles and text. See: Dimensioning

Block - integrated objects with an insertion point defined, connection points, name and attributes.
The block behaves like a complex when selecting objects, when specifying geometry you can reference
individual parts. You can edit it without exploding and reintegration. It is used for part, assembly
integrating, etc. You can use connection points within snap mode S. see: Blocks

Polyline - integrated circles and polylines following each other, with defined polyline origin (it
indicates its direction), connection points (connecting segments), name and attributes. It behaves like a
complex, breaks up into basic objects. You can edit it without breaking it up and reintegration.
During creating, the connection has to be preserved. It is used for tool trail, outline, piping, etc. For more
information see: Blocks Note - This entity is obsolete, and is kept because of compatibility.

5.2 Object Attributes and their Setting

Each object has these properties - attributes defined:
- color (pen number)
- linetype
- layer
- workset
- visibility, invisibility

Object Color
Default color number setting:
1 - white
2 - red
3 - green
4 - blue
5 - cyan
6 - magenta
7 - yellow
8 - dark red
9 - dark blue
The objects are drawn on the screen using these colors, on the plotter using appropriate pen number.
You can associate color numbers to pen numbers. With a printer output, you can set line width for
appropriate pen number. The COL function can arbitrarily change the color palette. You can
modify the object colors using the MPE command.

5.3 Linetypes
Linetype numbers:
1 - __________________ continuous

21
2 - .................. dot
3 - ____ _ ____ _ ____ centre
4 - _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ hidden
5 - __ __ __ __ __ __ dashed
6 - ___ .. ___ .. ___ phantom
7 - ____ . ____ . ____ dashdot
The linetype can be modified using the MLT command.

5.4 Layer Definition

Each object is placed on certain layer. The maximum number of layers is 250. Color and linetype
numbers are associated with layers, layers are named and have the sequence number. At least one layer is
always defined (O with continuous white line). You can manipulate individual layers at a time (hide,
delete, transform, etc.). It is useful to save the same object types to appropriate layers, eventually objects
of the same part. Line color and linetype need not match the layer the object is associated with. If you
insert a drawing or a block that includes more layers than original drawing, redundant layers are reduced
into layer 0. For more information, see LAY or MLA . When setting the ALS command, layers
automatically switch, if you run drawing, dimensioning, hatching and other commands.

5.5 Object Worksets

The objects can be also included in a workset. If some objects belong to a workset, the
manipulation is then much easier. (When selecting objects, press the numeric key 1-8). The worksets are
object groups selected for a task.

ATW - adds objects to a workset

Enter the workset number that the objects will be added to. Select the objects into the working group,
after the selection, these objects are copied into the specified workset.

RFW - removes objects from a workset

Enter the workset number that the objects will be removed from. The workset is highlighted. Select
individual elements that will be removed from the workset right after the selection.

CLW - deletes the whole workset (clear workset)

Enter the workset number. All objects are removed from the specified workset.

CHW - Highlights all objects in the workset

Enter the workset number. All objects belonging to this workset will be highlighted in the drawing.

5.6 ZOOM - Working with Display

The display functions refresh (redraw) the drawing window or ensure the display change in the
drawing window region. Zoom functions ensure flexible displaying of various regions of the drawing.
The PAN function (image panning) and ZOOM function (image scale) can be run directly using
combination of mouse button clicks. The image panning is run after clicking the button that represents
"undo in the dialog box" (Ctrl+Backspace) together with the selection button. The image scale is run
using combination of clicking the Enter representing button together with the "undo in the dialog box"
button. It is necessary to preserve the sequence of mouse clicks. By holding these buttons and moving the
mouse, you run the function you want.
The panning is run by clicking and holding Ctrl+selection mouse button and by moving the mouse,
continuous zooming in (zooming out)is run by clicking and holding Shift+selection mouse button and

22
moving the mouse. The "DISP" icon menu object is useful for saving and rerunning individual views
under 1-8.

F6 , RDR - redraws the drawing

Deletes and very quickly refreshes the drawing area. It is used especially for removing auxiliary object
remains.

Shift F6 , REG - regenerate the drawing

Deletes the whole display and redraw the drawing in original format. It is a complete drawing
window graphic area regeneration.

F5 , ZOOM - zoom (display control).

Opens the zoom function menu. It is better to use the Display menu (from the menu bar) or use
individual functions from lower parts of the icon menus. The zoom functions are in these menus almost in
all boxes.

5.6.1 Individual Zoom Options

Window
Defines two opposite points of the new region using graphic input, zooms in the region relative to the
original display.

View
A whole drawing view window is displayed, currently used region is specified and you can specify
its new location using the cursor. You can zoom in or out the region using the buttons under this window
or enter opposite points of the new region.

Center of scaling
Enter the center of the new window (press Enter - stays unchanged) and the zoom in (if you indicate
a new center and zoom in 1, you will pan the drawing only ).

Previous
You undo the zoom to previous value, you can reverse just one step and back.

Center scale, dyn.

Enter the center of the new region, hold the mouse selection button pressed, when you move it down,
the region zooms in, and when move it up, the region zooms out. The continuous zoom in and
out is possible with hardware allowing quick display and when the number of objects in the drawing is not
high. Press F4 to switch to PAN mode and back. In PAN mode, the image continuously moves
to sides while dragging the mouse and holding the button.

PAN
Analogy with the previous command including reverse switching F4, after turning it on, you first
move to sides.

Zoom all
Displays the window so that the whole drawing is displayed.

As format
Sets the window into coordinates specified by the drawing format and scale.

Min/max auto
Defines both corner coordinates of the new window using numbers (by entering the coordinates), it
is available from the F5 menu only .

23
 Saving
You save the specified window coordinates into zoom under number 1 to 8.

Restore
You restore a zoom previously saved under 1 to 8.

Saving and restore from the icon menu

The previous function can be used with advantages from the icon menu (DISP).

5.7 Drawing Scales

If the drawing is drawn in another scale than 1:1, all object dimensions including the proportions
acquired during dimensioning, correspond to the reality. Text heights, arrow lengths, hatch spacing,
dimension proportions and internal borders proportions are in such a size so that the specified
sizes correspond to plotting on paper when processing output on plotters, laser printers or matrix printers.
For example, if the specified text height is 2.5, the text will have such a size that when proceeding output to
plotter or printing, it will be always 2.5 (e.g.mm).
If other drawings or blocks are inserted into a drawing and they have a different scale than the edited
drawing, their scales will be changed according to the scale of the drawing you are inserting them into.
The drawing scale can not be changed during your work with the drawing. But you can zoom in or out
some parts of the drawing, eventually insert any drawing into another one. Then, the objects of the
inserted drawing are drawn in the scale of the drawing they were inserted into.
This is the only way to change the drawing scale during editing or the scale of an accomplished
drawing. If you do not want to change the scale of the inserted drawing, it is necessary to change it before
or after inserting new elements using the SCA command (zooming in). In case of inserting blocks,
you can use the F4 function and Zooming by Scale for automatic customization of the inserted
block size (for example, title block).

5.8 Drawing Formats

The drawing format in this context stands for the area that indicates drawing proportion. You can
surround this area with a drawing borders using the BOR command. It is not forbidden to draw outside
the area, but when plotting to devices, drawing format is most essential. That means, if you do not
enter "drawing display area only" for output on devices, only the drawing format area will be plotted.
To know the actual drawing format, choose Status from the Options menu or press Shift-F3. To set the
whole drawing area, use the ZOOM command and "As format" option or the F5 key. Drawing
format change command FMT can be used anytime during your VariCAD session.

5.9 Drawing Units

This option has not been implemented since upgrading from lower version.

5.10 Coordinate System

VariCAD uses two types of coordinate systems. The absolute coordinate system, where 0,0 coordinate
is the lower left corner in the drawing format. The second user coordinate system allows to temporarily
transfer the 0,0 coordinate to any location in the drawing. Possible coordinate system rotation can be done
using the LIN command after pressing the F4 key and choosing Ortho or using construction lines.

Shift F4 , UCO - sets the user coordinate system center.

24
 Enter: new coordinate center (by pressing Enter, you set the center to lower left corner of format),
the new center is highlighted with a mark and after confirmation, you finish the function.
In the user coordinates, you can enter graphic inputs in absolute coordinates (the absolute coordinate
center is during entering from keyboard considered the user coordinate system center with 0,0 center in
the lower left corner of basic format).
The user coordinate system can be specified anytime during graphic input using Q - after pressing this
key, the coordinate center is set to the current cursor location or to the place where intelligent cursor is
detected. After pressing the W key, your system prompts you to enter the coordinate center. You can
check the coordinates using the COO command.

5.11 Orthogonal Grid

It serves for better orientation in drawings and allows to snap onto the grid while drawing. The grid is
displayed in two brightness levels with eligible spacing, the snap spacing, lighter and darker display is
set. In case of a dense grid, where the color area would shade the entities in the drawing (e.g. ZOOM
window), the grid is automatically turned off. The grid is displayed as a mesh, it is not a part of the
drawing and can not be printed together with the drawing. Ortho grid is fully independent on the
created drawing. See the GRI command

GRI - grid
Fill in the dialog box:
Enter the grid distance dx and dy for snapping using the spacebar (when selecting by pressing the
spacebar, the graphic location input is rounded to this value).
Enter dx and dy dark and light display.
Choose, whether the grid should be turned on or off.
It is suitable to choose the distances of the light grid points as multiples of dark points for better
lucidity. If the distances for snapping using the spacebar is equal to any point distance or its multiple, it
is possible to snap directly onto the grid.

5.12 Construction Line System

This system enables comfortable geometry creating. You can create vertical, horizontal construction
lines and the lines under two angles. You can enter them in a free input individually, together with
entering the distance from a fixed point or by entering the distance from the last entered line (analogy
to baseline/continuous dimensioning). The geometry is created easily using construction lines
intersection. The construction lines are displayed as grid, they are not part of the drawing and they can
not be printed together with the drawing. Construction lines are completely independent on the created
drawing.

Construction Line Group follows. These lines are independent on the drawing objects and you can
use them to easily create auxiliary meshes for graphic location input. When processing graphic input
using construction lines, the C key option is used, which rounds the location to the intersection of the
nearest construction lines, or you can use the option from the menu. Maximum vertical and horizontal
construction lines number is 100, number of angular lines drawn under 1. and under 2. angle is 30. The
angular lines angle can be specified only if the lines with this angle are not displayed. Construction lines
can be inserted freely (they are created at the position specified by graphic input), incrementally (new
line is in a certain distance from the previous line), using a fixed origin (the line is in a certain distance
value from the origin) and as tangents to circles. Distances are counted as positive - up and right.
It is useful to enter the construction lines mainly from the icon menu.

HCL - horizontal construction line, free input.

It is created at a position of graphic pointing device.

25
 HCI - horizontal construction, incrementally from line.
Enter the first line position, the line is created at position of graphic pointing device. Next, enter
the increment (you can specify the increment graphically) - vertical distance between lines. After each
confirmation, a line is created in the distance of specified increment from the previous line. The +
increment means up, the - increment means down.

HCF - horizontal construction line from the fixed origin.

Enter the origin location. For each construction line, enter the vertical distance from the origin. The +
distance means up, the - distance means down.

HCT - horizontal construction line as tangent.

Select the circle. Horizontal line is created on the tangent point side - closer to the position where the
circle detected.

VCL - vertical construction line, free input.

It is created at a position of graphic pointing device.

VCI - vertical construction line, incrementally from line.

Enter the first line position, the line is created at position of graphic pointing device. Next, enter
the increment (you can specify the increment graphically) - horizontal distance between lines. After each
confirmation, a line is created in the distance of specified increment from the previous line. The +
increment means right, the - increment means left.

VCF - vertical construction line from the fixed origin.

Enter the origin location. For each construction line, enter the horizontal distance from the origin. The
+ distance means right, the - distance means left.

VCT - vertical construction line as tangent.

Select the circle. Vertical line is created on the side of the tangent point - closer to the position
where the circle detected.

1CL - angular construction line of angle 1 - free input.

2CL - angular construction line of angle 2 - free input.
It is created in the position of the graphic pointing device under specified angle 1 or angle 2.

1CI - angular construction line of angle 1 - incrementally.

2CI - angular construction line of angle 2 - incrementally.
Enter the first line location, the line is created at the position of graphic pointing device. Next, enter
the increment (you can specify it graphically). Increment is the vertical distance between lines. After
each confirmation, a line is created at a distance from the previous line. The + increment means right,
the - increment means left. The line is created under specified angle 1 or 2.

1CF - angular construction line of angle 1 - from fixed origin.

2CF - angular construction line of angle 2 - from fixed origin. Enter the origin location. For each
construction line, enter the distance in a perpendicular angle to the specified angle. The + distance
means right, the - distance means left. The line is created under specified angle 1 or 2.

1CT - angular construction line of angle 1 - as tangent.

2CT - angular construction line of angle 2 - as tangent.
Select the circle. On the side of the tangent point - closer to the position where the circle detected, a
tangent is created under the specified angle of construction line - under angle 1 or 2.

1CS - angle setting of angular construction line under 1.angle.

2CS - angle setting of angular construction line under 2.angle. Enter the angle value of construction
lines which you create under angle. (1. or 2. angle, the lines can be created under two angles). You can

26
also measure the angle value. The angle must not be closer than 10’ from the perpendicular direction
- its tangent is considered.
D1H - deletes individual horizontal construction line
D1V - deletes individual vertical construction line
D11 - deletes individual angular construction line with angle 1
D12 - deletes individual angular construction line with angle 2
Lines closest to the specified location are deleted.
DAH - deletes all horizontal construction lines
DAV - deletes all vertical construction lines
DA1 - deletes all angular construction lines with angle 1
DA2 - deletes all angular construction lines with angle 2
DACL - deletes all construction lines of all types
Construction lines group is deleted after confirmation.

5.13 Step-mode
Specifies the cursor minimum resolution ability, input values are rounded to these values. For
example, graphic inputs can then return values rounded to whole millimeters. If the cursor is used as
crosshairs, the cursor movement is incremental. If the intelligent cursor is turned on, the incremental
movement concerns the dragged object only.

F9 , STP - sets the cursor step, step-mode.

Enter: value dx and dy of incremental cursor movement, or cancel the step-mode settings by pressing
the F4 key. According to the entered values dx and dy coordinates are rounded during graphic input. If
the step-mode is turned on, you can see S in the information window above the icon menus. Step-mode
allows you to drawing comfortably in exact increments, for example, each 1 millimeter. It is an
analogy to drawing using the ruler.

F7 , APE - aperture size, cursor type, coordinate listing.

You can set:
- crosshairs type. It is used when the intelligent cursor is turned off and when you define a region after
entering the first location.
- cursor aperture size. The objects are detected if they are inside the aperture (cursor square). With the
intelligent cursor, the objects are highlighted, when the cursor comes closer than double aperture size.
- coordinates listed during cursor movement.

5.14 Ortho Mode

Input values from the graphic pointing device are rounded to ortho projections. For example, for
drawing ortho schemes or horizontal and vertical lines.

F10 , ORT , OMO , Shift F10 - ortho mode.

By pressing F10 or using ORT command, the line drawing is switched to ortho. In the
information window, you can see O. Ortho mode corrects graphic input so that it rounds points from a
pointing device to vertical or horizontal lines - according to the point position.
Repeated using of the ortho function, the mode switches to change always horizontal/always vertical.
In the information window, you can see H or V. H mode is switched with every input to V and vice versa.
For example, when you create lines, the mode is switched to draw horizontal and vertical segments.
To change the mode from H to V or back, you can repeatedly run the function. To turn off the
correction, use OMO or Shift+F10. The best way to call these functions is to select them from menu.
The ortho mode can relate to any cursor move during graphic input or only when you draw lines, use
mirror axis and movement vector (the ORTS function).

27
 ORTS - Turns off the ortho mode.
If the ortho mode is turned on and is set to always , each graphic input is rounded to perpendicular
coordinates according to the last input. Mostly, this is not required. If you set the turning off, ortho mode
is active:
- when drawing polylines (with the exception of the first point)
- when entering the mirror axis
- when entering the movement vector of the MOV movement function.

5.15 Snap Modes, Special Selections

Objects are selected into groups before you make operations like deleting, moving, hiding, color
change, etc. If there is an object under the cursor and you press a key, you select:

L - polyline is selected (line)

P - point
A - arc (circle)
S - symbol
^ - arrow
C - hatches
N - text
D - dimension
1-8 - predefined workset 1 to 8
X - toggles to adding/removal from the selection set
R - region selection, it selects objects that lie completely inside the region
I - region selection, it selects objects that lie inside the region or crossing the region boundary
U - region selection, it selects objects that are outside the region or crossing the region boundary
O - region selection, it selects objects that lie completely outside the region
V - selects objects from specified layer
B - selects objects of specified color
Y - selects objects of specified linetype
E, F - only when creating a polyline for 3D solid creating, automatic outline searching
M - selects all objects corresponding to a single 3D solid
G - selects all objects corresponding to a single view or cross section

The block is selected if the objects belongs to the block and if block selection is allowed (Bk is
displayed). Arc and circle are not distinguished, the line can be a line as a whole complex (according to
the creating). The aperture size may be changed anytime using the APE command.
When you select an object into the workset, the object is highlighted. Pressing Ctrl-Bs or the undo
key removes the last entered objects. You can also remove objects by toggling X (see above) and use X
to specify the removed objects.
To finish the selection, press Enter or corresponding mouse button.
If Advanced Mode is active, the object is highlighted when you move the cursor over it. If it is
highlighted, select the object with the mouse selection button. To turn the AM on and off, use the +/-
keys or the Select menu.
From the Select menu, you can set the option. You can select the object, if it is inside the aperture and if
you press any of the keys listed. Available command options appear in the lower status bar.
Depending on your setting, when you click outside the object system displays alert, or when you move
cursor system displays marquee. Default setting: moving cursor to the right displays window marquee,
moving cursor to the left displays crossing marquee.

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5.16 Single Object Selection
The communication method and selection are similar to the previous chapter with one difference -
you can select only individual objects, thus you do not have to confirm the end of selection into workset.
If the intelligent cursor is turned on, the object is highlighted, if you move the cursor over it. You
can select the object when it is highlighted and click the mouse selection button. You can turn on/off
this mode using +/- or from the menu. If you are supposed to select two objects (for exmaple, when you
round a corner - two lines) and you place the cursor at the corner, an arrow is displayed at this corner
and the chamfer is added in this direction. This option is available when rounding, chamfering edges and
creating corners. The individual selection is done using the F4 key or by selecting individual objects.
Alternative selection using keys is similar to the previous chapter, the same as setting the selection
method from the menu.
In the next section, the mouse selection button stands for the left mouse button and the mouse
confirmation button is the right mouse button, unless you have redefined the mouse buttons.

5.17 Entering Commands from the Keyboard

If you want to enter a command from the keyboard, you have to reach the basic status - by pressing
ESC you cancel the current function. Enter the command in the status bar. The command reference is
in chapter: Command Reference

5.18 Entering Commands from the Icon Menus

The icon menu is displayed at the right of the VariCAD application window. After you move the
cursor to the icon menu, press the mouse selection button to choose a function. If you press the button
and move the cursor, the help entry displays under the icon you pressed the button over. If there are
multiple commands under this icon, you can search in the displayed menu and choose the icon (during the
whole time, you have to hold the mouse button down, the selection is done, when you release the button).
Now, you can see the selected icon instead of the original icon. This way, the icon level updates and
provides functions you use most frequently. Icons that provides subicons are displayed with a small
filled triangle in the lower right corner.
Icons with a filled square in the upper left corner display transparent functions.
Icons with an empty rectangle at the right of the icon (usually in the lower portion) represent
functions that toggle the whole icon menu content. You have 10 basic icon menus available allowing
you to run related tasks in VariCAD.
If the icon is drawn in a frame, this icon button opens a floating icon menu. Its application is the
same as with the icon menu at the right of the screen, but it appears in a separate toolbar. Also, it is
possible to change its location anytime or to close it.
To set up and configure icon menus and create custom icon menus, see also: Creating and Editing
Icon Menus

5.19 Entering Commands from Pull Down Menus

The pull down menu bar is displayed in the upper part of the screen. Move the cursor to the command
you want, press the mouse selection button and move the cursor into the menu, which opens under the
command. If there is an arrow at the right of the command, the object opens a submenu provided you
move into the very right forth of the menu width. During selection, move the cursor while holding the
mouse selection button pressed (you can get the same result by clicking the command you want). The
function is selected when the cursor is over it and you release the mouse button. If you release the button
outside the menu, the menu disappears. The active menu command is highlighted.
To set up and configure pull down menus and create custom pull down menus, see also: Creating and
Editing Pull Down Menus

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5.20 Entering Commands using the Ctrl Keys
One command is defined for each Ctrl key combination. It is run immediately after pressing the Ctrl
key and the current function is canceled. The Ctrl key combinations are defined in the ctrlk.en file
where you can modify the definitions. Keys other than the ones listed bellow are not available. The
following description corresponds to the basic configuration.

Standard Ctrl Keys Configurations:

^A - join solids ^P - color change
^B - blank ^Q - solid transformation
^C - cancel ^R - radius dimension
^D - delete a single object ^S - save drawing
^E - design structure ^T - object translation
^F - layer definition ^U - unblank
^G - grid ^V - vertical dimension
^I - open drawing ^W - cut solids
^K - open block ^X - 2D from 3D
^L - create line ^Y - dynamic translation
^N - insert text ^Z - horizontal dimensioning
^O - offset lines

Because ^I is also the tab code, you can open the drawing by pressing the tab key as well.

5.21 Entering Commands using Function Keys

One command (transparent command or subcommand as well) is defined for each function key from
F1 to F10 and from Shift-F1 to Shift-F10 . Under Windows NT/95, the F11 key is used instead of
F10. The command is run by pressing the function key you want. The function currently active is
interrupted, but not finished. After finishing the command executed using the function key, the previous
(interrupted) command is returned back to the status it was interrupted. It is not allowed to run a
subcommand within a subcommand. Configuration of these keys are saved in the fkeys.en file where
you can modify them as you need to.

5.21.1 Function Keys Configuration (basic configuration):

F1 - help
F2 - save
F3, F4 - according to the situation, they allow advanced functions (it is not recommended to
change them, as VariCAD refers to them in the status bar)
F5 - all zoom commands
F6 - redraw
F7 - aperture, cursor type
F8 - set layer
F9 - cursor step
F11 (Unix F10) - ortho mode
Shift F1 - back to manual
Shift F3 - information list
Shift F4 - coordinate center
Shift F5 - switch between new and old 2D objects (->3D)
Shift F6 - regenerate
Shift F7 - redo
Shift F8 - undo
Shift F9 - calculator
Shift F11 (Unix Shift F10) - cancels ortho mode

30
 F3 and F4 Keys
F3, F4:
These keys are reserved for VariCAD. It is not recommended to change them.

5.21.2 UNDO and REDO Commands

Shift F8 , UND - Undo
It returns the drawing one editing step back. To take undo back, use the redo command. You can undo
and redo drawing from its opening till its closing. If you edit anything after an undo, you can not cancel the
undo using redo.

Shift F7 , RED - Redo

It allows to take back (undo) steps made in the drawing. For more information, see the previous chapter.

5.21.3 Important Keys

ESC - always returns to the basic state - it ends the active function. Represents a command only when
creating macros, if you want to finish the macro outside the command.
Ctrl-Backspace - step back in the dialog box (the equivalent is defined as F12 ).
Mouse buttons - according to the BTS command definition, they can perform selection, confirmation
and ctrl-backspace equivalent.
Function keys calls specified functions immediately by interrupting the function and returning back
after finishing. For the function description, see also: Entering Commands using Function Keys . Shift
F1, F2, F3, F4 in the calculator mode or in the numerical values input allow in contrast to other functions
graphic input of length, angle, X and Y coordinates.
Ctrl-keys - the active function is paused and they immediately call the other command according to the
associated ctrl-key. For more information about basic key association, see also: Entering Commands
using the Ctrl Keys .

5.21.4 Key Equivalents List

Ctrl F1 = F9
Ctrl F2 = Shift F9
Ctrl F3 = F10
Ctrl F4 = Shift F10
Ctrl F5 = Ins
Ctrl F6 = Home
Ctrl F7 = Del
Ctrl F8 = End
It is recommended to define the step back (Ctrl Backspace) with the F12 key using the KBM
command - keyboard setting.

5.22 Help - Help System

F1 , HFU - help for operations.
Lists part of the guide that closely corresponds to the active function.

Shift F2 , HCO - help for communication.

Lists part of the guide that closely corresponds to the requested communication.

NEW - new functions

31
 Describes new modifications in the supplied update or upgrade, it is run automatically during the
very first VariCAD session after upgrade.

MAN - guide
Displays the whole guide.
Options from the Panel Button:
- PgDn - page down
- PgUp - page up
- Previous - to the previous screen (for example, after switching to the another screen using highlighted text
object)
- Content - displays the contents from the first page
- Exit help - quits the guide
Guide text contains some highlighted hyperlinks. They are either chapter names (in the contents or
text as well) or hyperlinks to commands in the text. If you choose any highlighted text object with the
cursor, the guide is displayed starting with the selected object.

5.23 Pointing Device - Mouse

You can control the VariCAD system using keyboard or mouse. Using mouse, you can control the
icon or dialog box buttons, select objects in the drawing, specify locations and regions, move selected
objects, continuously change the dynamic zoom scale/pan or rotation of 3D parts. Three button mouse
can perform confirmation function (Enter), selection function and cancelling function in a dialog box.
Each function can be associated with any mouse button using the BTS command. When selecting files
or directories from dialog boxes, you can choose selection by double-click or simple clicking, set
the delay between the double-clicks, adjust the delay of displaying subicons in the icon menu and the
delay of scrolling the text in the dialog box after pressing the mouse button over the scroll bar. You can
set all these functions using the MPS command.

5.24 Graphic Input for Location

Direct input from the keyboard is allowed by pressing the key, provided the object is within the cursor
aperture.
L - the nearest endpoint of line segment
M - midpoint of line or arc
A - the nearest endpoint of arc
@ - midpoint of arc or circle
O - the nearest point on the selected arc or line
X - intersection
F - intersection (it is necessary to specify the first and the second segment separately)
P - point (its middle must be within the aperture)
Z - insertion point of arc or symbol
S - connection point or insertion point of block or symbol
G - from the line end in specified distance
K - absolute coordinates (corrected to ucs - user coordinate system center)
D - dx,dy from the last specified location
R - radial from the last specified location
B - from the last location under the specified angle with the selected line or circle
# - from the last location of the tangent to the selected line or circle
T - from the last location tangent to circle
E - location between two separately specified locations spacebar - location corrected to the grid (snap
distance)
I - (or the mouse selection button) - current location
C - intersection of the nearest construction lines

32
Q - sets the coordinate center under cursor (suitable for incremental cursor movement - step mode on)
W - specifies the coordinate center
1,2,3,4 - locations on the circle (0, 90, 180, 270 degrees)

The corrections listed are processed, if the appropriate graphic segment is inside the aperture and if
the appropriate key is pressed (lowercase or uppercase can be used):
Direct input has higher priority than specified option or intelligent cursor input. VariCAD features an
intelligent cursor that automatically selects the objects underneath and marks key
points if needed.
The intelligent cursor mode allows automatic marking of important object points. The object is
highlighted, if the cursor moves over it; by pressing the button you select the marked
object point highlighted by the icon. You can turn the mode on using the + key, or from the menu (Snap
or Select) and you can turn it off from the menu or using the - key. If the object is highlighted, no points
are marked and the selection button is pressed, location is rounded to the nearest point on this object.

The intelligent cursor selects the following features on the objects:

- line or arc endpoints
- line or arc midpoints
- intersections
- circle and arc centers with an angle of at least 90 degrees
- block and symbol connection points
Beside using the intelligent cursor, it is possible to choose the snap mode from the Snap menu or
to use input via direct choice.
You can change the aperture size anytime using the APE command.

5.25 Graphic Input for Angles

If the angle graphic input is required, it is possible to perform the input in four ways. The angle is
measured positively counterclockwise, with zero at the right on the X axis.

Entering Angles from Line:

The angle is entered, if the line segment is within the aperture and you press the key (lowercase and
uppercase):
L - direction according to line to the left
R - direction according to line to the right
D - direction according to line down
U - direction according to line up
Except key pressing, a menu option is available from the menu bar
- Snap command.
2 Points:
2 graphic inputs, the direction is specified by the entering sequence, specified by the connecting line of
two input points.
2 Lines:
Angle between two lines, the orientation is specified by the line entering sequence.
3 Points:
Like with 2 lines, the points specify the end of the first line, vertex, and the end of the second line.

5.26 Writing Special Characters

Special characters are written as described bellow (the english keyboard is turned on).
In some cases, it is possible that the diameter character appears at the command line as a ring, but
after inserting into the drawing, it is displayed correctly.
National alphabet letters and special characters are written using forecharacters ~ and ‘.

33
 Special characters:
~~ = ~
‘‘ = ‘
~1 = plus minus
~2 = diameter
~3 = degree
~4,~5,~6,~7 = o,O,u,U letters with "

Graphic text conversions from/to DXF are described in:

DXF Format Conversion Programs .

Character String Input in the Status Bar:

The maximum string length is 78 characters. If the input text editing is possible, text can be edited in
the status bar using edit keys (arrow keys, Ins, Del, Backspace); by pressing Enter, you finish entering.
In the dialog box text boxes, editing is always possible.
If editing is not possible, it is necessary to enter the whole string, or if the default value is offered (it
is displayed in [] brackets), it is enough to confirm the unchanged value by pressing Enter.

5.27 Alphanumeric Input, Expressions and Strings

Integer or Real Values Input:
- If they are entered in the status bar:
The values are separated by a comma, if it is necessary to use more of them. You have to enter each
value or in case of offered default values (they are displayed in []), you can confirm unchanged values
by pressing the comma key (,), eventually you have to enter the values to the last different value from
the default value set. The correctness of entered values is checked after entering the comma or pressing
Enter. - If they are entered in the text boxes of dialog box:
Each object must be entered in the appropriate text box. The correct status of entered numerical
values is checked after pressing Enter or closing the dialog box (clicking OK). If an error occurs, an
alert message appears.
You can enter mathematical expressions in both cases.

5.27.1 Mathematical Expressions Input

Shift F9 , CAL - conversion mm <-> inches, calculator

Choose from menu:

1) conversion to mm - converts the value entered
2) conversion to inches - converts the value entered
3) calculator - calculates mathematically the value from the entered character string.

The expressions may include these signs:

+ plus
- minus
* multiplication
/ division
^ exponent
The numbers and variables may be written in brackets with unlimited inclusion levels and the
expressions may include functions.

34
5.27.2 Mathematical Functions
sin , cos - Sine, Cosine
tan , atan - Tangent, Arc tangent
asin , acos - Arc sine, Arc cosine
log - decadic logarithm
ln - natural logarithm
exp - e exponent
rtd , dtr - radians <-> decimal values
sqr , sqrt - the second power and square root.

You must enclose the function arguments in brackets. Goniometric function arguments are entered in
degrees. When performing value input into the status bar, you ensure by pressing:

Shift F1 - distance into the interactive graphic input

Shift F2 - angle into the interactive graphic input
Shift F3 - X location into the interactive graphic input
Shift F4 - Y location into the interactive graphic input

5.27.3 Predefined Variables

Lv - last calculated value
Lx - last entered X coordinate
Ly - last entered Y coordinate
La - last entered angle value
Lr - last entered radius value
If you enter a wrong value, an alert is displayed after checking the expression. If you enter integers,
the mathematical expression is rounded to integers.

A correct Record Example:

1+2*sin(45)+Lv
The same rules for mathematical expression input apply to calculator - you open it by pressing Shift
F9 or using the CAL command.

5.28 Object, Layer, Distance, Angle and Coordinate Check

Shift F5 , OHI - highlights an object.
The selected object is highlighted and its type is listed. It is surrounded by vertical and horizontal
frame construction lines with min/max X Y object coordinates. When using intelligent cursor, this function
is no longer important.

Shift F3 , INFO - drawing and environment information (status list)

After entering, it displays the following information in a dialog box:
- drawing name
- open symbol library name
- open design structure name
- grid distance
- drawing format
- drawing scale
- defined file pathnames

COO - coordinate control

Enter the location, its coordinates in user coordinates will be listed, F4 choice : coordinates are
listed in absolute coordinates.

35
 DIS - distance control
Enter the first and the second point, the distance, angle, dx and dy will be listed.

ANG - angle control

Menu options:
1) 1 line - the line angle is specified by pressing the key, if the line segment is in the aperture:
d - line direction counted down
u - direction up
r - direction right
l - direction left
Using F4 you ensure listing angle perpendicular to the line
2) 2 points - the angle specified by the 2nd point direction from the 1st point location
3) 2 lines - select the 1st and 2nd line, the angle is specified as the included angle, from the 1st line to the
2nd line
4) 3 points - graphically enter the 1st, 2nd and 3rd point – the angle is indicated as the angle between the
connecting line of the 1st and the 2nd and the 2nd and the 3rd point.
The angle is written in degrees, <180.

ODT - object data

Select an object for data listing. You will always see the object type, color number, layer, workset,
linetype, layer name, and :
- for a point - XY coordinates
- for a line from a selected segment - angle, length, endpoint XY coordinates
- for circle - center XY coordinates, radius, start and end angle
- for a text - font value, height and font name
- for a symbol, block and polyline - name and attributes; the connection points are highlighted.
If the object belongs to an association, the competence to an association is highlighted and its attributes
are listed.

CHL - layer occupation control (check layer)

Enter the layer (option from menu), the objects belonging to this layer will become highlighted.

5.29 Selection using Region

The selection using region is used for zoom and object selecting. The first region corner is
specified using the crosshairs, the opposite corner is specified using a rectangle.
When selecting region types for selecting objects into worksets, it is possible to invoke the region
by pressing the following keys:
R - objects completely inside the region are selected
I - objects inside or crossing the region are selected
U - objects outside or crossing the region are selected
O - objects completely outside the region are selected.
You can select the whole drawing using e.g. U and by entering a small region outside any
object. When selecting objects, an option in the menu is available - see chapter: Snap Modes, Special
Selections .
Depending on your setting, when you click outside the object system displays alert, or when you move
cursor system displays marquee. Default setting: moving cursor to the right displays window marquee,
moving cursor to the left displays crossing marquee.

36
5.30 Selecting from Directories and Dialog Boxes
To select from a directory, just double-click (or click) the text object. On the left, you can see
directories and on the right the files. To scroll the text, point with the cursor to the scroll bar slider. Press
the mouse selection button and move the cursor up or down with the selection button pressed. If you click
the scrollbar above or below the slider, the text moves one page up or down.
You can enter individual text object by typing it from the keyboard. The text is written into a
highlighted text box. You can highlight it by clicking it. When entering files, you can use the conventions
with the []!* and ? wildcards for replacing the character groups. To switch the buttons (of directories,
file types), click on the appropriate selection buttons.
Dialog box for file selection from directories includes the elements used in other dialog boxes.

Dialog Box Element Overview:

- selection buttons (switches)
- buttons (for example, OK, Back, etc.)
- text boxes
- selections from text lists
- text viewing
- tag texts
- value scales (used, for example, for color setting)
- drawing windows (for example, drawing viewing)

5.31 Additional Rules

Always select from a simple menu with the mouse.
Options from the lists in the dialog box are performed by a simple mouse click. When selecting files
from directories, use double-click. (Provided the mouse behavior is set this way in VariCAD ( MPS )).
When dynamically transforming or inserting blocks, text and symbols during the mouse moving and
holding the selection button pressed, objects are dragged continuously.

6 VariCAD vs. Other Systems Data Conversion

In the next sections, you will see the list of individually executable VariCAD programs, their
indications and running methods. Practically all system programs can be run using appropriate
commands from the VariCAD program, exceptionally from outside VariCAD.

FCO - multiple file conversion

This function allows to convert file groups from the iges/dxf format to iges/dxf format.
This function offers conversion of the whole drawing directory to dxf. You can change the input
directory, output directory, ensure the output directory to be same as input directory after changing the
input directory or define the filter (filename convention with * and ?) for the file selection. The files are
read from the input directory and written to the output directory.
The settings are active only when converting from dxf. It allows you to define the transcription
method from dxf. File origin: normally the transcription from AutoCAD is considered, you can
configure dxf Profi or ME10 specifications. File creating: the output file is a drawing, block or
block with insertion point specification. The last option automatically associates block insertion point to
insertion point of the first part. It is useful especially for multiple dxf libraries/block files conversion.
Use the alternative color translation in case of incorrect color conversion. The translation according to the
pattern allows to create a drawing with the same parameters as the selected pattern (that is zoom,
defined layers, text attributes, etc.) but only objects are translated to these drawing types from dxf.

37
6.1 DXF Format Conversion Programs
Conversion to dxf files is performed inside the varicad program - graphic editor. When saving a
drawing or a block, it is enough to add the *.dxf extension or to choose the selection button. Then, the
file is saved in DXF format. When converting files from DXF format, you can use a similar technique in
the varicad program, but the dxfin program is automatically run. Again, it is enough to enter the
name with the *.dxf extension, respectively to choose the extension using a button in the dialog box.
Bi-directional multiple file conversions are possible using the FCO command. You can convert
whole directories of files from dxf or igs to dxf.
In the following sections, the term font number means font sequence number in the font table, that is in
the fonts.noc file, eventually in /usr/lib/xvcad/fonts.con (C:\Program Files\VariCAD\lib\fonts.con) .

The dxfin program can be also run directly. This method ensures all possible combinations. If
the drawing is not completely within the required format borders after performing the drawing
conversion from the dxf format, it is recommended to perform several steps: - you can open a new
drawing converted from dxf - set the zoom all (to fit all objects into the drawing) - from the Display menu.
Save this zoomed drawing. Without saving it, the display will be the same when opened again. You can
also: - set the drawing format using the FMT command - move the lower left drawing corner to the
absolute coordinate center ( MOV function, >From option - specify the lower left corner, To option - set
the K 0,0 absolute coordinates). The previous steps easily eliminate possible coordinate setting of the
default drawing window.

Running the Conversion Program:

dxfin [-p file1] [-o file2] [-fn font] [-b] [-bc] [-s] [-im]
[-mm] [-ii] [-mi] [-versacad arrows] [-profi] [-me10] file

Converts the file from dxf format to dwb format. The dxf extension is not necessary, it is filled
automatically.

6.2 Individual Possible Options

-p file1 : zoom, defined layers and other drawing attributes are taken from the file1 pattern.
Originally defined layers (if present) are added.
-o file2 : the output is to file2 file. The output file is commonly a *.dwb file of the same name as the
input *.dxf.
-fn font : graphic text is converted to the font font number. The font number is identical to the font
sequence number.
-b : the output is a block (*.bkb) instead of the drawing.
-bc : the output is a block, insertion point is defined automatically after the first converted object.
It is suitable especially when translating libraries.
-s : the error messages are listed in the errdxf file instead of on the screen.
-im : converts from inches to millimeters
-mm : converts from millimeters to millimeters (default setting)
-ii : converts from inches to inches
-mi : converts from millimeters to inches
-versacad arrows : corrects the dxf created by Versacad, the arrows value defines the length of
transferred arrows in inches (older versions of this dxf create arrows incorrectly). It is recommended to
use the 0.18 value.
-profi : corrects the dxf created by Profi (infopoint correction)
-me10 : corrects the translation from Me10

You can permanently set the font translation and millimeters x inches to the dxfin.con file. This
setting is canceled using the options mentioned above.

The Dxfin.con File List:

# dxfin.con - permanent conversion setting for dxf

38
# mm->mm=0, inch->mm=1, mm->inch=2, inch->inch=3; font translation number 0;3

For correct character translation (especially with diacritic marks) and linetypes, it is necessary to
create and/or edit files:

dxfin0.dat
It allows correct diacritic marks translation.
This file contains triplets of decimal values with the following meaning:
1. decimal character value in dxf file
2. decimal character value in VariCAD
3. decimal character value without diacritic marks
If the dxfin0.dat file is not found, the default translation from latin2 is done. If the file is found
and there is no equivalent for a character, it is translated either to VariCAD or to a status without diacritic
marks with an unchanged value. Decimal values with diacritic marks in VariCAD are described in:
ASCII Table of Used Characters .

dxfin1.dat
Allows to define color and linetype translation.
The file includes:
1. color numbers pairs - the first one is in dxf and the other one in VariCAD. They must be listed there
twice - the first positive in dxf and corresponding in VariCAD, the second equivalent pair with the
same values, but for the data from dxf with negative value. The end of this sequence is marked with
a zero.
2. linetype name in dxf file, corresponding linetype number in VariCAD.
If the dxfin1.dat file is not found, the translation is done according to the values commonly used in
AutoCAD.

Both files mentioned above are supplied usually with the system, you can modify them using a text editor.

dxfin2c.dat
This file allows to correctly transfer such characters from dxf that are stated using a double character in
dxf. It includes triplets of ascii code decimal values: the 1st and the 2nd character is a pair from dxf,
the 3rd character is a character from VariCAD.

dxfin3.dat
It allows correct transfer of different text styles to corresponding VariCAD font values including
possible different ascii tables on each line:
1. data - text style name
2. data - character translation file name (structure as in dxfin0.dat ), if not required, enter *, then it
will be converted based on default rules
3. data - character pair translation file name (structure as in dxfin1.dat ), if not required, enter *
4. data - font number in VariCAD that the text is converted to - the table may include maximum 4 text
styles, a higher number is ignored, mostly used style (additional) does not have to be listed in the table,
as it may be defined in dxfin -s , or in the varicad program and it matches the dxfin0.dat and
dxfin2c.dat. conversion files
5. data - text width (1.0 for the text style of the same width as the styles the conversion is done into)

dxfin4.dat
It allows translation of any string from DXF file to any string in VariCAD drawing.

39
6.3 IGES Input
When loading IGS in VariCAD environment, the conversion is performed automatically as with DXF
format. When converting data from IGES outside VariCAD, use igesin program.

6.3.1 Calling the Conversion Program

igesin [-o file2] file1
It converts file1 with the *.igs extension to the *.dwb format. If you use the -o file2 option, file1.igs is
converted to another name - into file2.dwb.

In the 2D version, the conversion usage is currently limited.

When converting, the _igesin.dwb VariCAD prototype drawing is used. The drawing attributes
including zoom, layers, grid, etc. are extracted from there. The prototype is read from the working
directory. If it is not found, then it is read from /usr/lib/xvcad (C:\Program Files\ VariCAD\lib) .
The igesin.con file includes defined block translation, font number that the text is translated to, color
and style tables.
After converting the file, it is recommended to use the same procedure as with converting from dxf
(move, zoom, etc).

6.4 IGES Output

When you create IGES files, you export 2D drawing space provided you are switched into 2D
drawing space. If you are switched into model space, you create output in 3D. 3D solids are still
represented as polygons in boundary representation only.

6.4.1 IGSO - sets output parameters into IGES

In this control panel, you can set parameters for output into IGES. IGES file is a text file
describing objects in a drawing or a model space. The file includes five sections: START, GLOBAL,
DIRECTORY ENTRY, PARAMETRIC DATA, TERMINATE.

6.4.2 START Section

Here you can define a string to put into START section of IGES file. This string has no influence as
far as file creating is concerned, it is only a file description.

6.4.3 GLOBAL Section

The GLOBAL section includes information describing preprocessor and information necessary
for data transfer into a postprocessor. Within selected parameters, you can use the ’By System’ option -
the value is filled by VariCAD software.

6.4.4 Parameter Delimiter

This parameter specifies a character to be used as a parameter delimiter in GLOBAL and
PARAMETER DATA sections. Each appearance of this delimiter indicates end of one parameter and
beginning of next one. The exception is the appearance of this character in the variable value of the
string type, or in situations, where the character is included in the syntax. By default, the ’,’ character
(1H,) is used. It is not recommended to change this character.

6.4.5 Record Delimiter

This parameter specifies a character to be used as a parameter delimiter in GLOBAL and
PARAMETER DATA sections. Each appearance of this delimiter indicates end of a parameter list. The

40
exception is appearance of this character in the variable value of the string type, or in situations, where
the character is included in the syntax. By default, the ’;’ character (1H;) is used. It is not recommended to
change this character.

6.4.6 Product Identification from Sending System

This field contains name or ID used by a file designer for this drawing.

6.4.7 File Name

You can redefine the name of the file being created. ’By System’ option ensures the same export file
name as the original file. The file extension is .igs.

6.4.8 Native System ID

Software ID created by IGES file. To fill VariCAD ID automatically, use the ’By System’ option.

6.4.9 Preprocessor Version

preprocessor version automatically, use the ’By System’ option.

6.4.10 Model Space Scale

Model space scale is the value defining the ratio between the reality and the model space. The default
value is 1.

6.4.11 Max. Number of line weight gradations

Defines the maximum number of line weights.

6.4.12 Width of Maximum Line Weight in Units

The maximum width of a line.

6.4.13 Date and Time of File Generation

Date and time of file generation should be in 13HYYMMDD.HHNNSS format (year, month,
day. hour, minute, second). You can use the ’By System’ option.

6.4.14 Minimum User-intended Resolution

Defines the minimum distance between two different coordinates.

6.4.15 Approximate Maximum Coordinate Value

Defines the maximum coordinate value. When you output a particular drawing, VariCAD software
fills in this value.

6.4.16 Name of Author

Indicates the name of author, who has created a file. When you choose the ’By System’ option,
VariCAD software serial number is used.

6.4.17 Author’s Organization

Indicates name of author’s organization or workgroup. When you choose the ’By System’ option, the
name of the license owner is used.

6.4.18 Version Flag

Numeral code indicating IGES specification version used for file creation.
1 - 1.0 [NBS80]

41
 2 - ANSI Y14.26M - 1981
3 - 2.0 [NBS83]
4 - 3.0 [NBS86]
5 - ASME/ANSI Y14.26M - 1987
6 - 4.0 [NBS88]
7 - ASME Y14.26M - 1989
8 - 5.0 [NIST90]
9 - 5.1
10 - USPRO/IPO100 IGES5.2
11 - IGES 5.3

6.4.19 Drafting Standard Flag

The number defines standard used for documentation creation.
0 - Standard not specified
1 - ISO - International Organization for Standardization
2 - AFNOR - French Association for Standardization
3 - ANSI - American National Standards Institute
4 - BSI - British Standards Institute
5 - CSA - Canadian Standards Association
6 - DIN - German Institute for Standardization
7 - JIS - Japanese Institute for Standardization

6.4.20 Date Model Was Created or Modified

This parameter includes the date and the time of file creation. The parameter format is:
13HYYMMDD.HHNNSS (year, month, day. hour, minute, second). Here, you can use the ’By System’
option to use the date automatically.

6.4.21 Color Mapping

You can map IGES specification colors are as follows:
0 - color not specified
1 - black
2 - red
3 - green
4 - blue
5 - yellow
6 - magenta
7 - cyan
8 - white

6.4.22 Linetype Mapping

You can assign linetypes used in IGES format specification to VariCAD linetypes. IGES
specification linetypes are as follows:
0 - linetype not specified
1 - continuous
2 - dashed
3 - phantom
4 - centerline
5 - dotted

6.4.23 Line Width Mapping

Allows to assign user-defined line widths to VariCAD line widths.
Preprocessor Inputs

42
 Allows to enable/disable object output from VariCAD software, or choose export method, if
enabled.

6.4.24 Preprocessor Outputs

Allows to enable/disable inclusion of IGES objects usage for drawing export.

6.4.25 Core Record

You define, whether to record a file describing exported drawing creation. The created core file has
the same filename as the exported file, with the exception of a file extension igs.txt (for example,
sample.dwb -> sample.igs.txt). The file is created in the same directory as the exported file. As the core
file is big in size, its creation is not recommended generally.

6.4.26 Configuration Loading/Saving

If you export files into another systems requiring different export settings, you can save and load a
specific configuration. When the dialog box for setting output parameters is displayed, the last
configuration used as current while quitting is loaded.

6.4.27 IGES Objects Supported by VariCAD Software

IGES standard used here is 5.3 version. List of objects VariCAD software is able to load and create
follows. The list is extended gradually.
2D object to load:
100 - Circular Arc
106 - Copious Data Entity
110 - Line
112 - Parametric Spline Curve
116 - Point
126 - B-spline
212 - General Note Entity
214 - Leader Arrow
408 - Singular Subfigure Instance Entity
2D object to create:
100 - Circular Arc
102 - Composite Curve
110 - Line
116 - Point
118 - Ruled Surface
142 - Curve on a Parametric Surface
144 - Trimmed Parametric Surface
212 - General Note Entity
308 - Subfigure Definition Entity
408 - Singular Subfigure Instance Entity

7 Drawing the Objects

The fundamental function of 2D graphic VariCAD system is an objects creation in a drawing. An
object is a basic geometric object as a line, arrow, arc, circle, dimension, hatches, text, points, but also
their assembly into one group as a workset, symbol or block. Object creation and processing is described
in the following sections. When creating objects, use snap modes for geometry creating, see also: Snap
Modes, Special Selections.

43
7.1 Lines
Line creation functions allow to create new line objects and their geometric assemblies (e.g.
rectangle, polygon, multiple line, shaft, ellipsis, graphs and arrows) in the drawing.

7.1.1 Line Creation

objects of line type are results of this procedure.
According to the function settings, multiple lines can be drawn as a complex or composed from line
segments. When drawing an arrow, the result is an arrow object.

LIN - multiple line drawing

Specify graphically individual point inputs forming the multiple line. Use the intelligent cursor
properties for snapping onto geometry, for other snapping use snap modes. Snap modes switch the
function mode. To turn back to the basic status, press F3 . The line is displayed in the rubber line
color during creating and after confirming ( press Enter or mouse confirmation button ) inserts the
created object into drawing. Before confirmation, you can change created geometry by undo in the
dialog box using either Back button on the mouse or Ctrl-Backspace on the keyboard. After
confirming the geometry, you can modify the object using editing functions only.

If needed, press F4 :
1) Free input - returns from the ortho mode to the free specification
2) Close - links the last position with the first position and the ends (locking)
3) Ortho - you can not use when ortho mode is on. Enter the first line angle, specify graphically individual
point inputs. These are projected onto orthogonal coordinates. You can draw a part of the line freely and
combine it with ortho system.
4) Freehand curve - allows you to draw line in the common way. However, if you hold the selection
button pressed and move the cursor, a line is drawn as a trace behind the cursor.
5) Entire line or from segments - this option determines whether the line is created as one object or if the
individual segments will be individual objects.

The line is a whole complex. When line segment number exceeds (128), the given line part is
inserted and the input goes on (especially in freehand curve). With some commands, the system allows you
to select only line segments from the multiple line.
Usage: outline, axis, general ...

7.2 Multiple Line

MLL - multiple line
It is drawn as a line, you can additionally enter the offset number at each side from the axis (max. 2)
and the center line layer change, or its overlap. You can specify rounding between individual segments.
Individual elements together do not create a single complex.
Usage: e.g. piping.

7.3 Shaft
SHA - shafts
Choose in the dialog box :
1) Distance from the first point - calculates all input distance from the first location entered. It
corresponds to calculating all the distances from the basepoint.
2) Distance from the last point - calculates from the last entered location. It corresponds to continuous
dimensioning.
3) edge chamfering or rounding
The first specified location, or the last specified location always serves as an origin for distance
calculating in the upper left corner and also when entering values from the keyboard (for example, dx dy).

44
If you enter values numerically, or if you watch the coordinates listed in the upper left screen corner, the
y coordinate is the radius and x coordinate either distance from the basepoint or the just created segment
length.
Specify graphically: locations. Rotated parts are created. You can set conical part creation using F4
and after the cone, a constant diameter.
You finish the input by pressing Enter.
Usage: rotated parts, especially shafts.

7.4 Arrows
ARR - arrow
It is created like the line. Based on the settings, it is ended or started with an arrow. You can use
an analogic enlargement by pressing F4 . During input, you can change arrowhead drawing by
pressing F3 :
1) Arrow length - sets the ending length
2) Arrowhead at line - arrowhead at the beginning, at the end, both at the beginning and the end
3) Arrow style - open or closed triangle, etc. - according to the graphic menu selection.

Usage: descriptions, leaders, special dimensions, etc.

7.5 Axis
AXI - circle axis and linear axis
Choose from the menu :
1) Linear - links the graphically specified first and second point with a certain overlap
2) Circle - in the specified circle, creates 4 lines starting from the center - vertical and horizontal
center lines with a certain overlap
A certain overlap indicates a value of approx. 5 mm when drawing 1:1 so that the overlap
corresponds to axis drawing customs. Before usage, it is useful to set the layer to appropriate
linetype.

7.6 Rectangle
RECT - rectangle
Specify graphically: the first and the opposite point of the rectangle. A rectangle is created using
vertical and horizontal lines leading through the first and opposite specified point.

7.7 Polygon
POL - polygon
Enter: number of vertices, center location, inside or outside circle radius, any vertex location -
and optionally whether it stands on the vertex or line.
It creates the polygon in any rotation.

7.8 Tangents
TAN - tangents
Specify: the first and the second circle.
The selected circles are linked with tangents so that the tangent points are selected nearer to the
locations which the circles were picked with. Tangent from a point on the circle is created as a common
line with T location.

45
7.9 Graphs
GRA - graph
Enter: point value filename.
It draws a line with coordinates read from the text file. The XY coordinated must be written in the
file, the graph is created from the values till the end of the file or till it encounters an error in the file
(invalid characters in the number). The values must be separated by spaces. When they are on one line, the
line division does not matter. The last coordinate line must be ended by space or a new line (in the text
file, press Enter).

7.10 Ellipsis
ELL - ellipsis
Enter the ellipsis center, point on the larger semi-axis (indicates the ellipsis rotation direction),
larger semi-axis length (optionally enter text), smaller semi-axis length (optionally enter text), start
and end angle. The start and end angle is measured counterclockwise with zero at the right from the
center on the X axis. If the start and end ellipsis angles are identical, the whole ellipsis is created (enter
both angles by snapping to the grid).
You can also select a circle to recreate to an ellipsis and enter the view angle.
The ellipsis is created directly or by deforming a selected arc (circle). In the second case, you must
enter an angle the circle is seen from.

7.11 Points
Point Creating
This command draws point objects.

POI - free input

Specify graphically : point location
Usage - help constructions. The point is created the same way on the plotter as on the terminal, so it
is advisable to either delete or blank the points before printing. (selection as type).

POC - points on a circle

Specify: arc center, point on the perimeter, point on the 1st arc end, point on the 2nd arc end, the
number of points. Optionally, enter point distance.
The points are created on the highlighted arc. It is suitable for help construction - arc (angle)
division on appropriate number of sectors.

PLN - points on line, number

Specify the first and second line point, number of points. Optionally, specify graphically their
distance (it will be rounded).
The points are created on the highlighted line. This is suitable for help construction, line or
distance division to a given number of segments.

PLD - points on line, distance

Specify the first and second line point, point distance. Optionally, specify the distance graphically.
The points are created on the highlighted line with a given spacing, between the penultimate point and
last one there is a smaller space (max. identical).

7.12 Circle
Circle creation is almost the same as arc creating with the start and end angle 0-360 degrees. The
angle calculation direction is counter clockwise with 0 degrees at three o’clock.

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 CCR - circle center radius
Enter the circle center, radius, optionally specify the radius using F4 .

CCP - circle center point on the perimeter

Enter the circle center and the location of any point on the perimeter.

CR2 - circle 2 points radius

Enter the radius (optionally, specify the radius on the screen), then the first and the second point
laying on the perimeter and pick the side from the connecting line of points,
which the center lays on. In case of unsuitable ratios, the circle can not be created.

C3P - circle 3 points

Enter the first, second and third point on the circle perimeter. The points must not lie in line. The
circle is created through these points.

CT2 - circle 2 objects radius

Select the first and the second object (lines and circles) to be tangents to the created circle. Enter the
radius of created circle. The circle will be created on the side nearer to the
object selection.

TG3 - circle, tangent to 3 objects

Specify three objects. A circle will be created tangent to these objects in the nearest possible specified
object locations.

HOL2 - 2D holes
This feature allows to create the circular holes arranged into circle or row. Specify whether you want
to arrange 2D holes into rows or circle, enter the hole diameter, and the number of holes.

7.13 Arcs
ACR - arc center, radius, the start and end angle
Enter the arc center, the radius (optionally measure graphically), start and end angle
(optionally measure graphically).

ACP - arc center, point on the perimeter, the start and end angle
Enter the arc center, any point on the perimeter (optionally, enter the radius), next indicate the
start angle (optionally, enter the start angle using text) and the end angle (optionally, enter the angle
increment).
The angle is added from the start to the end angle counter clockwise.
This is the commonly used function for circle and arc creation. If the start and end angle are
identical, the whole circle is drawn (ensure the identity by snapping on the grid - press spacebar during
graphic input)

AR2 - arc 2 points radius

The input is identical with the previous function. The arc is created counterclockwise, therefore it
depends on the point input sequence.

A3P - arc 3 points

Enter the first, the second and the third point. The arc is created from the first point, through the second
point into the third point. The points must not lie in line.

APT - arc point tangent

Enter the radius, optionally measured graphically. Then, enter arc end point and specify tangent - line
or circle. Specify the side the created arc center lays from the tangent.

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 The arc is created from the end point tangent to the line or circle.

AT2 - arc 2 objects radius

Select the first and second object (lines and circles) that have to be tangent to the created arc. Enter
the created arc radius. The arc will be created on the side nearer to the object selection.

7.14 Texts
Notes and individual drawing objects descriptions form an important drawing complement. You can
edit created text in the drawing and change its attributes. You can load the text into the drawing from an
ASCII file. The text contained in the drawing is a text object. You can break up the text into line type
objects. When entering text, certain rules are used for writing national alphabet characters according to
the chapter Writing Special Characters .

NOTE - notes
Enter text lines one after another (maximum is 10), finish the input with an empty line - press Enter
twice (the first pressing finishes line input). After entering the text, specify its location. Using graphic
input, the text is placed highlighted and only temporarily, confirm the definitive location by pressing Enter.
If you hold the selection button pressed, you will be able to drag the text dynamically.
By pressing F4 , you can choose:
1) Text attributes - height, angle, letter slant, line spacing (actual spacing is the height multipled with
the specified value), text width (for text contraction or expansion)
2) font type
3) insertion point location - using this point, you place the text. The possible combinations are on the
left, in the middle and on the right with the up, middle and down option. According to the insertion
point, the text is justified (left, center, right)

Using F3 , you can choose:

1) graphically measure the text angle
2) graphically measure text width (allows you to contract or expand the text - for example, if it does
not fit in a table), this option is available after first temporary text placement
This function is used for a simple and multiple short note placement. Text placed this way can be
written under any angle, you can justify it additionally to the left, center or right (in a group of lines
entered at a time).

TEX - line text

Graphically enter the first line origin - first character lower left corner.
Using F4 , you choose:
1) text height, letter slant, line spacing (actual spacing is the value multipled with height), text width
2) font from menu
Press F3 :
Specify the text with the correct settings (letter height and slant), the origin of the new text will be
moved under the selected text - continues writing the line beneath.
After entering the line origin, it is possible to write the text directly into the drawing. Each line is
finished by pressing Enter. The text is written behind the cursor.
This function is useful for larger text with horizontal lines. You have also the NOTE function
available and you can edit the text (lines movement, line translation, attributes, width) using the ETX ,
MTL , TAC , TWD text editing functions.

TXI - inserts text from a file

Enter the filename. The file should not be too long. Select the text line origin and optionally text
attributes. Then, select the text increment direction - up or down. Each line insertion is confirmed by
pressing Enter. You can also specify the new location of the following line, if you do not want to

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continue inserting in original direction. By pressing X , you quit the function with inserted lines
preservation till you get to the end of the file.
Usage: especially for creating separated BOMs or partlists above the title block.

MTL - moves the text

Specify the text group to move. It selects only text with horizontal lines. Next, enter number of lines
indicating the text movement - positive value means movement down and negative value movement up.
The function enables text line movement before inserting new lines or after removing a segment of text.

7.15 Spline
SPL - spline
Specify whether the created curve goes through the entered points or if it smoothes the unevennesses
between them. Select the points forming the curve and enter the number of line segments forming a
smooth spline. A higher number allows a smooth display even under zooming in, but slows down
redrawing. If you choose a curve going through the points, you can optionally specify, (by pressing F4),
whether the curve is closed or not.
After you finish entering, a B-spline curve is created. When selecting graphic segments, it is possible to
snap the curve into the aperture as the line type object. In the graphic data file (drawing), the spline is
saved as a block. Spline shape editing - you can set the layout of points and number of segments
(smoothness) using the ESP function - spline editing.

8 Editing Objects
This chapter deals with editing existing objects. Mostly, it concerns the object’s shape and attributes
editing. For more information about selecting edited objects, see: Snap Modes, Special Selections .
Select objects, finish the selection by pressing Enter, selected (highlighted with color) objects will be
edited.

8.1 Deleting
DOB - deletes objects
Select objects, finish the selection by pressing Enter. Selected (highlighted with color) objects will
be deleted. Pressing Shift F8 or UNDO restores the deleted objects back into the drawing (nested undo
function).

8.2 Blanking
BLA - blanks objects
The selected objects will be blanked. Blanking is used to blank temporarily redundant objects, to
remove objects that are not wanted in a selection set, etc. You can conveniently select objects into
selection set belonging to a layer, because you can unblank objects using a region or by a layer. Blanked
objects are not plotted on the plotter and they are not selected into a workset when using R-region
option (region) and related, if they belong to a region (with the exception of unblanking, selecting
unblanked objects using region and with the exception of F4 deleting - to remove the whole drawing).

8.3 Unblanking
UBL - unblanks objects
The previously blanked objects are unblanked.

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 Choose from menu:
1) Objects - any objects of the drawing or from the region defined area are unblanked (according to
option used).
2) layers - unblanks objects that belong to the selected layer, from the drawing or from the region defined
area (according to dialog box).

8.4 Editing Text

ETX - edits a text
Specify the text for editing. Then, you can edit the text in the status bar. To move the cursor, use the
following keys: <- -> Ins Backspace Del Home End (analogic to the common text editors). The original
text is overwritten with the attributes preserved.

TAC - text attributes change

Select the text for attribute changing. According to the menu, you can change:
1) text parameters - letter height, text angle, slant, line spacing (height multiple)
2) text font according to the selection from the following menu
3) insertion point - justifies multi-line text according to the input. Insertion point combinations - left,
middle, right and up, middle and down.
The selected text is rewritten with the new attributes.

JTX - justifies text

Enter the location that the text will be justified to - graphic input, the X coordinate is crucial.
According to the menu, choose one of the options:
1) to the left
2) center
3) to the right
Select the text lines to be justified. After the selection, each line is automatically justified. Pressing
Enter finishes the function.

TWD - text width

Select the text for its width change. Specify the original and new text width. The selected text is
redrawn according to the ratio between the original and new width. This function is useful e.g. for table
filling, if the text with the original width does not fit into the table.

BTF - breaks up a font (text)

If it is necessary to break up the font into single lines it is created from (e.g. text created using
mirroring), select the text to break up and confirm the function.

8.5 Breaking Up an Object

EXP - breaks up objects (explode)
Select the objects to break up. After finishing the selection, the objects are broken up according
to the following rules:
- line into line segments
- arrow into line segments
- hatches into lines
- dimension into text, arrows and lines
- multi-line text into individual lines
- symbols, blocks and polylines into elements
To break up a text, use the BTF command.

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8.6 Changing a Layer
MLA - modifies a layer
Select an object. Other selected objects will be copied into the layer that the selected object resides in.
The F4 option - select the layer from the layer list. Then, select objects. After finishing selection,
these objects are copied into the selected layer with the line attribute change.

8.7 Changing a (Pen) Color

MPE - changes (pen) color
From the dialog box, select a color that the selected objects will be changed to. F4 option - select
an object which color the selected objects will be changed to. After entering the color, select the objects.
The objects of the selection set will change their color. With objects belonging to a block, the
attributes are changed separately for each object, you can not select objects using a region.

MP3A - modifies a pen of 3D axes

This feature changes the color of object. MPE command allows to change the basic colors only (1-
9, white-dark cyan). This feature assigns colors of 3D axes. It is used to create icon menu background, do
not use it for drawing documentation.

8.8 Changing a Linetype

MLT - changes a linetype
From the dialog box, select a linetype that the selected objects will be changed to. F4 option - select
an object which the selected objects will change their linetype according to. After entering the linetype,
select the objects. These objects will be drawn in another linetype. In case of objects belonging to a
block, the attributes are changed separately for each object.

8.9 Breaking an Object

BPO - breaks an object using a point
Select the line or circle for breaking using a point, then, enter the point location. A normal is drawn
towards the selected object, and the object is divided into two new ones in the intersection.

BBO - breaks an object using a boundary

Select the boundary for breaking - line or arc. F4 option - enter a line using two points. Then, select
objects for breaking. After finishing the selection, each object is broken in the intersection point. Thus,
multiple objects are created.

8.10 Trimming an Object

TBO - trims objects using a boundary
Select the boundary for dividing - line or arc. F4 option - enter a line using two points. Indicate a side
of the boundary that will be trimmed along the boundary. Select objects, after finishing selection, the
portions of the objects that overlap the boundary will be trimmed and deleted.

8.11 Removing an Object Segment

RSG - removes a segment from an object
Specify the first and the second point, select the line or arc for segment removal. The normal is led
from the specified points, and the line or arc segment is deleted between the intersection locations.

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The intersection points must not lead outside the selected segment - in this case, it is necessary to use the
TBO function.

8.12 Extending an Object

EBO - extends objects towards the boundary
Select the boundary that the objects will be extended towards - line or arc. F4 option - enter a line
using two points. Then, enter individual objects - lines or arcs. After the selection, each object is
trimmed towards the chosen boundary.

8.13 Creating a Corner

CCO - creates a corner
Select the 1st and the 2nd line or an arc. When using dynamic navigation - intelligent cursor, get
closer to the segment corner, press the selection button after corner marking - appearing the arrow symbol.
Otherwise, it is possible to select both segments separately. The objects are trimmed so that they create a
corner. Segment selection is crucial - the side you selected the segment from is preserved. If the
objects do not intersect, they are extented to their mutual intersection. When selecting circles, the object
intersection must exist, you can not select the parallels either.

8.14 Chamfering an Edge

CHM - chamfers edges
Select the 1st and the 2nd line. When dynamic navigation/intelligent cursor is used, get closer
with the cursor to the segment corner, press the selection button after corner icon marking - arrow
symbol. Otherwise, it is possible to change both segments separately. If you press F4 during selection
the first or second line, it toggles the option, whether the line is trimmed in the place of edge
chamfering or not - repeated switching is reverse. After selecting the lines, enter the chamfer distance
from the intersection for the first and second line. Optionally, specify the chamfer distance for the first line
and chamfer angle. The edge chamfer is created.
The chamfering is created from intersection side you selected the lines on. You can choose,
whether the lines are finished in the chamfer location or they go on.

8.15 Rounding an Edge

RND - edge rounding
The usage is the same as with the CHM command with the difference you can select arcs as well.
After selecting objects, the radius of rounding is entered. If the selection set geometric features allow it,
you can toggle two arcs rounding using a concave or convex arc.

8.16 Breakline
BLN - creates a breakline
Select the line for recreation to a breakline, specify point locations, finish it by pressing Enter. Close to
the locations, where the points were marked, teeth are created on the selected line - partial section line
(breakline) appears.

8.17 Editing an Arc to a Whole Circle

CEC - creates whole circle from an arc
Select circular arc. After finishing the selection, full circles are created from all selected arcs.

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8.18 Editing a Spline
ESP - edits a spline
Select the spline for editing. Enter the number of spline segments (the default number is the original
value). Then: select a point. By moving your mouse with selection button pressed, you smoothly change
its location and also the curve shape. The location can be specified in accordance with all graphic
input rules. Finish the point input by pressing Enter. After changing locations of all requested points,
finish editing by pressing Enter.

8.19 Polyline Integration

PLL - integrates a polyline
Select the first line for the polyline. The polyline start point is specified automatically at the nearest
end to the location that the object was selected with. Select other objects. After finishing the selection, enter
the name (optionally with an extension). Objects in the polyline must be connected one to another,
otherwise the integration will not be successful.

9 Object Transformations
This section deals with changing already created objects. Mostly, you modify the object location and
number. Transformed objects selection is described in: Snap Modes, Special Selections . Select
objects, finish the selection by pressing Enter, finally the selected (highlighted with color) objects will be
transformed.

9.1 Translation and Copy

MOV - translates or copies an object
Enter the translation vector - start and destination location, if needed dx and dy text input, after
entering the first location, enter dx dy by pressing D . Then, enter the number of copies - if you enter 0,
the object will be moved, if you enter 1 and more, the selected objects are copied.
F4 option : specify the line end, the number of copies is rounded according to the movement vector.
F3 option : after finishing transforming, you can enter the dimensions to be redrawn. In such cases,
you have to specify the locations of linear dimensions that are moved - always one side of the dimension.
When moving dimension - dimensioned location, the dimension is redrawn with an appropriate
dimension text change.
Select objects. After finishing selection, objects are transformed. If the objects belong into 1-8
predefined workset, the workset is preserved only for the first copy, as well as the competence to
association.

DRG - dynamic object movement

Specify, whether the original object will be removed or not. If it is going to be removed, the original
object selection set is removed after copying. Then, select objects for movement and specify their
insertion point. The selection set dynamically moves in the new locations according to the insertion
point location, and its objects are displayed highlighted. They are finally placed after pressing Enter or
the mouse confirmation button. You can place objects till the function is finished by undo or escape
(ESC). If you hold the mouse selection button pressed during movement, the objects will be dragged
dynamically.
If you opened more drawings for editing, you can switch drawings by pressing Shift+F1 or using
pull down menu or icon menu and transfer objects between these files. You have to toggle only in such
cases when you have to specify the new objects location.
If you place the insertion point using the intelligent cursor onto important point of some object,
hold the mouse selection button pressed and move the cursor, the insertion point is fixed to the original

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location till the cursor reaches the distance of double width of its aperture. This way, the system ensures
the exact point selection.

9.2 Rotation and Copy

ROT - rotates objects
Specify the rotation center, enter the rotation angle (optionally specify it on screen) and enter
number of copies. If you enter 0, you will move the object, otherwise it will be copied as many times
as you entered. Select objects and after the selection, the selected objects will be transformed.

DRO - dynamic object rotation

Specify, whether you want to remove the original object. If you wish so, the original objects will be
removed after copying. Then, select objects for rotation, specify the rotation center and its insertion point.
The selection set is dynamically placed. It is rotated so that the insertion point lies on the connecting line
of cursor and rotation center. In new locations, it is displayed highlighted, it is placed definitively after
pressing Enter. You can continue placing till the function is finished with undo or escape. If you hold
the mouse selection button pressed during cursor movement, the objects will be dragged dynamically.

9.3 Dynamic Movement and Rotation

DTR - dynamic movement and object rotation
Specify, whether you want the original object to be removed. If you wish so, the original object
selection set will be removed after copying. Then, select objects for transformation, specify the insertion
point and rotation center. In the first transformation step, you specify the rotation center location, in
the second step, you rotate by dragging the insertion point analogic to DRO - dynamic rotation.
The final location is confirmed by pressing Enter. You place objects till the function is finished using
undo or escape. If you hold the mouse selection button pressed during specifying the rotation, the objects
will be dragged dynamically during the cursor movement.

9.4 Scaling
SCA - changes an object scale
Specify the scaling center, scaling value (optionally the original length and new length on screen -
scaling is defined by the ratio of these two distances), enter the number of copies. If you enter 0, the object
is moved, otherwise it is copied as many times as entered. Select objects and after finishing selection, the
selected objects are transformed.

DSC - dynamic object scaling

Choose, whether the original object will be removed or not. If the intention is to remove, the original
selection set will be removed after copying. Then, select objects for scaling, specify the scaling center and
its insertion point. The selection set is dynamically placed. It is scaled so that the insertion point is on the
circle given by the scaling center and a point on the perimeter - cursor location. The selection set is
displayed highlighted on new locations and is placed finally after confirming with Enter. You place
objects till the function is finished using undo or escape. If you hold the mouse selection button pressed
during cursor movement, the objects will be dragged dynamically.

9.5 Mirroring
MIR - mirrors or scales objects in one direction

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 Select a mirror axis - line. F4 option - enter a line using two points. Then, enter the number of
copies - 0 value just mirrors and removes the original location, 1 value preserves the original selection
set location. Enter the mirror value. For common mirroring, -1 default value is usually good, positive
value causes expansion to be performed only in perpendicular direction to the mirror axis, negative
value does so as well, but on the other side from the axis than each transformed object from the selection
set. Then, select the objects. After the selection, the objects are mirrored.

9.6 Offset Lines

OFFS - offset lines (parallel lines, concentric circles)
In the dialog box, select the offset lines creation method. Select lines or arcs for offset line.
1) offset line at a distance - enter the distance and specify the offset line side
2) offset line through point - enter the point location, which the offset line will go through.
In case of polyline, its direction is preserved, the offset line is created in the specified layer. From
the selected objects, offset lines are created (lines and arcs).
It is necessary to remember that: the side from the object and the distance is considered from the first
marked segment, in case of polylines from the first segment (it is marked with a star). If a polyline is
created within this function ( F3 option ) and the segment is repeatedly selected (already marked
segment), another segment is required and these two are joined into the corner according to the
corner creating rules. (overlapping portions are trimmed away).

9.7 Stretch
SOB - stretches objects
Select the desired objects using region. When selecting using region, all objects that at least
partially cross the boundary are included into the region. Specify the stretch insertion point. Move the
cursor while holding the mouse selection button pressed or simply specify new locations for the
insertion point. This ensures object modification. The line portions that were inside the region during
the selection will be moved together with the insertion point, other line portions stay unmoved. End of
modification - press Enter.
If you choose dimensions for modifying, their shape will be changed and the dimension text will be
modified in corresponding way, too. If you want to stretch the line portions horizontally or vertically, turn
on the ortho mode.

DST - dynamic object stretching

Choose the stretch direction:
- horizontal
- vertical
- slant, then interactively enter the angle.
Afterwards, specify the separating line and direction which the selected objects portions will stretch in.
Select the objects. Enter the stretch insertion point.
Specify new insertion point locations, the selected objects are modified with each input. If you hold
the mouse selection button pressed and move the cursor, objects is changed smoothly. The final location is
specified by pressing Enter.
If you select dimensions and the separating line separate them, trasnformation smoothly redraws
them with dimension text changing.

9.8 Copy to Array

CTA - copies objects to arrays

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 Enter the grid origin, movement in the first and second line. Then, number of copies in the first
and second line, optionally, pick the first and the second line end - the number of copies is counted from
the ratio of movement vector and line end. Select objects for transformation. After the selection, objects
are copied - an array formed by selected objects is created.

10 Dimensioning
With a dimension creating, you can flexibly choose the dimension shape and place the dimension
till you specify the final location. After specifying dimensioned points or objects, you place the
dimension dynamically. If you hold the mouse selection button pressed during placement and move the
cursor, the dimension is dynamically changed. When changing, it automatically toggles
outside/inside, with angular dimensions and circle dimensions, the dimension text position is also changed
in relation to the dimension.
Using the F3 - dimension shape option you can choose the dimension location in the serial
dimensions or with incremental dimension distance from the selected baseline dimension. Using the F4
- text option you can change the dimension text attributes, dimension text and add tolerances. Linear
dimensions may have dots instead of arrows (if the arrows are to close to one another), the angular
dimension may have the values within a flag. The dimension text can be centered. The dimension style
can be set even with the DMA function - dimensioning parameters.
It is very convenient to select the dimensioning function from the icon menu - toggle the icon menu
into the dimension menu. Associated dimensions - serial, parallel and datum:
With serial dimensioning, you have to specify the first and the second location, dimension location
and then only the following serial locations. Dimensions are created in one line. Parallel dimensioning
is similar except that the following dimensions are always created with spacing. Datum dimensioning
combines both previous styles - the sizes are calculated from the baseline, but the dimensions are created in
one line.

10.1 Horizontal
HDI - horizontal dimensions
Enter the first and the second dimensioned location, the locations must not lay in a vertical line.
After specifying the locations, specify the placement. During placing, the dimension is highlighted. While
holding the mouse selection button pressed and moving the cursor, the dimension flexibly changes. The
final location is confirmed by pressing Enter.
Options for placement:
F4 text change - you change the dimension text that is originally given by the measured dimension,
using next F4 option, you can change the text attributes (text size, slant, font, width), eventually using
the included F3 option, you can add dimension tolerances. You enter plus and minus tolerance, if one of
them is not entered, it will not be created within the dimension.
F3 dimension shape -
1) - You place the dimension directly according to the specified location (free input)
2) - Next at same level - according to the selected dimension, the new dimension will lie in the same level
3) - Next with offset - according to the selected dimension, the new dimension will be created with offset
from this dimension
4) - All next same level - as the 2nd option, it considers all dimensions till canceling the setting or leaving
the function
5) - All next with offset - as the 3rd option, it considers all following dimensions - they are created with
offset
6) - Points <-> arrows - on the defined dimension side, it replaces the arrow with a point, this option
is convenient in situations with lack of space, when you repeatedly enter it, you toggle points/arrows
7) - Dimension style - sets the dimension shape corresponding to different drawing standards (e.g.
arrows, units in inches, suppressing leading zeros in front of the decimal point or comma, witness lines
overlaps, dimension distance from the dimensioning line and dimension scale). The scale factor

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automatically recounts the measured value over a defined factor. It is used where portions of the
drawing is drawn zoomed in or out. The style setting is the same as in the DMA function -
dimensioning parameters.
8) - Center dimension - dimensioning text is automatically centered on the dimension line.
Dimensions chosen as prototypes for setting must be horizontal. The created dimension is
horizontal.
The dimensions shape already placed is changed using the EDM function, simple text translation
is reached with MDT function, the only dimension text change is reached using EDI function.

HPD - horizontal parallel dimensions

HSD - horizontal serial dimensions
HDD - horizontal datum dimensions
HDM - horizontal diameter dimensions
HTH - horizontal thread dimensions

10.2 Vertical
VDI - vertical dimensions
The dimension specifying is similar to horizontal dimensions - HDI , selected location must not lay
in horizontal line.
Dimensions selected as prototypes for setting must be vertical.

VPD - vertical parallel dimensions

VSD - vertical serial dimensions
VDD - vertical datum dimensions
VDM - vertical diameter dimensions
VTH - vertical thread dimensions

10.3 Slant
SDI - slant dimensions
The dimensions specifying is similar to horizontal
dimensions - HDI , selected dimension for setting must be slant and of the same angle. The created
dimension is parallel with the 1st and 2nd location connecting line.

SPD - slant parallel dimensions

SSD - slant serial dimensions
SDD - slant datum dimensions
SDM - slant diameter dimensions
STH - slant thread dimensions

10.4 Angular
ADI - angular dimensions
To dimension, enter the 1st and 2nd line. The dimension is dynamically placed, definitive location is
confirmed by pressing Enter. The F4 - text change option is identical as above, for example HDI
command, F3 - dimension shape option includes the Dimension on flag - after choosing the option, a
flag is created from the dimensioned arc, with the dimension written on it.
Dimensions that the setting is made based on, should be angular with identical angle vertex.
Angle writing method (degrees and decimal values or minutes and seconds) is chosen using the DMA
function or using F3 - dimension shape option.

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10.5 Diameter
DDI - diameter dimensions
After selecting the circle to be dimensioned, the function works in a similar way to the previous
dimension functions.

10.6 Radius
RDI - radius dimensions
Enter the dimensioned circle. The dimension is dynamically placed as the previous dimensions. The
F4 and F3 functions are similar, but with the F3 option, you can toggle the arc center-marking (yes-no).

10.7 Thread
Dimensioning with pre-marked dimension text - thread, diameter of horizontal, vertical or slant
dimensions:
THR - thread dimension (as diameter dimensioning)
Pre-marked text allows to automatically write the thread or diameter dimension without need to edit
the text. The diameter symbol is automatically added only while circle dimensioning. Thread, radius and
diameter text symbols can be changed using the DMA command, they are saved in the format.con file.

10.8 Finish Symbols

FSY - finish dimensioning
Enter Ra finish value (optionally, you can choose the symbol shape corresponding to the non-
machined surface using the F4 option ). Specify the symbol location segment (optionally - in free
space - it corresponds to the finish lists in the upper right corner of the drawing area). You can place the
symbol on the line, arc or dimension witness lines. After specifying the location, specify the symbol
direction - where the symbol will lie beside the first entered point.

10.9 Welding Symbols, Geometric Tolerancy

WSY - welding symbols
Weld symbol includes elementary symbol, supplementary symbol, dimension referring to weld
size, and a weld process symbol. Once you define a symbol, you can save it into one of the nine memory
positions, and then load it into drawing. You can specify symbol tail using the ’Symbol Parameters’
command. The ’Text Parameters’ command allows to specify text properties. Weld symbol and supplement
symbol can be selected from graphical menu.

SWS - sets weld symbols

Choose required standard to create weld symbols.

TSY - creates geometric tolerances

Geometric tolerances are displayed in the tolerance frames divided into fields. The fields are as
follows: tolerance symbol, tolerance value, symbols defining tolerance conditions, and letter identifying
the datum feature. If one feature should have more tolerances, it is possible to combine tolerance frames
in one leader line. To add another tolerance frame within one leader line, use ’Next Line’ command in
control panel. Like weld symbols, the defined geometric tolerance symbol can be stored in a memory and
then loaded into a drawing. You can edit symbol and text parameters as well. The focused text field
indicates a text followed with a symbol defining the conditions of selection from graphical menu, for
example, geometric tolerance for position, and so on. If you want to remove a symbol, focus the text field
followed with a symbol, and select the removal icon in the graphical menu.

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10.10 Editing a Dimension
EDI - edits a dimension
Select the dimension for text editing. After displaying the default text in the status bar, edit the text
like with the ETX function - text editing. This function overwrites the dimension text. The F4 option
changes text attributes, the F3 option adds or changes dimension tolerances.

MDT - translates dimension text

Select the dimension for text translation. After the selection, place the text dynamically to a new
location. The dimension shape is not changed, the text is moved. It enables text translation if the text is
interrupted by a line, e.g. an axis, etc.

EDM - editing shape dimension

Select the dimension for editing. The F4 option allows to specify whether associated dimensions will
be edited - serial or parallel dimensions. After the selection, place the dimension text, the shape is
changed smoothly like with creating new dimension. The text value is preserved from the original
dimension, so are the dimension locations. Dimension text and shape can be changed like with creating
new dimensions.
If you choose serial or parallel dimension editing, you should first place the first dimension - the
other ones are placed according to the location of previous dimensions.
For more information about creating new dimensions, see e.g. HDI - horizontal dimensions and
following sections.
This function can change horizontal, vertical, radius and diameter dimensions only. The other types
will be editable in new versions.
TAC - changes dimension text attributes Set the required text attributes and select the dimension
for attribute change. A suitable selection is according to the object type. You can not change the insertion
point location attribute. To change the dimension location, use the EDM or the MDT command.

11 Hatching
This function creates hatch objects. Hatches can be also used for area solid filling. In such cases, it is
recommended to hatch horizontally with the spacing smaller than the line width for plotting or printing. If
the number of hatches is high, they are saved to the graphic database as a block created from hatch
groups. This kind of block behaves like a single complex.

11.1 Semiautomatic
HAT - hatches, enter boundary and angle, hatch distance
Enter the angle and hatch distance. Using the F4 option, you enter double hatch spacing. The
distance corresponds to the distance used for paper output and is corrected by the scale.
Select the individual hatched area boundary segments. Finish the input by pressing Enter. Options for
boundary input:
F4 option: allows to change the previously entered hatch slant and density - it is available after first
hatching.
F3 option: allows to create hatch boundaries, the newly created segments will disappear or the
boundary selection method is switched from line to:

1) redraw the line

2) redraw the arc using 3 points
3) when selecting lines, selects line segments only
4) select the whole line
The hatch boundary must be closed. Nested boundaries are partially hatched and unhatched (islands
appear). With large hatches, the hatches are integrated into a block. The new hatch boundary creating

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option within the hatch function makes the work easier. If you select a segment that was already once
selected, another segment is required. Both objects are automatically trimmed in accordance with the
corner creating rules. Thus, it is easy to use boundary hatching when the segments overlap even beyond
the boundary.

11.2 Semiautomatic with Pattern Selection

PHA - hatch, pattern selection
The function is similar to the previous one ( HAT ) with one difference - you do not enter the angle
and hatch distance, but you select the pattern and density from the menu instead.

11.3 Automatic
AHB - hatches, automatic hatch searching
Enter the hatch angle and distance the same way you did it with the HAT function. The boundary is
searched automatically. To search the boundary, you need to specify one of its segments (line or
circular arc) and the side the hatches are to be starting from. The boundary is found and highlighted.
You can enter other boundaries or finish the input by pressing Enter. After finishing, all the boundaries
are filled with hatches.
Prior to highlighting the boundary with the F4 option, you can temporarily blank the selected objects.
The selection for temporarily object blanking is finished by pressing Enter, after hatching, these objects
are automatically unblanked. Temporarily blanking is useful when the hatches are required to intersect
lines or arcs, e.g. axis, internal thread diameter, etc.
If the boundary not closed or the boundary not found warning displays during boundary searching,
the options allow repeated searching. Any unlinked segment must not overlap the boundary area.
During repeated searching via the menu displayed, these segments are ignored. Next menu allows to
scale the boundary links searching tolerance range. If the drawing is imported from other CAD systems,
or when you lost the boundary segment linking precision in another way, then in the next search, a
wider linking environment is used. Next menu option allows to display the place where searching has
stopped. Using a higher scale, you can find small overshoot or gap in the boundary.
If more segments overlap each other and the boundary can not be found automatically, it is
recommended to blank the objects that touch the boundary or overlap it. If this technique does not succeed,
it is always possible to hatch with manual boundary selection - the HAT or PHA function.

11.4 Automatic with Pattern Selection

APH - pattern hatching with automatic boundary selection
The boundary selection technique is the same as with the AHB function, pattern entering is same as
with the PHA function.

11.5 Creating a Hatch Pattern

CHP - creates a hatch pattern
For a newly created pattern, enter:
number of repeating angles
For each repeating of angles:
1st angle of repeating
hatch distance repeating number
hatch distance repeating number
0 when the line is not drawn within the hatch distance,
1 when the line is drawn within the hatch distance
when 1 is entered, then:
number of repeating of segments if 1 is entered,
the line is continuous if a higher value is

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 entered, number of repeating of segments
0 first segment is empty
1 first segment is continuous
real value - length of segment
After entering, the pattern is displayed for confirmation.
It is recommended to use old patterns and modify them. You can change the patterns by editing the
hatch.con library (ascii file).

Pattern creation example:

1) cross hatches:

2 - number of repeating of angles

45.00 - 1st angle of repeating
1 - number of repeating of hatch distance
1 - line is drawn in the hatch distance (the first and last together)
1 - line is continuous
-45.00 - the same for the second repeating with opposite angle
1
1
1

2) pattern imitating brick:

2 - number of angles repeating

0.00 - horizontal lines are continuous
1
1
1
90.00 - vertical lines
4 - number of hatch distance repeating
1 - the first vertical line (line row) is drawn
21 - it has 2 segments, starts with full segment
1.00 1.00 - both segments have a length of one repeating of hatch distance
0 - the second vertical line is not drawn
1 - the third vertical line row is drawn
20 - it has 2 segments, starts with empty segment
1.00 1.00 - both segments have a length of one repeating of hatch distance
0 - the fourth line row is not drawn

12 Symbols
Symbols are drawing objects integrated into named complexes, optionally with name extension,
insertion point and connection points. They are used for scheme symbols, shape and position tolerances,
etc. Symbols are stored in libraries. A symbol always behaves as a single object, you can never use the line
segment or circle center snapping as with blocks. The connection points allow the S mode snapping. If
you insert a symbol into drawing with scale other than 1:1, it is automatically scaled. When creating a
symbol, you can preserve the individual object attributes or not. Then, during insertion, the symbol
inherits attributes of the layer it is inserted in. It is suitable to recall the symbols from the icon menus.
Symbols can be equipped with name and extension (comment). Each symbol has a limited size
- the number of objects must not exceed a certain value.

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12.1 Opening a Library
SLA - opens a symbol library
From the directory, choose the name of the library that you want to open. Since opening, you are
working with symbol from the open library until you open another library. If you call functions for
opening or saving the symbol and if the library is not open, it is opened automatically. If the symbol
library is open and a change is performed (adding symbols), the newer version is always saved
together with the drawing. If a new library is created, first it is necessary to update the currently created
library, otherwise the created symbols will be saved into the currently open library (if any library is open).

12.2 Adding Objects to a Symbol

ADS - adds objects to a symbol
The technique is the same as with the SLC command (symbols creation) with one difference - the
sequence is not entered in the library. The symbol is integrated in the drawing only.

12.3 Creating a Symbol to Library

SLC - creates a symbol
Specify:
- symbol insertion point
- connection points, finish entering by pressing Enter
- symbol objects
- optionally the name extension and number for the symbol (you can optionally choose the number from the
library list, the selected symbol is overwritten). Using the next option, you can determine whether the
object line attributes should be saved into the symbol library together with the symbol.

SYC - changes symbol library

You can remove symbols, edit symbol names or supplement names in the selected library. When
you create symbol library using VSY command, you can only define or replace symbols. This
command completes the symbol creation feature.

12.4 Inserting a Symbol into the Drawing

SLI - inserts a symbol
Select the symbol to be inserted from the list. You can optionally enter the number or name from
the keyboard (after closing the list). Place the selected symbol dynamically - the temporary positions are
displayed with the highlighting color, the definitive placement is done after pressing Enter. If you hold
the mouse selection button pressed and move the cursor, the symbol will be dragged dynamically.

12.5 Inserting Symbols from Icon Drawing Menus

You can simply and easily open newly created symbols from the icon drawing menus. These menus
can be easily modified by user, or you can create a new one. For more information about creating and
editing these menus, see: Creating and Editing Icon Menus.

13 Blocks - Non-graphical Information

You can use the block, symbol and workset for easier work with object groups in the drawing. The
VariCAD block can be either integrated or exploded. Integrated block can be exploded, edited or

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integrated to other blocks (nested blocks). The block has a name, insertion point ( Z snap mode), it can
contain up to 32 connection points that you can snap onto ( S snap mode) and an arbitrary amount of
text attributes according to the AMA attribute masks settings. You can assign a name extension to
the block, however, this information is only additional and has no further significance ( BAE ).
Attributes of all blocks and associations in the drawing can be exported into design structure file using
the AEX command in order to process attributes as non-graphical information in the drawing (design
structure, BOM, information sorting and changing, title block filling, data export and import). The
object integration to block ( BLC ) are performed in the drawing. By saving objects to disk as a block (
BLS ), you enable their repeated inserting into drawings (*.bkb file). If the objects are integrated before
saving to disk, then the inserted block behaves as one object, if they are not integrated, then the
block behaves as a group of individual objects (like they were created and edited). The block that is not
integrated can not contain connection points and text attributes. It is recommended to use the DPS
command for larger object groups, which saves the selected objects as a new drawing. This drawing can be
later inserted into a drawing using the DPO command. It is better to use the symbols for smaller
object groups (e.g. schematic symbols).

13.1 Creating a Block

BLC - creates a block
Enter:
- block insertion point
- connection points, finish the selection by pressing Enter
- block name (optionally, the name extension)
- attributes according to the menu. Attributes are entered according to the defined attribute mask. They
are given by name and type (integer, real values, text, drawing name, etc.). When entering the
attributes, you specify their location and optionally attributes of displaying text and visibility. You can
optionally enter attributes outside the defined mask. The attributes entered are edited using the BAE
function.
Objects integrated into a block behave as a complex, but when selecting e.g. an intersection, line
endpoints, etc., each object behaves as a single object. Blocks can be inserted into blocks, but the highest
block assembly then behaves as complex (after exploding the nested blocks are recovered). The attributes
contain non-graphic information about the block. However, when changing the color (pen number), it is
possible to choose block objects separately (not using the region, just specifying one by one).

13.2 Saving Block to the Disk

BLS - saving block to the disk.
Enter the block filename. Then, enter the block insertion point (object groups) and select the objects.
After finishing the selection, the objects are saved to a file with a *.bkb extension (provided the dxf
format is not selected).
As this function saves portions of the drawing for later use, you can use it for saving separate
integrated block (the insertion point is the block insertion point, the required block is selected to the object
group).

13.3 Inserting a Block into the Drawing

BLI - inserts a block
From the directory, select a block file for inserting, specify the insertion point (it is identical with
the block insertion point when saving). The block point location is determined dynamically - if you
hold the mouse selection button pressed during cursor movement, the block will be dragged with the
cursor. Confirm the final position by pressing Enter. Finish inserting by interrupting the function. During

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insertion, two options are available: F4 option - rotation or zoom in and zoom in by scale, F3 option -
insertion point modification.

13.4 Editing a Block or a Polyline

BLE - edits block or polyline
After running the function:
- if no block or polyline is open for editing, select one. The selected object is opened for editing, it is
displayed with highlighted color and function is finished. Objects forming the block can be edited.
- if a block or polyline is opened for editing, it is copied to the temporary work set. You can further add
or remove objects from the work set. After finishing by pressing Enter, the block or polyline is closed
again.
You can change the block by editing without exploding and integrating. The connection points that
you add, must be added as point-based objects. If you want to remove the object from the block and
leave it in the drawing, just remove it from the specified work set during repeated integration. The
procedure is the same, you must additionally enter the polyline start point (it could be canceled by
removing objects). Objects forming the polyline must be linked to each other, otherwise the repeated
integration will not process.

13.5 Editing Block or Polyline Name and Name Extension

BAE - edits a block name
Choose a block or polyline, enter the new name with optional extension. You can change the block
name with the BAE command.

13.6 Editing Block Insertion Point

BIE - edits a block insertion point
Choose a block for insertion point editing. Enter new insertion point location.

13.7 Editing Block Attributes

BAE - Edits block or association attributes
The function allows to add, change or remove association or block attributes. From the menu, choose
whether the attributes are edited, added or removed.
When editing, the existing attribute list is available. The V letter behind the attribute name indicates
that the attribute is visible. Choose the attribute being edited or removed from the attribute list. When
entering or editing, the attribute location is specified for visible attributes only.
The attribute entering sequence and method correspond to the method defined in the attribute mask (
AMA ). The dialog box for editing attributes is the same as for entering attributes during block
integration ( BLC ).

13.8 Inserting Blocks from Icon Drawing Menus

Using the icon drawing menus is a simple option for calling newly created blocks. This way,
mechanical parts like bolts, bearings and others are commonly inserted. These menus are easily
customizable and creatable. For description of creating and editing these menus, see: Creating and
Editing Icon Menus .

13.9 Extracting Block Attributes to a File - BOM

During drawing documentation creating, it is suitable to use resources for entering non-graphical
information for objects in the drawing - blocks and associations. This way, you create the product

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structure together with drawn documentation. In other words, you can add product origin information
to the assembly details, if it is grouped and it has no drawing documentation (e.g. a bolt, bearing or a part
supplied by another manufacturer) or it is produced and it is necessary to create some drawing
documentation. Then, you can enter (design) a file (name)of the detailed drawing directly to that detail.
This applies even to assembly-subassembly structure. This way, you can enter all needed non-
graphical information (BOM, title blocks, tables) during assembly or subassembly creating. A reverse
procedure is also possible. Then, you can assemble an design structure from individual detailed drawings
and create BOMs/assemblies from the design structure.
For more information about non-graphical data and working with them, see: Design Structure,
BOMs and Title Blocks . The required non-graphical information is set according to the attribute
mask - the AMA command).

Non-graphical information examples (block and association attributes):

location
name
dimension
object number
material
waste class
measure units
brutto mass
netto mass
origin

This example is very simple and depends on the non-graphical information flow scheme in a company,
change management style and standard customs. These attributes can be extracted from the drawing
using the AEX command. You can extract either into a formatted text - less suitable (used for
further manipulation in a text processor, spreadsheet or database program as BOM - ASCII format) or
into the design structure for next manipulation in VariCAD - recommended (suitable also for exports into
external databases or production managing systems). When extracting attributes, they are processed
according to the block names. If the block name is not entered, each block is processed as an individual
object (detail in the drawing). If there are multiple blocks with the same name in the drawing, they are
considered to be a single object and added (for example, bolts, nuts, etc.). If the block is supplied with a
file-based attribute, this attribute is considered as detail drawing name. If the attribute is not entered, the
system supplies the block name without diacritic marks as the detail drawing name. Instead of spaces, it
inserts the underscore. Also, one underscore is placed in front of the name - indicating that the name
was system-supplied (block name=shaft, then the file is _shaft). Other attributes are afterwards
automatically inserted into the design structure or text files. Such created design structure is in a "raw"
state and is still editable using the BOM function.

AEX - block and association attribute extraction

Depending on the menu, enter:
- whether the extraction is made into the formatted text
- or into an design structure
In both cases, enter the appropriate filename. The extraction gets all blocks and associations from
the drawing. It records their attributes and number of same blocks or associations into appropriate
files. If a number is stated as a attribute for an object, then the object is added to the complex sum as
many times as the mentioned number of elements counts.
If any attribute contains a *N sequence, the object is transferred into the drawing as
undocumentable (e.g. purchased), and its name is derived from the object number. It may contain spaces
and the object has the * character at the beginning of the name in the design structure.
If any object attribute contains a *NB sequence, the extraction is suppressed, e.g. for borders, title
block, shaft end block, etc., because they are not assembly elements.
The attribute extraction is suitable for getting rough BOM from the drawn assembly and similar
purposes.

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14 Design Structure, BOMs and Title Blocks
To manage more drawings, you can use the design structures. The drawing design structure is
managed with respect to construction groups, product structure, product shape similarity or other
aspects.
VariCAD enables direct product structure design. This structure is data-convertible to production
managing system databases and it is possible to convert data from these databases as well.
Each drawing can contain a non-graphical data file ( drawing_name.inf ). Their input is
managed by defined design structure mask ( AMA ). The non-graphical information can be linked e.g. to
automatic title block filling ( DTM ). Some non-graphical data (e.g. in title block) can be identical with
data in the design structure (in design structure object attributes). That is why the non-graphical
information may be translated from design structure into drawing and vice versa.

14.1 Design Structure

The design structure represents the product structure. It allows managing drawings in design
structure and working with non-graphical information. The design structure is a VariCAD module for
automated BOM creating and title block filling.
Individual design structure objects can be saved to appropriate tree levels of an design structure.
For objects, you can insert previously or currently created detail or assembly drawings, non-existing
drawings (the drawing name is reserved) and also elements that are not constructed directly (e.g.
purchased parts). According to the defined attribute masks (e.g. technological or production information),
other data can be added to individual design structure objects. The data translation from the design
structure into corresponding data files is performed dependent to the definition table (cross mask -
CMC ). The user should process the mask definitions before the design structure system is used. Thus,
by defining the masks, you create an environment that perfectly suits your needs.
The information masks ensure non-graphical information flow and large flexibility of the whole
design structure and BOM system. The information mask system gives the user a great flexibility for
work with non-graphical data files. It allows very wide and direct modification and customization
tailored precisely to the user’s needs.

14.1.1 BOM - working with the design structure

To open an design structure, choose the design structure filename from the directory or enter a
new design structure filename - it will be empty. The selected design structure appears in the window.
Windows size and contents are defined by entering the number of displayed characters in the window
(according to the settings in Display menu).
As you can see in design structure window, you can Delete , Move (copy), Add and Structure
objects in design structure. These design structure functions can "shape" the design structure. You can
combine and break individual design structures, create BOMs, fill title blocks and export design
structure to external databases using Export/import function. To quickly edit an accomplished
design structure (e.g. to replace materials for particular objects), use the Global changes function.
While making global material changes and creating parts lists, you can use with advantage the Display
rules function of the required design structure objects. Also, you will need to Sort the design structure
objects.
You can change individual objects in the design structure (BOM) using the Change and Delete att.
functions. If you need to display all non-graphical information (that is not allowed to be displayed in the
AMA attribute mask), you can use the List att. function. From the design structure, you can directly
call drawings to design structure objects for editing or viewing using the Drawings function. Also, you
can Save the design structure anytime during editing or call the Next BOM from the design
structure.

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 All design structure functions are described in detail bellow. However, it is recommended to try all
the functions using a test design structure.

14.1.2 BOM window Choices

Delete
After confirmation, design structure objects that you do not want to be in the design structure including
their subgroups are deleted from the design structure.

Move
The selected design structure object including its subgroups is either moved or copied below the next
selected object either at its level or one level bellow (inclusion). The design structure object that
contains included objects is marked with a vertical line character | in front of the name (if listed, see the
Display function).

Add
You can add new objects to the design structure using
several methods.
1) Connection to drawing - from the directory, choose the drawing name or enter a name of non-
existing drawing (the just edited drawing can also be inserted into the current design structure using
ADB ). Then, a dialog box for entering non-graphical information to the design structure objects
appears. After entering information and confirming, you enter the object location in the design structure
and optionally the object inclusion. You can insert the non-graphical information to the objects using the
Import from data files command from the Export/import menu.
2) Add group - allows to add a whole directory or files selected using *, [, ], ! and ? conventions.
After choosing a directory or its files, choose the Group button. Then, you enter the object location in
the design structure or possible object inclusion. In this case, you should enter the appropriate object
attributes extra using the Change button. You can insert the non-graphical information to the objects
using the Import from data files command from the Export/import menu.
3) Not manufactured - enter the object name that has no drawing documentation (e.g. purchased
component not contained in the drawing documentation). In the design structure, these objects are
marked with a star * in front of the name. Then, the dialog box for entering non-graphical information to
the design structure objects appears. After filling out and confirming, you enter the object location in the
design structure and possibly the object inclusion. You can insert the non-graphical information to
the objects using the Change function.
If an object not including non-graphical information is inserted into the design structure, it is listed
only with the name and pathname (as the only displayable information). In case of Display setting to
Format attributes list without listing the pathname and name, a question mark ? appears in front of the
name.

Change
This function changes object information. Changing object attributes as a sequence is similar to
entering non-graphical information for BAE , BLC or ASC . For the selected object, a dialog
box appears for entering non-graphical information according to the specified attribute mask. After
finishing the changes, the original object is changed. To update these changes in the subassembly and
detail drawing title block, use the Export to data files function from the Export/import menu.
Changing the object pathnames is similar to using the Add function. You can choose a name and state
whether it is connected to the drawing or not.

Structure
The object inclusion level is displayed using (tree) structure. You can change the structure of
selected object group (right or left shifting) using this function to change the object or object group
inclusion level. The design structure object that has an inclusion (if listed, see the Display function) is
marked with the vertical line character |.

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 Global changes
Allows global changes of objects from the whole design structure at a time. For easier and better
replacement, it is useful to combine this function with the Display rules function (e.g. for displaying all
metal plates and rods when material is changed).
1) Path change - drawing names are saved with pathname. If you change the pathname for real
drawings (by renaming the directory), you can globally change the corresponding pathname to design
structure object names using this function.
2) Change attributes - a global change of a particular value of a certain object attribute (e.g. when one
material replaces another one).
3) Attribute name change - design structure object attribute name change. A global movement of non-
graphical information from one attribute to another (especially for change in case of attribute mask
change/fill - new attribute mask does not match the old block attributes after exporting non-
graphical information from drawing to design structure).

Drawings
Opening and viewing drawings from design structure environment. This function allows using
the design structure as a drawing manager.
1) Edit drawing - recalls the graphic editor with the selected drawing opened (design structure is
finished, in case of its reopening, the last open design structure is automatically opened).
2) Add next drawing - opens a drawing as well, with one difference - the edited drawing stays in
the computer memory and you can switch to it using the DCH command.
3) List drawing - the selected drawing is displayed in the viewing window, similar to the DRV
command.
4) List data - lists the non-graphical information (title blocks) from the information file (if created)
for the selected object (drawing).

List att.
Lists all non-graphical information for the selected object. When displaying the design structure, only
those attributes appear that have the list defined. This way, all attributes are listed into the dialog box.

Delete att.
Deleting non-graphical information - lists all entered non-graphical information of the selected
object in a dialog box. By choosing the attribute, the entered value is deleted. Also, you can delete the
attributes using the Change function provided you enter two minus signs -- instead of a value.

Sort
It is suitable to sort the design structure according to the usage before the output to BOM. You can sort
the design structure by any attribute, in ascending or descending order. During the sorting, you can
distinguish whether it is text or number, or sort numbers according to the alphabet or number value. It is
suitable to combine sorting with using the Display rules function.

Display rules
In case of creating BOMs of an individual assortment (e.g. bolts), you can use the advantage of
display rules. You can specify displaying according to one up to eight criteria and their combinations.
The criterion is defined from attributes where the searching character string is entered. When entering
the character string, you can use the selection filter (*, [, ], ! and ? conventions) or you can enter numbers
in the range of the lower and upper number value boundary for numerical attribute. The selected criterion
can be changed or deleted. Also, a new ones can be entered. The display requirements may or need not be
displayed in the design structure. If it is required to display even the higher level that contains the
required criterion, turn on the Save assembly displaying . If you need to delete only some objects from
the design structure, it is convenient to use the Blank function and select the required objects to be
discarded with the cursor. You can cancel the selection display anytime.

Display
The design structure window size indicates the amount of visible information or the number of
displayable characters on one design structure line. The maximum character number is 130. This setting

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supposes a minimal resolution of 1280x1024. With a lower resolution and window set to 130 characters,
the window will not fit on the screen. In this case it is useful to set a reasonable window size and
determine which information will not be displayed, or which way they will appear. Choose the required
setting in the dialog box.

Next design structure

This function allows to open another design structure.

Export/import
You can add an design structure into another design structure or export a portion of an design
structure. Selected design structure portions (on the same level) may be exported into a formatted text
file - BOM. Such file can be placed using the TXI text insert function as graphical objects into the
drawing. Then, it forms a separated BOM or parts list above the title block. Before inserting, you can edit
the file in any text editor as any other text file. The Export/import function performs the non-graphical
information flow.

1) Export of part to other BOM - exports the selected object including its subgroups into a new
design structure - after entering the new design structure name.
2) Import of part from other BOM - chooses a design structure file from the directory and inserts
it into the edited design structure. Define the object the design structure will be inserted below and
whether it is inserted at the same level or included under the defined object.
3) Export to list of parts - exports the selected object including all objects at the same level into a
formatted text file. The output method is defined by the attribute mask - see AMA - attribute mask.
You can further insert the text file into a drawing as a separate BOM or parts list above the title block, or
further process it in text/database program.
4) Export to data files - as some design structure object data may be identical with data in drawing
data files (title blocks), after running this function, data from the whole design structure is exported to all
drawing data files according to the cross mask (see the CMC function - cross mask creating).
5) Import from data files - similar to the previous function, but with reverse data transfer.
6) Ascii data export - creates an design structure ascii transfer file with information about the
product structure for next non- graphical information processing in other information systems. The data
export and import is processed based on the export mask (see the EMA function).
7) Ascii data import - creates a design structure from an ascii file of the same format that is derived
in the previous paragraph.

Save
allows to save the design structure to disk during your work. The design structure is saved to same
pathnames as the drawing documentation. The filename extension is *.arc.

14.2 Add to Design Structure

ADB - adds to design structure
allows to add the drawing you are editing into the design structure. The design structure and save to
design structure functions are called automatically, the currently edited drawing name is suggested to be
the added object name.
The significance of this function is that you can create design structure during drawing.

14.3 Attribute Mask (BOM Indent)

The attribute mask is a basic mask. It indicates which non- graphical information (attributes) is being
processed. It is useful for the attribute mask to contain all non-graphical information that you can
use during your work, including information you do not want to display anywhere (information
purposes only). It also defines the non-graphical information property (ordinary, name, number of

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elements and filename) and its type (text, integer and real value). The attribute mask defines non-
graphical information listed into the BOM, design structure or both/none (information is available
only on request). Each non-graphical information has a fixed character number assigned (column size)
for displaying either in the BOM or design structure, and for text adjustment in the column to the left or
right. For ascii output to databases, it is possible to insert a separator (vertical line character |, or semi-
colon ;) between each non-graphical information . The attribute mask is defined using the AMA
command. In other words, the attribute mask contains definitions of data and properties being added to
the objects in the drawing (e.g. name, drawing number, number of elements, etc.).

14.3.1 AMA - attribute mask

This function creates the stand.ams file in the configuration directory. There can be only one
attribute mask, or only under this filename. Otherwise, if necessary, you can use multiple attribute masks,
and you can copy the desired mask into the configuration directory manually.

Choose from dialog box:

1) Add object - a new object is added below the selected object.
2) Change object - change the values for selected object.
3) Move objects - moves the selected object to another position in the dialog box. According to the
object sequence in the attribute mask, individual non-graphical information is listed from the design
structure into the BOM ( Export/import design structure function).
4) Remove object - removes the selected non-graphical information from the attribute mask.

The attribute mask dialog box informs about non-graphical information setting (in symbols):
Type:
T - text
I - integer,
R - real value (defines a valid characters filter for keyboard input.
Property:
nothing - ordinary,
N - object or association name,
P - number of elements,
F - corresponding filename,
D - date (not used yet).
The attribute property is used in special cases (e.g. number of elements is used for automatic attribute
extraction - the sum of objects with the same name is added to the attribute with this property).
BOM column width and file column width: - the character number defines the design structure
layout (in formatted display) and BOM layout (for inserting into the drawing, it is necessary to test a
sample with text insertion into the drawing using TXI function - you should correct the layout with
respect to drawn BOM table or parts list).
Values are listed: - specifies whether the information is listed:
F - to file,
D - to display (in design structure),
N - the output to file is ended with a new line - (multiple line BOM).
To column value is printed: adjustment L - left, R - right). Text separator: suitable for output to
database - use the separation sign according to your usage | or ; . The attribute mask is saved in the
stand.ams file. This file is stored in the user configuration directory.

14.4 Text Insertion - Inserting BOM into Drawing

You can create a BOM in the drawing or a separated BOM using the TXI command for inserting text.
However, it is useful to add this command to a macro for inserted text configuration. Thus, when creating
the BOM (title block), correct text values are set (size, type and relative text width, text listing
upwards/downwards inserted text name provided you are using only one) to correspond to the defined
BOM. For description of creating macros, see Creating Macros .

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14.5 Cross Mask
The cross mask enables data translation between information (title blocks) and design structure files
(BOMs), if attributes are common. You can set it using the CMC command. It is saved in the stand.xms
file.

14.5.1 CMC - cross mask creating

Options from the dialog box:
1) Add object - a new mask object is added below the selected object.
a) select corresponding object from data mask - title block mask name for information translation.
b) select corresponding object from attribute mask - determine which objects from the attribute
mask are identical.
- Transcription method - same level transcription, when exporting/importing, data are translated
according to the design structure structure from corresponding active objects (drawings) into
corresponding data files. If the transcription is not at the same level, data are translated from the design
structure - transcription from higher level - higher assemblies on all objects included under the
assembly one position down (e.g. data - superior assembly name).
2) Change object - changes the values for the selected object as in the previous paragraph.
3) Remove object - removes the selected object from the data mask.

14.6 Data Mask - Title Block Filling Mask

The specified data enable entering non-graphical information concerning the drawing. This information
may be linked to the table filling in the drawing, e.g. a title block. As the drawing may contain data for
multiple drawings, according to more masks, during creating, the mask name is defined. In the mask, the
data drawing method is defined, e.g. drawing an object into the title block. The attributes of text and its
location are defined. Data masks are saved to *.ims files. These files are stored in user working directory.
It is necessary to mention that changing the data mask changes only the user working environment. If
the change should be available to all users, the changed mask must be copied to the system directory or
alternative installation directory.

14.6.1 DTM - entering data mask

From the directory, choose a name of a data mask to be changed, or enter a new mask name. If a
new mask is entered, define whether the information data will be drawn to a drawing (title block) too.
After defining the mask name, choose from dialog box:
1) Add object - new information is defined for the selected mask object.
2) Change object - the selected object is changed.
3) Move objects - moves information data to another location within the mask, the data sequence in
the mask defines the value list sequence during for inserting values into the title block.
4) Remove object - the selected object is removed from the mask.
5) Save - the created mask is saved.
If you choose an option for entering or changing the mask from the dialog box, you should define the
data name, type (T - text, I - integer, R - real value), destination (ordinary, N - name, P - number, F -
file). These objects are displayed by writing the letters in the window next to data. If the data is bound
to displaying in the drawing, then during entering, their names are drawn in an exact position relative to
the entered insertion point of the title block or table. After entering such data, it is necessary to define the
text location and attributes. When entering, it is clear what the filled title block will look like.

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14.7 Filling Title Blocks
DRI - entering information
This function enters or changes non-graphical information in an edited drawing. Entering is done
according to the data mask. In case of title block filling, it is convenient to use a macro for automatic
opening of appropriate mask for inserted title block.
After selecting a mask, enter or change the values, confirm whether the data after entering/changing is
to be drawn into the title block/table and whether it is to be saved in the drawing data file. If you choose
yes, then enter the insertion point after finishing entering. Using this point, the values will be drawn into
the drawing using the method defined in the data mask
- DTM .
The data file contains a description independent on the graphical objects. If the information should
be drawn, it is useful to delete any old graphic texts from the appropriate tables or title blocks, as all
the data is drawn again.
Drawing data files are stored in same directories as drawings, they have a same name, but the *.inf
extension.

GDA - entering non-graphical information about drawing

Similar function to DRI , but has different technique. You process entering using graphic input
(specifying using cursor) for filling title block columns.
Choose a non-graphical data mask from the directory. Enter the title block or filled table insertion
point. Process entering by specifying the columns that are to be filled in the title block or table using the
cursor. According to the input position, entered insertion point and data from the data mask, the system
recognizes the required information type. After entering the data from the keyboard, data is saved to data
file and drawn to the position defined in the mask and with attributes defined in the mask.

14.8 Deleting Information from Title Blocks

DDA - deletes data.
This functions deletes selected non-graphical data in the edited drawing. Because the data file may
contain data based on multiple data masks, it is necessary to choose the mask whose data are to be
deleted. From the data menu, choose the information for deletion.

14.9 Listing Drawing Data

LDI - lists data about drawing
From the desired directory, choose the drawing name. Non-graphical information from the selected
drawing is listed.

14.10 Exporting Non-graphical Information

To translate from/to production management systems that work with the production structure, it is
necessary to convert data from the design structure files and non-graphical data files to requested
formats. The export files are created in the path defined by PTH .

14.10.1 EMA - export mask

In the export mask, you enter the object translation method from design structure to an ascii file and
vice versa.
You define which objects are exported to file (which attributes), whether their definition is
necessary in the design structure for export and order the attributes are exported in.

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 Then, define the file format (object separators or fixed lengths for individual data), diacritic
marks export and lowercase-uppercase translation.
The export mask allows to change the output file so that it greatly suits the loading options in the
information system, database system or spreadsheet processor.

15 Graphical Library Contents

Graphical libraries contain selected mechanical parts according to standard, object blocks and
marker symbols. The graphical libraries are further expandable using the C language or own
block/symbol customization/creation.

PDT - parametric shapes (blocks), mechanical parts

Select a parametric block file from directory. Enter parameters for created block. After the input,
insert the block dynamically into the drawing. During placement, the block is drawn with the
highlighted color. Confirm the final position by pressing Enter. Options during insertion:
F4 option - scale, rotation or rotation by the existing objects,
F3 option - new insertion point position.
The user parametric block creating is described in the programmer’s guide. It is suitable to insert
the parametric blocks from the icon menus. Graphical libraries normally provided with the system are
created mainly as parametric blocks. Parts from these libraries are called using macros.

PDF - data file editing

The function allows to edit, add or create data files that contain mechanical part dimensions in
parametric shape libraries (blocks or graphical libraries). If you use selection editing, it is necessary for you
to insert your data to other pathnames than installation ones for VariCAD, because you could lose your
data during upgrading.
During editing modify the following:
- data. Here, you can change actual part dimensions or add or remove new parts.
- variables. Define new variables or change their name. As the shapes are generated in an external
program, you can not remove the variables, because the shape generator would miss data.
- attributes. You can change attributes inserted into blocks and loaded from the design structure and
BOM.
- name. You can change the block name (part name) which is then loaded into the design structure and
BOM.
- selections. Only query change in the dialog box.
- dialog box. Enables creating new software by a developer. It defines the dialog box layout where you
choose dimensions.
- execution. Defines external program name that generates the block (part) shape.

15.1 Engineering
Screws
Nuts and washers
Pins
Bearings
Splineways and threads
Rolled profiles
Hydraulics
Tolerance
Electronics
Pneumatics
Welds

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16 Mechanical Part Calculations

16.1 Tension springs

Compression spring
Extension spring

16.2 Mechanical parts connections

Keys
Spline shafts
Screws
Pins

16.3 Torsion

16.4 Bearings

16.5 Gears
Spur gearing
Straight bevel gearing

16.6 Belt drives

16.7 Bend

16.8 Section Area Calculation

2DA - 2D surface characteristics

Calculates the surface area, perimeter, moment of surface respect to x and y axis, bending section
modulus respect to x and y axis, surface gravity coordinates and optionally draws construction lines in
the gravity center.
You enter surface the same way as you do with the outline while hatching.

17 Plotting, Printing
Provided the device (plotter, printer) is large enough to print the required format, you can print in 1:1
scale. If it is not, the system features format cropping, zoom out or printing more sheets. Before output
to the printer or plotter, you can preview your drawing.

17.1 Printing to a Device under Windows NT/95

For output to devices, VariCAD uses system drivers. It is necessary to have the drivers correctly
configured in order to reach the right print results. Sometimes, the drivers are set from the manufacturer
to a smaller size than the device is able to print. The printing method is defined in the WPR or
WPS commands.

WPR - printing to Windows printers

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 After calling this function, a Windows dialog box appears where you choose the appropriate printer or
plotter according to the installed drivers. In this dialog box, you can also modify the drivers (usually
without permanent saving). Modification with a permanent save is done elsewhere.
After selecting the printer, specify:
- whether you print the whole drawing (size according to the defined drawing format) or just the screen
- scale, which you use for printing to printer. The 1:2 scale means that everything is zoomed out 2x
for the output. The printing scale has nothing to do with the drawing scale. Drawing scale ensures
construction objects size change when displaying and printing, while describing objects sizes (text,
dimensions) stay unchanged according to the specified parameters.
- paper format used for printing - optionally, set the line widths or color mapping.
If you want to print a larger size than the maximal proportions of the printer (plotter), VariCAD
enables format cropping, zooming out or printing several sheets.

WPS - printing to Windows system printer

Similar to the WPR function, but the driver from installed printers is not chosen. The Windows
NT/95 system printer is used.

17.2 Data Output to Unix Devices

PRN - VariCAD’s drivers, printing under Unix
Print process is similar to that one in Windows. After choosing the command, you can select printer
from the printers list.
Data output to output devices of all types is always performed to files. If you require a direct output
to the device, the graphical data file is sent to the device based on the defined operating system
command, usually a lp spooler.

17.2.1 System Command Setting for Export to Devices

Setting is individual for each Unix type. Usually, it is necessary to previously define "printer" for
concrete device, in the system administrator or desktop manager. For output to serial port, you should set
the port transmission characteristics for connection with the device (transmission speed, parity,
stop-bits, etc.). With output to matrix or laser printers, it is necessary to ensure the transmission of 8 bits
- bitmaps are transmitted. It is recommended to overpass head printing (no banner).

17.2.2 Setting the Printed Lines

LWD - sets the line width and change color mapping
You can set the printed line width for each color number.
You can change any color before printing. Color changing is suitable for color printers or where the
one-color printer driver removes lighter color printing. Then, map these colors to darker hues. VariCAD
white color is already considered black for printing before mapping, because printing is always
processed with darker colors on lighter background. (black ink on a white paper).

17.3 Image Export to Bitmap Files

Screen capturing under WINDOWS is possible using the Print Screen key, and subsequently inserting
the image into a program capable of processing bitmap files.
Under Unix operating system, it is possible to do so using the xv program. This freely distributed
program allows capturing both the whole screen and its part to a bitmap file. This way you can create new
files for further processing in text or other programs able to load bitmap files. The xv program is
installed into the /usr/X/bin or /usr/bin directory.

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18 3D Modeling
3D solid modeling is partially possible from a finished 2D documentation. More natural and suitable
method is to model directly in 3D and create the 2D documentation by exporting views and sections. If
you work in 3D from the construction design beginning, you get many advantages. The 3D design is
created in a natural way and there are no simplifications and schematic display as when drawing in 2D.
You have real solids with their location in space defined, you can manipulate them freely, get their
characteristics (e.g. mass, volume, surface area), perform crash tests and the ability to assemble, etc.
Multiple actions and processes common in 3D are practically impossible in 2D space.
3D can be used during construction works only partially, e.g. to get the mass of a certain solid or to
create prospects and collateral documentation (spare part catalogue, assembly schemes, etc.).
In case of simple work, which you do not have to return often to, you can use 2D only. Besides,
3D modelling requires rather more advanced hardware to work on.
The 3D model uses CSG tree advantages (solid creation history) and solid B-presentation (solid
surface intersections). It allows to access the tree branches, but also the tree parts without having to
display tree schemes in a complicated way.

18.1 Hardware and Software Requirements for 3D

For a satisfying work with less complex models, it is recommended to use a computer with at
least 32MB RAM and a Pentium processor. For an effective work with intermediately extensive
assemblies, you should use 64MB RAM and a Pentium II processor. Also, it is recommended to have a
graphic adapter with 3D hardware acceleration and OpenGL support. Such a graphic adapter should
have Z-buffer and double-buffer support and at least 8MB RAM, 16MB is better. The current VariCAD
version does not use texture, so its support on the graphic adapter stays unused. The recommended
display depth is 15 or 16 bits, that is 32 768 or 64 536 colors. A higher number of colors can slow down
3D display as well as resolution higher than 1280x1024 pixels.
If you use displaying with 256 colors only, OpenGL does not display correctly, you have to turn it off.
Though you can use VariCAD without the OpenGL support, 3D work without it is less effective.
Versions without OpenGL are delivered only temporarily for Linux.

18.2 3D Setting and Configuration

18.2.1 Configuring 3D Display

OGL - sets OpenGL
Turns on and off the OpenGL library usage and the usage method when working with graphics
(e.g. smooth changes of shading). Use the OpenGL display if the graphics adapter is set to more than
256 colors (recommended memory on the graphic adapter is at least 8MB and more).
When your graphic adapter (display) is set to 256 colors, you should turn off the OpenGL display.
If you have a slower computer or an extensive scene, it is better to turn off OpenGL display for
smooth changes of shading and switch to "wire" display. The changes are not done with shading, but
with boundaries only. Shading is processed after the view change is finished.
You can use the OpenGL libraries to display rotation, movement or 3D view zoom in wire
drawing, smooth changes of shading or smooth changes of shading & edges.
You can use the 16 or 32 bit Z buffer to speed up and optionally switch the single or smooth
redraw (double buffer). The display applicability is dependent on the hardware and the processed data
volume - you should test the performance first. If you have enough memory, you can turn on the OpenGL
usage for area restoring under windows after closing windows (dialog boxes, floating icon menus, etc).

3DS - sets 3D display

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 You set the shaded solids drawing method (or edge and solid surface drawing method). You can
permanently turn on or off shading for all solids. When shading, you can display only solid edges, all
wires or all facet edges.
You can set whether the solid will be displayed with one color only, or the color of tools that
performed the operations on the solid is preserved, e.g. the hole color or the rounded edge color may be
identical as the original solid color.
If you turn off shading, the solid will be displayed using wires. You can set their density.
The density of wires displayed influences the ability to recognize solids by cursor detection and their
snapping, because the cursor snaps onto the edges and cylinder surface wires. A higher density
facilitates cylinder surface snapping, because the number of wires is higher, but deteriorates snapping of
other solids in front or behind such surface.

EPC - sets eye display changes

It indicates the sensibility to the mouse movement during the smooth view change. If the "Sensibility
to mouse movement" option is checked, the view change step will be dependent on the mouse movement
speed.

ISO - sets an isometric view

Enter the rotation angles around individual axis to define the isometric view.

18.2.2 Solid Creating Configuration

3DC - sets solid creating
You can set a higher or lower density of revolving surface segments. A higher segment number
makes the display more qualitative, but it increases the hardware requirements, so it slows down
display and any manipulation with solids. By turning off the constant segment number you ensure a
smaller amount of segments with small cylinder surface diameters. The cylinder is presented as a polygon
extruded into space, basic segment number is 32 for lower density and 64 for higher density.
Color hue number defines the shading quality. Higher hue number generates better display, but half
reduces the displayable color number unless you use displaying using OpenGL. The hue lightning
specifies how close (in percentage) the darkest color gets to black.

18.2.3 Placement Configuration, Panel Positions and Others

3DL - sets 3D location
This is a setting for communication panels (icon menus) for solid placement in space. You can
optionally set step or smooth placed solid dragging and the option for snapping to inserted solids. Then,
you can set the icon menu position - a place where such temporary menu will always appear.
You can turn on the first location of the newly inserted object automatically according to the
previous object inserted. The inserted object, that is the newly created solid (prism, cylinder, hole,
revolved part, screw, bearing, etc.) will be placed in the location of the last inserted solid and will
inherit its rotation, too.

2EF - sets 2D profile editing panel position

Enter the position of the panel with icon menus for 2D profile editing during solid modification (
MSO ). The 2D profile editing icon menu appears always at this place.

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18.3 Display in 3D

18.3.1 Display in 3D, 2D/3D Switching

Several commands for working with the image (normally used in 2D), can be used in 3D, too. These
commands behave based on the fact, whether they are run from 2D or 3D. They are e.g. ZOOM , PAN
, ZWI , ZALL , ZFO , ZPR , and others.
Commands operating in 2D or in 3D only always automatically switch display to 2D or 3D. In some
situations, this switching is impossible and the system displays a warning. You can switch between 2D
and 3D using the 2D and 3D commands. If you are switched to 3D, you will work in the model
space. If you are switched to 2D, you will work in the drawing area. The model and 2D drawing do not
relate to each other. However, you can take profiles out of 2D to create 3D or create a drawing by
exporting a view into 2D.

To get a smooth view change to 3D space, move the mouse after pressing:
Ctrl + mouse selection button - view movement
Shift + mouse selection button - view zooming
Ctrl + Shift + mouse selection button - view rotation
1. mouse confirmation button + 2. mouse selection button
- view rotation
1. mouse confirmation button + 2. mouse "undo" button
- view zooming
1. mouse "undo" button + 2. mouse selection button
- view movement

You can also change the viewpoint incrementally using

- Shift + arrow key
- Ctrl + arrow key
- Ctrl + Shift + arrow key.
S3K command allows you to set increment interval. Viewpoint rotation using arrow keys is useful,
if the smooth rotation is not very smooth due to many 3D objects present in the drawing.
Shift and Ctrl keys allow you to use up to three different increments. Left arrow key and right arrow
key rotate the view around vertical display axis. Up arrow key and down arrow key rotate the view
around horizontal display axis.

S3K - sets viewpoint rotation angle using arrow keys

Define the rotation angle using dialog box.

The standard mouse button setting (unless you change it using the MPS command) is:
left mouse button- selection
middle mouse button - "undo"
right mouse button - confirmation
To zoom in a view, move the mouse cursor down, to zoom out a view, move the mouse cursor up.
It is rather convenient to call most of the following commands from icon menus of 3D functions
where the display icons are well-arranged in the lower part. To save or restore individual views, use
the separate "DISP" floating menu.

2D - switches to drawing area

3D - switches to model space
RNP - rotates the view according to the normal, perpendicular to the selected plane. It is used
especially to export views to 2D.
SHW - switches between shading with highlighted edges and wireframe of all solid.
ZWI - zoom region
It displays the selected region on the entire screen area.
ZPR - zoom previous (undo)
It sets the previous view - undo. The number of undoing is not limited.

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 ZRD - zoom redo
It redoes the previous step from the view history. If you undo and set a new view, redo is not available
in the history.
VCN - view rotation center
The rotation center is automatically set to the center of all solids in the space.
VCNI - view rotation center interactively
It sets the view rotation center to the specified location.

The following commands are not that important, as they either copy the actions described above or
they are derived from the pure 2D actions:
ZOOM - zooming
It displays the 3D display function pull down menu, if this command is entered in 3D.
Z3D - the overall ZOOM 3D menu
Like the ZOOM command.
PAN - panning
By holding the mouse button and concurrent mouse movement, the image is moved in the mouse
movement direction.
ZALL - automatically zooms all
It displays all existing solids on the whole monitor screen.
ZFO - zoom as format
It displays the 3D space according to the size of the defined drawing format in 2D (projection area
size), with no respect to the solid size and location.
ZDY - zoom dynamically
By holding the mouse button and moving the mouse, the image is either zoomed out (when you move
the mouse cursor up) or zoomed in (when you move the mouse cursor down).
PVR - partial view rotation
By holding the mouse button and moving the mouse, the model space view is rotated. When moving the
mouse vertically, the view is rotated around the horizontal screen axis, when moving the mouse
horizontally, the view is rotated around the vertical screen axis. Set the relation to mouse movement
using the EPC command.
VRO - view rotation
This function is similar to the PVR command with one difference - the view rotation is
performed simultaneously around axis that are defined by setting during the action of this command
using the F4 key. The function can be switched between ZOOM, PAN and rotation. With this command,
you can not set the relation to the mouse movement.
VPA - view panning
This function moves the drawing image on the screen. Setting like the VRO command.
VCE - center
It rotates the view into the start position of the basic drawing solid (it may be identical with the front
view).
The following commands enable setting the image to one of basic views of orthogonal projection.
VLE - left
VRI - right
VFR - front
VBA - back
VTO - top
VBO - bottom
VIS - isometric
X90 - rotation around x, 90 deg.
X180 - rotation around x, 180 deg.
X270 - rotation around x, 270 deg.
Y90 - rotation around y, 90 deg.
Y180 - rotation around y, 180 deg.
Y270 - rotation around y, 270 deg.

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 It is suitable to call the following functions transparently. You can save 8 views within each
drawing where ZOOM, PAN and 3D view rotation is saved. They can be used separately for 2D
drawing (without view rotation) and for 3D space. These view settings are saved with each drawing and
after drawing reopening, they are available again.

SV1 - saves display 1

SV2 - saves display 2
SV3 - saves display 3
SV4 - saves display 4
SV5 - saves display 5
SV6 - saves display 6
SV7 - saves display 7
SV8 - saves display 8
RS1 - restores display 1
RS2 - restores display 2
RS3 - restores display 3
RS4 - restores display 4
RS5 - restores display 5
RS6 - restores display 6
RS7 - restores display 7
RS8 - restores display 8

PGR - presentation
It allows to smoothly rotate the view around display axis. It is useful in product presentations. You
can achieve the smoother change on efficient computers or with simpler models.

18.3.2 Solids Blanking and Unblanking

BL3 - blanks solids in 3D space
When working in large assemblies, it is not necessary to display all the solids. To fasten the display
changes, it is suitable to blank some solids. When blanking, use blanking with group selection - this
allows to easily unblank again only some objects.

UB3 - unblanks blanked solid in 3D space

Unblanks all blanked solids in 3D space or unblanks only selected group solids.

GVI - group visibility change

Turns on or off the visibility of a whole group from group selection.

18.3.3 Solids Shading

Beside switching the shading - wired display of the whole scene of all solids ( 3DS , SHW ), you
can switch displaying for selected solids. Thus, you make an assembly part transparent. If you are using
OpenGL, such displayed wires are hidden behind the shaded solids. If the solid is set this way to be
displayed only using wires, the 3DS or SHW commands can not turn its shading on. It is possible only
the same way as the shading was turned off.
Only the overall and individual shading change is distinguished.

GSH - group shading change

It turns on and off group solids display - whether the whole group will be displayed shaded or with
"wires".

SHC - solid shading change

It switches shading display for the selected solid - "wire"

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18.4 Basic Volume Creating
You can create volumes by inserting predefined solids or using the common method, e.g. by
revolving a profile around the axis or by extruding a profile into space.
The created solids are placed into 3D space into the origin of the coordinate system or are
transformed into the same location as the last inserted solid according to the solid insertion setting
3DL . The inserted solids can be further transformed (see also: Transforming, Placing and Copying
Solids ) and modified (see chapter: Basic Volume and Solid Editing ). All newly inserted solids or
editing changes can be undone and redone.

The solids can be created by revolving the profile by specified angle or by 360 degrees, by
extruding the profile by specified height and using crossing between two profiles (e.g. truncated
pyramid, etc.) as described in the following sections:
Creating Solids by Revolving Creating Curve and Creating Solids by Moving Creating Curve , using
crossing between rectangle and circle, using crossing between profiles with concurrent rotation and
transformation with rotation (helix).

18.4.1 Predefined Solids

To create solids, it is recommended to use the basic object menu. The objects available in the system
are as follows:

PRS - prism
CYL - cylinder
PEL - elbow
TPY - truncated pyramid
CON - truncated cone
PIP - pipe
CPI - cone pipe

With solids created this way, you can enter the basic dimensions from the keyboard, measure them
right in the space, take dimension from same category objects or take all dimensions from same category
objects (e.g. by copying all cylinder dimensions and shape according to another selected cylinder). You
can also define the created object color.

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18.4.2 Creating Curves
When selecting 2D objects creating the future solid profile, it is possible to set next input during
profile definition by pressing the F4 key.
You can specify whether the solid reference point will be entered (solid coordinate system center)
or it will be automatically indicated on the first selected object. Then, it is the nearer line or arc
endpoint with respect to the cursor position during object selection.
Then, you choose specifying or automatic X axis direction definition. With specifying, you choose a
point which defines the future X axis orientation of the solid in 3D against the reference point. With
automatic definition, this point is defined according to the X axis direction in 2D, that is horizontally
right.
You can select the objects manually using the cursor, with region or using other selection modes.
You can also use the automatic polyline search option. For the selection modes description, see:
Snap Modes, Special Selections .
Automatic polyline creation:
e - if the cursor is on the object and you press the ’e’ key, automatic polyline search will be started.
The beginning is at the nearer object endpoint. You define a direction outside the profile, next objects are
selected by pressing the selection button. The polyline gets longer by adding new objects. Finish it by
pressing Enter (or mouse confirmation button).
f - if the cursor is over the object, a closed profile is found that the object is part of. You define a
side outside the profile and the result is a closed polyline.
The profiles must not cross or lay outside itself. With some solid types, multiple combinations with
multiple profiles may be used. However, the system will never allow an incorrect input.

Creating Solids by Revolving Creating Curve

RSO - revolves a profile
It is suitable to use the profile revolution where it is easier to draw 2D solid profile than to assemble
the solid from basic 3D revolved volumes. Similarly, it is more suitable to create this way a tool for
more complex shape hole than to create it using basic volumes and multiple Boolean operations.
You can revolve an open profile, the rotation axis is automatically defined as the connecting line
of both profile endpoints, or a closed profile. Then, you have to enter the rotation axis.

RSOP - partial revolution

Similar function to RSO with one difference - you enter an angle which the profile will revolve by.

prr - profile revolution

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 Select one (max. two) closed base profiles and a top profile (profiles). The profiles must be closed;
corresponding base and top profiles (outside, or inside) must have parallel edges, or with circles, they
must have the start and end angle identical. Then, enter the rotation axis and angle. You get a solid created
by partial profile base revolution, which smoothly transfers into the top profile during revolving.

HLX - helix
Select a closed profile for helix creation and define the reference point.
- the profile is normal section; e.g. circle for cylinder spring coiling creation. Enter the radius of
coiling (distance of the reference point from the axis), helix hight and rotation during the whole
elevation.
- the profile is axial section; e.g. thread axial section. (However, do not improve the connecting
objects this way! Helix are very demanding as far as the computing capacity is concerned. One average
screw with improved real thread loads your computer like one thousand holes or several hundreds of
threadless screws. The parameter input is same as in the previous function.
- the profile is radial section; e.g. the creation of half-finished product for bolt borer. The reference
point is the point which the specified profile turns around with concurrent elevation.
You always enter height in degrees. The negative rotation value creates a left-handed helix.

18.4.3 Creating Solids by Moving Creating Curve

ESO - extrudes a profile
The profile object selection is same as with revolved solids ( RSO ), you additionally enter the solid
height. The profiles may have included closed outlines which create holes after extruding the solid.

PYR - pyramid
Select the base and top profiles. The profiles must be two and always closed. Corresponding base and
top profiles (outer, with two profiles outer/inner) must have parallel edges or with circular arcs identical
start and end angle. Enter the solid height and the truncated pyramid is created. With two profiles a
truncated pyramid with hole.

PRC - profile crossing

The function is similar to the previous one ( PYR ) with the difference that the base or top can be a
rectangle (even with rounded corners) and the opposite profile can be a circle. You get a spatial crossing
from a rectangle to a circle.

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18.5 Transforming, Placing and Copying Solids

18.5.1 Placing Solids

STC - moves a solid (location change)
Like when inserting new solids into space, you have many snap and transformation modes
available when changing their location. While inserting and moving a solid, you can use multiple
inserting (copying).
During solid moving, the reference point is dependent on the orientation and position of the solid
coordinate system. The solids are placed using their reference point, orientation is ensured by the solid
coordinate system axis orientation.

18.5.2 Solid Coordinate System

When transforming a solid, the solid tripod is displayed. All the axis have different colors, you can
set their colors using the COL command - color setting. Normally, the X axis is red, the Y axis is
white and the Z axis is green.
If Boolean operations have been performed on the solid (e.g. hole drilling, another solid adding), the
solid coordinate system is defined according to the basic coordinated system of the primary solid. In
case of selecting multiple solids for transforming, one coordinate system from one of the selected
solids is used. During placing, it is possible to change the solid that is holding the coordinate system in
the selected solid group. Then you do the placing using another solid. Even on an individual placed solid,
you can change the coordinate system location (by moving,not rotating). Coordinate system axis of
other solids in space can be temporarily set visible during solid placing or transforming.
The solid coordinate system is (like the general space coordinate system) right-handed, that is X -
right, Y - up, Z - opposite the view direction.

18.5.3 Solid Transforming, Specifying 3D Location

Location Specifying
The cursor automatically detects solids while moving and marks some important points, like edge
middle points and endpoints. If edges or lines on the solid are highlighted by automatic cursor
detection and you press the corresponding key, the resulting reference point location of the placed solid
or location determination point will be the following:

E - endpoint of the highlighted edge

M - middle point of the edge
C - center of gravity of the highlighted curve
@ - circle center
O - nearest point on the highlighted edge
Some modes highlight itself by letter detecting, like ’E’ or ’M’, when you cross the endpoint or middle
point with the cursor. Then, it is enough to press the selection button and the location is specified at the
edge endpoint or middle point.

You can also specify the location by pressing a key or using an icon:
B - in the middle of two specified locations
G - same as B, but at the specified distance from the first point
K - absolute coordinates
D - dx dy dz
P - selected object reference point

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18.5.4 Location Transformation
When transforming solids, you can use also the following keys. However, it is more convenient to
choose the appropriate transformation method from the icon menu which temporarily appears during
transformation.

x , y , z - solid movement along its axis ( x or y or z ) in the highlighted vector direction by the
entered value; enter a negative value for the opposite vector direction
X , Y , Z - movement in the direction of another selected solid axis
t - movement in the defined axis direction
T - movement in the direction of the last axis of movement
u , v , w - rotation along the x,y,z solid axis (the rotation sense is positive according to the highlighted
vector, use the right hand rule, that is if you grab the vector with the right hand so that thumb shows the
arrow direction, the positive rotation angle is in the fingers direction)
U , V , W - rotation according to the selected axis of another selected solid
r - rotation along the specified axis - specified using two points
R - rotation along the last specified rotation axis
> - allows to snap onto the inserted solids
< - does not allow to snap onto the inserted solids
+ - copying (after inserting a solid, insertion continues)
* - copying into identical copies
- - cancels copying
A - highlights the tripod even on selected solids
a - turns off the tripod on the selected solids
n - defines new insertion (reference) point on the transformed solid
N - defines the new insertion point host (it is placed according to the other solid reference point)
= - takes back the last specified location (reverse), undo during transformation

The following transformation options can be entered from the icon menus only:
- dynamic dragging according along the own solid axis; if you hold the selection button and move
the mouse, the solid (solids) moves in the appropriate axis direction (if you specify the location in the
space, the inserted group reference point moves into the location of normal intersection from this point to
the transformation axis). In other words, it is moved into the plane defined by the normal (transformation
axis) and the point (defined location), it is moved in the specified axis direction.
- dynamic dragging along another selected solid axis
- dynamic dragging along the specified axis
- dynamic dragging along the previous axis
- dynamic rotation along own solid axis; it rotates smoothly or if you specify a location in the space,
additionally specified solid group point is rotated together with the solid group so that it lays in the
plane given by the rotation axis and the location specified in the space
- dynamic rotation along another solid axis
- dynamic dragging along the specified axis
- dynamic dragging along the previous axis
- agreement of solid axis and another solid axis direction
- agreement of solid axis with the selected area normal; you select the area by moving the mouse from
the center of planar area over its boundary. Then, the area outline is highlighted. Finally, press the
selection button
- solid axis rotation against the selected area normal
- solid area normal rotation against/in the another area normal direction
- predefinition of the solid rotation axis by pointing at the cylindrical surface, the axis of this cylinder
will stand for the future rotation axis
- similar predefinition of the axis direction vector
- sets the axis direction of solid from selected solid. If you leave original solid coordinate system
unchanged, the coordinate system will be the same as the display coordinate system. Tripod of this
system is displayed in the upper right corner of screen. This command synchronizes a solid with selected

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solid (select the first solid) and with global coordinate system displayed in the upper right corner. When
arranging solids, you generally synchronize any solid with any other solid.

18.5.5 Copying Solids

You can make solid copies using the above described methods. Press ’+’ and Enter, the solid stays at its
place and is copied into a new solid specified for next placement (copying). Specify a new location,
confirm it by pressing Enter and continue copying.
If you use ’*’ instead of ’+’, you copy into identical copies. These solid groups are distinguished by
the fact that a shape change on one solid transfers onto all other identity group solids. You can remove
a solids from the identical copy groups using the RSI command.

RSI - removes the selected solid from the identical copy group.

18.6 Selecting Solids

18.6.1 Solid Selection for Further Manipulation

Solid selections enables selecting into a selection set for further processing, e.g. transforming or
deleting (removing). You can determine (by pressing the selection button) whether the solid is to be
highlighted by the automatic cursor detection or it is not. According to the options available, you can
select even solid subparts (tree parts). You can switch the selection using a key or by choosing from the
pull down menu.

X - switches add/remove from the selected solid group

W - group selection, selects the whole defined group
A - selects all objects (whole space)
T - selects the whole tree (the whole solid)
S - selects individually from the tree (e.g. rib, hole, rounding)
B - selects the tree subgroup
N - selects the tree subgroup with the cutting (e.g. object with drilled hole) Undo (ctrl-bs) - gives back the
selected object.
R - highlights all solids that lie completely inside a marquee
I - highlights all solids that lie inside or cross a marquee
U - highlights all solids that lie outside or cross a marquee
O - highlights all solids that lie completely outside a marquee
E - highlights solids based on their names or defined attributes

MIRR3 - solid mirror

Creates mirrored copy of a solid including its attributes. The new created copy is an instance of the
original solid, that’s why you should display and edit attributes of the new instance. It is recommended
to edit the name of the instance. For example, if you instance aside plate, you create "right side plate"
and "left side plate", but other attributes, such as material, may remain unchanged.
When instancing, define a mirror plane you use to mirror a solid. When you define a mirror plane
from tripod, the plane is define by two axes, such as XY axes. The axes are distinguished using different
colors. The colors are displayed in upper right corner - in the 3D model space.

RSSO - 3D solid re-scale

Select the solids and reference point. Enter the zoom ratio. Selected solids will be re-scaled. The
reference point stays unchanged, other points on the selected solids will move closer to it (zoom value <1)
or move away (zoom value >1).

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18.6.2 Solid Groups

3GR - 3D solid groups

This function allows to create , delete and modify 3D solid groups. You can check group occupation;
solids belonging to the group will be highlighted. You can define the group contents (add/remove solids
from the group).
Groups predefine solids for the next selection. They can be advantageously used to blank and unblank
3D solids, for shading changes or the snapping. The solids competence to a group is analogic to the 2D
object competence to a workset, except that the 3D groups have no limits and they are called by the
names.
You can add even solid subparts like hole into a group. When selecting solids into a group, you should
switch the mode to ’S’. If you want to select just a subpart of the solid (e.g. for transformation) and this
subpart belongs to a group and the whole solid does not belong to a group, you should switch to subpart
selection, then select using the ’W’ option with appropriate group determination.

GSN - group snapping change

It allows to turn on or off the snapping of all objects in the group. Especially in complex assemblies, it
is convenient to turn off the snapping to some parts. During cursor movement, a lot of solid parts are
detected and the selection loses lucidity.

18.7 Boolean (set) Operations

18.7.1 Adding and Cutting Solids

VariCAD solid modeler uses Boolean solid adding and cutting (set operations) to create 3D models.
Using Boolean operations, the resulting model is created. It has the structure of the CSG tree. It
preserves the model creation history, which can be broken, or model subparts can be removed.
When assembling objects, the order is important. Suppose a solid belongs to an assembly binding
(identical copy, section group) and the second solid does not. When adding or cutting, these properties
stay with the solid, which it is added to or cut. The added or cut solid loses bindings and eventually
inherits new ones from the new complex.
If the solid has a defined alternative (screws, some keys, pins and other objects from the part
library) to cut, after selection you define, whether you cut the selected solid or if you are creating a hole
for it. e.g. cutting a screw set with the shank into another solid: - cutting the solid creates a hole with the
shank diameter - hole creation creates a hole according to the database (standard) for the screw
In order to add or cut solids, they must intersect or touch by a surface. An edge or point touch is not
enough.

ADD - adds two solids

Two selected solids will be added into one resulting solid.

CUT - cuts a solid

The first solid volume selected will be cut from the second solid selected. The resulting volume
creates by "pressing" a second solid (tool). After cutting the solid, the tool is removed.

CUTS - cuts a solid with tool preserving

Same function as CUT , but the tool is preserved. It is suitable for creating grooves for parallel
keys, the key is preserved and the groove is created in the shaft.

CUTPS - cuts a solid, saves a specified part

Same function as solid cutting ( CUT ). With a simple cutting, a situation can occur, when the solid
that is being cut is separated by the cutting solid into multiple parts which do not touch each other in the

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space. Only one specified part of the original solid stays with this function. It will be the part that was
nearest to the position where you have specified the solid.

CPSS - cuts a solid with tool preserving, saves a specified part This function is similar to the
previous one ( CUTPS ), the cutting solid is preserved.

ADDPC - adds solids, cuts a specified part

This function is similar to adding ( ADD ). With simple adding, the situation can occur that the
added solid penetrates through multiple surfaces of solid, which it is added to. With this function, only
the specified part of the added solid is preserved.

18.7.2 Rounding and Chamfering Edges

Edge filleting and chamfering is a little bit limited in this VariCAD version. Newer versions will be
able to fillet 3D edges.
Using a dialog box, highlight the edges you plan to fillet. You can highlight multiple edges, but such
edges have to be continuous. After highlighting edges to fillet, define fillet radius. The radius can be
taken from another fillet as well. The resulting fillets are fully associative. If you change solid location
or size, the fillets are changed automatically. However, if modified edge can not be filleted
automatically, such a fillets are removed and you will be notified of the removal. The Undo option
undoes the changes you made and restores the original fillets.
The fillet feature solves fillet overhangs to space or undercuts. The result fillets and chamfers can
be edited using MSO command.

RN3 - fillets edges

CH3 - chamfers edges

18.7.3 Hole Drilling and Milling

The following set operations are similar to real machining. According to the illustrating picture in the
dialog box, enter the required values, which define the tool. After placing the tool (described in
chapter: Placing Solids ), confirm its location. Then, the hole is created automatically, the solid part is

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removed, etc. This removed solid part can be changed using the MSO command, e.g. if you want to edit
the hole shape. During tool placement you copy the tool and create holes repeatedly.

HOL - hole creating

MIL - milling
GRV - groove creating

18.8 Basic Volume and Solid Editing

During solid creating, you can change the size and shape ( MSO ), location ( STC ) and color (
CS3 ) of individual solid parts. The following functions allow these manipulations. You can remove
individual objects from the solid ( RMS ) or break the whole solid tree ( TRX ) as well. All editing
changes, like inserting new solids, can be undone or redone.

MSO - modifies a solid

If the basic solid is created from the solid library (prism, cylinder, etc.), you can edit it by changing its
basic parameters the same way as you enter parameters for a new object. If it is created just using the
common method (e.g. by revolving a profile), you can edit it only by editing this profile using 2D
resources and by changing basic values (e.g. change the height for extruding into space).
If the basic solid is a part of the solid (tree) and after changing its shape, the tree can not be
assembled, the change will not proceed.

CS3 - sets 3D solid color

When creating solids and making set operations, the color of the resulting solid is defined according to
the specified color in 2D (profile revolving or transformation) or specified colors when entering
dimensions of the basic solids and tools. Using this color setting command, it is possible to change the
color of the whole solid or its parts (hole, machined surface, rounding, etc.).
To change colors of solid parts, use the 3DS command: The whole solid is displayed with one
color or each part can be displayed with a different color, if the part color is changed.

RMS - removes objects in 3D

The selection methods of removing object are described in chapter: Selecting Solids . The selected
solids or their parts will be removed. Unless a solid tree can not be assembled, the change will not be
done.

TRX - breaks a Boolean (solid) tree

By breaking the Boolean tree, all basic solids will be separated. The holes, chamferings, roundings
and milling will change to the old solids (tools).

18.9 Exporting Views and Sections from 3D to 2D

Solids created in 3D can be easily exported to 2D drawings. Thus, you create the 2D documentation.
You get a 2D view of the selected solid or solid group under the same view angle, which is specified in
3D. That is why you can rotate the view to get the basic views - front, top, left and right, and other
directions or rotate normal to the selected area ( RNP ).
Besides, you can also export sections. The process is the same, but it is necessary to turn on the
appropriate section - see also SEC .
The system allows to easily create drawing documentation right from the 3D models. You can use 2D
documentation management tools if you change the 3D model. The 3D/2D operations are fully associative.
The export from 3D provides several optional operations:
- line setting for drawing plot, the color may be inherited from the 3D model

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- hidden line display (specific line color)
- removing tangent blends or drawing those using different color. Tangent blends appear e.g. in filleted
edge/plane joint.
- smooth blend removal. These blends develop e.g. while solids adding (2 cubes touching each other by
one side).
- exporting a detail view only. Thus, you can easily create a detail of a small area without exporting the
whole 3D scene.

18.9.1 Re-export into 2D, 2D documentation upgrade

After export in 2D space, you can pan the view. Specify whether the export (cross section or a view)
will be included in reexports. With reexports defined, use the 32EN command to move all the views
back to 2D just like they were at the time of reexport definition. Each reexport includes a defined view
angle for model space, active cross sections and the properties listed above (export definition section).
If you perform reexport, all the corresponding views and cross sections are generated. The system
prompts for original export deletion/redraw with different linetype. If you choose to redraw, you can
switch the redraw priority while working in 2D using the SON command. Thus, you can either
highlight elements included in the old version (omitted in the new one) or elements that are new and had
never been in the original version.
If you change 2D documentation this way after changing the 3D, modify dimensions and hatches,
you should remove the appropriate reexports using the ROL command.
While working in 2D, you can transform entire views (pan, rotate, zoom). If all objects within a view
are selected for such change, the transformation will be saved in the reexport, too. Thus, reexport
upgrades 2D objects even after the transformation.
Object in 2D can be selected into a workset using the M key (you select all 2D objects belonging to a
single 3D solid in a view) or the G key (you select the entire view). This method is recommended with
transformations where you need to maintain association with the reexport. The transformation is not
included in the reexport unless you select all objects from the view.
You can remove the reexports - all of them at once or individually. The selection can be done in 2D
by picking a view or a cross section.

32E - exports required data

32EN - reexports required data (upgrades 2D)
REL - remove selected reexport
RLE - remove all reexports
ROL - remove previous reexport
SON - toggles the old/new reexport redraw
DON - as previous, priority defined in dialog box

HSE - cross section hatching

HPSE - cross section pattern hatching
These functions are similar to those used in hatching. However, they provide an easy way of
selecting hatch boundary corresponding to a cross section boundary exported from 3D. While such
selection, you add or remove objects from set of lines composing the cross section boundary. The
cursor automatically defines the entire cross section boundary and makes the boundary selection easy. If
you wish to select just a single element out of a highlighted boundary, press the L key (line) or the A key
(arc) provided the element is inside the cursor aperture.

18.9.2 Sections
SEC - creates, removes and turns on/off the section
If the sections are defined, you turn them on or off by simple clicking on the section name in the
section list. With solids with active section, some operations are limited, e.g. adding and cutting.
The available functions for working with the section are as follows:

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- adds section; section is added
- renames section; its name is changed
- removes section; the section is removed
- adds/removes objects; it defines which objects are separated by the section, if it is turned on
- defines the tool; it defines which solid creates the section. This solid is unavailable for any operation
after the definition, (except the color change on a section the turned on).
- removes tool; it removes from the section the solid which creates the section. You can transform the
tool (transform the section plane), edit (change section profile). After changing the tool definition, you put
the solid back to the section.
You create the tool as a simple solid, the best way is to extrude the profile into space or insert a
prism. The tool can not be a composed solid (added or cut) or belong to a group.

18.10 Check Functions and Calculations

You can get the exact calculation results (except crashes) by setting the cylindrical surface
approximation to a higher density ( 3DC ). With volumes and moment of inertia, the higher precision
of actual calculation is optional. The higher calculation precision always makes the calculation to
last longer.

18.10.1 Solid Volume, Mass and Center of Gravity

VOL - calculates a solid volume
The selected solid (solid group) volume can be calculated with different precision (F4 option). The
higher the calculation precision is, the longer time it takes to calculate it. After calculating the solid
volume, enter the mass density and the mass calculation is processed. During the calculation, the location
of the center of gravity of selected solids for the volume calculation is displayed in space. The
center of gravity coordinates are listed in the calculation table and they are defined from the coordinate
system origin.

MIN - solid moment of inertia

Similar to the previous function. Select a solid (solids), enter the first and second point of the axis you
calculate the moment of inertia to. You get the result after entering the mass density.

SAR - calculates a solid surface area

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 Select a solid and the function calculates its surface area. To get more exact result, set the display to a
higher number of segments substituted the cylindrical surfaces.

18.10.2 Crash Test

CRT - crash test
It performs the crash test for two solids or two solid groups. You can process the solid crash test
repeatedly, because the system remembers last defined solid groups. You can repeat crash test, e.g. during
solid transformation ( STC ) when rotating or transformating. The repeated crash test is called as
transparent function using the CRTR command (using the function key or invoking from the icon/pull
down menu).

18.10.3 Interferences among Solids

CHRD - displays the results of interference check.
This feature displays only the results of checking interference within an assembly. It was
included into VariCAD software as checking interference within complex assemblies can take much
time. This feature can be invoked from icon menu transparently within another feature.
The real checks for interference display results the same way as this feature:
- it displays intersection curves created by intersections of two 3D solids
- it displays positions on identical solids, that is on two and more identical solids sharing one place
- it displays position on smaller solid, which volume is completely shared by bigger volume of
another solid.
To check interference within an assembly, use the following commands:
ASCH - checks interference among all solids within an assembly
ASCHS - checks interference between selected solids and other solids within an assembly
ASCHN - checks interference among all solids except the selected ones
ASCHB - checks interference among the selected solids only

18.10.4 Coordinate Check

3DCO - this function checks point coordinates
For specified point, coordinates related to the absolute coordinate system are listed.

18.10.5 Distance Check

3DD - checks distance of points in 3D
Distance is listed for two specified points and dx , dy and dz from the first point to the second one.

DPP - calculates point-to-plane distance

Select a point and a plane. The shortest distance between the point and the plane is calculated as result.

DPC - calculates point-to-cylinder distance

Select a point in space and a cylinder lateral area/cylindrical hole surface. The shortest distance
between the point and surface/cylinder axis, and the cylinder radius are calculated as results.

SCY - calculates cylinder radius

Select a cylinder lateral area/cylindrical hole surface. The radius of the cylinder or the hole is calculated
as result.

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18.10.6 Other Check
ODT3 - 3D solid attributes
Lists the name and attributes of the selected object, the inserted items from a detailed file or the
exports into an assembly, the relations to identical objects, the cross-sections and the relations to groups.

STAT - displays 3D space information

Lists numbers of solids, inserted solids, basic elements, etc. These information indicate the
assembly complexity and a system performance.

18.11 Creating a Design Structure from 3D

VariCAD software allows you to define names and attributes of solids, and create design structure
from the model space. This design structure is data structure, which can be used to generate bills of
material (BOMs), ASCII files, and so on. See Design Structures and Nongraphical Information, BOMs
and Title Blocks .
This feature is available in 2D, too. However, the part list is created exactly in 3D only. Before you
create such a list, you can verify the integrity of solid names and their attributes. VariCAD software uses
a defined export mask for verifications. This export mask includes attributes needed for solids to
complete the proper input. In addition to it, you specify obligatory attributes for designed, constructed
parts by users, and attributes for purchased parts, that are not designed by a user.
If you add names and attributes to solids, you can retrieve solids using their names - for example, you
choose "Shaft D 60" from the list, or you choose all solids made from a specified material.
When defining attributes, VariCAD software sometimes provides value calculation, such as mass
or surface calculation, which is added to the attribute list automatically. Within design structure mask (a
mask defining attribute input), mass or surface calculation should be assigned to a specified value.

SAT - creates and edits attributes

Creates, removes, or edits attributes and name of specified single solid.

ATL - creates and edits attributes from selection

Creates, removes, or edits attributes and name of solids, selected from the list of solids. This list
includes names of solids. Optionally, the solids can be selected from the list using attribute values. For
example, you select solids with a specific material.

MTC - changes attributes globally

Changes an attribute value to another value. For example, it redefines a material within selected solids.

ATC - defines all attributes including verification

Verifies all solids using export mask. If any values are incomplete or missing, the values can be
added into the database record of the solid. Optionally, you can disable data input.

DSS3 - creates design structure from 3D

18.12 Mechanical Part Library in 3D

Like in 2D, even in 3D you can insert mechanical parts according to the library (screws, nuts,
bearings, etc.). Part and its dimensions selection is the same as in 2D with two slight differences. You do
not specify the drawing method (from side, in view, etc.), but you can define the creation alternatives.
The solids are created in the work, standard or precision alternative. For an already inserted or
copied solid, you can switch the alternative additionally using the ALT command.

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 The work alternative displays basic shapes and dimensions, it is suitable for construction working.
The system is not too loaded by the amount of data.
The standard and precision alternative is suitable for presentation or exporting to 2D. Especially
precision alternative is more calculation performance-demanding and makes the response time longer.
The solids are usually created only in two or one alternative. If the alternative is single, you can
not of course switch it using the ALT command. If there are multiple alternatives present, you can
not break the solid like a Boolean tree.

With some solids (screws, rings, parallel keys with holes for bolts), hole creation is defined for the
solid. When cutting or cutting with part saving ( CUT , CUTS ) you define whether you create, e.g. a
hole for the bolt (with a greater diameter than the shank diameter) or you create only the hole with
shank diameter. The appropriate hole dimension for the bolt is defined in the part dimension database.
Solids from library can be also replaced with other solids instead of single inserting.

ALT - switches the inserted part alternatives

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18.13 Working with Assemblies

18.13.1 Assembly
Assembly allows to edit details outside the assembly file - in a separate detail file. If you change the
detail, the change will be made in the assembly as well. If you change the detail in the assembly, the
change will be made also in the detail file. The detail can be inserted into multiple assemblies - such
change is to be done in multiple files.
After opening the assembly with the defined connections to details outside the assembly, the assembly
is opened the way it was saved. Then, the changed details are automatically updated from the detail
files. If the details are not found or files do not contain the defined object for export (detail-solid), a
dialog box appears offering solutions for such a situation. You can decide, whether you will load the
missing details from other files or you will remove the insertion connections or you preserve the
current state, which ensures the state of last editing in the assembly, but without further solution for
the missing file, the system will display the appropriate dialog box.
If the file contains inserted objects (imported), you can see the "I" identifier in the information
window. If the file contains the object, which is inserted into other assemblies (it is exported), you can
see the "E" identifier. The file can contain multiple solids and only some of them may be imported, it can
contain multiple solids and only one may be exported. However, it must not contain imported solids
and export solid together.
If the assembly connections are defined to one object of identical copies, detail changes are
transformed onto all identical copy objects.
Definitions, removals and modifications of inserted detail connections (assembly connections) are
described within the following command descriptions.
DIA - defines the detail insertion into the assembly, defines import
It defines for a selected object in the assembly that next time, it will be inserted from another file.
Enter the name of this file. If the file does not exist, it is created by saving only this 3D object. If the
file exists already, you can overwrite it the same way or leave it unchanged. Then, the detail object is
inserted from this file. Such an object must have a defined detail description (export into assembly).
This symptom is created automatically by creating files, if the file does not exist or you create it using the
DEE command.
Except the insertion definition, you can redefine the insertion. If the object is inserted from file,
you can define that it is inserted from another file. This is necessary, e.g. when the detail is in multiple
assemblies and you need to change it in one of them but not in the others. This way, you create a new
part.

CSI - cancels the solid insertion

It cancels the inserting for the selected solid, the object will not be inserted from the detail file and any
changes will be kept in the assembly.

CAI - cancels all solid-into-assembly insertions

DEE - defines the export

For the selected solid, you define that it will be inserted into an assembly. Except the DIA command,
you can define assembly connections so that you define export of a selected object in the detail file and if
you insert such a file into the assembly using the common method ( DPO - insertion of a file into
another one), this inserted object will be always inserted from the detail file.

CDE - cancels the detail export property.

The object will not be inserted into any assembly.

ROI - redefines the object inserting

95
 If the defined object is inserted into other assemblies (detail), you can define that another object
will be inserted instead of this one from this file. Thus, you ensure alternative change in the assembly.

RAI - recovers assembly imports

This function re-imports all the inserted details into the assembly. These details could have been
changed, so assembly update is ensured.

DSO - defines the saving and inserting detail’s objects (assembly) when working with multiple open
drawings.
If you edit multiple files simultaneously and switch among them, they are not saved. If there are
assembly connections defined in these files, you can define detail saving when switching or inserting
details into assembly. The detail editing is directly reflected in a concurrently opened assembly, but the
file is saved outside the saving command.

18.13.2 Other Resources

For work in assembly, you have another options available (described above):

- identical copies (see also Copying Solids ). Allows to transform the change of one object onto another
one.

- working with groups, especially the option to collectively turn on and off the visibility, shading and
snapping of the groups. See also the 3GR , GSN , GSH , GVI functions.

18.14 Surface Development

SDE - creates development of 3D solid surface.
If you can inlay lines along 3D solid surface, you can create development of 3D solid surface, or
project a plane into 2D. Thus, you can create surface developments of the following solids:

- plane
- lateral area of a cylinder
- cone
- lateral area of rectangle-circle crossing
- fillet created the same as two-plane fillet

Select a face for creating development. The face will be highlighted. After your choice is accepted,
you create 2D development and the table of XY coordinates.

18.15 3D Printing
If you want to plot or print a shaded 3D scene, it is necessary to capture the screen using resources
outside VariCAD and print the bitmap file from other programs, as VariCAD does not support bitmap
format processing. Under Windows NT/95, you have the Paint Shop program available, under Linux, it is
xv.
Otherwise, you can export the 3D scene to 2D with hidden edges and then print from 2D as for any
other 2D drawing.

96
18.16 Tips and Recommendations for Work in 3D
If possible, compose solids from basic solids from the libraries (prism, cylinder, pipe, etc.). Those
solids can be very easily edited. Use the predefined operations as with hole drilling and milling.
In some cases, when the resulting solid is created by simple revolving of a single profile (especially
complex shaft) or by extruding the profile into space, it is suitable to use these common methods.
If you have to cut a solid and create a shaped hole, it is suitable that the tool (cutting solid) will
overlap out of the bigger solid and not that only the front surfaces of the tool will touch from the inside
the bigger solid. For the same reason, it is necessary to enter the drill overlap creating the hole for the
HOL function even in the direction out of the material. Similar rule applies to solid adding in the
opposite sense.
Do not use multiple open drawings in 3D - the hardware resources are significantly loaded. You
can open multiple drawings in 2D.
If you are working with a lower cylindrical surface segment density, the display is a little worse but
the system works faster (set it in 3DC ). On the other hand, while exporting to 2D, calculating volume
and surface area, it is more suitable to use a higher segment density.
If you are working with an assembly, it is more suitable to model individual details separately in
several files. In such files, there is less data and the system works faster. It is suitable to use assembly
connections, where the detail is edited in the separate file and it is inserted into the assembly
automatically when opening assembly.
With Boolean operations, use adding and cutting with part saving only where you need to do so.
They take more computing time compared to other operations and the file opening time is longer, too.
If you have identical objects in the assembly, use identical copies. By changing one object, you
automatically update the other ones as well.
With solids inserted from the mechanical part library, work always in the work alternative. Use
standard or precision displaying for export to 2D or presentations. The work display ensures higher
speed of your work, while the basic dimensions and shapes are preserved.

19 Internet Connection
To run Web browser with predefined VariCAD Web pages, use the following commands.

INH - home page

INO - online orders
For demo version owners.

INN - what’s new

INI - upgrade
You can upgrade your purchased VariCAD software anytime, unless you signed different license
conditions. After purchasing VariCAD software, you can freely download new demo version, which
changes to fully functional VariCAD software automatically, if a key file is included in your VariCAD
software. The Web pages listed here allow you to download the upgrade.

INF - feedback
FAQ - frequently asked questions

INST - sets up the Internet connection

You define your Web browser. When using Windows NT/95/98 it is recommended to use default
browser, in Linux, you should use Netscape Navigator.

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20 Command Reference

20.1 Creating 2D Objects

LIN - line (F4 in ortho mode or locking)
MLL - multiple line
ARR - arrow
AXI - axis (of circles or linear)
LAX - linear axis
CAX - circle axis
RECT - rectangle
POL - polygon
TAN - tangents (tangents to two arcs)
GRA - graph (values read from disk)
SPL - spline
SHA - shafts and rotation parts
HOL - 2d holes

POI - point with free input

POC - points on the circle
PLN - points on the line separated by the number of points
PLD - points on the line separated according to the points distance

CCR - circle center radius

ACR - arc center radius start and end angle
CCP - circle center point on the perimeter
ACP - arc center radius start and end point radius vector
CR2 - circle radius 2 points center side
AR2 - arc radius 2 points center side
C3P - circle 3 points
A3P - arc 3 points
APT - arc point tangent (line or circle)
AT2 - arc tangent to 2 objects and radius (line or circle)
CT2 - circle tangent to 2 objects and radius (line or circle)
TG3 - circle tangent to 3 objects (line or circle)
HOL2 - 2D holes

NOTE - note (dynamically placed even a multiple line text)

TEX - text lines (written like in a text editor) just vertically
TXI - text file insertion

ELL - ellipsis
HAT - hatches
AHB - automatic hatch boundary searching
PHA - pattern hatching
APH - automatic hatch boundary searching , with pattern
CHP - create hatch pattern

20.2 Dimensioning
HDI - horizontal dimension
VDI - vertical dimension
SDI - slant dimension
RDI - radius dimension (R)
DDI - diameter dimension (D)

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ADI - angular dimension
FSY - finish symbols
WSY - welding symbols
TSY - tolerance symbols
HPD - horizontal parallel dimensions
HSD - horizontal serial dimensions
HDD - horizontal datum dimensions
VPD - vertical parallel dimensions
VSD - vertical serial dimensions
VDD - vertical datum dimensions
SPD - slant parallel dimensions
SSD - slant serial dimensions
SDD - slant datum dimensions
HDM - horizontal diameter dimensions
VDM - vertical diameter dimensions
SDM - slant diameter dimensions
HTH - horizontal thread dimensions
VTH - vertical thread dimensions
STH - slant thread dimensions
THR - thread dimensions

POS - positioning
WSY - weld symbols
TSY - tolerance symbols

20.3 Editing 2D Objects

DOB - deleting objects
BLA - blanking (objects, types, layers, styles, pens)
UBL - unblanking

ETX - editing text (transcription of the text with new text)

MTL - moving text lines (one line up or down)
EDM - editing dimensions
EDI - editing dimension (dimension text) + tolerance
MDT - moving dimension (dimension text)
TWD - text width
TAC - text attribute change
JTX - justifying text
BTF - breaking text font

EXP - exploding an object

BLN - breakline
MLA - modifying layers
MPE - modifying pen number (color)
MLT - modifying linetype
MP3A - modifies pen number (color) of 3D axes

BPO - breaking by point

BBO - breaking by boundary
TBO - trimming by boundary
EBO - extending to boundary
CEC - creating entire circle from arc
CCO - creating a corner
RSG - removing a segment (from line or arc)

99
CHM - chamfering edges
RND - rounding edges
ESP - editing a spline

20.4 Transformations
MOV - transformation (moving)
DRG - dynamic transformation (drag & drop)
ROT - rotation
DRO - dynamic rotation
SCA - scaling
DSC - dynamic scaling
DTR - dynamic transformation & rotation
MIR - mirroring (or scaling according to one axis)
OFFS - offset lines
SOB - stretching an object
CTA - copying to array

Drawing Aids - Construction Lines

HCL - horizontal construction line - free input
HCI - horizontal construction line - increments
HCF - horizontal construction line - from fixed origin
HCT - horizontal construction line - tangent to circle
VCL - vertical construction line - free input
VCI - vertical construction line - increments
VCF - vertical construction line - from fixed origin
VCT - vertical construction line - tangent to circle
1CL - angular construction line (angle 1) - free input
1CI - angular construction line (angle 1) - increments
1CF - angular construction line (angle 1) - from fixed origin
1CT - angular construction line (angle 1) - tangent
1CS - setting angle 1 of angular construction line
2CL - angular construction line (angle 2) - free input
2CI - angular construction line (angle 2) - increments
2CF - angular construction line (angle 2) - from fixed origin
2CT - angular construction line (angle 2) - tangent
2CS - setting angle 2 of angular construction line

D1H - delete single horizontal construction line

D1V - delete single vertical construction line
D11 - delete single angular construction line (angle 1)
D12 - delete single angular construction line (angle 2)
DAH - delete all horizontal construction lines
DAV - delete all vertical construction lines
DA1 - delete all angular construction lines (angle 1)
DA2 - delete all angular construction lines (angle 2)
DACL - delete all construction lines

20.5 Check
COO - coordinates
DIS - distance
ANG - angle
ODT - object data
CHL - check layer

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20.6 Worksets
ATW - add to workset
RFW - remove from workset
CLW - clear workset
CHW - check workset

20.7 Set Drawing Attributes

TXA - text attributes
ARA - arrow attributes
DMA - dimension attributes
FMT - sheet format (borders change)
GRI - grid
BOR - borders around drawing
SCH - scale changes

20.8 Customizing VariCAD

PTH - file pathnames definition
SOU - sound
BAK - changes done till backup start
APE - aperture, cursor, coordinates
COL - colors setting
PAL - palette setting
WPST - window properties setting
MPS - mouse properties settings
BTS - button mouse settings
STR - character string input change, lowercase and uppercase
SCR - screen output
KBM - keyboard mapping
KBM1 - keyboard mapping
ALS - automatic layer switching (2D drawing)
N2E - 2D object selection using region
DBF - Windows NT/95 dialog box font setting
BMS - design structure settings
SWS - sets weld symbols
OST - other settings

20.9 Blocks
BLS - block saving
BLI - block inserting
BLC - block creating
BLE - block or polyline editing
BAE - block attribute editing
BIE - block insertion point editing
PLL - polyline creating

20.10 Symbols
SLA - symbol library activating

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SLC - symbol creating (to library)
SLI - symbol inserting (from library)
ADS - adding to symbol (in drawing)
SYC - symbol library change

20.11 Saving and Opening Drawings, Output

DSV - drawing saving
SVA - drawing saving as
RMD - drawing removing from disk
DOP - drawing opening
DAD - drawing adding to editor
DCH - drawing switching
DPS - drawing portion saving as separate drawing
DPO - drawing opening within another drawing
FCO - collective file conversion
WPR - printing, outputs to devices
WPS - printing to Windows NT/95 system printer
LWD - line width and print color setting
PRN - printing & plotting
DEF - value save of default drawing
TXV - text file listing
DRV - drawing viewing
EXT - exiting
CLO - file closing
IGSO - Iges output settings
IGSI - Iges input settings
SVAO - saves 2D in old format, prior to version 7

20.12 Design Structure, BOM

BOM - design structure management
ADB - adding to design structure
DRI - entering drawing information
GDA - graphical specifying of data
DDA - deleting data
LDI - listing drawing information
DTM - data mask
AMA - attribute mask
CMC - cross mask creating
AEX - attribute extraction from drawing
BMS - design structure setting
EMA - export masks (for ascii files)

20.13 Macros
MAC - macro creating
ESC - function escaping

20.14 Internet
INST - sets Internet browser
INH - Web - home page
INO - Web - online orders

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INN - Web - what’s new
INI - Web - upgrade download
INF - Web - feedback

20.15 Other Commands

PDT - parametric data file (mechanical part libraries)
PDF - parametric data file editing
SYS - operating system
CAL - calculator
TEST - hardware and software testing
UPG - menu upgrade

20.16 Other Functions Used in Menus

F3OPT - F3 option
F4OPT - F4 option
HFU - help (functions)
HCO - help (communication)
NEW - new upgrade functions
APE - aperture, cursor type
LAY - layer setting
ALS - automatic layer switching
STP - step mode on
STO - step mode off
ORT - ortho mode on
DCH - drawing change
INFO - status list
INFS - VariCAD system information
UCO - user coordinates
OHI - object highlighting
RED - redo
UND - undo
OMO - ortho mode off
MAN - guide
MAN3 - 3D guide
MANB - back to guide

20.17 Mechanical Part Calculations

TSP - tension string
CSP - compression spring
SQK - square key calculation
SSC - spline shaft calculation
RPC - round pin calculation
BCC - bolted connection calculation
SECT - section at torsion calculation
DLC - dynamic load capacity calculation
BEN - shaft bending calculation
FDC - front pulley drive calculation
CDC - conical pulley drive calculation

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20.18 ZOOM and Images Processing (both 2D and 3D)
ZOOM - zoom
ZWI - zoom window
ZCS - zoom center scale
PAN - pan
ZALL - zoom all
EAV - aerial view
ZFO - zoom as format
ZDY - zoom eye position change
ZSV - zoom save
ZRE - zoom restore
ZMM - zoom min/max
REG - regeneration
RDR - redrawing
2D - 2D drafting area (paper space)

SV1 - saving view # 1

SV2 - saving view # 2
SV3 - saving view # 3
SV4 - saving view # 4
SV5 - saving view # 5
SV6 - saving view # 6
SV7 - saving view # 7
SV8 - saving view # 8
RS1 - restoring view # 1
RS2 - restoring view # 2
RS3 - restoring view # 3
RS4 - restoring view # 4
RS5 - restoring view # 5
RS6 - restoring view # 6
RS7 - restoring view # 7
RS8 - restoring view # 8

20.19 3D Functions

20.19.1 3D ZOOM and Images Processing

3D - 3D model space
ZPR - zoom previous (only for 3D undo)
ZRD - zoom redo (only for 3D)
Z3D - zoom 3D menu
VCN - view center
VCNI - interactive viewport center
PVR - partial view rotation
VRO - view rotation
VPA - view panning
VCE - view center
VLE - view left
VRI - view right
VFR - view front
VBA - view back
VTO - view top
VBO - view bottom
VIS - view isometric

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X90 - rotation around x, 90 deg.
X180 - rotation around x, 180 deg.
X270 - rotation around x, 270 deg.
Y90 - rotation around y, 90 deg.
Y180 - rotation around y, 180 deg.
Y270 - rotation around y, 270 deg.
RNP - view rotation normal to plane
SHW - shading switching - wires
SHC - solid shading change
PGR - presentation

20.19.2 Creating Solids

RSO - revolved solid
ESO - extruded solid
RSOP - revolved solid < 360
PYR - pyramid
PRC - 3D profile crossing
HLX - helix
PRR - profiles revolving crossing
PRS - prism
CYL - cylinder
PEL - pipe elbow
TPY - truncated pyramid
HOL - hole
PIP - pipe
CPI - cone pipe
MIL - milling
CON - cone
GRV - milling groove

20.19.3 Editing Solids

RN3 - edge rounding in 3D
CH3 - edge chamfering in 3D
RMS - removing solids
CS3 - color setting in 3D
BL3 - blanking solids
UB3 - solid unblanking
MSO - modifying solids
CUT - solids cutting
ADD - solids adding
CUTS - solids cutting, "tool" saving
CUTPS - cutting, part saving
ADDPC - adding, part cutting
CPSS - cutting, part & "tool" saving
TRX - tree exploding

20.19.4 Transformation
STC - solid transformation & copy
MIRR3 - 3d mirror
RSSO - re-scale of solids

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20.19.5 2D creation
SDE - surface development
32E - 3D -> 2D export
32EN - 3D -> 2D reexport (new export)
SEC - creates, removes and turns on/off the section
HSE - hatch of section
HPSE - hatch of section, pattern
REL - remove export from list (3D->2D)
ROL - remove old export (3D->2D)
DON - display old/new objects in 2D
RLE - remove list of exports (3D->2D)
SON - switch old/new 2D

20.19.6 3D Assembly
3GR - 3D groups
ALT - switches the inserted part alternatives
RSI - removes solid from the identical copy group
GVI - group visibility change
GSH - group shading change
GSN - group snapping change
DIA - defines the detail insertion into the assembly
DEE - defines export
CDE - cancels the detail export property
EDE - edit detail
CSI - cancels solid insertion
ROI - redefines object inserting
CAI - cancels all solid-into-assembly insertion
RAI - recovers assembly imports
DSO - defines saving and inserting detail objects (assembly)

20.19.7 3D BOM
SAT - 3D solid attributes
DSS3 - design structure from 3D
MTC - changes attributes globally
ATL - attributes from name list
ATC - checks attributes, complete input
ODT3 - 3d object properties

20.19.8 3D Check Functions and Calculations

VOL - volume, mass & center of gravity
SAR - surface area
MIN - moment of inertia

CRT - crash test

CRTR - repeat crash test
CHRD - displays interference check results
ASCH - checks interference within an assembly
ASCHN - checks interference within an assembly, except selected
ASCHS - checks interference within an assembly, selected only
ASCHB - checks interference within an assembly, within selected only

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 3DCO - 3D coordinates
3DD - 3D distance
DPP - distance point - plane
DPC - distance point - cylinder
SCY - size of cylinder
STAT - 3d statistics

20.19.9 Customizing
3DL - 3D location settings
3DC - 3D creation settings
3DS - 3D display settings
EPC - eye position change sensibility
ISO - isometric view settings
2EF - 2D edit floating menu start position
S3K - sets 3D view rotation (keyboard control)

21 Troubleshooting
This chapter describes several possible troubles when working with VariCAD. In case your trouble
is not described here, contact your provider or directly the main distributor of VariCAD system.

21.1 Troubles with Starting VariCAD (UNIX Only)

For a correct VariCAD session as X-windows application, it is necessary to have the X11 environment
correctly installed and ready to work. You can prevent some troubles by modifying the VariCAD system.

- if the whole VariCAD window blinks while opening and closing other windows, use a graphic card
mode with more than 256 colors.

- if VariCAD tells you that a dialog box font was not found, the X11 font environment is not installed
correctly. VariCAD contains its own dialog box fonts. If they are destroyed and if there is no possible
substitution, write the dialog box font for larger and smaller windows size into the
/usr/lib/xvcad/fontdef.con file or respectively cfg/fontdef.con .

- if the circles or arcs are not displayed correctly, run the SCR command and set another circle
drawing method. Usually circle drawing from line segments is used.

- if the included dialog box windows are not opened at the same position within the command and
same inclusion level as the previous window, customize the /usr/lib/xvcad/windows.con file or the
cfg/windows.con file. Change the value within the panel position.

- if it takes too long to open a window, customize the /usr/lib/xvcad/windows.con file or the
cfg/windows.con file. Set the refresh value to -2 or to 0. Usually, the best solution ever is to upgrade the
system’s physical memory. Then, you can put the value back to 2.

To customize the windows.con file directly from VariCAD, use the WPST command.

21.2 Conditional VariCAD Startup

The conditional startup allows to run VariCAD with a parameter. You can open the specified
drawing, open a drawing with all blocks or associations broken in the first opened drawing (this can
help in case the drawing is damaged and it can not be opened the usual way). The next parameter is the

107
directory with other configuration VariCAD files for a different environment or a parameter for
VariCAD startup in case of color allocation troubles. All possible parameters that you can enter will be
listed after entering the command for VariCAD startup with the -help parameter:

usage: varicad [-noblock] [-noasoc] [-nopalette] [-help] [-confdir directory] [filename]

-noblock: destroy all blocks in first loaded drawing

-noasoc: destroy all parametric bindings and 3D in first loaded drawing
-nopalette: do not create varicad color palette
-confdir directory: load configurations from directory
-help: print this messages
-filename: name of first loaded file

21.3 Errors File

This file contains error messages issued during VariCAD startup. In case of correct VariCAD
startup, the file errors is empty. After an incorrect VariCAD startup, the error messages are listed in this
file.

21.4 The Icon Menu Does Not Appear

If the icon menu does not appear after VariCAD startup, or another menu appeared, the causes of this
state are written in the errors file. Probably, the imenu.en file is corrupted. The most common mistake
when editing the imenu.en file is that you do not keep the specified number of pattern drawings,
command number, panel number or command number in the panel. In the errors file, you can see a line
listed, where an error was found. This line need not to be incorrect, but it can be elsewhere defined
differently (e.g. the number).

21.5 The Pull Down Menu Does Not Appear

The same as in the previous section.

21.6 The Drawing Can Not be Opened nor Saved

The access rights are the most common cause of this state. The access rights to files or to whole
directories can be set for drawing files using the PTH command. Another common reason for this
situation is a full hard disk. User can easily oversee and the drawing can not be saved.
For other possible troubles, see also: Conditional VariCAD Startup

22 Appendices

22.1 ASCII Table of Used Characters

VariCAD uses the following codes:

32 ! 33 " 34 # 35 $ 36 % 37 & 38
’ 39 ( 40 ) 41 * 42 + 43 , 44 - 45
. 46 / 47 0 48 1 49 2 50 3 51 4 52
5 53 6 54 7 55 8 56 9 57 : 58 ; 59
< 60 = 61 > 62 ? 63 @ 64

A 65 B 66 C 67 D 68 E 69 F 70 G 71

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H 72 I 73 J 74 K 75 L 76 M 77 N 78
O 79 P 80 Q 81 R 82 S 83 T 84 U 85
V 86 W 87 X 88 Y 89 Z 90

[ 91 \ 92 ] 93 ^ 94 _ 95 ‘ 96

a 97 b 98 c 99 d 100 e 101 f 102 g 103

h 104 i 105 j 106 k 107 l 108 m 109 n 110
o 111 p 112 q 113 r 114 s 115 t 116 u 117
v 118 w 119 x 120 y 121 z 122

{ 123 | 124 } 125 ~ 126

237 - diameter
241 - plus minus
248 - degree

22.2 Used Font Overview

The following fonts are supplied for using with graphic text in the system:
- stand
- simplex
- simplex1
- duplex
- iduplex
- triplex
- itriplex
- blok
- azbuka - cyrillic alphabet

The simplex font must always be present on the disk, otherwise VariCAD will not start. If any
other of the required fonts is not found, it is replaced by the simplex font.
All fonts with the exception of simplex1 have a constant character width.

Recommended Usage:
simplex, azbuka: common usage when creating technical documentation
duplex, iduplex, triplex, itriplex: propagation purposes
simplex1: drawings that will be transferred to AutoCAD system or are taken from this system,
because this font has a variable character width like standard AutoCAD font. If another font would be
used to transfer, the text widths would not match even with the same height and relative text x-scale.
The VariCAD version 5.1 can use maximally 8 fonts at a time. The font order is written in the fonts.con
file. This text file is commented with the structure description. The fonts for graphic text have the *.fon
extension.

22.3 VariCAD Color Palette

VariCAD allows to set color palette for all used colors. The color values are listed in the rgb.con file.
If this file is not found, the default setting is used.
In the following table, the color palettes are listed based on the color number. The R-red, G-green, B-
blue values define how much of a certain color the resulting color contains. The 0,0,0 color is black,
63,0,0 is clear red, 63,63,0, is clear yellow, etc. The 0 color is used as background - by changing this
value, you get a lighter background. You can set the color palette value using the COL command.
In higher versions (release 5 and later), a set of shade colors is created for 3D object shaded surfaces.

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background
0;0;0

basic objects
white
63;63;63
red
63;0;0
green
0;63;0
blue
0;0;63
cyan
0;63;63
magenta
50;0;50
yellow
63;63;0
dark red
45;0;0
dark cyan
0;45;45

system objects
springy lines
50;30;30
grid
50;50;50
dialog box background
25;45;60
highlighting
63;0;63
text highlighted
63;63;63
dialog box text
0;0;0
menu highlighted
20;40;45
dark text
52;52;52
light edge
52;58;63
dark edge
12;28;38
cursor
63;63;63

110