ZWCAD Flex provides a familiar and intuitive user interface (UI) designed for both CAD beginners and professionals. Whether you are migrating from AutoCAD or starting fresh, this guide will walk you through the key components of the ZWCAD Flex UI and how to customize it to your workflow.
The ZWCAD Flex interface is thoughtfully organized to balance usability and productivity. It consists of the following major elements:
The Quick Access Toolbar is located at the top-left corner of the interface. It provides fast access to some commonly used tools, helping users perform essential operations with just one click.
· File operation: Provide command buttons for file creating, opening, and saving.
· Drawing plot: Provide plotting and preview function buttons.
· View undo and redo history: Display options to redo and undo operations. You can use the drop-down arrow to the right of the Redo and Undo buttons to view the history of redo and undo operations.
· Help: Display the help window.
· Workspace: Display a drop-down list of saved workspaces, where you can switch to a specified workspace or set workspace options.
The function panel is located below the quick access toolbar and menu bar, consisting of tabs and panels. The various functions of ZWCAD Flex are arranged in the form of icons according to classification rules, and you can execute corresponding commands by clicking on the icons.
In the ribbon interface, tabs are organized by command function, making it easy to locate tools based on their purpose. The name of each tab reflects the type of commands it contains, allowing users to quickly identify and access the desired set of tools. Clicking a tab reveals several panels grouped within it.
Each panel is a further subdivision within a tab, categorizing related commands into logical groups. Within a panel, command icons are arranged for quick access and ease of use.
Every icon typically represents a specific command. Clicking an icon directly executes its corresponding command. When you hover the mouse over an icon, a simple tooltip appears showing the command name. If you continue hovering for a moment, an extended tooltip will appear, providing a more detailed description of the command’s function and usage.
When using the Classic workspace in ZWCAD Flex, the Classic menu bar typically appears just below the Quick Access Toolbar. It includes the main menu and its corresponding submenus, organizing various functions based on their categories. Clicking a menu item expands the next-level menu, allowing you to access the related commands.
By default, each main menu item appears in a collapsed state. The classic menu is displayed in a horizontal bar format. To expand a menu, you can either click on the item or use the keyboard shortcut "Alt + [Letter]". For example, if the Edit menu shows the letter E underlined, pressing Alt + E will open its dropdown menu.
Within the dropdown menu, you can navigate in several ways:
· Click the left mouse button to select a menu item directly.
· Use the Up (↑) and Down (↓) arrow keys to move between items.
· Press the underlined letter in the menu item name to jump to it.
· Use the Left (←) and Right (→) arrow keys to expand submenus or return to the previous level.
· Once the desired item is highlighted, press Enter to execute the command.
This menu system is especially useful for users who prefer a keyboard-driven or classic CAD interface.
The drawing window is located at the center of the ZWCAD Flex interface. It functions like a digital drawing board, displaying the current state of your design. Within this window, you can create, edit, and modify graphic elements in real time.
· Document tab: The document tab displays the name of current file, and the right-click shortcut menu allows for functions such as creating, opening, saving, and closing drawing files.
· Drawing area: Display the model or layout viewport of current drawing, where you can draw or modify objects.
· Bottom bar: Located at the bottom of drawing window, it can be used to view, create, or switch layouts.
The Command Window is located at the bottom of the ZWCAD Flex interface. It serves as the core area for command input and interaction. In this window, you can enter and execute commands, as well as view command prompts, options, and execution results. You can adjust the size of the Command Window, choose between a fixed or floating position, and show or hide it as needed.
The Status Bar is located at the bottom of the ZWCAD Flex interface. It integrates a variety of commonly used settings and toggle buttons, allowing you to quickly control drawing aids and environment options without leaving the drawing area. These tools help improve precision, streamline drafting, and provide immediate access to essential configuration features.
According to the button arrangement and functional features on status bar, it can be divided into three parts.
· Coordinates: turn on or off real-time coordinate display.
· Drawing functions: enabling or disabling grid display, snap, orthogonality, dynamic input, line weight display, transparency display, quick properties, selection cycle, symmetrical drawing, and other functions.
· Drawing environment settings, setting drawing units, annotation scale, workspace, hardware acceleration, full screen display, etc.
ZWCAD Flexibleoffers three workspace modes to accommodate different drafting and design needs: 2D Drafting & Annotation, ZWCAD Classic, and 3D Modeling. You can choose the workspace that best fits your specific tasks and personal preferences.
Each workspace provides a tailored layout and tool arrangement optimized for different workflows:
· 2D Drafting & Annotation: It mainly consists of title bar, ribbon, drawing area, command line, and status bar. The ribbon provides numerous tools for drawing, modifying, layers, annotations, and blocks.
· ZWCAD Classic: It mainly consists of title bar, menu bar, various toolbars, drawing window, command window, and status bar. This workspace provides access to most commonly used CAD commands in the form of a menu bar.
· 3D Modeling: It mainly consists of title bar, ribbon, drawing area, command line, and status bar. This workspace integrates the creation and editing commands for 3D solids, allowing you to perform 3D modeling in this workspace.
ZWCAD Flex provides several convenient ways to switch between workspaces. You can choose the method that best suits your workflow:
· Click the Workspaces dropdown button on the Quick Access toolbar, and select the desired workspace from the expanded Workspaces dropdown list.
· Click the Set Workspace button on the right side of Status Bar, and select the desired workspace from the pop-up Workspaces list to switch.
· Set the required workspace through the WSCURRENT system variable.
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