26. Simple DIY - Get creative drawing with LibreCAD

[@carnright]

Thank you for inspiring me to relearn CAD 25 yrs later :-D

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome. I've been using LibreCAD for a while now and have made several videos about what I have learned. All of those videos are in a playlist on my channel. Here's a link in case you want to take a look: kzbin.info/aero/PLGCBwUeR2BD2ypYi5k0c4p6M52YO8Z-WD . Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@kennethvetter3214]

Thank you. Very well done. I have been looking for howto's for a couple weeks now and introducing how zooming is relation to the mouse pointer. . .Da! Panning. . . ! The list of "Basic" need to know items for a beginner you covered has been very beneficial for me. Looking forward to part 2. but first i think I may re-watch. open up LibreCAD and go the steps.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for your kinds words. I'm glad the video has helped you out. LibreCAD is an awesome program which is fairly easy to learn yet there is so much you can do with it. Thanks for watching.

[@rayhayden]

I seriously just downloaded this one to make a drawing of the new house! What timing!

[@ImaginethenMake]

Very cool Ray. I like the program because it is pretty easy to use and print to scale. For designing a house, consider using Sketchup. It is a free program that allows you to draw in 3D. It was originally written by Google specifically for the architectural industry.

[@paulreader1777]

Sadly the free aspect of Sketchup is severely limited since Trimble took over from Google. If you can stomach the learning curve for FreeCAD it is becoming quite good for architectural work.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Sorry for the very late reply. Yes, I agree, the online version of SletchUp is pretty limited. Luckily the older version of SketchUp Make 2017 is still available for download for free. Here's a link for anyone interested: help.sketchup.com/en/downloading-older-versions .

[@gripWIN]

[A reliable response ... Thanks] Does LbrCAD have a JOIN function; that is COMBINE multiple entities - to act as ONE? Thanks!

[@ImaginethenMake]

Save all of the drawing entities (that you want to behave as one) into their own drawing. In a new drawing, import the drawing (as a Block) that you just saved. Thanks for your question and for watching.

[@oldtimermike1414]

I'm just starting out, total Noob with regard to CAD. Wish I could go to Barnes & Noble and browse some books on getting started with CAD but seeing as we're seniors and currently shuttered, I'm reluctant to go to a store as I have had heart and respiratory issues. Anyway, I'm trying to design something that I can certainly create on paper with dimensions, but its a piece of rectangular sheet metal that will be cut out on a friend's CNC Plasma cutting table. The finished sheet design is roughly 24" wide and 18" high, cut from #16 gauge aluminum sheet and there will be irregular sections on the sides as well as voids in the middle. I need to give him a DWG file that he can load into the system. He is not CAD-savvy either LOL. So the big question is how do I create a rectangle to specific dimensions, and then start modifying it to show areas that the plasma cutter will cut out or cut around? I'm fairly adept at Photoshop and CorelDraw, was pretty good with Visio as well. A 3D model is not necessary for this project, and that's why I'm looking at LibreCAD... I'm using a Mac BTW. TIA for any advice.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Hi Mike. I just re-watched the video I made about using LibreCAD. At about the 8 minute mark, I show how to draw a simple rectangle 1" tall x 2" wide. I draw it full scale on the screen and then print it out full scale and verify the size of the printed rectangle using a ruler. You could start by repeating that simple exercise. You could also ask your friend with the CNC plasma table how he uses the table. Does he create a drawing and then loads it into the machine for cutting or does he just program the machine to cut what he wants (without doing a drawing)? Thanks for your question and please stay in touch. Thanks for watching.

[@oldtimermike1414]

@@ImaginethenMake Hey Matt... Thanks for the reply. I'd love to send you a couple of sketches created in Photoshop on my Mac to show you the project but don't know how to send or post pictures to a No-Reply address. Would like to see how you change that 1" X 2" rectangle to a 18" X 24" rectangle scaled on a letter-size paper. I see you do some woodworking too. I love playing with wood!-Mike

[@ImaginethenMake]

Hi Mike. You can email pictures to [e-mail] Thanks for letting me know that you'd like to see how to change the 1"x2" rectangle to 18"x24" scaled to print on letter size paper. I'll try to make a video about how to do that ASAP.

[@AbedElkassih]

Thank you for a very good indroduction

[@ImaginethenMake]

You are welcome. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@a4e69636b]

Thank you so much for this tutorial. It actually was easy and fun to follow.

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome. If you want to know more about LibreCAD, check out my playlist on my channel. I've actually made quite a few videos about LibreCAD (and will probably make more in the future). Here's a link: kzbin.info/aero/PLGCBwUeR2BD2ypYi5k0c4p6M52YO8Z-WD Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@eokaila]

Thanks, just what I needed.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Glad it helped! Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@ajitgeorge12]

Hi Matt, a very nicely made presentation. How do I find your other tutorials on LibreCAD? Thanks.

[@ImaginethenMake]

To find my other videos on LibreCAD, go to the videos section of my channel to find videos #56 and #60. For your convenience, here are some links: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5iyiJRjqc-KZ5o kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6e5ZayrpbqAidk Thanks for watching!

[@32cstyle]

How well do you think this program is for making electrical drawings? My background was in electrical design. I used Autocad Electrical (ACADE). I'm going to learn it so I can get back to drawing my own designs. I've done a solar drawing but it was with GIMP. I made it look like ACADE though. I'm just wondering because of the learning curve. It took me a day to produce my simple solar project. Mostly because I had to think about what I wanted to use component wise, and then draw it. Thanks for the info.

[@ImaginethenMake]

I suppose you could use LibreCAD to draw schematics, but I honestly would not recommend it. Depending how deep you want to get into making the drawings (and perhaps design a PCB?), you could use the drawing program (Draw) that is part of OpenOffice or LibreOffice (which are free) or maybe a program like Circuit Maker (also free). www.openoffice.org/ www.libreoffice.org/ circuitmaker.com/ All of the above programs may be easier to use because copying and pasting schematic symbols multiple times are easier. Good luck with you projects. Thanks for your question and for watching.

[@32cstyle]

@@ImaginethenMake Thanks for the reply. I think I have Circuit Maker downloaded. I use Ubuntu so I went through the software center and download different cad type programs to have a look see. Thanks for sharing the info.

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome and good luck with your projects.

[@gripWIN]

How do I UPDATE to the latest version? Thanks!

[@ImaginethenMake]

Go to: librecad.org/ and download the latest version and then install it. Be sure to make backup copies of your drawings for safe keeping. The latest version is pretty old, version 2.13. Thanks for your question and for watching.

[@gripWIN]

Why when saving some files, it adds a #in front; other NONE?

[@ImaginethenMake]

Sorry, I don't know. If I find out, I'll post again here. Thanks for your question.

[@capiberra4118]

Useful stuff! Thanks very much.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for watching.

[@LeftisMusicChannel]

Very interesting video with many info!!Nice work!!Thanks for sharing👍

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks and you're welcome!

[@rogergrounds6653]

Nice starting point. I have used a number of CAD systems over the years and taught CAD on occasions. You did the a great job of presenting the two most important "first things to know". The user needs to get a brief overview of the user interface and how to navigate (pan/zoom). Nice job!

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks Roger for the kind words. I really enjoy teaching and hopefully that comes through in all of my videos. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@AllenOxendine]

Thanks for sharing... Hope you have a good day...

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome

[@fisterhr]

Thank you!

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome. FYI: I do have a playlist with LibreCAD related videos; here's the link: kzbin.info/aero/PLGCBwUeR2BD2ypYi5k0c4p6M52YO8Z-WD Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@fisterhr]

@@ImaginethenMake Thank you. I work in IT in a surveying company and I get tired of CAD users asking me to help troubleshoot their problems and not understand the CAD terminology and functions first to help me better isolate the issue.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Yes, I understand. Many years ago, I worked computer Tech Support by phone which was often times quite challenging. This was in the days before remote access and Skype. Since I couldn't see what buttons they were pushing on their computer or see their screen, I had to rely on them telling me. On more than one call, their verbal description didn't match what they were actually doing or looking at. Sorting out issues was sometimes very frustrating for me and them. The good news is that, over time, I learned how to be quite complete in explaining how to do things. Even today, I try not to assume that the user/viewer knows anything about the basics. That's exactly how I approached the making of this video. I know that when I approach learning how to do something for the first time, I greatly appreciate seeing all of the details; all the little, subtle things that easily can get skipped over by a more experienced teacher. I also appreciate being directed to where I can find more information should I feel the need for that. I like getting the complete story so I try very hard to tell/show the complete story. This is what I tried to do with my other drawing video tutorials; my SketchUp and Blender videos. I start from the very beginning, assume nothing, and demonstrate. It takes a special kind of person to provide tech support. I hope my words here are helpful. Thanks for your follow-up comment.

[@fisterhr]

@@ImaginethenMake You're doing a great job! Thanks for doing this!

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome!

[@Hanna-Julius]

Thank you very much. Interesting video 👍! Kind greetings from Germany.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Bitte

[@Fati.monteiro]

Nice vídeo, fantastic free program! Thank you for the information.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks and you're welcome. Give the program a try if you ever have a need. I'll be glad to try and help if you have any questions.

[@Golgafrinchamdent]

I thought I understood you. But when I tried the print preview, the rectangle took up most of the paper. No matter what ratio I chose, the rectangle took up most of the paper on the preview. I set it to 0.1/1 and tried to print the rectangle... and nothing printed at all.

[@Golgafrinchamdent]

I think mine is a different version. No scale box at the top.

[@ImaginethenMake]

I am using version 2.1.3. What version are you using? Also, double check to make sure you selected the correct paper size. Options -> Current drawing preferences. My printer uses Letter size so that is what I select. When you press Print Preview, scroll out and see if you see the edges of the paper you will be printing on. I have found that if I don't select the right paper size and set the right scale to draw in, I won't get the printout I want. Hope this helps. Thanks for your comment and for watching.

[@gripWIN]

Do you have a TUTORIAL on Copying entities between files? Thanks!

[@ImaginethenMake]

I think you can copy entities between drawings using "blocks" however, I had trouble getting it to work. Hope this helps. Thanks for watching.

[@jeffreyhartmannmusic]

Hi Matt, Your channel is a gold mine .. . I see that I have some exploring to do . .. your name says it all .. . imagine then create or make .. . Thanks for commenting on my music and i sub you for sure . . .thanks for sharing all of this knowledge . . .best to you and create well my friend. . .jeff. . .L

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks very much Jeff!

[@michelangelosghost2707]

Very helpful. Many thanks 😊

[@ImaginethenMake]

You're welcome. I've done a couple of other LibreCAD videos also so be sure to check those out if you haven't already. Thanks for watching.

[@Steamerchoo]

Good video! Does this software run on xp, because I'm using hp pen plotter?? Thanks in advance

[@ImaginethenMake]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. To answer your question, I did some searching using Google and found this page: forum.librecad.org/System-Requirements-for-Windows-td5714948.html It sounds like it should run on XP. I'm not sure if you'll be able to use your pen plotter or not. Since the software is totally free, why not download it and give it a try. If you do try it, leave an updated comment here about how it worked out for you. thanks.

[@JimmyLD666]

Very nice, maybe one day I will try.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Jimmy Zheng Thanks for watching. Yes, do Tr the program out sometimes. Refer back to my video to help you get started. Once you understand the basics, the program is fun to use.

[@rondodson1308]

How do I save my settings? Every time I close the program it reverts back and changes the arrows and length of dim lines. Upon opening an existing program it is all messed up. Please help.

[@ImaginethenMake]

When I create my drawings and then save them, when i reopen them, they open just as I left them. Are you saying your saved drawing are not saving and opening correctly?

[@rondodson1308]

@@ImaginethenMake yes, it reverts back to like nothing was ever set.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Ok. I have not seen the program do that before but maybe I am using it slightly differently. Try this: create your drawing with all of your settings the way you want them. Save your drawing. Then close the program. Then restart the program and reopen your drawing. Does everything look as it should? If it does, then use that drawing as a template for all future drawings. If the drawing does not look correct when you reopen it, let me know. Also, which version of the program are you using? Is there an updated version you could try?

[@rondodson1308]

@@ImaginethenMake I'm using the latest version, downloaded in August of this year. I'll try saving and reopening.

[@rondodson1308]

I saved and reopened may last print, so from this point on will I need to open this print before starting a new one?

[@gripWIN]

Do you have a Video on 'EDITING TEXT' ? Thanks!

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for your question. No, I don't have a video on editing text in LibreCAD. But here is an explanation on how I do it. Right click the text to edit, left click on "Mtext". A dialog box appears where you can change the text. Left click OK and place the text where you want it to go. If you don't want the original text, left click it to select it and then press the delete key. Hope this helps and thanks for watching my video.

[@handyman-ir9qu]

Good video, I hope in the next video you spend more time with printing. I am having issues making a decent copy.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for your comment. I will plan to do a video about printing. In the meantime, is there specific I could help you out with?

[@EdDanaGuitar]

Cool program for free... might be useful!

[@ImaginethenMake]

Yes, it is pretty useful Ed, or at least I think so. I plan on doing some more videos about how to make simple drawings. Once you get the hang of it, the program is pretty simple to use.

[@sebastianricci4279]

No part 2?

[@ImaginethenMake]

I have thought about doing another video about LibreCAD. Any suggestions on what you'd like to see?

[@sebastianricci4279]

No sir, scrolled a few youtube videos on this and you're the best one when it comes to instruction/audio quality/ video quality. I'm just learning

[@ImaginethenMake]

FYI, I did just release another video about LibreCAD. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

[@weclick1063]

Friendly Greetings, I’m your new supporter. #3/#387. 👍 Welcome always , hugs 😊

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thank-you!

[@weclick1063]

Thanks for sharing👍

[@ynnebbenny]

Thanks good sir

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for watching.

[@you-tubejunkie2926]

TubeBuddy.........has a pay side, and a free side. It should help you get more viewers. Cheers

[@ImaginethenMake]

thanks

[@dagwould]

Thanks for the video....only 'hey everybody'? Like you are talking to a room full of people. Most KZbin viewers are individuals. A more professional greeting recognises this, and makes you presentation more professional and personal: Hi there....does just fine.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Good point. Because I feel like I am "talking" to potentially all of KZbin, I have used the word "everybody". But as you point out, most people probably watch KZbin by themselves (I know I do). Thanks for watching.

[@you-tubejunkie2926]

No (background) music is 100% better, then terrible music. I don't think a youtube video was ever turned off or was (thumbs downed) because of (no) background music.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for your comment. I have thought about the whole background music thing....should I or shouldn't I and I go back and forth on it. I decided that the viewer can always lower the volume or mute the video if the music is not to their liking.

[@indioflechudo6221]

yea but this will not print to scale.

[@ImaginethenMake]

You can actually print to any scale. Most of the time, I print 1:1 because I am printing templates I glue to wood and then cut out. Try drawing a 1"x2" rectangle and then printing it. Work with the settings for printing to understand how to enter the settings that will give you the results you want. Thanks for watching.

[@indioflechudo6221]

I'm not sure how to set a scale to print, 1/4" = 1 Foot

[@ImaginethenMake]

When I get a chance, I'll try to make another video that shows how to do that. For now, try drawing a 1" x 2" rectangle with the lower left corner on the origin. Then make sure you set the correct paper size for your drawing. Then click "Print Preview" and set the scale to 1:1. You should see your rectangle positioned on the paper you're going to print on. Click "Print".

[@indioflechudo6221]

@@ImaginethenMake ''Nice

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thank-you.

[@dhm7815]

THUMBS DOWN . Video is in blurry 480. Menus cannot be read., Bailng out after 2 minutes.

[@ImaginethenMake]

Thanks for your feedback. Yes, the video is in 480 and is seen as somewhat blurry. Hopefully, if you follow along with the video and at the same time, have LibreCAD open, you can better understand what I am trying to demonstrate. Later in the video, I go over some common keyboard presses and mouse clicks and also show how to draw to scale (on the screen) and then print to scale (on paper). I also have several other videos about LibreCAD saved to a playlist for your convenience. Most of those videos are in 720 so I suggest giving those videos a look if you are still interested in learning more about LibreCAD. Thanks again for taking the time to leave me your feedback.

[@Mike-tv9rk]

Ctro z or y does not . Delete this video

[@ImaginethenMake]

Does not do what?