If you have anything about CompassCAD, feel free to ask. Here are the most frequently asked questions that you might need, or even to troubleshoot yourself. However, if you still have any question, you can email me ([email protected]), message me on Discord (zeankundev), or ask help in the #help channel in the CompassCAD Discord server.

• Q: My .compasscfg file is bugged out, or it crashes!

• A: The program intentionally quits if there is something wrong with the config files. Try not to save multiple times at once. Ensure you have write permissions enabled in (Windows: C:/Users/User/AppData/Local/compasscad, Linux: ~/.config/compasscad).

• Q: When I enter a syntax on the text, it replies with ERR5: undefined result.

• A: Double-check your syntax. Do not add formulas such as \\0.x2-0.x1 (this is used to find the difference between x2 and x1) because arithmetic functions are still buggy and a work in progress.

• Q: My CompassCAD is blurry on GNOME’s Wayland instance

• A: There are two ways on accessing CompassCAD crystal clear while being on HiDPI.

  • CompassCAD supports Chrome flags. If you are running on a prepackaged build, you can run it with compasscad --enable-features=UseOzonePlatform --ozone-platform=wayland. However, if you are running it from Yarn, yarn start:wl-no-sandbox should help you
  • The second method is risky (and requires GNOME 47 and up). You must go through your dconf editor. Head over to org.gnome.mutter.experimental-features and set the values to be ['scale-monitor-framebuffer', 'variable-refresh-rate', 'xwayland-native-scaling']. Restart/relog back in, and you’re good to go. HiDPI should be enabled system-wide and apps that rely on X11 can now scale properly (tested on openSUSE Tumbleweed, GNOME 47 Wayland with 150% scaling).

• Q: Are there any ways to access developer mode?

• A: Yes, there are ways. The most convenient approach is to click the CompassCAD logo in the upperleft corner seven (7) times rapidly. If you intent for a much more comprehensive development experience, you can press Ctrl+Shift+I.

• MOST ASKED: Q: The grid is not aligned with the elements!

• A: As of 1.6.1, the grid issue has been fixed to its former intent. Navigation should feel seamless. However, if you are running an old version of CompassCAD (that being older than 1.6.1), any complaints regarding grid issues will not be accepted.

• Q: CompassCAD has NO snapping!

• A: That means you are running CompassCAD older than 1.6.0. Ensure that your CompassCAD install is always up to date.

• Q: There is no About section! I can’t see what version I’m in!

• A: Well, you would have to test it youself. Use your self-instinct :) (after all, this is to test you, haha). Jokes aside, here is how you can tell if you are running either a newer version of CompassCAD. If you see these characteristics here, that means you are running CompassCAD 1.6.0 and above.

  • There is snapping
  • Inspector panel is present
  • High DPI support (the only way to tell if you’re running a later version of CompassCAD if you have a scaling of more than 100%, such as 150%)
  • 1.6.0 and later CompassCAD versions uses a newer font on the workspaces called Google Sans Mono or embedded as gsansmono.

  However, CompassCAD versions older than 1.6.0 (<1.6.0) will have these:

  • High DPI isn’t not supported yet (your canvas might look blurry on DPIs such as 125%, 150%)
  • Uses a custom TTF build of Newstroke or your computer’s native monospace font.
  • No snapping.
  • Awkward grid positioning

• Q: Why isn’t my drawing to scale?

• A: Because it isn’t! CompassCAD is by means NOT a CAD for CAM, modelling, carpentry, rather for architectural means such as floor mapping, layout, or landscaping. However, given by CompassCAD’s open nature, you can tweak CompassCAD to actually be beneficial for your purpose.

• Q: Is CompassCAD suitable for metalwork, carpentry, or mechanical design?

• A: No, and never will. CompassCAD is originally for building, landscapists, park engineers or architects to plan, sketch their ideas. In conclusion, CompassCAD is NOT Fusion 360, rather CompassCAD IS AutoCAD (with simple stuffs and stripped down features)