Welcome, new CompassCAD user! We're thrilled you've chosen CompassCAD for your daily CAD needs, especially if you're transitioning from AutoCAD. Here's a little secret: CompassCAD wasn't created in a corporate office—it was born in a bedroom. So, trust the process! If you're reading this, you've likely downloaded the software and found your way here. Let's dive in!

Interface

Here's a breakdown of the CompassCAD interface:

• The orange part is your window bar. You're familiar with its function.
• The red part is your action bar. This is where you'll find all file operations, including SVG export—which you'll need later. You can also manually click Undo/Redo here if you're too lazy to hit Ctrl+Z and Ctrl+Y.
• The blue part is your toolbar. It houses most tools, including selection, navigation, shaping, text, and more.
• The yellow part is your inspector (version 1.6.1). This is where you can tweak your shapes from customizing its radius, changing its position and size (certain shapes) and its parameters such as text, picture source (picture only).
• Lastly, the green part is your work canvas. This is where the magic happens—designing, experimenting, you name it!

Keyboard shortcuts

If you're a CAD veteran, you'll appreciate shortcuts. They're time-savers, especially if you're like me—fingers flying across the keyboard, eager to banish those pesky mouse clicks.

File/Canvas operations

• Shift+. (>): Zoom in
• Shift+, (<): Zoom out
• /: Reset zoom back to 1x (>1.8.0)
• Ctrl+N: New Design
• Ctrl+Z: Undo
• Ctrl+Y: Redo
• Ctrl+O: Open Design
• Ctrl+S: Save Design