First steps in hsbDesign | part 1
The user interface
hsbcad uses the user interface of AutoCAD Architecture, but adds some additional menus and palettes:
- The application menu contains the functions for file management, such as opening and saving, as well as the AutoCAD options.
- The ribbon contains all of AutoCAD Architecture's drawing commands in its numerous tabs.
- The hsb menu bar contains all hsbcad commands in classic list form.
- The program name "AutoCAD Architecture 20xx" and the name of the currently open drawing file are displayed in the middle of the program bar. To the left of this are the "quick access tools" and to the right are the AutoCAD "help functions".
- The designs and plans are created in the drawing area.
- The crosshairs of the mouse pointer are used to show positions and select objects.
- The "ViewCube" supports the user in orienting themselves in three-dimensional space.
- The small selection menus contain predefined views and different visual styles.
- The axis cross at the bottom left shows the X, Y and Z directions of the current coordinate system.
- The hsbConsole is used to structure drawing content and to select the objects to be displayed.
- The tabs are used to switch between the model area and the plan layouts of the current drawing created in the paper area.
- The command line allows you to enter program commands and display the notes. It can be expanded using the F2 key.
- The program status bar shows the coordinates of the current position of the mouse pointer on the far left and the settings for the drawing aids next to it. On the right are tools for managing the model area and the layouts. The entire work area can be customized using the gear symbol. Next to it is the Z filter button.
The drawing status bar contains the selection of display configurations, the current label scale and, in the paper space, the scale of the active viewport. - The freely configurable tool palettes contain predefined commands and tools for creating and editing drawing objects.
- The properties palette shows all properties of the currently selected object.
The mouse in hsbcad
Select an object:
Selecting individual objectsSelect and drag from right to left (-> blue selection window):
All objects that are completely within the selection window are selectedSelect and drag from left to right (-> green selection window):
“Cross” = All objects that the selection window touches are selected
Short click ≙ ENTER key:
Confirm input / selection; repeat the last executed commandLong click:
Open context menu with further commandsShift + right mouse button click:
Set object snap method for the next click (e.g. end point, center point, ...)
Press and drag the mouse wheel:
Move the image sectionRotate mouse wheel (scroll):
ZoomDouble click on mouse wheel:
Zoom on all objects in the drawingPress and drag Shift + mouse wheel:
Change the angle of the 3D view
Keyboard shortcuts
In AutoCAD and therefore also in hsbcad, most commands can be called up using the keyboard. They are entered into the command line with their full name or keyboard shortcuts and confirmed with ENTER or the SPACEBAR.
Meaning of ENTER and SPACEBAR:
- Confirmation of a keyboard input / object selection
- Repeating the last command executed (if a keyboard input was made beforehand)
All commands and functions can be canceled using the ESC key.
(For multi-level commands, the ESC key may have to be pressed several times.)
The following list shows the most common keyboard shortcuts in hsbcad:
Create objects
L LineKL (infinitely long) construction line Vvertical (in Y-direction) HOhorizontal (in X-direction) Wat an angle to a specific objectC circleA arcREC rectanglePL Polyline (a connected line consisting of several segments)PU PurgeH HatchingDT single line text MT multi-line text (text field)
Edit objects
S stretchCO copyDE deleteTR trim (cut off with a specific element as a boundary)DE stretch (stretch an object until it reaches the next object)STR stretch (mark the objects to be stretched by "crossing" them (green window)O offset (move an object parallel by a certain value)RO rotateMI mirrorAR arrayCHA chamferTL divide a line into equal segments (creates points)ME Divide a line into specified distances and a remaining piece (creates points)AUS Align objectUR Dissolve objects / blocks (explode)
independent aids
RE regenerateAB distance between two points (measure)ID query coordinates of a pointZR character order (O = top; before all objects, U = bottom; after all objects)LÄ measuring (and changing) lengthBKS change coordinate system Wworld coordinate system ANplace XY plane in current viewCtrl + S quick saveCtrl + Shift + Ssave as
Other
Ctrl +z undoes the last actionsCtrl +1 show Properties PaletteCtrl +2 show Design CenterCtrl +3 show tool palettesCtrl +4 show catalog libraryCtrl +5 open Project Navigator
Function keys (F...)
F1HelpDisplays Help for the active tooltip, command, palette or dialog box.F2Expanded historyDisplays an expanded command history in the Command window.F3Object snapTurns object snap on and off.F43D object snapTurns additional object snaps for 3D on and off.F5IsoplaneCycles through 2D isoplane settings.F6Dynamic UCS (AutoCAD only)Turns automatic UCS alignment with planar surfaces on and off.F7Grid displayTurns the grid display on and off.F8OrthoLocks cursor movement to horizontal or vertical.F9Grid snapRestricts cursor movement to specified grid intervals.F10Polar trackingGuides cursor movement to specified angles.F11Object snap trackingTracks the cursor horizontally and vertically from object snap locations.F12Dynamic inputDisplays distances and angles near the cursor and accepts input as you use Tab between fields.
Load the hsbCAD menu
Type the command HSB_MENU in the command line and confirm with the Enter key.
Confirm the dialog box that appears by pressing the OK key.
Load the hsbCAD Ribbon
- Enter the command MENULOAD in the AutoCAD command line.
- Select the Browse button.
- Navigate to the folder in the Content of the country you are from, in this case I will navigate to the General ribbon.
C:\Program Files\hsbcad\<hsbDesign..>\Content\General\Ribbon\hsbgeneral
4. Then select the Load button
5. The hsbgeneral ribbon is now loaded in the “Loaded customization groups” section.
6. Close the dialog box by selecting the Close button.
7. All the General commands are now available in the ribbon bar.