# QCAD Tips and Tutorials **URL:** http://forum.qcad.org/c/qcad-professional/qcad-tips-and-tutorials/32.md [Latest](http://forum.qcad.org/latest.md) · [Categories](http://forum.qcad.org/categories.md) · [Tags](http://forum.qcad.org/tags.md) --- ## [Tip: When Dealing with an "Exception occurred. Entity NOT saved: xxxx" Error on Save](http://forum.qcad.org/t/tip-when-dealing-with-an-exception-occurred-entity-not-saved-xxxx-error-on-save/11970)
**Author:** [@djm](http://forum.qcad.org/u/djm)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2026, 3:04pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/tip-when-dealing-with-an-exception-occurred-entity-not-saved-xxxx-error-on-save/11970 "2026-08-19T15:04:56Z")
Just a tip When you have one of those pesky e.g. “Exception occurred. Entity NOT saved: f934” errors when you save a file. Don’t forget to check in Blocks… When you use the Misc \> Select \> By Handle to try and find t… --- ## [QCAD CE tutorials in finnish language 🇫🇮](http://forum.qcad.org/t/qcad-ce-tutorials-in-finnish-language/11614)
**Author:** [@HendriXXX](http://forum.qcad.org/u/HendriXXX)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2026, 7:30am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/qcad-ce-tutorials-in-finnish-language/11614 "2026-04-18T07:30:08Z")
I started few months ago finnish youtube channel for Freecad, LibreCAD and QCAD CE. https://www.youtube.com/@DoubleSixes --- ## [Callouts for Holes in Mechanical Drawing](http://forum.qcad.org/t/callouts-for-holes-in-mechanical-drawing/8953)
**Author:** [@Chips\_amp\_Chips](http://forum.qcad.org/u/Chips_amp_Chips)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2026, 4:33pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/callouts-for-holes-in-mechanical-drawing/8953 "2026-02-25T16:33:01Z")
A very common element in mechanical drawings is a callout for the details of finishing a hole. The general way of doing this is shown here: https://rathasochenda.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Guide-Holes-Callouts.pdf A… --- ## [Advanced Command Line Usage](http://forum.qcad.org/t/advanced-command-line-usage/2876)
**Author:** [@andrew](http://forum.qcad.org/u/andrew)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2025, 6:35am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/advanced-command-line-usage/2876 "2025-03-29T06:35:31Z")
The command line of QCAD is mainly used to enter coordinates and for output of warnings and information for the user. However, it can also be used as a powerful calculator as outlined in the user manual at: --- ## [Setting Line Weight](http://forum.qcad.org/t/setting-line-weight/9432)
**Author:** [@sc285](http://forum.qcad.org/u/sc285)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2025, 5:30am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/setting-line-weight/9432 "2025-03-25T05:30:27Z")
Would be interested in knowing how to set the line weight for the application. I usually do small model drawing files and use 0.00mm as line weight. But I see no way to set that for either the current drawing OR globall… --- ## [User question: How to find the combined center of gravity of 2 shapes](http://forum.qcad.org/t/user-question-how-to-find-the-combined-center-of-gravity-of-2-shapes/9341)
**Author:** [@CVH](http://forum.qcad.org/u/CVH)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2025, 10:08am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/user-question-how-to-find-the-combined-center-of-gravity-of-2-shapes/9341 "2025-02-18T10:08:07Z")
Regarding a consulting question offline. Given: 2 arbitrary shapes at some distance apart, different mass per unit squared (Areal density) Question: Position of the combined centers of gravity (Weighted sum of the 2D C… --- ## [Step-by-step drawing tutorials](http://forum.qcad.org/t/step-by-step-drawing-tutorials/4845)
**Author:** [@Anding](http://forum.qcad.org/u/Anding)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2025, 3:54am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/step-by-step-drawing-tutorials/4845 "2025-02-10T03:54:07Z")
This exercise was great fun and very instructive. Does anyone one know of a resource of similar step-by-step extercise/tutorials, not necessarily specific to QCAD? Many thanks indeed, --- ## [Setting Up For Architectural Work Comparison](http://forum.qcad.org/t/setting-up-for-architectural-work-comparison/8959)
**Author:** [@seasdes](http://forum.qcad.org/u/seasdes)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2024, 12:07am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/setting-up-for-architectural-work-comparison/8959 "2024-09-03T00:07:13Z")
Most of my work is architectural. I have read a lot of posts on this forum on setting up drawings. The table below might be of use to anyone transitioning to QCAD from BricsCAD / AutoCAD. It summarises differences & sim… --- ## [Hotkey memorization card deck available for all! (uses Anki software)](http://forum.qcad.org/t/hotkey-memorization-card-deck-available-for-all-uses-anki-software/8620)
**Author:** [@WraithGlade](http://forum.qcad.org/u/WraithGlade)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 25, 2024, 8:12am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/hotkey-memorization-card-deck-available-for-all-uses-anki-software/8620 "2024-02-25T08:12:13Z")
Hello everyone! I created a self-quizzing memorization card deck for many of the hotkeys for QCAD. I based it on the “cheatsheet” PDF that lists hotkeys for QCAD. The card deck currently covers 296 different key bindi… --- ## [Tracking down weird text formatting: use "simple text"](http://forum.qcad.org/t/tracking-down-weird-text-formatting-use-simple-text/8487)
**Author:** [@iOne\_iTwo](http://forum.qcad.org/u/iOne_iTwo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 18, 2023, 7:51am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/tracking-down-weird-text-formatting-use-simple-text/8487 "2023-12-18T07:51:27Z")
I had some formatting that was just a bit off, could not get it right. Low and behold: If you select “ Simple text” all the formatting commands become visible and editable, and nothing is lost. I removed the offend… --- ## [Brand new to QCAD.](http://forum.qcad.org/t/brand-new-to-qcad/7777)
**Author:** [@ThomasZingalis](http://forum.qcad.org/u/ThomasZingalis)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2023, 5:17pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/brand-new-to-qcad/7777 "2023-02-19T17:17:28Z")
Brand new to QCAD! Emailed Andrew but so far no reply. Is the offered book helping new users??? Tom --- ## [\[solved\] Dimension labels on "Central"](http://forum.qcad.org/t/solved-dimension-labels-on-central/7755)
**Author:** [@wynnjones](http://forum.qcad.org/u/wynnjones)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 17, 2022, 7:23am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/solved-dimension-labels-on-central/7755 "2022-12-17T07:23:42Z")
I am running QCAD Professional with Windows 10. I have a dwg which has some dimension labels positioned on “Central” and others positioned on “Above”. I prefer “Central”, but when I highlight those on “above” and open th… --- ## [Open Source Nesting](http://forum.qcad.org/t/open-source-nesting/2805)
**Author:** [@Husky](http://forum.qcad.org/u/Husky)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2022, 6:51pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/open-source-nesting/2805 "2022-03-01T18:51:08Z")
Hi everybody, if somebody is in need to use an Open Source Nesting Software try SVGnest. http://www.svgnest.com/ It works with svg files which easily can be exported/imported with QCAD Pro. Maybe a suitable solution … --- ## [\[Solved\] JPEG Layer when enabled make other layer disappear](http://forum.qcad.org/t/solved-jpeg-layer-when-enabled-make-other-layer-disappear/7153)
**Author:** [@mmartins](http://forum.qcad.org/u/mmartins)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2022, 2:11am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/solved-jpeg-layer-when-enabled-make-other-layer-disappear/7153 "2022-02-03T02:11:16Z")
Hi, I am running in my MAC Catalina 10.15.7 and 3.27.1 QCAD. All layers work fine except when I enable a layer with a JPEG drawing to be used as a background. When the JPEG layer is visible the other layers will only be… --- ## [cam Funktzionen](http://forum.qcad.org/t/cam-funktzionen/7121)
**Author:** [@Matthias\_W](http://forum.qcad.org/u/Matthias_W)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2022, 11:42am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/cam-funktzionen/7121 "2022-01-22T11:42:29Z")
Servus, Ich nutze bisher QCAD Version: 3.24.3.0 (3.24.3) und bin sehr zufrieden damit. Für mein aktuelles Projekt suchte ich die ein Tool zum “Verschachteln / Nesting” und wie der zufall es will stolperte ich über QCAD … --- ## [LearnQcad.com](http://forum.qcad.org/t/learnqcad-com/5217)
**Author:** [@lwgraves](http://forum.qcad.org/u/lwgraves)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2021, 12:55am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/learnqcad-com/5217 "2021-11-09T00:55:06Z")
Our website has now gone free. All the Qcad3 Base Course videos are now available at YouTube. Just go to http://www.youtube.com/lwgraves/playlists/ to view all 4.5 hours of the course. Enjoy. --- ## [Stream Deck for Qcad](http://forum.qcad.org/t/stream-deck-for-qcad/6821)
**Author:** [@Smart](http://forum.qcad.org/u/Smart)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2021, 4:52pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/stream-deck-for-qcad/6821 "2021-10-10T16:52:38Z")
I like making my life easy, so some time back I thought why not use my Stream Deck for QCAD. As said I did not want to lose much time and making all these Icons… well I left it until I found a quick solution. Make a lis… --- ## [A3 Drawing Print as A3 Pdf](http://forum.qcad.org/t/a3-drawing-print-as-a3-pdf/6808)
**Author:** [@Structur3427](http://forum.qcad.org/u/Structur3427)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2021, 2:00pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/a3-drawing-print-as-a3-pdf/6808 "2021-09-09T14:00:54Z")
Hi guys! In the last few days I have drawn a submission plan for a house construction in QCAD. The size of the plan (outer frame) is A3. Now I want to print this plan as A3 PDF. But I always get only A4 PDF files. E… --- ## [Single Entity Selection Tool ?](http://forum.qcad.org/t/single-entity-selection-tool/6465)
**Author:** [@Da5idZ](http://forum.qcad.org/u/Da5idZ)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2021, 3:37am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/single-entity-selection-tool/6465 "2021-04-20T03:37:03Z")
Just getting started with QCAD. Downloaded and installed the professional version so I should have the latest version. The reference manual shows a Single Entity Selection tool available on the selection menu but I don… --- ## [\[solved\] Understanding differences in blocks, templates and how they appear in different block "spaces"](http://forum.qcad.org/t/solved-understanding-differences-in-blocks-templates-and-how-they-appear-in-different-block-spaces/6125)
**Author:** [@simpsonrr](http://forum.qcad.org/u/simpsonrr)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2021, 3:44pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/solved-understanding-differences-in-blocks-templates-and-how-they-appear-in-different-block-spaces/6125 "2021-01-24T15:44:50Z")
I’m trying to figure out how to incorporate a drawing frame template I got from this website, into an existing drawing that I already had started. I’m a little confused about if I can place a template as a block, that i… --- ## [change font size in menus and widgets](http://forum.qcad.org/t/change-font-size-in-menus-and-widgets/6086)
**Author:** [@cccplex](http://forum.qcad.org/u/cccplex)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2021, 10:11pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/change-font-size-in-menus-and-widgets/6086 "2021-01-10T22:11:42Z")
I installed Arch Linux and as this is a barebone OS I had to find a way to configure the font size. Mine was too big. Setting the value for QT\_AUTO\_SCREEN\_SCALE\_FACTOR only changes the size of borders and buttons. Chan… --- ## [Help with finding tutorial](http://forum.qcad.org/t/help-with-finding-tutorial/5933)
**Author:** [@kinross](http://forum.qcad.org/u/kinross)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2020, 10:00pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/help-with-finding-tutorial/5933 "2020-11-21T22:00:32Z")
Hello. This is my first post. I would like to try to learn Qcad. I have been searching Tutorials but I really do prefer a book to start out. I find it difficult to remember what the tutorial has told me when I go to try… --- ## [Hatch Patterns For Beginners](http://forum.qcad.org/t/hatch-patterns-for-beginners/5110)
**Author:** [@John\_Hyslop](http://forum.qcad.org/u/John_Hyslop)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2020, 2:17am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/hatch-patterns-for-beginners/5110 "2020-01-31T02:17:44Z")
Hi All This is my 1st attempt at creating a tutorial on how common hatches are created using a text editor. There are many types of hatches and many different ways to create them some have over 10 numbers in one line … --- ## [Hatching workaround - for diagrammatic purposes only!](http://forum.qcad.org/t/hatching-workaround-for-diagrammatic-purposes-only/4363)
**Author:** [@Clive](http://forum.qcad.org/u/Clive)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2019, 1:31pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/hatching-workaround-for-diagrammatic-purposes-only/4363 "2019-03-05T13:31:47Z")
Often, here in the machine shop I am confronted with the wonderful task (who am I kidding… ) on cleaning up drawings for either cnc output or for presentation purposes and after many hours of scrambling about with hatchi… --- ## [Using a List of Coordinates / Importing Coordinates](http://forum.qcad.org/t/using-a-list-of-coordinates-importing-coordinates/3909)
**Author:** [@andrew](http://forum.qcad.org/u/andrew)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2019, 9:33am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/using-a-list-of-coordinates-importing-coordinates/3909 "2019-03-04T09:33:05Z")
This tutorial has been moved to: --- ## [Exploding Splines](http://forum.qcad.org/t/exploding-splines/3263)
**Author:** [@andrew](http://forum.qcad.org/u/andrew)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2019, 10:47am UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/exploding-splines/3263 "2019-01-03T10:47:28Z")
Splines are convenient drawing elements to represent non-circular, non-elliptical curves. Unfortunately, when drawings are further processed for example through CAM (G-Code or similar), splines often need to be broken do… --- ## [Isometric Projections from Non-square Drawings](http://forum.qcad.org/t/isometric-projections-from-non-square-drawings/4251)
**Author:** [@mjhaas](http://forum.qcad.org/u/mjhaas)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2018, 5:43pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/isometric-projections-from-non-square-drawings/4251 "2018-12-11T17:43:50Z")
There might be an easier way to do this in which case I’d be glad to hear it but this is how I did it. Unless I’ve overlooked something the isometric projection tool in QCAD only works with drawings that correspond to o… --- ## [Inserting Bitmaps (for example from Goolge Maps) into QCAD](http://forum.qcad.org/t/inserting-bitmaps-for-example-from-goolge-maps-into-qcad/2283)
**Author:** [@andrew](http://forum.qcad.org/u/andrew)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2018, 9:00pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/inserting-bitmaps-for-example-from-goolge-maps-into-qcad/2283 "2018-08-28T21:00:53Z")
When working on drawings or plans, it is sometimes desirable to insert bitmaps in the background and add drawing elements on top of the bitmap to add vector data or vectorize data from the bitmap. Bitmaps with map data,… --- ## [Script commands safe subset](http://forum.qcad.org/t/script-commands-safe-subset/4027)
**Author:** [@rwaltman](http://forum.qcad.org/u/rwaltman)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2018, 3:47pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/script-commands-safe-subset/4027 "2018-07-24T15:47:20Z")
New QCAD user, Last week, while searching for QCAD tutorials, I found a page listing a “safe subset” of QCAD/Javascript commands, suitable for beginners. Today I wanted to read it, but I was unable to find that page ag… --- ## ["Polyline Pattern" Property](http://forum.qcad.org/t/polyline-pattern-property/2238)
**Author:** [@andrew](http://forum.qcad.org/u/andrew)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2018, 2:15pm UTC](http://forum.qcad.org/t/polyline-pattern-property/2238 "2018-05-20T14:15:15Z")
By default, the line type pattern is applied to each segment of a polyline individually (left). Especially for polylines with many small segments this can result in solid polylines for any pattern. If Polyline Pattern … [Next page](http://forum.qcad.org/c/qcad-professional/qcad-tips-and-tutorials/32.md?page=1)