QCAD.org Forum

I'm not a power user so I don't often use the command line for other than entering coordinates. As part of another question I was recommended to enter the MD command. QCAD was not please with me. Instead I found the function in the menus so all good. However, I'm wondering if this is my mistake or a bug?

DaleEltoft,

MD and MZ are keyboard shortcuts.
Shortcuts are 2(3) letter key-in that you can use almost wherever the focus is.
Just type the 'M' key and then the 'D' or the 'Z' key.

Shortcuts use capital letters but you just use the keyboard key and thus not with the Shift key pressed.
If that is required then it is mentioned e.g.: Print Preview (Ctrl+Shift+P)
See: https://www.ribbonsoft.com/archives/sho ... uts_en.pdf

After typing MD with the focus on the drawing area you will see that the command in the Command History is 'duplicates'.
That is the same when activating it with the Modify Toolbar button or with the Modify menu tool button.

Most common drawing tools have a command that is identical to the shortcut.
That is not the case for these tools, see: App.Prefs. .. General .. Tool settings.

And sometimes it is conflicting:
Draw .. Line .. Line from 2 Points:

• - Shortcuts: LI
  - Commands: 'line' ; 'ln' ; 'li' ; 'l'

Draw .. Line .. Orthogonal/Tangent:

• - Shortcuts: LN
  - Commands: 'lineorthogonaltangent' ; 'orthotangent'

One can not use the command 'ln' for the latter because that is taken by Line from 2 Points.
(BTW: You don't see me entering the commands of this tools in the Command Line )

Bottom line: In general you don't enter the key-in shortcut in the Command Line.

Regards,
CVH

DaleEltoft wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 24, 2023 1:55 am

I'm not a power user so I don't often use the command line for other than entering coordinates.

Ok, "power user" is probably debatable but despite that fact, and as I have learned in previous post, you are making quality drawings! Respect!

DaleEltoft wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 24, 2023 1:55 am

As part of another question I was recommended to enter the MD command. QCAD was not please with me.

MD and MZ are shortcuts meant to be used in Model_Space. The Model_Space has to be in focus what can be achieved with a mouse click on the drawing canvas. If Model_Space is active just hit MD or MZ and it will work.

Command Line is just an alternative input option. Sometimes the commands have the same name like the shortcut, sometimes not ...

I have to chuckle at myself. I'd seen the shortcuts mentioned but didn't want to jump down that rabbit hole. I've come to really appreciate the command line for entering coordinates and just jumped to the conclusion that everything was entered there. When using the keyboard with most other apps the text appears somewhere. It is kind of spooky to just type shortcuts into QCAD with no destination. I'm doing volunteer CAD work and have really come to enjoy working with QCAD until way past bedtime.