Operation

What's the best way to learn ELITECAD?

ELITECAD is very easy to use. Still we recommend to start with the first steps videos. They show the basics from the beginning. Using the tutorials, you will create an example project and learn the most important functions by applying them immediately.

Video Tutorials
Using the new "first steps videos" you will learn how to turn your ideas into reality.
Videos

Course units
Mittels Kurseinheiten im PDF Format erfährst du Schritt für Schritt wie du ein Modell von Grund auf konstruierst.
Course units

Manual
The PDF course units show you step-by-step how to create a model from scratch.
Manual for ELITECAD Architecture
Manual for ELITECAD Mechanics

Hotline & Support
In case you have any questions about ELITECAD, our competent support team is happy to assist you.
Support

Events & Workshops
We organize countless events and workshops where you have the chance to learn everything you want to know about ELITECAD.
Events

How do I get started with a new project?

ELITECAD Architecture There are multiple options to start a project. Choose to start from scratch or adapt an existing project depending on the requirements of your project.

A new project can be created simply by clicking the respective option on the welcome screen. Afterwards you define the storeys, choose one of them to start with and begin drawing the walls and ceilings. Alternatively, you can copy an existing project by selecting PROJECT – ALTERNATIVES and then adapting it as required. Even more intuitive is the use of template drawings. Simply choose one of the templates available on the welcome screen (see template drawings and installation guide at Downloads → Updates → Additional data) or create your own templates for future projects.

ELITECAD Mechanics Create a new drawing or copy an existing model as reference model.

Is it possible to influence the contour search for hatchings and choose if branching at points or sections?

Yes, you can find this setting in the menu under SETTINGS → OPTIONS → WORKING PARAMETERS → GENERAL. This setting applies to the function "Hatching", "Measure areas" and "Parallel contour.
See the full explanation from the manual here.

If I try to load a drawing I receive the message "drawing locked" even though no other user is working on the file.

This situation might happen if the program unexpectedly closes and the locking file isn't removed as it should be. The locking file always is in the same directory as the drawing and has the prefix "~$" with the same filename.

In this case it helps to manually delete this file.

Tip: In order to see this locking file you need to deactivate an option called " …" in the folder settings of windows explorer.

Is it possible to save my plans as PDF?

Yes, you can export your plans as PDF. Click on "save PDF" in the view manager and choose the desired views – we do the rest. We export plans, views, or even 3D models in the desired format.

Following views can be exported:

• Design Model Views
• Floor Plans
• Sections
• Plots

ELITECAD is not responding anymore – what should I do?

Close ELITECAD using the ELITECAD configuration tool. This way we can try to generate a backup of your data so you can continue working. Therefore, click on "Write work copy and close ELITECAD".

Can I change the type of separators for decimal and lists?

Yes, there are two ways to do that. Use the "dot as comma" meaning a period for a decimal and a comma for separating lists (111.11, 222.22) or our Windows System settings. To configure this, open ELITECAD under SETINGS → OPTIONS → System → Region and choose the desired configuration.

I don't want to see the colours of the object state in renovation planning.

No problem. You can also choose working with your custom materials and hatchings when working with renovation planning. Therefore, go to SETTINGS → OPTIONS → DEPICTION → RENOVATION PLANNING and deactivate the checkbox "Colouring objects according to their state". This setting affects all available views.

Alternatively, the standard keyboard shortcut  Ctrl + J can be used to change the setting (coloured / non-coloured) only for the current view.

I accidentally closed a tool bar and want to add it again.

In order to manage your tool bars simply go to SETTINGS → TOOL BARS/KEYBOARD COMMANDS and choose the required functions. You can add those functions to existing toolbars or load them as individual tool bars to the program.

Can I create custom shortcuts and keyboard commands?

Yes. Go to SETTINGS → TOOL BARS/KEYBOARD COMMANDS and link the keyboard shortcuts to the desired functions. Therefore, choose the desired functions, enter the shortcut under "new shortcut" and click "assign". In case the shortcut is already in use, you will receive a notification.
See the full explanation from the manual here.

How can I add library parts?

In order to expand the ELITECAD library, you can also add custom library parts. Therefore, navigate to the library manager and click the "Add" symbol. Select a folder on your computer, which contains library parts (e.g. SketchUp files). Now add them with drag & drop to your ELITECAD drawing.

How can I create my own materials?

In order to get the highest quality materials, we recommend using seamless textures with the corresponding depth information. Those textures can usually be downloaded or requested by the vendors.

If you want to add a new material, simply drag the image into the material manager of ELITECAD. A double click on the new material allows you to configure reflections, shininess, bump mapping and more in order to get a realistic material.

When opening the structure settings, I receive the message "Project locked by other user!"

This message is displayed when another user has already opened the structure settings of the same project for adaptation. The mechanism is controlled by the file "project.log" in the project directory "…../project name/ conf" and will be removed when the user closes the structure settings dialog.

In case the message doesn't disappear even though no user has opened the file, you can manually delete the file "project.log".

Tip: The file "project.log" contains information about the user, date and time, when the structure settings have been opened.