[SOLVED] Line tool option box does not open

[Claus N]

After launching a line tool, the line tool option box does not appear.
Have to use a detour using the property box, which is somewhat more complicated.
So, can any one help me opening the option box ? (have reinstalled software, in vain)
Or, does QCAD offer line "formulas" for use in the command line, like for instance AutoCad?

Greetings form Denmark
Claus

[andrew]

What is your understanding of the "line tool option box"? What options do you expect from this?
Can you please post a screenshot of QCAD while using the line tool?

It's possible that you are referring to the options toolbar. This is automatically shown but you might have rearranged your toolbars in such an unfortunate way that the options toolbar is too short to show any options.

[CVH]

Hi,

Right-click on empty space in the menu bar.
Point at Toolbars.
Is displaying the Option Toolbar marked?

If not, mark the Option Toolbar to be visible.
This is shared by many QCAD tools to list their options.
Don't know of a line tool exploiting a dialog.
With line tools the Command Line is mostly used for coordinate inputs.

On the other hand starting 'Line from 2 points (LI)' automatically activates the Option Toolbar.
Have you incidentally cropped or moved the Toolbar out of view?
Can you locate/rearrange the Toolbar?

If anything fails then resetting the QCAD configuration may help:
https://qcad.org/en/tutorial-resetting- ... figuration
Remind that this will reset all your QCAD customization's and tool options.
Re-installing or updating doesn't not clear/remove the QCAD.ini/config file for obvious reasons.

There is a more gentle approach for toolbars and widgets if you have preformed many customization's ...

Regards,
CVH

[Claus N]

Thanks CVH, in the "Toolbars" menu "Options is selected but I can't see any option toolbar on the screen. Also the screen remains the same, when deselecting the "Options" in the toolbar menu. In either case the line option toolbar does not appear when clicking at any line tool.

So when I can't see the options toolbar on the screen, can I otherwise investigate if it is hidden somewhere?

I updated recently and installed on my two PC's, and on the one (this one) the line option tool does not show, while it shows on the other.

I have also deleted the software and done a new installation (no result). Will this be the same as resetting the configuration?

Finally, if I save the drawing I'm working on and do a reconfiguration, will I then be able to open the new drawing again.

[Claus N]

Also, the line tool option box worked on this PC before updating with the latest version.

[CVH]

I have also deleted the software and done a new installation (no result). Will this be the same as resetting the configuration?

No for obvious reasons, otherwise one would have to reconfigure QCAD on every update for example.
The link provides the required actions per OS.
Basically one deletes the QCAD3.ini/config file completely.

Finally, if I save the drawing I'm working on and do a reconfiguration, will I then be able to open the new drawing again.

Yes, First save your current work and closed QCAD.
Most of the preferences stored in there will not affect how a drawing is presented but there are some ....
In now way the data of your drawing is altered.

You could opt for the "gentle approach" first.
With QCAD closed, open the QCAD3.ini/config file in a text editor.
Locate the section starting with [Appearance]
Remove the line starting with DockappWindows=... (and only that line)
Save the configuration file back and restart QCAD.

If not successful then start over with a new slate.

So when I can't see the options toolbar on the screen, can I otherwise investigate if it is hidden somewhere?

Sorry, no, not to my knowledge.
One could try to turn all other toolbars and widgets invisible ...
Off screen or size zero won't show.
Sometimes it may be (unintentionally) dragged somewhere outside the screen and it can then be impossible to pick it up again.

Also, the line tool option box worked on this PC before updating with the latest version.

Odd, updating should not alter the configuration file, it may however adds new functionality at the bottom.
But then there are the Murphy's laws.

Remark that it is a Toolbar ... A horizontal bar with buttons ... Not the same as a box.
Toolbar can be vertical too, squared out too.


Regards,
CVH

[Claus N]

See what I can do, thank you very much for your time

[Claus N]

Andrew, here is a screenshot of the "Line tool option box", which opens after clicking on a line tool. Works on my Lenovo but not on my Medion, which is mostly used. Here I'm now using the property editor instead.

[andrew]

This called the "options toolbar", a special and really important toolbar that shows the options for the current tool. I guess it's also there on your other system but probably too small to show any options. A screenshot of your other system where things are not working as expected would be most helpful to pinpoint the location of the options toolbar.

Alternatively, you can simply reset your configuration to get everything into place again like after the first start:

https://qcad.org/en/tutorial-resetting- ... figuration

[CVH]

Claus N,

A free floating Options Toolbar Widget is not very handy.
Because it is a vital part of QCAD I would (re-) dock it to a certain position >> Docked Widget.

Pick the Toolbar up at the string of dots in the front: Point with your cursor, click left and hold.
While holding the left mouse button, drag it to be just above the drawing Title bar.
QCAD will preview a shift in the layout of the Toolbars and the other Widgets (windows, panels, ...)
Release the Option Toolbar in that area.

Close and re-open QCAD to store the 'repaired' layout.

Regards,
CVH

[Claus N]

Here is the screenshot from the other PC, where it does not work. If you do not find anything, I'll finish this drawing, and then consider reconfiguring QCAD.

Actually the property editor box now works quite well for me, giving a few extras that I use ie. color, line type and line weight. On the other hand I might run into problems getting so used to it, that I might run into problems with next update, now having to get use to the to normal procedures again, Luxury problem I guess.

[andrew]

Thanks. The options toolbar is also visible here at the bottom (see red rectangle). As soon as you start the line tool it should expand in size and show you the line tool options. If that is not the case, please include a screenshot while the line tool is active.

[Claus N]

No Andrew, it is the floating resetting toolbar, I have placed here on purpose, so there is no expansion, when clicking on the line tool.

[andrew]

Ahh, true. I guess it must be off screen then sorry. I’d go with the reset.

[CVH]

Claus N,
I see a vertical Toolbar placed just left outside the drawing panel, The Modify Toolbar.
At the bottom we see 2 arrows pointing down.
Meaning that there is more to see down there.

One could temporary disable showing the Modify Toolbar to see what shifts up.

Regards,
CVH