This is a list of 256 commands used in this package, and a brief description of each.
Instructions and notes of interest are included sporadically.


Toolboxes can be edited in the options menu.This is the Line Toolbox. It's a collection of line commands. All of the commands are also on the menu but they're not as impressive there.


images can be made in Microsoft Paint The first command is 'Property Line' and is often the first thing the drafter looks at. This command sets the line style to solid and sets the line width according to the scale you're using. But there's more! It sets the text size kind of large so it's nice looking. And it sets the distance to read and print out to the hundredths of a foot and sets the angle dimension on seconds the same way.

images can be made in Microsoft Paint The next command is 'Center Line' and is often the next thing the drafter adds. This command sets the line style to dashed and sets the line width according to the scale you're using. But there's more! It sets the text size extra large so it's nicer looking. And it sets the distance to read and print out to the hundredths of a foot and sets the angle dimension on seconds the same way.

images can be made in Microsoft Paint The next command is 'Lot Line' and is often seen on lot surveys.. This command sets the line style to solid and sets the line width according to the scale you're using. It does the same crap with the settings too. But there's more! Sorry. It fills the text memory (scroll down in the text dialog box, you'll see it) fills it with commonly said things regarding lot lines. Like "Lot " and "Block ". Also Not Included, common area, remainder of, and more.

images can be made in Microsoft Paint 'Easement Line' is often seen on lot surveys.. This command sets the line style to loge dashes and sets the line width according to the scale you're using. Modifies all the settings conveniently and fills up the text memory with every kind of easement there is.

images can be downloaded. 'OutLine' is a general purpose 'detail' line. This command sets the line style to solid and sets the line width according to the scale you're using. Changes the settings nicely.

images can be downloaded. House Line. This one sets the line to solid and 4 inches wide, at thirty scale. A comparable thickness at other scales.


Fences. This opens a new toolbox that has some fences in it. Also loads the text memory with phrase like 'fence meanders', and such as that.

Section line. (Yes I know this is a quarter section symbol). Opens the Section Line Toolbox. Sets the line to 'Section'. Pre-loads the text memory with 'North line of section' and such as that.

Sketch. Use the cursor like a pencil. You can sign your name using this command. Of course it's not as easy as it sounds.

Step size.d3m toggles the cursor step size from tenths to hundredths.

R.S = Running Snap. This is just a quick way of putting one point right on top of another. It lights up the exact spot where the new point.


Toolboxes can be edited in the options menu.This is the House Toolbox. It's a collection of house-related commands. All of the commands are also on the menu but they're not as impressive there.


>House Line.d3m This one sets the line to solid and 4 inches wide, at thirty scale. A comparable thickness at other scales.



Commands in Alphebetical Order


Address.d3m this one prompts for the address, and prints it where you put it.

Adjacent Bldg.d3m Creates a pullout that says Adjacent Building. This is a speed spelling help. Access it in the macro library by hitting the percent sign on the keyboard.

Also Found.d3m More spelling help. Gives a drop down list of nearby corner monuments.

Anchor.d3m pullout that says anchor, referring to power pole accessories.

Arrow 1.d3m Creates a long, hollow arrow half the size of the text. Its a beautiful arrow.

arrow2.d3m Creates a hollow round arrow, used to label patios, entries, and etc.

Arrow3.d3m Creates a solid round arrow, used for centerline points, block ties, and such.

arrowc.d3m Makes an incredible curved arrow. To use it, set three points in an L or a V right at the start, then move the cursor to see a straight line, that is, a really flat curve, towards the end point. Set two points for the arrow. Thats it. For less flat curves, simply shorten the arrow.

arrowd1.d3m This one draws a double arrow, perpendicular to the line clicked as the second point, and extends it out as far as you like. Both arrowheads face the same way.

arrowd2.d3m This one draws a double arrow, perpendicular to the line clicked as the second point, and extends it out as far as you like. The arrowheads face outward.

arrowf1.d3m This one creates the little curved arrow at the end of a measurement. Click the start point, then the point you want to point toward, the side of the line you want the arrow on.

arrowf2.d3m This one creates the little curved arrow at the end of a measurement, for a second time. Just its little more offset. Click the start point, then the point you want to point toward, the side of the line you want the arrow on. Then tell the computer how many arrows you will then have on this spot. Perhaps 2, for instance.

Bearing Base.d3m Spits out the label Bearing Base

Blank Drawing.d3m loads the blank drawing

Bldg Type.d3m brings up a drop down list of building types, for labeling.

Block Tie.d3m

Bndry Brng.d3m gets and prints the bearing and distance of a boundary line, in the correct size text.

Boundary.d3m Sets the line style to property boundary type. Then it sets the text to the right size. Then it displays the Boundary toolbox.

Break line.d3m Okay this one is tricky. It takes practice. What it does is this it puts that little zigzag line in the middle of line not being shown at scale. It uses section delete to open up a gap in the line. Then it loads a little zigzag from memory. Then t places one end on the line. Then it lines up the bolt with the other end of the line. Then it zooms in closer. Then it extends the other end of the line to meet the zigzag. Or rather, it gives you the delete cursor. You drag the actual window that deletes. Then the zigzag appears, with both selection handles active. You gravity snap to one end of the gap you made with the section delete, then to the other end. It attaches in place and direction. Then a zoom cursor appears. Drag a window over the gap area and enlarge it. A snap cursor appears. Gravity snap on the free end of the gap. The line extends with the cursor. Extend it to touch the end of the zigzag. The Zoom Previous command automatically takes you back to your starting view.

Brng Dist.d3m This one labels a line with the bearing (in degrees minutes and seconds, to the second and to the hundredth, with a foot mark to boot). Gravity snap to one end, then the other, the text appears, and you set it.

Brng.d3m This does just like Brng Dist, only without the distance.

Center Line.d3m This one displays the Centerline toolbox, sets the line type to centerline, and sets the text size to Street Name Size.

Certified to.d3m Brings up a text box with a Certified to header. Includes a long list of
lenders, with a issoa, atima, included. Also includes a list of Title insurance Companies, and Title Underwriters. Please note, this is one place where you pretty much have to edit the macro to list the companies in your area. Open it with notepad and simply rewrite the names. If your computer explodes its not my fault.

Check.d3m makes a list of the angles and distances made to recreate the field traverse. That is, you set one point and thats
the setup point, and it gets labeled such. Then you set the back sight point, and it gets labeled too. The page gets set upright to the back sight. Then you snap to each point in sequence, and get a list printed, one line at a time.

Clear Over.d3m Just a spelling help.

Concrete Notes.d3m Sets the hatch for concrete. Then it preloads a drop down list of notes activated by t for text. It sets the right text font and size too.
Concrete.d3m Sets hatch to concrete, without delay.
Containing.d3m spelling help.
Control.d3m drop down list of pk nails, washers, etc.
>Convert Text.d3m This one converts fuzzy dark 3d text to crisp clear 2d text, and vice versa.
>corner circle.d3m Draws that cute dark open circle at the property corners. This is for after all math is done. Just gravity snap to the corner and it does it all. Lickety split.
Corner Solid.d3m Just like corner circle but makes a solid circle. Not as pretty as the circle.
corner text.d3m Makes a drop down list of iron rods, pipes, monuments, etc. All In the right size, of course.
corner.d3m
Covered.d3m This one makes a drop down list including carport, garage, patio, walk, slab, etc.
Curve Data.d3m This one highlights the curve and makes a table of the arc length, radius, and delta, of a curve snapped to by the user.
Curved Arrow2.d3m Thisone draws a curve, and an arrow. Set the points for a curve (a rubber band curve appears). The last two points are where the arrow appears.
Description.d3m This one provides a text box with different legal descriptions, to be altered and finished by the user.
Dirt.d3m This one sets the hatch type to dirt.
do Field Work.d3m This one sets the color to red, the line type to solid and thin, and sets the user to be ready to construct the field traverse.
Double Arrow.d3m This one makes a double headed arrow. First gravity snap to a corner (this is used for extend the rubber band arrow as far as you like. Both arrowheads face the corner.
Double Arrow 2.d3m This one makes a double headed arrow too. First gravity snap to a corner (this is used or dimensioning), then snap to a line. The first arrow is perpendicular to the line, from the corner. Then extend the rubber band arrow as far as you like. The arrowheads face outward, away from each other.
Draw a Compound Curve.d3m This assumes you already have the first curve drawn, and are adding a second curve to it. Just gravity snap to the PCC (Point of Compound Curve) and circle around with the cursor until you see the back tangent. It a rubber band line. Extend it a bit, and set a point. A dialogue box appears, asking for the radius and arc length of the curve you want to set. Gravity snap to the back end of the back tangent, then to the PCC. Then circle the cursor and watch the rubber band curve. It ll do the forward compound curve quite well. It also does a forward reverse curve, as well as two backward curves that are essentially worthless.
Draw a Tangent Curve.d3m This is the Designcad Arc6 command, also called a tangent arc. This is for the technically picky.
Draw by Angle Right and Distance.d3m Does just that. Gravity snap to the angle point, then the backsight. A dialogue box appears asking for Angle Right and distance. The entire drawing rotates the backsight upright, draws the new line, and rotates the drawing upright.
Draw by Distance and Bearing.d3m A revamp of pointpolar.
Draw Corner Arrow.d3m This one draws that cute little hollow circle that makes the boundary corners stand out so well. Just gravity snap to the corner. All the rest is automatic.
>Easement Line.d3m Sets the line type to Easement and opens the Easement line toolbox and loads a drop down list of easement types.
>Extend Curve.d3m Just like Extend Line but instead of two points to define the line, you snap to the curve (oddly enough, using line snap) three times to define the curve. It shows the extension through a rubber band arc.
>ExtendDist.d3m Extends one line with a new line type a specified distance. To use it, line snap to a point about in the middle of the line to be extended. Not the far end, not any actual point in the drawing. That is, dont use gravity snap, use line snap. Then use gravity snap to set on the end of the line to be extended. Enter the distance in the dialogue box that pops up. Watch it work.
>Extension Line.d3m Sets the line type to Extension, sets the text size for the right of way text, and preloads said text.
>Final Survey.d3m This one is a checklist for final surveys. Use it.
>Finish Floor.D3M Refers to elevation, used in Permit surveys.
>Flood Zone.d3m This one is spelling and font help.
>Flow Legend.d3m Used next to a flow arrow, in the legend.
>Form Board.d3m
>Found.d3m Coughs up a drop down list of rods, pipes, and other found corner items.
>From Arrow.d3m This one makes those cute little curved arrows from the corners, or ends of the lines. First you gravity snap to the corner youre measuring from, then line-snap to the line being measured, in the correct direction , then click off to the side, on whichever side of the line you want the arrow on. Three lousy clicks and youve got an arrow. Then F3 to repeat.
>From Arrow2.d3m This one makes additional cute little curved arrows from the corners, or ends of the lines, after the first one. First you gravity snap to the corner you re measuring from, then line-snap to the line being measured, in the correct direction , then click off to the side, on whichever side of the line you want the arrow on. Then it asks for the number of the arrow. Three lousy clicks, one number, and you ve got an arrow. Then F3 to repeat.
>Get NorthingEasting.d3m This one gets, and prints, the Northing and Easting coordinates of a point you snap to. You snap, and a pullout appears. It s pretty easy.
>Hatch Hide.d3m This one hides all the hatch patterns in the drawing by shifting them to another layer. Use it to speed up your snaps, and line drawing. Be careful to hit edit hatch before moving the drawing at all. The hatch patterns won t move with it.
>help.d3m This a context sensitive help command. It appears on some of the toolboxes as a question mark. When its on a specific toolbox, the other items on that specific toolbox have help available right there. Simply click on the question mark, then click on any item in the same toolbox. A help screen appears and gives you everything you need.
>The following commands all refer to toolboxes, and do pretty much what they say.
>Hide Boundary Box.d3m
>Hide Centerline Box.d3m
>Hide Edit Box.d3m
>Hide Elevations Box.d3m
>Hide Fences Box.d3m
>Hide Field Work.d3m
>Hide Flatwork Box.d3m
>Hide House Box.d3m
>Hide Line Box.d3m
>Hide Notes Box.d3m
>Hide Section Box.d3m
>Hide Select.d3m
>Hide Selections Box.d3m
>Hide Setup Box.d3m
>Hide Survey Main Box.d3m
>Hide Titles Box.d3m
>Hide Trees.d3m
>Hide Utilities Box.d3m
>Hide Zoom Box.d3m
>House Dimension.d3m Puts the distance in feet and tenths on the house walls in the right size.
>House hatch.d3m This does just what it says. Click it. Click your house wall line. (its a closed geometric figure, right?), click just inside the house. An interior wall appears. Click inside the double line. A hatch pattern appears. Erase the inside line. Voila.
>House Line.d3m This one sets the line to solid and 4 inches wide, at thirty scale. A comparable thickness at other scales.
>House Type.d3m Provides a text block saying One Story Residence.
>HouseTie.d3m Gravity snap to a house corner. Cursor to a property line. Youll see a rubberband line. Click. The perpendicular tie is printed to the drawing.
>Interior Lot Line.d3m Sets the line to, guess what?
>Legal.d3m Makes a text box containing 3 basic Legal Descriptions, reduced to fill in the blank format.
>Line by QuadBrngDist.d3m This one draws a line by surveyors units, and is only for diehards who are coming into this software from one that requires this type of input. I prefer point polar myself.
>List Angle.d3m Makes a text box with a blank curve information form. This one has been largely superseded by Curve Data.
>List Brng.d3m Notes a bearing with text at ninety degrees level, like a notebook, and then makes an arrow to the line.
>List Chord.d3m Lists the bearing and distance of two points.
>List Dimensions.d3m Lists the dimensions of a house.
>Load Toolboxes.D3M This one was meant for (and is) an installation routine that loads the latest versions of the toolboxes. This one is easily the most spectacular of all the commands. It fills the screen with icons, lets you see them, and whisks them away. They reappear only in limited doses, so as to not overwhelm.
>Lot Line.d3m This one sets the current line style to the one for the adjacent lots, the right of way to the intersection, that sort of line. The boundary line is used to show the client his boundary. This is a thin solid line.
>Mapquest.d3m Takes you to the website. I have an broadband connection (Im hot) and I have no idea how a dial up connection would handle this. Good luck. May I recommend a disk based map program?
>Measure Angle.d3m Does pretty much that. Click on the center of the angle in question. Click on one ray. A rubber band arc appears on the cursor. Click somewhere and the angle of the arc is measured. It s neat.
>Metal Fence.d3m Draws a line with x s in it. The x s appear every ten feet, just FYI.
Monumented By Building Lines.d3m Opens a text box that s say s just that, and is used on z lot buildings and some others.
>Monumented By Fencelines.d3m This is for when the corner itself is inaccessible, and the fence can be accurately located.
>Moveontop.d3m This uses a selection command to move the north arrow and title to the top of the location map.
>Name Drawing.d3m The routine that saves the drawing to the right name. It defaults to the Designcad directory but that can be changed in the options command, the directories tab.
>Not Indluded.d3m Makes a text box that says not included
outline.d3m This one sets the line type to zero width and solid, and opens the flatwork toolbox.
>Parallel Point Dist.d3m Draws a line the same direction as two other points, from a third point, a stated distance. Gravity snap to the two points that determine the direction, then gravity snap to the beginning point of the new line. A window appears asking for the distance. Enter it, and the line appears. This line speeds up drawing considerably.
>Party Wall.d3m This one sets the offset for the inside edge of the hatch pattern. Also sets the hatch pattern. Also sets a text pullout that says Party Wall and has the arrow at the right arrow size and type. Also sets a text block that says we don t locate interior party walls. To use it, hit it. Then remember to offset the wall, hatch the wall, label the wall, and disclaim the wall.Good doggy.
Patio Brick.d3m This one sets the hatch for the those two foot square patio stones at the right scale. It looks okay, especially if you adjust the start point of the hatch.
>Patio Hex ins.d3m This is that hexagonal patio block. Its a very busy effect.
>Patio Stone.d3m See above
>Pavement.d3m Sets the hatch pattern to pavement. Also sets the text memory to various road widths, and pavement types.
>Permit Noteschecklist.d3m This one provides a number of disclaimers and notes, sets them right on your screen, with custom toolboxes, and a cheat sheet. Its worth a full page of this tutor just in it s own right, and you ll notice it doesnt have one.
>Perp Tie.d3m Short for perpendicular tie. Gravity snap to one point, cursor near a line, and a rubber band line appears that shows the tie to be gotten. This one uses the current arrow, text, and precision.
>Planter.d3m A hatch pattern.
>POB.d3m Sets a pullout that says pob and coughs up a text line for the legend.
>POC.d3m Sets a pullout that says POC and coughs up a text line for the legend.
>Pole.d3m A pullout says pole >Poly Select.d3m Selects odd shaped groups.
>Pre Line.d3m this is to do workups. Its sets the line to zero width, solid, and cursor movement to the hundredth.
>Property Corner.d3m Sets up the text memory with various types of corner monuments. Also sets the arrow size and text size.
>PSP.d3m Sets your computer to run a nolongerused program called Paint Shop Pro version six. Rewrite this one to open whatever graphic program you use.
>Radial Tie.d3m This one gets a radial tie. Click on the line to be tied. Click on the outside of the circle, away from the radius. Then you gravity snap to the point to be tied. That all there is to it.
>Record Field.d3m Provides a text fragment that you fill in the blanks with. This replaces the notquiteright calculated and measured block tie.
>Red Edit.d3m opens the Info box when you click on anything. This is used to edit the titles on the blank drawing.
>Relative NorthingEasting.d3m This one is used to tie found property monuments to their record position.
>Revision chklst.d3m This one is pretty much what it says.
>Right 0f Way.d3m This one loads the text memory with the phrases north, south, east and west rightofway at the best text size.
>Rotate 180.d3m Rotates the selected entity
>Rotate 90.d3m Rotates the selected entity.
>Sanitary Manhole.d3m Makes a pullout with a round arrow that looks a lot like a manhole, and says, well, manhole.
>Section Line.d3m This one makes the right type of line to show section work, and sets the text size and memory. It also opens the section toolbox.
>Section .d3m Makes the quarter section symbol. Use it twice to make the full section symbol.
>Section Text.d3m Loads the memory with phrases like ANorth Line of Section and etc.
>Select In Box.d3m This one is used to make details. It s a section cut that selects what you cut.
>Select Out Box.d3m This one is the reverse of select in box.
>Septic Note.d3m provides text for septic applications.
>Set by Angle Right and Dist.d3m This one is used to draw the surveyors think. You gravity snap to your set up point. (That s the vertex of the angle. ) Then you snap to the back sight. (that the line you start with.)Then it asks you for an angle right. Remember the form xxDxxMxxS. Also remember that an angle left is just a negative angle right.
>Set Scale.d3m this is easily the most important command. It does much more than set the scale. It sets the que for all the text size commands. Same for line widths. It sets a number of defaults.
>Set TextSize.d3m This basically just opens the TextSize Toolbox. It also sets a number of defaults.
>Setback Line.d3m Sets the current line style to setback.
>Setup Sight.d3m This one rotates a section, such as a lot and house, or rotates the entire drawing if nothing is selected. Click it, then snap to the pivot point, then the point you directly above, that Is, north, of it, and stand back.
>ShellRock.d3m This is a hatch pattern.
>Show All.d3m You can turn editing notes invisible, and other things too. This one shows everything on every layer.
>Show Centerline Box.d3m Shows the toolbox.
>Show Edit Box.d3m Shows the toolbox.
>Show Fence Box.d3m Shows the toolbox.
>Show Line Box.d3m Shows the toolbox.
>Show Select.d3m Shows the toolbox.
>Show Titles Box.d3m Shows the toolbox.
>Show Utilities Box.d3m Shows the toolbox.
>Show Zoom Select.d3m Shows the toolbox.
>Site Benchmark.d3m This one provides a pullout that says, well, benchmark.
>Spa Gazebo.d3m This one draws a polygon that doesn mess with the scale factor. Most of the commands check that it right anyway and just ask for the scale number.
>Spot Elevation.d3m This one provides and architectural style spot elevation pullout.
>Step size.d3m toggles the cursor step size from tenths to hundredths. >Street Name.d3m Sets the text size correctly for street names.
>SwingTie.d3m sets the right size and precision for house ties. Gravity click to the corner to be tied, then to the line to be tied. A Rubber band line will appear to help you.
>Top of Form el.d3m Creates a pullout that says, and gives, the top of form elevation.
Trees.d3m Opens a toolbox with trees on it. Really neat.
>UNTITLED.D3M This one is used in making commands. The original name of the prototype is untitled. It name gets changed later on, after the baptism.
>Wall Shed Notes.d3m Sets the text memory.
>Water Heater.d3m makes a pullout.
>Water Meter.d3m makes a pullout.
>Water.d3m Sets the hatch pattern.
>Well.d3m Sets a pullout.
>Wire Fence 2.d3m sets the line type to Wire fence.
>Wood Fence 2.d3m Sets the line type to wood fence.
>Wood Fence.d3m Sets the line type to wood fence.
>WoodWire Fence.d3m sets the line style to wood wire fence.
>WoodDeck.d3m Sets the hatch pattern.
>xtendl.d3m Extend new line to intersecting line. Click it, snap to the line in the middle, snap to the end of the existing line, and snap to the intersecting line. This is for when you are switching line styles. For instance, when you have the boundary lines and the centerline, switch to extension line, and use this to enter the property line extended to the centerline.
xtend.d3m Just like above, but no intersecting line. It uses a rubber band line to display what you ll get.
>Zero Lot Line.d3m Provides a pullout that says, well, zero lot line. But it s in the right size and style and spelling. These things count.
>zoom 20 to 30.d3m This is to change a drawing done in the wrong scale to one done in the right scale. It frankly doesn t work as well as doing it right the first time.
zoom 30 to 40.d3m This is to change a drawing done in the wrong scale to one done in the right scale. It frankly doesn work as well as doing it right the first time.
zoom 40 to 20.d3m This is to change a drawing done in the wrong scale to one done in the right scale. It frankly doesn work as well as doing it right the first time.
>zoom 40 to 30.d3m This is to change a drawing done in the wrong scale to one done in the right scale. It frankly doesn work as well as doing it right the first time.
Zoom Select.d3m zooms into the selection, and makes it fill the whole screen.
Zoom to Selection.d3m
The following commands are undocumented but remain in the system as spare parts, so to speak.
>Draw brng2 .d3m.
Draw Icons.d3m
edit run.d3m
Construction Line.d3m
Fence Tie.d3m
FieldWork.d3m
Install.D3M
Layer Clean.d3m
LAYEROFF.d3m
Load Blank
Ledger.d3m
LoadBlankLegal.d3m
multsave.d3m
mystartup.d3m
New Brng.d3m
New Scale.d3m
North2.d3m
Old Bearing andDistance.d3m
>Overhead UtilityLine.d3m
P C Booklet.d3m
Paint.d3m
paper size 11x17.d3m
Pavementotes.d3m
Print Survey.d3m
PrintPreview.d3m
Proposed Easement.d3m
PullXY.d3m
Radial.d3m
Read Instructions.d3m
Scale.d3m
Select Text Size.d3m SetHelpLevel.d3m
Set North.d3m
setscale.d3m
Shed.d3m
Lot.d3m SINE2.d3m
Sketch.d3m
Sketch.d3m
Survey Tutor.d3m
TDS.d3m
TELLME.d3m
Test into file.d3m
>test.d3m
Tie Point.d3m
>WHITE.d3m
>Appendix B >Press Shift . That opens a directory of command files with the extension .d3m. Find and rightclick on the one named Name Drawing.d3m. You get a popup menu. Click on edit Find the line that starts so
Gravity snap Right click near a point. You snap to the closest point. This is in the main help file, which you should read now and then.
History Box - This is an improvement on, and replacement for, the Revision sticker. In Florida, any revision to the graphics of a drawing requires a statement of revision. We meet this requirement with a revision note of some kind. The problem is, its easy to forget. So with the history box we get in the habit of noting every drawing every time.

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