Move sh*t in diylayout... ???

chicago_mike · Post by **chicago_mike** » 29 Mar 2010, 02:35

How do you move parts around in diylayout creator??

This is my first attempt at this app and its very..odd for a newbie.

I want to move some stuff around so it looks a little prettier.

chicago_mike · Post by **chicago_mike** » 29 Mar 2010, 02:41

The ground trace isnt finished obviously. The green pads go toa spst switch, for inverting the return signal.

And all the jumpers...I'd like to reduce the amount without atarting all over if I can.

Grendahl · Post by **Grendahl** » 29 Mar 2010, 02:48

I've found that the only way I can move components, traces, etc. in DIYLayout is to left click on their names in the right hand panel, and use the arrow keys.

Unfortunately, there's nothing like a mouseover tooltip that shows the name of the component, trace, or pad so finding the right trace or pad when there's well over a hundred is a serious PITA.

I guess that the tooltip idea, as well as being able to select more than one item at a time by left-click dragging a box or ctrl and/or shift clicking in the name list, would be the best two improvements to that otherwise terrific piece of software.

chicago_mike · Post by **chicago_mike** » 29 Mar 2010, 03:01

arrow keys... how 1914..

Grendahl · Post by **Grendahl** » 29 Mar 2010, 03:09

Exactly. It's why I've gone to using Eagle 5.7.0 Light (Their free version) for my more complex project boards. Too bad too, because DIY Layout Creator is such a simple to use program.

chicago_mike · Post by **chicago_mike** » 29 Mar 2010, 03:12

I have a license for Eagle, was just hoping to do this sucker in diy for a perfboard layout.

Since I have a big honking piece of perfboard I just bought.

Grendahl · Post by **Grendahl** » 29 Mar 2010, 03:45

Looks like you are stuck with the seek and destroy method on this one then. :/

chicago_mike · Post by **chicago_mike** » 29 Mar 2010, 03:53

I think Ill just start anew.

Its a pita, but hell, I like suffering.

RnFR · Post by **RnFR** » 29 Mar 2010, 06:32

i use the java version and have had no problems moving components.

chicago_mike · Post by **chicago_mike** » 29 Mar 2010, 06:43

Java version? Is that a web browser version? I just dl'd the exe. version.

IvIark · Post by **IvIark** » 29 Mar 2010, 08:04

I find the Java version much more user friendly. Just remember to turn off the sticky points which are a real pain in the arse and are turned on by default for some reason.

frequencycentral · Post by **frequencycentral** » 29 Mar 2010, 09:07

chicago_mike wrote:How do you move parts around in diylayout creator??

Here's how:

1. Right click on the component you want to move.

2. Select 'Replace'.

3. Locate the component where you want it.

As you are replacing an existing component it will retain it's part number and the value you originally set. You can make it a different size if you wish, so a resistor spanning 4 holes can be replaced by a resistor spanning 5 holes etc.

One thing I use this function for is to remove components from the board (to the side somewhere) for later insertion elsewhere, while retaining the BOM in correct numeralogical order.

chicago_mike · Post by **chicago_mike** » 29 Mar 2010, 10:45

replace......

I thought it meant to replace the part with something totally different, not to move it.

Thanks Rick.

frequencycentral · Post by **frequencycentral** » 29 Mar 2010, 11:05

Grendahl · Post by **Grendahl** » 29 Mar 2010, 21:51

chicago_mike wrote:replace......

I thought it meant to replace the part with something totally different, not to move it.

Thanks Rick.

Me too. That makes life a whole lot simpler, thank you!