How Do I Use Trim in progeCAD?

Using the TRIM command in progeCAD allows you to cut objects where they intersect with other objects. It's a fundamental tool for cleaning up drawings and refining geometry.

Here's a straightforward guide on how to use the TRIM command, based on the standard command-line process:

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the TRIM Command

The core process involves selecting the boundaries (cutting edges) and then selecting the objects you wish to trim away.

Initiate the Command:
- Type trim and then press Enter. This activates the TRIM command.
Select Cutting Edges:
- Select one or more cutting edges, and then press Enter. The cutting edges are the objects that act as the boundaries where you want to trim other objects. Any object can be a cutting edge, including lines, arcs, circles, polylines, etc. Once you've selected all the desired cutting edges, press Enter to confirm your selection and move to the next step.
Select Entities to Trim:
- Select the entity to trim. Point and click on the part of the object you want to remove. The object must intersect with one of the selected cutting edges for it to be trimmed.
- Select another entity to trim, or press Enter to complete the command. You can continue clicking on other objects (or parts of objects) that you want to trim. Once you have finished trimming all the desired entities, press Enter or the Escape key to exit the command.

Understanding Cutting Edges and Entities

Cutting Edges: These are the objects that define the limit for the trimming operation. Think of them like scissors blades.
Entities to Trim: These are the objects (or sections of objects) that will be removed up to the boundary defined by the cutting edges.

Example Scenario:

Imagine you have two intersecting lines, Line A and Line B. You want to remove the segment of Line B that extends past Line A.

Type trim and press Enter.
Select Line A (this is your cutting edge) and press Enter.
Click on the part of Line B you want to remove.
Press Enter to finish.

Tips for Effective Trimming

Zoom In: For complex areas, zooming in can help you select exactly the segment you intend to trim.
Preview: progeCAD often shows a preview of what will be trimmed when you hover over an object, which is very helpful.
Selecting All as Cutting Edges: While the reference specifies selecting cutting edges first, a common workflow in many CAD programs (including progeCAD) is to press Enter immediately after starting the TRIM command without selecting cutting edges. This effectively selects all visible objects as potential cutting edges, allowing you to simply click on any object you want to trim.

By following these steps, you can effectively use the TRIM command in progeCAD to refine your drawings.