MindCAD 2D V6.0 delivers a broad set of usability and workflow improvements designed to enhance precision and efficiency across all design stages.
This release introduces a redesigned Tool Options interface, updated default settings and toolbars, and expanded flexibility in color selection, measurements, and part manipulation.
Additional updates include default notch sizes, faster rectangle creation, and enhanced selection and rotation tools for smoother design operations.
Footwear users benefit from new sub-grading tools and library search capabilities, while non-footwear users gain improved part handling, movement, and copy/paste functionality — all contributing to a more intuitive and productive 2D environment.
General Updates (All Editions)
Improvements to Tool Options UI
Enhanced usability with a revamped tool parameters panel. The previous interface could not be docked, often leading to it being misplaced. The new design addresses these issues, providing a more intuitive and stable experience.
Click and drag the tool options panel to dock or undock it. Alternatively, right-click on the panel and select either "Dock" or "Floating" from the contextual menu.
Review Default Settings in MindCAD 2D
Default settings have been reviewed and updated for improved usability. Key changes include adjustments to grid references, preferences for picking multiple parts, default document properties, and grading options.
You can check and change these settings by going to File > Preferences
Free Selection of Colors for Lines
You can now include a wider range of colors for classifying lines, offering greater flexibility in organizing and differentiating elements.
To edit a line color, select the line and go to the tool options. The properties context will be displayed, where you can choose the desired color from the available options or click "More Colors" to select a custom color.
Review Font File
Enhanced support for Asian characters in the default font file to resolve issues with incorrect character display.
Review of Default Toolbars
Several updates have been made to the default toolbars in MindCAD 2D:
- Added Icons: New icons have been added to various options for better visual clarity.
- Grading Toolbar: A new button for the "Lock Geometry Dimensions" command has been added.
- Toolbar Buttons: The "Add Cut" button has been introduced on the toolbar, replacing the "Add Lines" button.
- Treatments: A shortcut has been added to quickly select the "None" option.
These changes aim to streamline the workflow and improve overall efficiency.
Improvements to Create Rectangle Tool
Enhanced the rectangle creation tool with additional options and a more intuitive interface. Users can now customize settings more effectively. These updates are especially beneficial for the upholstery market, where creating pieces from rectangles is a common practice, particularly when digital scanning is not utilized.
To find this improvement, please navigate to Tools > Drawing > Rectangle.
Default Notch Sizes
Introduced default notch sizes in the CAD system:
- Triangle Notch 4x4mm with 100% curvature
- Triangle Notch 4x4mm with 100% curvature + Oblique intersection
- Triangle Notch 8x8mm with 100% curvature
- Triangle Notch 8x8mm with 100% curvature + Oblique intersection
- Line Notch 1x5mm with 0% curvature + Oblique intersection
These default notches streamline your design process by providing commonly used notch sizes.
These default notch sizes are available for selection in the shortcut bar within the tool options when in the notch context.
Treatments - New Shortcut for None Option
A new shortcut has been added to the Treatments bar for the "None" option, making it easier to remove selected treatments within a part.
This shortcut is available for selection in the shortcut bar within the tool options when in the Treatments context.
Improvements to the Rotation Tool
Enhanced the rotation tool with a more intuitive interface and better customization options. These updates are designed to improve usability across various markets, extending beyond just the footwear sector.
To find this improvement, please navigate to Tools > Change > Rotate
Improvements to Measurement Tool
Enhanced the measurement tool with a historical record of various measurements taken, including dX, dY, and angle. In the footwear sector, the tool now displays measured values across different model sizes, providing more comprehensive data.
Non-Footwear Version
Footwear Version
To access the measurement tool, please navigate to Tools > Measurements
Improvements to Selection Tool
Enhanced the selection tool with better feedback and improved ease of selecting elements that are very close to each other. In the footwear market, where plans often contain numerous elements, this improvement simplifies the selection process.
Individually Select Sheets for PDM Publishing
For documents with multiple pages, you can now individually select which sheets to publish to the PDM database. Sheets not selected for publishing will remain available only within MindCAD and won’t be accessible in other applications.
To find this new option, navigate to: File > Project Properties
Updates for Footwear
Specific enhancements for the MindCAD 2D Footwear edition
Quick Action for Sub-Grading
Introducing a streamlined function for creating sub-grading that restricts the grading of a set of lines. This enhancement simplifies the process, reducing the number of steps required compared to previous methods.
With the desired geometry selected, go to Grading > Advanced > Lock Geometry Dimensions to create a sub-grading.
Search Functionality in Scalement Library
Added a search feature to the Scalement Library for shoe lasts, allowing users to search for lasts by name. This enhancement helps quickly locate specific lasts in the library, especially when dealing with a large number of entries.
To use this functionality, go to Grading > Grading Table > Library.
Updates for Non-Footwear Versions
Enhancements and new features applicable to all MindCAD 2D editions except the Footwear edition.
Improvements to Selection Tool
Outside the footwear market, where parts are typically disconnected, users can now select and manipulate entire pieces directly—no longer limited to just lines. For example, you can now click and drag a piece to move it to a different position
Copy/Paste of Parts - Introducing the ability to copy and paste parts along with all associated geometry. This feature is particularly useful for markets outside of footwear, where work is often done piece by piece.
Copy (CTRL+C) Paste (CTRL+V)
Move/Rotate Parts - Enhanced flexibility to move and rotate entire pieces in non-footwear modes. Users can now click and drag to reposition pieces, which is useful for disconnected parts often found in non-footwear designs.
CTRL + Right mouse click
