Difference between revisions of "Quick Start"

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This Quick Start guide walks you through the installation of Protocase Designer and its tools for creating, customizing, and quoting/ordering a design. For an overview of Designer features, [[Introduction|'''click here''']].  
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__NOTOC__
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This Quick Start guide walks you through the installation of Protocase Designer and its tools for creating, customizing, and quoting/ordering a design. Before beginning, you may want to review the [[Introduction|'''overview of Designer features''']] and the '''[[Glossary]]'''.<br><br>
  
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=Installing Designer=
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=Installing Protocase Designer=
 
The installation process is the same for both first-time installations and upgrades.  
 
The installation process is the same for both first-time installations and upgrades.  
 
#Before installing, ensure that your graphics card drivers are compatible with Opengl 1.2+ (such as ATI and NVIDIA) and that they are up to date.  
 
#Before installing, ensure that your graphics card drivers are compatible with Opengl 1.2+ (such as ATI and NVIDIA) and that they are up to date.  
−
#If you are installing Protocase Designer on a Mac OSX Mountain Lion, please follow the instructions in [[Knowledgebase - Known Issues#Installing Designer on a Mac OSX Mountain Lion| Installing Designer on a Mac OSX Mountain Lion]].
 
 
#Close all versions of Protocase Designer before installing a new one. (If you are using Windows, when you try to install Designer while another copy is running, an error occurs and the installer exits.)  
 
#Close all versions of Protocase Designer before installing a new one. (If you are using Windows, when you try to install Designer while another copy is running, an error occurs and the installer exits.)  
 
#On the [[http://protocasedesigner.com/download.php Download page]], click the button for the appropriate download format. The download will begin.
 
#On the [[http://protocasedesigner.com/download.php Download page]], click the button for the appropriate download format. The download will begin.
Line 11: Line 11:
 
#Follow the prompts to install.  
 
#Follow the prompts to install.  
 
#For first-time installations, after launching Designer, you are prompted to register. Be sure to do so, so that you can receive estimates, place an order, and access the online Cutout Library.<br>
 
#For first-time installations, after launching Designer, you are prompted to register. Be sure to do so, so that you can receive estimates, place an order, and access the online Cutout Library.<br>
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'''See Also: '''
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#If your company uses a network configured such that your computer accesses the Internet through a proxy server, configure Designer to use the proxy settings:
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*[[Uninstalling_Protocase_Designer | '''Uninstalling Protocase Designer''']]
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##In Designer, choose '''Edit''' > '''Preferences'''. The Preferences dialog opens.
 +
##Under '''Proxy Settings''', select the '''Use Proxy for http''' checkbox, then enter the proxy '''address''' and '''port''' number (supplied by your network administrator).
 +
##;[[File:Proxy_Settings_fields_in_Preferences_NEW.png]]
 +
##Click '''OK''' to save the settings and close the Preferences dialog. <br><br>
 +
:'''See Also: '''
 +
::*[[Uninstalling_Protocase_Designer | '''Uninstalling Protocase Designer''']]
 +
 
 +
===Installing Protocase Designer Without Administrator Privileges===
 +
 
 +
If you have no administrator access on your computer, you can still install Protocase Designer just for your user.
 +
 
 +
When you install the software, it will install to Users\<username>\Protocase Designer 4\ folder. If you have already had Protocase Designer installed as an administrator, then double-clicking a Protocase Designer file on your computer will open with the old version.
 +
 
 +
You can override this by right-clicking on the Protocase Designer file and selecting Open With. Find the newly installed version that is in your Users\<username\Protocase Designer 4\ folder.
 +
 
 +
===Installation on Mac OSX ===
 +
Protocase Designer requires you to have your security set to allow identified developers. '''This does not make your mac insecure as it still requires a properly signed application, signed with a key purchased from Apple''' (see https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT202491 ).
 +
 
 +
To check your security, go to  Apple menu > System Preferences… > Security & Privacy > General tab under the header "Allow applications downloaded from:"<br>
 +
[[File:apple_security.png]]
 +
 
 +
===Installation on Linux ===
 +
#download linux tar file
 +
#install openjdk8
 +
#tar xf filename (replace with what the linux download is)
 +
#cd jdesigner
 +
#sudo bash ./install.sh
 +
#follow prompts
 +
#run $PREFIX/bin/ProtocaseDesigner.sh (default: /usr/local/bin/ProtocaseDesigner.sh)
  
 
=Creating your enclosure=
 
=Creating your enclosure=
−
To begin designing your enclosure, select a template such as Consolet, Bracket, Panel, L shape, Rackmount, or U shape. You then customize various parameters including size, thickness, material, and color. A 3D model of your enclosure is then created, which you can customize further.
+
To begin designing your enclosure, select a template such as Consolet, Bracket, Panel, L shape, Rackmount, or U shape.  
−
#Open Protocase Designer.<br><br>[[File:Splash-screen-4.png|400px|thumb|centre|Protocase Designer Splash Screen]]<br>
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−
# In the '''Pick an Option to Start''' dialog box, click '''New File'''.[[File:dialogbox-pickoptionstart.png|400px|thumb|centre|Pick an Option to Start dialog box]]<br>
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You then customize various parameters including size, thickness, material, and color. A 3D model of your enclosure is then created, which you can customize further.
−
# Select an enclosure category on the left and then select an enclosure type.<br><br>[[File:window-newassembly-noselection.png|400px|thumb|centre|New Assembly Window]]<br>
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#Launch Protocase Designer.
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# Modify the enclosure parameters including size, thickness, material, and color to meet your design requirements.<br><br>[[File:window-newassembly-ushape.png|400px|thumb|centre|New Assembly Window]]<br>
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#;[[File:1-_launch_page_-_Creating_your_enclosure_Quick_Start.JPG|500px]]
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#Click '''OK''' to view the 3D model.<br><br>[[File:window-main-ushape.png|600px|thumb|centre|New U-Shape Enclosure]]
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#In the '''Pick an Option to Start''' dialog box, click '''New File'''.
 +
#;[[File:2_-_Start_New_File_-_Creating_your_enclosure_Quick_Start.JPG|400px]]
 +
# Select an enclosure category and then select an enclosure type.
 +
#;[[File:3_-_Enclosure_Category_and_type_-_Creating_your_enclosure_Quick_Start.JPG|500px]]
 +
# Modify the enclosure parameters including size, thickness, material, and color to meet your design requirements.(For details, see [[3D_View_Window#Changing_assembly_properties|'''Changing assembly properties''']].)
 +
#;[[File:4HD1HT~5.JPG|500px]]
 +
#Click '''OK''' to view the 3D model.
 +
#;[[File:5_-_3d_model_view_-_Creating_your_enclosure_Quick_Start.JPG|500px]]
  
 
=Customizing your enclosure=
 
=Customizing your enclosure=
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To customize the faces of your enclosure, you use the Face Editor, which provides many standard editing tools for creating cutouts, silkscreens, exclusion zones, and construction lines.
+
To customize the faces of your enclosure, you use the Face Editor, which provides many standard editing tools for creating cutouts, graphics, exclusion zones, and construction lines.<br>
 +
'''Note''': If you like to use a different unit of measure or have other preferences when using Designer, you can set global options in the [[Preferences_dialog_box | '''Preferences''' dialog box]].  
  
 
==Add basic cutouts==
 
==Add basic cutouts==
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#Rotate the model to show the face you want to edit by dragging in the 3D View window.
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#In the 3D View, drag the model to rotate it until it shows the face you want to edit.  
−
#:[[File:window-main-ushape-rear.png|600px|3D View window: U-Shape enclosure, rotated to show rear face]]
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#;[[File:1 - 3d model view - Customizing your enclosure.JPG|500px]]
−
#Click '''Edit Face''' [[File:button-editface.png|40px|bottom]] on the toolbar.
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#Click the '''Edit Face''' button [[File:2 - Edit face - Customizing your enclosure.JPG]].
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#Click the face to edit.  
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#Click the face to edit. The Face Editor opens:
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#:The Face Editor opens.
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#;[[File:2 - Save Changes 3d view - Customizing your enclosure.JPG|500px]]
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#:[[File:window-faceeditor-ushape-rear.png|600px|Face Editor window: U-Shape enclosure, rear face]]
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#Click a tool in the 2D Mode toolbar, and draw shapes on the face to create cutouts.
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#Select a drawing tool from the '''Drawing''' toolbar.
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#;[[File:3 - Face Editor View - Customizing your enclosure.JPG|500px]]
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#Draw shapes on the face to create cutouts.
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#Click '''Accept and Close''' in the [[Face_Editor#2D_Standard_Toolbar | 2D Standard toolbar]]. You can then see these cutouts applied to your 3D model.
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#:[[File:window-faceeditor-ushape-rear-cutouts.png|600px]]
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#;[[File:4 - Draw Shapes - Customizing your enclosure.JPG|500px]]
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#Click '''Accept and Close''' [[File:button-acceptclose.png|40px|bottom]] on the toolbar. You can then see these cutouts applied to your 3D model.
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#;[[File:5 (1) - Save Changes - Customizing your enclosure.JPG|175px]]
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#:[[File:window-main-ushape-rear-cutouts.png|600px]]
 
  
 
==Add built-in cutouts==
 
==Add built-in cutouts==
 
Protocase Designer  offers a variety of built-in cutouts that you can add to your enclosure.
 
Protocase Designer  offers a variety of built-in cutouts that you can add to your enclosure.
−
#Click '''Edit Face''' [[File:button-editface.png|40px|bottom]] on the toolbar and click a face to edit.
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#Click the '''Edit Face''' button [[File:1 - Edit face - Built In Cutouts.JPG|200px|bottom]] and then click a face to edit.
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#Click '''Toggle Grid''' [[File:button-togglegrid.png|35px|bottom]] on the toolbar to show the grid and automatically turn on snap to grid.
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#Click the '''Grid''' button to show the grid. Select "grid snap" to toggle grid snapping.
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#:[[File:window-faceeditor-ushape-cutout-grid.png|600px]]
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#;[[File:2 - Grid - Built In Cutouts.JPG|500px|bottom]]
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#On the Cutout Library and Fasteners menu, point to a category and then click a cutout item.
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#;[[File:2 (1) - Grid - Built In Cutouts.JPG|150px]]
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#:[[File:window-faceeditor-DB9menu.png|600px]]
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#On the '''Library''' menu, point to a category and then click a cutout item.
 +
#;[[File:3 (1) - Library Menu - Built In Cutouts.JPG|500px]]
 +
#;[[File:3 (2) - Library Menu - Built In Cutouts.JPG|500px]]
 
#Click on the face to place the built-in cutout.
 
#Click on the face to place the built-in cutout.
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#:[[File:window-faceeditor-ushape-db9.png|600px]]
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#;[[File:4 - Place Cutout - Built In Cutouts.JPG|500px]]
  
 
==Add custom cutouts==
 
==Add custom cutouts==
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You can create your own custom cutouts using the Path tool.
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You can create your own custom cutouts using the Path tool.
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{{Procedure|
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#Click the '''Path''' button [[File:1 - Place Cutout - Add Custom Cutouts - Path.JPG|80px|bottom]] in the 2D Mode toolbar.
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#Select the Path tool [[file:tool-path.png|40px|bottom]] on the Drawing toolbar.
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#Click the face to place points of the path. To finish and close the path, click the first point again.  
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#Click the face to place points of the path. Click the first point again to finish the path.<br><br>[[File:window-faceeditor-ushape-path.png|600px|thumb|centre]]<br>
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#;[[File:2 - Place Cutout - Add Custom Cutouts - Path Cutout.JPG|500px]]
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#Click '''Accept and Close''' [[File:button-acceptclose.png|40px|bottom]] on the Standard toolbar to view your enclosure.<br><br>[[File:window-main-ushape-cutout-path.png|600px|thumb|centre]]<br>
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#Click '''Save''' [[File:34VDHF~9.JPG|135px|bottom]] to view your enclosure in the 3D View.
−
}}
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#;[[File:3b - Place Cutout - Add Custom Cutouts - Path Cutout iso.JPG|500px]]<br>
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'''Note:''' You can quickly create complex cutouts by merging and/or trimming objects. See  [[Face Editor#Path_editing:_Using_the_Trim_and_Merge_tools_to_create_cutouts|'''Using the Trim and Merge tools to create cutouts''']] for details.
+
'''Note:''' You can quickly create complex cutouts by merging and/or trimming objects. See  [[Face Editor#Path_editing:_Using_the_Trim_and_Merge_tools_to_create_cutouts |'''Using the Trim and Merge tools to create cutouts''']] for details.
  
 
==Add hardware==
 
==Add hardware==
 
You can easily place hardware on your enclosure to accommodate various components, such as self-clinching fasteners (PEMs) to mount a PCB or handles.  
 
You can easily place hardware on your enclosure to accommodate various components, such as self-clinching fasteners (PEMs) to mount a PCB or handles.  
−
{{Procedure|
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#Click '''Edit Face''' [[File:1 - Add Hardware - Edit Face - Grid.JPG]] and click a face to edit.
−
#Click '''Edit Face''' [[File:button-editface.png|40px|bottom]] on the Standard toolbar and click a face to edit.
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#Click '''Toggle Grid''' [[File:2 - Add Hardware - Edit Face.JPG|135px|bottom]] to show the grid. Select "grid snap" to toggle grid snapping.
−
#Click '''Toggle Grid''' [[File:button-togglegrid.png|35px|bottom]] on the Standard toolbar to show the grid and automatically turn on snap to grid.
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#Choose '''Library''' > '''Open Library'''.
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#On the Cutout Library and Fasteners menu, click '''Place Self Clinching Fasteners'''.
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#Choose the self-clinching fastener and its options.  '''Note''': Parts displayed with a strikeout through the name are incompatible with the enclosure's current material type and/or thickness, and cannot be selected.
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#From the Cutout Library, select the type of Self Clinching Fastener and its options.<br><br>[[File:dialogbox-pem.png|centre|Self-Clinching Fasteners Dialog Box]]<br>
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#;[[File:4 - Add Hardware - Pem Library.JPG|500px]]
 
#Click '''Place PEM''' and click the face to add the fasteners.
 
#Click '''Place PEM''' and click the face to add the fasteners.
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#Continue adding fasteners and select the '''Edit''' tool [[File:tool-edit.png|40px|bottom]] when you are done.<br><br>[[File:window-faceeditor-pem.png|600px|thumb|centre|Placing Self-Clinching Fasteners]]<br>
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#Continue adding fasteners. Click <Escape> when you are done.
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#Click '''Accept and Close''' [[File:button-acceptclose.png|40px|bottom]] on the Standard toolbar.
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#;[[File:6 - Add Hardware - Pems Placed.JPG|500px]]<br>
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#On the View menu, click '''Show/Hide Parts'''<br><br>[[File:dialogbox-showparts.png|centre|Show/Hide Parts Dialog Box]]<br>
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#Click '''Accept and Close''' [[File:7 - Add Hardware - Save Changes.JPG|150px|bottom]].
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#Click to clear the '''Cover''' check box.
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#Notice the full list of parts in your design on the left-hand side.
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#Rotate the model to view the fasteners.<br><br>[[File:window-main-pem.png|600px|thumb|centre|Self-Clinching Fasteners on bottom face (cover hidden)]]<br>
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#;[[File:8 - Add Hardware - Part Tree.JPG|500px]]
−
}}
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#Click the eye symbol on the faces of your design that you want to hide from the display, such as '''Cover''' '''Right Side''' '''Left Side'''.
 +
#Rotate the model to view the fasteners.
 +
#;[[File:10 - Add Hardware - Parts Hidden Fastener View.JPG|500px]]
 
'''Note:''' You can also create custom brackets and add them to your enclosure. See [[Face Editor#Creating_and_adding_brackets|'''Creating and adding brackets''']] for details.
 
'''Note:''' You can also create custom brackets and add them to your enclosure. See [[Face Editor#Creating_and_adding_brackets|'''Creating and adding brackets''']] for details.
  
−
==Add silkscreen text==
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==Add text==
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You can add silkscreen text for labeling items on your enclosure.   
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You can add text for labeling items on your enclosure.   
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{{Procedure|
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#Click '''Edit Face''' and click a face to edit.
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#Click '''Edit Face''' [[File:button-editface.png|40px|bottom]] on the Standard toolbar and click a face to edit.
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#In TYPE, Click the '''Graphic''' tab.
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#Select the '''Text tool''' [[File:tool-text.png|40px|bottom]]on the Drawing toolbar. The drawing mode is automatically changed to Silkscreen.
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#Click the '''Text''' tool.
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#Click on the face and start typing to add text.<br><br>[[File:window-faceeditor-text.png|600px|thumb|centre|Adding silkcreen text to a face]]<br>
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#;[[File:1 - Add Text - Graphics text.JPG|500px]]
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#Click '''Accept and Close''' [[File:button-acceptclose.png|40px|bottom]] on the Standard toolbar to view your text silkscreen on the 3D model.<br><br>[[File:window-main-text.png|600px|thumb|centre|Silkscreen text added to a face]]<br>
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#Click on the face and start typing to add text. You can change font, color and size on the right hand panel.
−
}}
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#;[[File:3 - Add Text - Graphics Panel (note graphics process on bottom).JPG|500px]]
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'''Note:''' For images with multiple or gradient colors, specify [[Specifying_direct_digital_printing_or_silkscreening|'''direct digital printing''']] instead of silkscreening. You can also add '''[http://www.protocase.com/products/mcf_dotpeening.php dot peening]''', which is a permanent marking process that does not use ink.
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#Click '''Save''' [[File:34VDHF~9.JPG|150px|bottom]].
 +
#;The text is shown in the 3D model.
 +
#;[[File:4 - Add Text - Isometric with Graphics.JPG|500px]]<br>
 +
'''Note:''' You can specify the text to be produced with '''[[About_Graphics_(Silkscreening_and_Digital_Printing) | silkscreening or digital printing]]''', or you can add a note to ask Protocase to use '''[http://www.protocase.com/products/mcf_dotpeening.php dot peening]''', which is a permanent marking process that does not use ink.
  
−
==Add silkscreen image==
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==Adding an image==
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You can add silkscreen images such as logos or other graphics on your enclosure.
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You can add graphics such as logos to your enclosure, using silkscreen or digital printing. See [[Face Editor#Adding silkscreening or direct digital printing|Adding silkscreening or direct digital printing]] for details on which printing method to choose.
−
{{Procedure|
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#Click '''Edit Face''' and click the face to edit.
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#Click '''Edit Face''' [[File:button-editface.png|40px|bottom]] on the Standard toolbar and click another face to edit.
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#In TYPE, Click the '''Graphic''' tab.
−
#Select the '''Bitmap''' tool [[File:tool-image.png|40px|bottom]] on the Drawing toolbar, then click on the face where you want to place the image. The Open dialog opens.
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#Click the '''Image''' tool [[File:1 - Add Text - Graphics text.JPG|200px]].
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#Select an image file, such as a custom logo, and click '''Open'''.<br>
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#In the Open dialog that is displayed, select an image file and click Open.  
−
#:'''Note''': You can enter an entire path, with or without the filename, into the dialog, then press <Enter> or click the '''Open''' button. If you enter just the path ending with a folder, the window will list the folder files and subfolders. If you enter the path and filename, the file will open.<br>
+
#Use your cursor to place your image on the face.  
−
#:[[File:window-faceeditor-logo.png|600px|thumb|centre|Adding custom silkscreen logo to a face]]<br>
+
#;[[File:4 - Adding An Image - 2d view with logo.JPG|500px]]
−
#Click '''Accept and Close''' [[File:button-acceptclose.png|40px|bottom]] on the Standard toolbar to view your silkscreen graphics.<br><br>[[File:window-main-logo.png|600px|thumb|centre|Custom logo added to a face]]<br>
+
#Click '''Accept and Close''' [[File:34VDHF~9.JPG|150px|bottom]] to view the 3D image.
−
}}
+
#;[[File:5 - Adding An Image - iso view with logo.JPG|500px]]<br>
−
'''Note:''' You can specify direct digital printing instead of silkscreening for images with multiple or gradient colors. See [[Face Editor#Adding silkscreening or direct digital printing|Adding silkscreening or direct digital printing]] for details.
 
  
 
=Quoting and ordering your enclosure=
 
=Quoting and ordering your enclosure=
−
Once your design is complete you can instantly receive a quote and order your enclosure online. It's quick and easy!
+
Once your design is complete you can instantly receive a quote and order your enclosure online.  
−
{{Procedure|
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#In the right top corner, select '''Instant Quote''' from the Quote drop-down menu.
−
#On '''Instant Quotes and Purchasing''' menu, select '''Instant Quote''', '''Purchase''', or '''Create Requisition for my purchasing Department'''. A new webpage will open guiding you through the steps to receive an instant quote or purchase your enclosure.<br><br>[[File:window-purchasing.png|500px|thumb|centre|Purchasing webpage]]
+
#:[[File:Instant Quote launch go.PNG|400px]]
−
}}
+
#Protocase Designer will launch My Account. In order to quote and order in Protocase Designer, you must sign in to My Account. You can register for my account here[https://orders.protocase.com/myaccount/register/registerform.php]
 +
#Once you have signed in to My Account, your Protocase Designer quote will display.
 +
#:[[File:Instant Quote in My Account Final.PNG|500px]]
 +
#You can update your quantity, or change your service level to Priority or Economy. Click Update to get an updated quote.

Latest revision as of 12:30, 26 September 2024

This Quick Start guide walks you through the installation of Protocase Designer and its tools for creating, customizing, and quoting/ordering a design. Before beginning, you may want to review the overview of Designer features and the Glossary.

Installing Protocase Designer

The installation process is the same for both first-time installations and upgrades.

  1. Before installing, ensure that your graphics card drivers are compatible with Opengl 1.2+ (such as ATI and NVIDIA) and that they are up to date.
  2. Close all versions of Protocase Designer before installing a new one. (If you are using Windows, when you try to install Designer while another copy is running, an error occurs and the installer exits.)
  3. On the [Download page], click the button for the appropriate download format. The download will begin.
  4. Open the Protocase Designer installer file in your Downloads folder.
  5. If you have previously installed Designer as the Administrator (or if your anti-virus software requires that you confirm that the file is safe), right-click the installer file in Windows Explorer and choose Run as administrator. (You might have to first choose Show in folder in Google Chrome, or Open containing folder in Firefox.)
  6. Follow the prompts to install.
  7. For first-time installations, after launching Designer, you are prompted to register. Be sure to do so, so that you can receive estimates, place an order, and access the online Cutout Library.
  8. If your company uses a network configured such that your computer accesses the Internet through a proxy server, configure Designer to use the proxy settings:
    1. In Designer, choose Edit > Preferences. The Preferences dialog opens.
    2. Under Proxy Settings, select the Use Proxy for http checkbox, then enter the proxy address and port number (supplied by your network administrator).
      Proxy Settings fields in Preferences NEW.png
    3. Click OK to save the settings and close the Preferences dialog.

See Also:

Installing Protocase Designer Without Administrator Privileges

If you have no administrator access on your computer, you can still install Protocase Designer just for your user.

When you install the software, it will install to Users\<username>\Protocase Designer 4\ folder. If you have already had Protocase Designer installed as an administrator, then double-clicking a Protocase Designer file on your computer will open with the old version.

You can override this by right-clicking on the Protocase Designer file and selecting Open With. Find the newly installed version that is in your Users\<username\Protocase Designer 4\ folder.

Installation on Mac OSX

Protocase Designer requires you to have your security set to allow identified developers. This does not make your mac insecure as it still requires a properly signed application, signed with a key purchased from Apple (see https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT202491 ).

To check your security, go to Apple menu > System Preferences… > Security & Privacy > General tab under the header "Allow applications downloaded from:"
Apple security.png

Installation on Linux

  1. download linux tar file
  2. install openjdk8
  3. tar xf filename (replace with what the linux download is)
  4. cd jdesigner
  5. sudo bash ./install.sh
  6. follow prompts
  7. run $PREFIX/bin/ProtocaseDesigner.sh (default: /usr/local/bin/ProtocaseDesigner.sh)

Creating your enclosure

To begin designing your enclosure, select a template such as Consolet, Bracket, Panel, L shape, Rackmount, or U shape.

You then customize various parameters including size, thickness, material, and color. A 3D model of your enclosure is then created, which you can customize further.

  1. Launch Protocase Designer.
    1- launch page - Creating your enclosure Quick Start.JPG
  2. In the Pick an Option to Start dialog box, click New File.
    2 - Start New File - Creating your enclosure Quick Start.JPG
  3. Select an enclosure category and then select an enclosure type.
    3 - Enclosure Category and type - Creating your enclosure Quick Start.JPG
  4. Modify the enclosure parameters including size, thickness, material, and color to meet your design requirements.(For details, see Changing assembly properties.)
    4HD1HT~5.JPG
  5. Click OK to view the 3D model.
    5 - 3d model view - Creating your enclosure Quick Start.JPG

Customizing your enclosure

To customize the faces of your enclosure, you use the Face Editor, which provides many standard editing tools for creating cutouts, graphics, exclusion zones, and construction lines.
Note: If you like to use a different unit of measure or have other preferences when using Designer, you can set global options in the Preferences dialog box.

Add basic cutouts

  1. In the 3D View, drag the model to rotate it until it shows the face you want to edit.
    1 - 3d model view - Customizing your enclosure.JPG
  2. Click the Edit Face button 2 - Edit face - Customizing your enclosure.JPG.
  3. Click the face to edit. The Face Editor opens:
    2 - Save Changes 3d view - Customizing your enclosure.JPG
  4. Click a tool in the 2D Mode toolbar, and draw shapes on the face to create cutouts.
    3 - Face Editor View - Customizing your enclosure.JPG
  5. Click Accept and Close in the 2D Standard toolbar. You can then see these cutouts applied to your 3D model.
    4 - Draw Shapes - Customizing your enclosure.JPG
    5 (1) - Save Changes - Customizing your enclosure.JPG

Add built-in cutouts

Protocase Designer offers a variety of built-in cutouts that you can add to your enclosure.

  1. Click the Edit Face button 1 - Edit face - Built In Cutouts.JPG and then click a face to edit.
  2. Click the Grid button to show the grid. Select "grid snap" to toggle grid snapping.
    2 - Grid - Built In Cutouts.JPG
    2 (1) - Grid - Built In Cutouts.JPG
  3. On the Library menu, point to a category and then click a cutout item.
    3 (1) - Library Menu - Built In Cutouts.JPG
    3 (2) - Library Menu - Built In Cutouts.JPG
  4. Click on the face to place the built-in cutout.
    4 - Place Cutout - Built In Cutouts.JPG

Add custom cutouts

You can create your own custom cutouts using the Path tool.

  1. Click the Path button 1 - Place Cutout - Add Custom Cutouts - Path.JPG in the 2D Mode toolbar.
  2. Click the face to place points of the path. To finish and close the path, click the first point again.
    2 - Place Cutout - Add Custom Cutouts - Path Cutout.JPG
  3. Click Save 34VDHF~9.JPG to view your enclosure in the 3D View.
    3b - Place Cutout - Add Custom Cutouts - Path Cutout iso.JPG

Note: You can quickly create complex cutouts by merging and/or trimming objects. See Using the Trim and Merge tools to create cutouts for details.

Add hardware

You can easily place hardware on your enclosure to accommodate various components, such as self-clinching fasteners (PEMs) to mount a PCB or handles.

  1. Click Edit Face 1 - Add Hardware - Edit Face - Grid.JPG and click a face to edit.
  2. Click Toggle Grid 2 - Add Hardware - Edit Face.JPG to show the grid. Select "grid snap" to toggle grid snapping.
  3. Choose Library > Open Library.
  4. Choose the self-clinching fastener and its options. Note: Parts displayed with a strikeout through the name are incompatible with the enclosure's current material type and/or thickness, and cannot be selected.
    4 - Add Hardware - Pem Library.JPG
  5. Click Place PEM and click the face to add the fasteners.
  6. Continue adding fasteners. Click <Escape> when you are done.
    6 - Add Hardware - Pems Placed.JPG
  7. Click Accept and Close 7 - Add Hardware - Save Changes.JPG.
  8. Notice the full list of parts in your design on the left-hand side.
    8 - Add Hardware - Part Tree.JPG
  9. Click the eye symbol on the faces of your design that you want to hide from the display, such as Cover Right Side Left Side.
  10. Rotate the model to view the fasteners.
    10 - Add Hardware - Parts Hidden Fastener View.JPG

Note: You can also create custom brackets and add them to your enclosure. See Creating and adding brackets for details.

Add text

You can add text for labeling items on your enclosure.

  1. Click Edit Face and click a face to edit.
  2. In TYPE, Click the Graphic tab.
  3. Click the Text tool.
    1 - Add Text - Graphics text.JPG
  4. Click on the face and start typing to add text. You can change font, color and size on the right hand panel.
    3 - Add Text - Graphics Panel (note graphics process on bottom).JPG
  5. Click Save 34VDHF~9.JPG.
    The text is shown in the 3D model.
    4 - Add Text - Isometric with Graphics.JPG

Note: You can specify the text to be produced with silkscreening or digital printing, or you can add a note to ask Protocase to use dot peening, which is a permanent marking process that does not use ink.

Adding an image

You can add graphics such as logos to your enclosure, using silkscreen or digital printing. See Adding silkscreening or direct digital printing for details on which printing method to choose.

  1. Click Edit Face and click the face to edit.
  2. In TYPE, Click the Graphic tab.
  3. Click the Image tool 1 - Add Text - Graphics text.JPG.
  4. In the Open dialog that is displayed, select an image file and click Open.
  5. Use your cursor to place your image on the face.
    4 - Adding An Image - 2d view with logo.JPG
  6. Click Accept and Close 34VDHF~9.JPG to view the 3D image.
    5 - Adding An Image - iso view with logo.JPG

Quoting and ordering your enclosure

Once your design is complete you can instantly receive a quote and order your enclosure online.

  1. In the right top corner, select Instant Quote from the Quote drop-down menu.
    Instant Quote launch go.PNG
  2. Protocase Designer will launch My Account. In order to quote and order in Protocase Designer, you must sign in to My Account. You can register for my account here[1]
  3. Once you have signed in to My Account, your Protocase Designer quote will display.
    Instant Quote in My Account Final.PNG
  4. You can update your quantity, or change your service level to Priority or Economy. Click Update to get an updated quote.
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