Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

Is it easy to use?

Non technical persons are able to understand and use the manual versions of ShadowDraw - this is what has made it so enduring
over the past 15 years. The AutoCAD versions require only a very basic understanding of AutoCAD.

How soon will the kit be delivered?

We try to turn around orders the same day. Delivery is by Australia Post ordinary mail and included in the price.
An Express Post Envelope can be sent for an additional $5 - ring or advise on the order.

Can it make allowance for sloping land? Can it show shadows on a wall, or in section or elevation view?

The answer to both questions is "yes", but they require a second level of analysis by the operator after the shadow is shown on plan, on a theoretical 'flat' plane. There are instructions in the kit.

How to know if it is the eaves of roof ridge causing the shadow?

By testing the extent of shadow cast by each element of a building. Sometimes it is easier to understand a complicated design as being a series of 'flagpoles'. By testing which features have the longest shadow the 'real' shadow cast by the building is revealed.

AutoCAD FAQ

Q. Will it work with older or lite versions of AutoCAD?

Yes it will work with any version of AutoCAD, Full or Lite.

Q. "When I insert the ShadowDraw block the resulting shadow line appears too long compared to the manual overlay for the same time and height."

Check your Unit Settings, by doing the following:
1. Type Units in the command line
2. Check that the Insertion Scale is set to millimeters
3. Type Options in the command line
4. Click on the User Preferences tab
5. Check that the Insertion scale units are set to millimeters (in both boxes)
6. Re-insert shadowdraw block

Q. "When I insert the ShadowDraw block the resulting shadow line appears in the wrong direction compared to the manual overlay for the same time and height."

1. Type units in the command line
2. Click on Direction
3. Select East
4. Click OK and then OK again
5. Re-insert shadowdraw block