QuickDIY User Guide
QuickDIY connects a simple dimension-driven project canvas to stock-aware cut planning and workshop-ready information.
Getting Started
- Create a .qdiy project or begin with a template.
- Add rectangular parts and enter exact width, depth, thickness, and position.
- Assign materials, grain, labels, edge banding, and hardware.
- Open Cut Plan and resolve unplaced parts or stock warnings.
- Review Shop Mode, then export the cut, label, buying, or assembly output you need.
Tip: Set the material and grain direction before finalizing the Cut Plan.
Interface Overview
| Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Project Library | Folders, .qdiy projects, favorites, tags, search, trash, and external locations. |
| Editor canvas | Top, Front, Side, and ISO views with selection, guides, measurements, and placement. |
| Parts | Dimensions, quantity, material, grain, labels, and edge treatment. |
| Inspector | Exact transforms, fit details, allowances, and object properties. |
| Cut Plan and Shop Mode | Stock optimization, buying list, sequence, labels, notes, and warnings. |
Design to Cut Plan
The same project parts drive the canvas, parts table, stock calculation, labels, buying list, warnings, and Shop Mode.
- Dimensioned design: Create rectangular parts and place them in Top, Front, Side, or ISO views.
- Material presets: Assign sheet goods, lumber, colors, grain direction, cost, and edge treatment.
- Cut Plan: Account for stock size, kerf, trim allowance, grain lock, edge banding, and unplaced parts.
- Parts and hardware: Track part labels, quantities, hardware, cost, and buying-list requirements.
- Shop Mode: Use a read-only, larger-text view for the store or workshop.
- Project export: Create shop-ready cut, label, assembly, and buying outputs while preserving .qdiy projects.
Note: Verify every dimension, material, machine setup, cut sequence, and warning before purchasing or cutting material.
Settings
Open Settings to review the following app-specific controls:
- Units, grid, snap, view, and editor behavior
- Material, stock, kerf, trim, and cost defaults
- Keyboard shortcut customization
- Library, save, export, and appearance preferences
Trial, Free, and Pro use the same functional feature set. Pro removes mobile ads and the daily desktop support reminder.
Keyboard Shortcuts
On Apple platforms, use Command where the app maps a displayed Ctrl shortcut to the platform primary modifier. The in-app shortcut page remains authoritative.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Cmd/Ctrl + N | Create a new project |
| Cmd/Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| Cmd/Ctrl + Y | Redo |
| Cmd/Ctrl + D | Duplicate selected part |
| Delete | Delete selected part |
| Arrow keys | Nudge selected part |
| Cmd/Ctrl + B | Toggle sidebar |
| Cmd/Ctrl + , | Open Settings |
Tips & Tricks
Set the material and grain direction before finalizing the Cut Plan.
Use labels consistently so parts can be matched to the assembly drawing.
Review unplaced parts and design warnings before buying stock.
Use Shop Mode to avoid accidental edits while measuring or cutting.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| A part is unplaced | Check stock size, rotation, grain lock, kerf, and trim allowance. |
| Estimated cost is wrong | Review material price, pack size, quantity, hardware, and units. |
| A view is hard to align | Switch to Top, Front, or Side and use guides, snap, and exact Inspector values. |
| The workshop view cannot edit | Shop Mode is intentionally read-only; return to Editor to change the project. |
Privacy
- Projects and calculations are processed locally.
- The Library scans only locations you configure.
- Project metadata and exports stay in user-selected storage.
- No account is required for core design work.
Your responsibility: Use suitable personal protective equipment and follow tool, material, workplace, and building-safety requirements.