Create Electrical Schematics and Circuit Diagrams
SmartDraw is perfect for creating electrical circuit diagrams, schematics, wiring and HVAC diagrams quickly and easily.
SmartDraw comes with an extensive collection of symbols and templates for switches, sensors, relays, analog devices, audio systems, NECA, and more!
Drawing an Electrical Circuit Diagram: How to Start
Every SmartDraw drawing begins with a SmartTemplate. These templates are configured with settings for your specific diagram type. When you start SmartDraw, you'll see a New Document dialog that lets you browse through the templates installed with your program. If you're trying to draw an electrical schematic, it's best to select a template from the Electrical folder under Engineering.
Finding and Using Electrical Symbols and Graphics
SmartDraw comes with thousands of specialized symbols for electrical and mechanical engineering, from schematic symbols for electronics and HVAC, to factory and manufacturing equipment.
You can quickly access some of the more commonly used symbols by clicking on the "Add Symbols" button of the SmartPanel. This will open a number of libraries docked below the SmartPanel.
Alternatively, you can search for any symbol using SmartDraw's Symbol Explorer. Write in a keyword or phrase in the search box and click on "Search." Your search results will b highlighted in a separate window in a Search Results folder.
You can also simply browse through the symbols just as if they were folders on your computer. Just click on More Symbols.
Double-clicking on any symbol library will dock it underneath the SmartPanel.
To add a shape to the page, just drag and drop it from the library to the drawing area.
Scaling and Rotating Shapes
You can change the size of any shape by clicking on its grow handles (black squares around the object) and using your mouse to make it shrink or grow.
To rotate a shape, grab the circular rotate knob near the right side of the shape and drag it to rotate your shape.
Linking Symbols to Lines
Linking symbols Typically, the wires or pipes in engineering diagrams are represented by lines. The engineering symbols (such as electrical circuit components) have specific connection points at their ends where lines can attach to them, and stay attached even when the components are moved.
You can add lines to your drawing by dragging a line from the toolbar. To connect your line to a symbol, drag its end to the edge of the symbol until you see an Anchor symbol appear signaling that the line will be attached once you let go. If needed, you can modify the connection points to get exactly the linking-position that you want.
You can also change the line's shape, style, thickness, color, and more by using the right-click menu or the Line menu commands.
Changing Connection Points on Electrical Symbols
You can move, add, or delete connections points on any symbol to make it attach to lines at only the points that you specify.
To change the connection points, right-click on the symbol in your drawing and choose Connection Points from the pop-up menu. You'll see the Connection Points dialog where you can make the adjustments.
You can drag the existing connection points to different places, delete some connection points, or add new ones.
You can select a connection point by simply clicking on it. Once selected, you can move it using the arrow keys or your mouse.
To add a connection point, hold down the Ctrl key and click.
To delete a point, select it, then use your Delete key.
If you want to permanently change the Connection Points for a library symbol, you can right-click on it in the library window and use the Edit Symbol dialog to change all future instances of that symbol.
Crossing Lines
Example of line hop If two lines cross in your diagram, it can be difficult to know whether they intersect or simply pass over each other. You can solve the problem by using a Line Hop to indicate wire or circuits that do not intersect.
Just right-click on one of the lines and choose Line Hops from the menu that pops up.
Adding Arrowheads to Your Schematic
Automatic arrowheads Many diagrams indicate the flow of materials or current from one point to another with arrowheads. SmartDraw makes it easy by offering automatic arrowheads in dozens of different styles.
You can add arrowheads to any line by right clicking on it and choosing Arrowheads from the menu.
Here you can choose from over two dozen styles and configurations, choose a size, as well as displacement.
Once you've applied a style of arrowhead, all consequent lines will be drawn using the same style.
To turn off the arrowheads, simply choose None from the same menu.
Crossing Lines
Example of line hop If two lines cross in your diagram, it can be difficult to know whether they intersect or simply pass over each other. You can solve the problem by using a Line Hop to indicate wire or circuits that do not intersect.
Just right-click on one of the lines and choose Line Hops from the menu that pops up.
Adding Arrowheads to Your Schematic
Automatic arrowheads Many diagrams indicate the flow of materials or current from one point to another with arrowheads. SmartDraw makes it easy by offering automatic arrowheads in dozens of different styles.
You can add arrowheads to any line by right clicking on it and choosing Arrowheads from the menu.
Here you can choose from over two dozen styles and configurations, choose a size, as well as displacement.
Once you've applied a style of arrowhead, all consequent lines will be drawn using the same style.
To turn off the arrowheads, simply choose None from the same menu.
Showing Dimensions and Area
You can display the dimensions of any line, or the area of any closed shape, in your drawing. To show the dimensions of a line, right click on it and choose Show Length from the menu.
To show the area of a shape, right click on it, then choose Shape Properties from the menu and check the box labeled Show Area.
