Features
Everything you need to create precise 2D shapes with exact measurements and bend control.
Drawing Basics
Click to Draw
Creating shapes in XL2D is intuitive. Simply click on the canvas to place vertices, and lines automatically connect them as you draw.
- Left-click anywhere to place your first point
- Continue clicking to add more vertices — lines connect automatically
- Right-click to finalize your shape
- Press Backspace to remove the last point if you make a mistake
Open vs Closed Shapes
XL2D supports both open shapes (like a section profile) and closed shapes (like a complete enclosure).
To close a shape, click near your starting point. The shape will snap closed and create a bend at the closing vertex.
▶ Video tutorial coming soon
Bend Control
Adjustable Bend Radius
Every vertex in XL2D can have its own bend radius. This is perfect for representing real-world sheet metal bends where different radii are required at different points.
Use the radius control in the toolbar to set the default bend radius for new vertices. Existing vertices can be modified individually.
Preset Radius Buttons
Quick-access preset buttons let you switch between common bend radii instantly. Configure these presets to match your most frequently used values.
Per-Vertex Radius Control
Need different radii on different corners? Select a vertex and adjust its radius independently. The Property Inspector shows you the exact radius value and lets you edit it precisely.
▶ Video tutorial coming soon
Keyboard Shortcuts
Drawing
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Left-click | Place a vertex |
| Right-click | Finalize shape / Open context menu |
| Esc | Cancel drawing / Clear selection |
| Backspace | Remove last placed vertex |
| \ | Finalize shape at bend preview |
| Shift + Click | Resume/extend existing open shape |
Modifier Keys (While Drawing)
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl (hold) | Constrain line to 45° angles |
| Alt + Click | Live bend radius adjustment |
| Alt + Drag | Create parent-child vertex link |
Selection & Editing
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + A | Select all shapes |
| Delete | Delete selected shape(s) |
| Arrow keys | Nudge selected shape(s) |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo |
| Ctrl + C | Copy selection |
| Ctrl + V | Paste |
View & Navigation
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| S | Toggle Inspector panel |
| Middle-drag | Pan the canvas |
| Scroll wheel | Zoom in/out |
| Ctrl + Middle-click | Add manual measurement |
Selection Modes
Shape Selection
Click on any shape to select it entirely. Selected shapes show a blue bounding box and can be moved, copied, deleted, or transformed as a whole.
Geometric Selection
Ctrl+Right-click on a vertex to select it individually. Selected vertices appear orange/red and can be edited independently.
Multi-Select
Hold Shift while clicking to add shapes to your selection. Work with multiple shapes at once for batch operations.
Shape Library
Save Shapes for Reuse
Create a shape once, use it forever. The Shape Library lets you save any shape as a template that can be placed again and again.
Right-click any shape and select "Add to Library" to save it. Give it a meaningful name and optionally assign it to a category.
Categories & Organisation
Keep your templates organized with custom categories. Create categories for different project types, clients, or shape families.
Placing Templates
Open the Library panel (toggle with the toolbar button), browse your saved shapes, and click to place them on the canvas. Templates maintain their exact geometry and measurements.
▶ Video tutorial coming soon
Measurements
Line Lengths
Show or hide length measurements for every line segment. See exact dimensions as you work.
Angles
Display angle measurements at vertices. Perfect for ensuring your shapes meet exact specifications.
Bend Radius
View the bend radius at each corner. Critical for sheet metal work where bend allowances matter.
Manual Measurements
Add custom measurement annotations anywhere on the canvas. Ctrl+Middle-click between two points to measure.
Grid & Snapping
Visible Grid
Toggle the background grid for visual alignment guidance. The grid scales automatically as you zoom in and out.
Snap to Grid
Enable grid snapping to constrain vertex placement to grid intersections. Great for maintaining consistent spacing and alignment.
Grid-to-Radius Mode
A unique XL2D feature: dynamically adjust the grid spacing based on your current bend radius. This ensures your grid aligns with your bend geometry.
Export Options
Copy to Clipboard
Copy shapes directly to your clipboard as Enhanced Metafile (EMF) format. Paste into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, or any application that accepts vector graphics.
Your shapes retain their precise geometry and measurements when pasted — no rasterization, no quality loss.
DXF Export
Export shapes as DXF files for use in CAD software, CNC machines, and other professional tools. Geometry is exported with full precision.
Coming Soon: SVG Export
Export shapes as SVG files for use in web graphics, logos, or vector editing software. Maintain precise, scalable geometry for any application.
Coming Soon: PDF Export
Generate professional PDF documents with your drawings, including company logo templates and A4 detail sheets.
Trial vs Paid
What's included in the free trial?
The 7-day free trial gives you access to all drawing features so you can properly evaluate XL2D. Trial users have a few limitations compared to paid subscribers:
- A subtle watermark appears on the canvas and on exports
- Shape library is limited to 20 saved shapes (unlimited for paid users)
- Periodic subscription reminders every 30 minutes
- Activation on 1 machine only (paid users get 2)
Subscribe for just £3/month to remove all restrictions.