QElectroTech Quick Start Guide: Designing Custom Components QElectroTech is a powerful, open-source application for creating electrical diagrams. While it comes with a vast library of standard symbols, engineering projects often require specialized or proprietary parts. Creating custom components ensures your schematics are accurate and professional. This quick start guide will walk you through the essential steps to design your own elements using the built-in QElectroTech element editor. 1. Access the Element Editor
To build a new component, you need to use the dedicated editing environment. Open the software: Launch QElectroTech on your computer.
Locate the collection: Look at the left-hand panel under the Elements Collection.
Choose the directory: Right-click on User Collection (or a specific custom sub-folder you have created).
Launch the editor: Select New Element from the context menu. A new window will open with a grid workspace. 2. Define the Element Properties
Before drawing, establish the basic metadata for your component to make it easily searchable.
Name the component: Click on Element Properties (usually on the right panel) and enter a clear name.
Add translations: You can input names in multiple languages if you work with international teams.
Set the dimensions: Decide the grid size based on how large the component needs to be relative to standard schematics. 3. Draw the Graphics
The visual representation of your component relies on simple geometric shapes. Use the drawing toolbar to construct your symbol.
Use the grid: Keep Snap to Grid enabled to ensure clean lines and easy alignment later.
Draw shapes: Use the Rectangle, Line, and Circle/Ellipse tools to build the body of your component (e.g., a PLC module, a specialized relay, or a sensor).
Style your lines: Adjust line thickness and colors in the properties panel to match standard conventions (e.g., thicker lines for the main body, thinner lines for internal details). 4. Place Terminals (Orientation is Critical)
Terminals are the connection points where wires latch onto your component in a diagram.
Select the Terminal tool: Click the Add Terminal icon from the toolbar.
Position on the border: Place the terminal exactly on the edge of your drawing where a wire should connect.
Check the orientation: Every terminal has a small arrow showing its orientation. The arrow must point outward, away from the component body. This tells QElectroTech which direction the wire will approach from.
Assign pin labels: Double-click the terminal or use the properties panel to assign numbers or labels (e.g., A1, A2, COM, NO). 5. Add Dynamic Text Fields
Your component needs labels that can change depending on where it is used in a project.
Add a tag (Formula): Insert a text field and set its content to %id. This automatically generates the device tag (like -K1, -Q2, or -F3) based on your project preferences.
Add information labels: Place additional text fields for parameters like voltage, manufacturing part numbers, or descriptions. Set these text types to “User Information” so they can be edited directly on the schematic sheet. 6. Save and Test Your Component
Always validate your new element before deploying it in a massive project.
Save the file: Click File > Save. Give it a recognizable file name. It will save as an .elmt file within your User Collection. Test in a diagram: Open a blank schematic page.
Drag and drop: Drag your new component from the User Collection onto the sheet.
Connect wires: Draw a few lines to your terminals. Ensure the wires snap perfectly to the pins and that the text fields are fully editable.
To make sure this guide fits your exact project needs, tell me:
What specific type of component are you trying to design (e.g., a PLC, terminal block, or sensor)?
Do you need to include multi-pole connections or cross-references?
I can provide tailored design tips or advanced properties configurations based on your answers. Saved time Comprehensive Inappropriate Not working
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