# Drawing Mode Create building structures by drawing polygons with various shapes and configurations. Drawing mode is the foundation of every solar design. ## Entering Drawing Mode Press `D` or click the **Draw** button to enter drawing mode. You'll see visual indicators showing you're in drawing mode. ## Basic Drawing Follow these steps to draw a polygon: 1. Press `D` to enter drawing mode 2. Click on the canvas to place your first point 3. Continue clicking to add more points 4. Complete the polygon by clicking near the starting point (within snap distance) 5. The polygon will close automatically and become a 3D structure ### Undo Last Point While drawing, press `Ctrl+Z` to undo the last point you placed. This is useful if you make a mistake. ### Cancel Drawing Press `Escape` at any time to: - Cancel the current drawing - Exit drawing mode - Discard the incomplete polygon ## Shape Assistance Modes Powerlily includes intelligent shape modes that help you create common roof structures quickly. While in drawing mode, press `Shift` to cycle through these modes: ### Basic Draw (Default) Free-form polygon drawing - click to place points anywhere you want. ### Dormer Create dormer shapes: 1. Click two points to define the width 2. Scroll to adjust the depth 3. The dormer shape is generated automatically Perfect for: Dormer windows, shed dormers, roof extensions. ### A-Frame Create A-frame structures: 1. Click two points to define the base width 2. The A-frame roof is generated automatically with a peak in the center Perfect for: A-frame roofs, gabled structures, simple pitched roofs. ### Hip Roof Create hip roof structures: 1. Click two points to define one edge 2. Scroll to adjust the depth 3. The hip roof shape is generated with slopes on all sides Perfect for: Hip roofs, pavilions, complex roof structures. ### Cone Roof Create circular/conical roof structures: 1. Click the center point 2. Scroll to adjust the number of segments (more = smoother circle) 3. A circular structure is generated Perfect for: Turrets, gazebos, circular structures, silos. > **Tip:** Hold `Shift` and scroll while placing the second point to adjust dimensions. Release `Shift` to lock the mode, or press `D` again to return to basic draw. ## Snapping Controls Powerlily helps you draw precisely with intelligent snapping: ### Automatic Snapping By default, points snap to: - Nearby geometry (other polygon edges and vertices) - Grid lines - Edges and corners Visual snap guides appear to help you align points precisely. ### Disable Snapping Hold `Ctrl` while placing points to temporarily disable snapping. This gives you complete freedom to place points anywhere. ## Polygon Properties After creating a polygon, you can adjust its properties in the right panel: ### Height Set the building height in meters. This controls: - The wall height of the structure - Base elevation above ground - Overall structure proportions ### Slope (Pitch) Set the roof pitch/angle in degrees: - `0°` - Flat roof - `5-10°` - Low slope - `15-30°` - Standard residential pitch - `30-45°` - Steep pitch - Higher angles for specialized structures ### Baseline The baseline is the reference edge used for roof slope calculation. The roof slopes away from this edge. ### Rotate Baseline Press `R` with a polygon selected to rotate the baseline to a different edge. This changes which edge the roof slopes from. > **Example:** If your baseline is on the north edge and you press `R` three times, it will rotate to the west, south, then east edge. ## Edit Polygon Mode After creating a polygon, you can reshape it: 1. Select the polygon 2. Click the **Edit Polygon** button in the properties panel 3. Drag the circular markers to reshape the polygon 4. Points snap to nearby geometry for precise alignment 5. Press `Escape` when finished to exit edit mode > **Note:** Editing a polygon's shape will remove any panels placed on it. You'll need to re-place panels after editing. ## Canopy Mode Convert polygons into canopy structures for ground-mounted or carport installations: 1. Select a polygon 2. Click the **Toggle Canopy Mode** button 3. Choose your canopy style: - **Corner Columns** - Posts at each corner - **Pole Mount** - Standard pole mounting - **Truss Structure** - Structural truss support - **Satellite Texture** - Textured appearance Canopy structures are perfect for: - Solar carports - Ground-mounted arrays - Pergolas with solar - Commercial parking structures ## Copy and Paste Polygons Create multiple similar structures quickly: 1. Select one or more polygons 2. Press `Ctrl+C` to copy 3. Click where you want the duplicates 4. Press `Ctrl+V` to paste Copied polygons include all properties (height, slope, baseline) but not the panels. ## Keyboard Shortcuts | Shortcut | Action | |----------|--------| | `D` | Toggle drawing mode / Reset to basic draw | | `Shift` | Cycle through shape assistance modes | | `Ctrl` | Disable snapping while placing points | | `Ctrl+Z` | Undo last point (while drawing) | | `R` | Rotate baseline of selected polygon | | `Escape` | Cancel drawing / Exit draw mode | | `Ctrl+C` | Copy selected polygons | | `Ctrl+V` | Paste copied polygons | > **Remember:** Keyboard shortcuts only work when you're not typing in text fields. Click outside any input fields to enable shortcuts. --- **Next:** Add roof features with [[Obstructions]] or start placing solar panels with [[Panel Placement]].