Create project

Every new task we embark on, whether it's for a highly detailed topographic mapping or extensive planning, or for basic geometric calculations, is concentrated under a specific project. Hence, the first operation we perform in the software for starting work (unless we are opening a project we've already worked on) is opening a new project.

To open a new project, we'll go to File → New Project, type the desired project name in the "File Name" line, and press the Enter key or the "Open" button on the screen. The new project will open with the name of the library displayed in the title, which is the project library.

Prototype and Noname Projects (Data Recovery)

In CivilCAD software, there are two unique and fixed projects.

Prototype Project

As the name suggests, the Prototype project serves as a template for other projects opened by the software. Generally, the Prototype will not affect previous projects existing in the system, and any changes made in this project will only be reflected in new projects. In the Prototype project, certain parameters can be defined for the entire software operation duration. Examples of such settings include changing the company title on printed reports, setting work units, and more.

To change a setting, follow these steps:

1. Open the project – File → Open Prototype.

2. Make the necessary setting changes (for example, change settings in File → Configuration, changes in various Options windows, etc.).

3. Exit the project while saving the changes.

From this stage onward, the changes you made will be preserved, and each new project opened will automatically inherit these properties.

Noname Project and Data Recovery

The Noname project is the first project that comes up when the software is launched. This project is not intended for use, and you should open a new project to start work. The Noname project allows regular work with the software but will be deleted immediately upon closing the software or switching to another project. If you started work on the Noname project, you can use the Save As operation to save the work already done under a new name.

The Noname project has a central role in data recovery. There may be cases where the program exits improperly without saving data (such as a power failure, problems with Windows operation, etc.). CivilCAD creates backups of the actions performed during its operation and saves them in hidden files. If there was no proper exit from the software (File → Exit), CivilCAD will detect this, and upon the next relaunch (after the software crashed), it will attempt to restore the last project you worked on. The restoration (whether partial or full) will automatically be copied to the Noname project and displayed upon completion of the restoration. At this point, immediately save the project under a new name using File → Save As.

In the Windows 7/8/10 operating system, the project is located in the default location:

C:\Users\<User name>\Documents\CivilCAD

Note: CivilCAD may have restored data, but it may not appear in the drawing. In this case, you can force the software to refresh the drawing as follows:

1. Bring the cursor to the point editing row.

2. Press Enter to indicate that changes have been made.

3. Click the Refresh button above the drawing window.

4. Activate Zoom Extents.