# Chapter 1: Introduction To XTrackCAD

XTrackCAD is a CAD (computer-aided design) program for designing Model Railroad layouts. XTrackCAD supports any scale, has libraries of popular brands of turnouts and sectional track (plus you add your own easily), can automatically use spiral transition curves when joining track and has extensive on-line help and demonstrations. XTrackCAD lets you manipulate track much like you would with actual flex-track to modify, extend and join tracks and turnouts. Additional features include tunnels, 'post-it' notes, on-screen ruler, parts list, 99 drawing layers, undo/redo commands, bench-work, 'Print to Bitmap', elevations, train simulation and car inventory.

Using it, you can

- Design layouts in any scale and gauge,

- Use predefined libraries for many popular brands of turnouts to help you get started easily,

- Add your own favorite components,

- Manipulate track much like you would with actual flex-track to modify, extend and join tracks and turnouts,

- Automatically generated Spiral transition curves (easements) whenever the track radius changes.

- Test your design by running trains, including picking them up and moving them with the mouse.

- Print the design in a scale of your choice. When printed in 1:1 scale the printout can be used as a template for laying the track to build your dream layout.

New users should run the demonstrations (via the Help>Demos menu) to get an overview of the many features of the program. A number of example layout designs are also available.

Be sure to visit the project web page for latest news and updates: XTrackCAD Fork Website

- 1.1 Why Choose XTrackCAD
- 1.2 Key XTrackCAD Features
- 1.3 Additional XTrackCAD Features
- 1.4 About This Manual
- 1.5 Installation
  - 1.5.1 Microsoft Windows Installation
  - 1.5.2 Linux Installation
- 1.6 Start the Program
- 1.7 Quick Tour
- 1.8 Performance Issues
- 1.9 Files and Directories
  - 1.9.1 Directories Overview
  - 1.9.2 Install Directory
  - 1.9.3 Working Directory
- 1.10 Removing XTrackCAD
- 1.11 Bugs and Enhancements
  - 1.11.1 Reporting Bugs
  - 1.11.2 Enhancement Requests