traintastic/manual/docs/en/quickstart/layout/drawing-basics.md

Quick start: Drawing basics

In Traintastic, schematics are drawn on a board. A board is like a canvas where you place track, turnouts, signals, and other objects to create a diagram that represents your physical railway. You can create multiple boards, for example one for the main layout and another for the hidden yard.

Step 1: Open the board list

1. Make sure you are in edit mode ( button in the top right).
2. Open the board list:
   • From the main menu: Objects → Boards
   • Or click the button on the toolbar.

Step 2: Create a new board

1. In the board list, click the button to create a new board.
2. The Board setup wizard opens. Currently it asks only for a board name (e.g. Main Layout or Hidden Yard).
3. Finish the wizard to setup your board.

You can now start drawing.

Step 3: Place and rotate tiles

1. Select a tile from the toolbar (straight, curve, turnout, etc.).
2. Click on the board where you want to place it.
3. To rotate a tile (before placing it):
   • Right-click — rotate clockwise
   • ++shift++ + Right-click — rotate counter-clockwise

Step 4: Move tiles

1. On the toolbar, select .
2. Click on the tile you want to move. The tile will follow your mouse cursor.
3. Click again to place it in the new location.
   • Rotation works the same as when placing a tile.
   • To cancel moving, press ++esc++.

Step 5: Resize tiles

Some tiles, such as blocks, can be resized to change their length.

1. On the toolbar, select .
2. Click on the tile you want to resize.
3. Drag the edge to increase or decrease its length.

Step 6: Delete tiles

1. On the toolbar, select .
2. Click on the tile you want to remove. The tile will be deleted immediately.

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With these basics you can start sketching your layout, adjusting as you go.

!!! tip If your layout is large, start by drawing just a small portion first. This helps you get familiar with the board editor before creating the full schematic.

Here’s a simple example layout:

We’ll use this layout in the next pages to explain how to setup turnout control, blocks and sensors, and signals.

Next: Turnout control