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Quick Start

Get started with Print CAD — access the web application, explore the interface, and import your first DXF file.

Print CAD runs entirely in your browser — no installation required. It is built on WebAssembly, delivering full parametric CAD performance directly in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. Your PrintNow team will provide access during onboarding. The two video tutorials below cover everything you need to start creating parametric dielines.

Accessing Print CAD

Print CAD is hosted at cad.printnow.com and accessed directly from the Unified Admin:

  1. From your Unified Admin, go to Products > Print CAD.
  2. Click the Open Print CAD button in the toolbar.
  3. The application opens in a new browser tab with a secure, time-limited access code.

The access code is generated automatically using a time-based one-time password (TOTP) system. Each code is valid for 90 seconds and authenticates your session without requiring a separate login. If the code expires before the page loads, simply click the button again to generate a fresh code.

This 27-minute walkthrough introduces the Print CAD interface and the tools you will use to develop your own print packaging standards. Topics covered:

  • User interface overview and graphics window navigation
  • Toolbar and menu functions
  • Property browser and variables management
  • Drawing tools — line segments, rectangles, circles, arcs, and Bezier splines
  • Datum points and construction elements
  • Constraint operations — distance, angle, alignment, symmetry, perpendicularity, and parallelism
  • Trimming and splitting techniques
  • Reference dimensions and identifying constrained versus under-constrained points

Importing a DXF File

This 27-minute tutorial walks through the complete process of importing a DXF file into Print CAD from start to finish. Topics covered:

  • Establishing reference documentation
  • Importing and unit conversion
  • Modifying line styles (cut, crease, perf, bleed, glue, mask)
  • Applying geometric constraints — horizontal, vertical, and point-based
  • Adding dimensions with variables and expressions
  • Creating the base point indicator
  • Testing parametric functionality
  • Preparing the file for export through the Custom Libraries admin

Next Steps

Introduction

Overview of PrintNow's Print CAD — parametric CAD software for designing custom dielines and publishing web-to-pack packaging products.

User Interface

Tour of the Print CAD graphics window, property browser, toolbar, menus, and keyboard shortcuts.

On this page

Accessing Print CADPrint CAD Interface and Tool SetsImporting a DXF FileNext Steps