Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Temporary Dimensions
Temporary dimensions are useful for more than just modifying items as
you draw. You can click a temporary dimension and click the icon that
appears to change the dimension from temporary to an actual
annotation dimension in the view. You may accidentally click this icon
from time to time. The dimension created can be deleted if unwanted.
Drawing Arcs
The Draw panel contains four buttons for drawing arcs. The first two are
for drawing arcs whether or not they are connected to any other type of
linework, while the other two are for drawing specific types of arcs that
relate to lines:
Start-End-Radius Arc
Ideal for sketching an arc when its center
isn't known, this button is used for drawing an arc by selecting a start
point and an end point and then dragging your mouse pointer to define
the radius. You can preset the radius on the Options Bar. When you set
the radius prior to drawing, you need to click to set the start and end
points. The third click determines the direction of the arc instead of the
radius. You can input a length for the temporary dimension while
drawing to establish the distance between the start and end points and
then again to establish the radius. The grips that appear when you select
an arc are for changing the radius or the arc length.
Center-Ends Arc
Ideal for sketching an arc when its center is
known, this button is used for drawing an arc by first clicking to
establish the center point and then clicking to set the first end point.
From this end point, an arc is drawn with a radius that is the distance
from the center to the selected end point when you click to establish the
second end point. You can draw an arc to a maximum 180-degree angle
by using this tool. When you drag your mouse pointer to establish the
end point and move it past 180 degrees from the start point of the arc,
the direction of the arc changes. Once the center and radius have been
defined, you can type in the angle.
