Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
Tangent-End Arc
This button can be used to draw an arc from the
end point of an existing line or arc. Once you click the end point to
begin drawing the arc, you drag your mouse pointer and an arc appears,
with the existing line or arc remaining tangent to it. This tool is useful
for transitioning from a straight line (or another arc) to a curve without
having to draw separate items and then adjust tangency. You can edit
the radius of the arc after it is drawn by editing its temporary
dimension. Because the line is tangent to the arc, the larger you make
the radius, the shorter the line becomes. This tool is useful when
sketching geometry, because it provides a clean transition from the
curved surface to the flat surface.
Fillet Arc
This button is for drawing an arc that creates a filleted
corner between two lines. Unlike other CAD applications that apply a
fillet by using an editing command, Revit considers this creating an arc
where there was none. Clicking the button prompts you to select the
lines for the fillet. Dragging your mouse pointer reveals the arc to be
created between the two lines. You cannot type a radius length while
dragging the arc, but you can edit the temporary dimension that
appears after the fillet arc is drawn. Alternatively, you can preset the
radius on the Options Bar.
Using Other Drawing Tools
These additional buttons are also useful:
Spline
This button is used for drawing free-form lines. Each click
point creates a vertex that can be edited to change the curve of the line
at that point. The Drag Line End grips that appear at the end points of a
spline lengthen or shorten the entire spline when they are dragged to
new locations. You cannot type any lengths while drawing a spline, and
there are no temporary dimensions to edit after the spline is complete.
You can add and delete control points to a spline after you sketch it if
necessary. The more points you use, the more accurately you can adjust
the shape. Splines cannot be trimmed to other lines, and the Split tool
doesn't work on them either. The start and end points affect the whole
spline if you adjust their location.
Ellipse
This button can be used to draw an ellipse by first selecting
the center point and then defining the length of each axis. Once you
