Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
g e t t I n g a g r I p o n g r I p s
In Chapter 7, “Combining Objects into Blocks,” you saw how to use grips to
detect whether an object is a block. Grips actually serve a larger function. The
STRETCH command will automatically start when you select a single grip. With
a single grip selected, the right-click menu offers a list of additional tools for
editing objects quickly, using one or more of the following five commands:
STRETCH , MOVE , ROTATE , SCALE , and MIRROR . These commands operate a
little differently when using grips than when using them otherwise.
The commands can also perform a few more tasks with the help of grips. Each
command has a Copy option. So, for example, if you rotate an object with grips,
you can keep the original object unchanged while you make multiple copies of
the object in various angles of rotation. You can't do this by using the ROTATE
command in the regular way or by using the regular COPY command.
To use grips, follow these steps:
1.
When no commands have been started, click an object that you want
to modify.
2.
Click the grip that will be the base point for the command's execution.
3.
Right-click at this point, and choose any of the five commands just
described from the context menu that opens on the drawing area.
(You can also cycle through these commands by pressing the space-
bar and watching the command prompt.)
4.
When you see the command you need, execute the necessary option.
5.
Enter X when you're finished.
6. Press Esc to deselect the object.
The key to being able to use grips efficiently is knowing which grip to select
to start the process. This requires a good understanding of the five com-
mands that work with grips.
This topic doesn't cover grips in depth, but it introduces you to the basics. You'll
get a chance to use the MOVE command with grips in this chapter, and you'll
use grips again when you get to Chapter 12, “Dimensioning a Drawing.”
Keep the following in mind when working with grips:
Each of the five commands available for use with grips requires a base
point. For MIRROR , the base point is the first point of the mirror line. By
default, the base point is the grip that you select to activate the process,
but you can change base points. After selecting a grip, enter B and pick
a different point to serve as a base point, then continue the command.
When you use the Copy option with the
MOVE command, you're essen-
tially using the regular COPY command.
 
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