Charles:
This is a basic requirement for accurate drawing, and there are many ways to
do it.
If you want to draw the object where it ultimately belongs, you can use Jump
Snap, or Working Point and Relative Snap.
To draw something 4' from the corner of a rectangle,
Type and the Jump Snap dialogue box appears. If percentage is showing,
select distance instead.
Type "4' [Enter] " in the distance window. Move the cursor on the rectangle
near the corner you want to draw the vent. Click when the indicator snaps
to the line.
To exit Jump Snap, type another snap letter.
To use the Working Point, Type and then for endsnap. Select the
corner of the foundation. Then type for relative snap and enter 4' in
the direction you want to go. In x-y, positive x is to the right, positive
y is up. In polar coordinates, you can use degrees or compass
abbrviations--N, S, E, SW, etc. for the direction, and then enter the
distance.
You can draw the vent first, and then move it into place. If the vent is a
rectangle, draw it beginning in the corner with , and then size it with
. Select it and start dragging with relative snap, and type how far
you want to go in the appropriate direction.
To place the middle of one side of a post at the end of a 2 x 12, draw the
post, select it, right click over the About Point, choose "Move About Point"
and type for midpoint snap. Click on the Midpoint of the side of the
post. Now type and drag the post by the midpoint to the endpoint of the
2 x 12.
You can also move objects accurately using the Translate tool. When an
object is selected, use Edit>Transform>Translate or click the Translate
tool, then specify the point from where you want to move or copy the object,
and enter the point to which you want to move it. There is a check box at
the upper left of the window when you use Transform tools. If checked, it
makes a copy, unchecked it moves the object.
John
"Charles" wrote in message
news:89233ED908CF054BCC34CD1F110C3D35@in.WebX.maYIadrTaRb...
> Gang,
>
> I've read everything I can get my hands on. I've done all the tutorials
and
> yet, I still can't figure out the easy way to place an object (line,
window,
> deck post, whatever) a certain distance from another one.
>
> Here's what I'm trying to do. I draw a rectangle which represents say, a
> house foundation. I want to note a foundation vent 4' from the upper
right
> corner and another one at 7' from the same corner.
>
> Or
>
> I'm designing a deck. I draw a rectangle which represents the outer
> perimeter of the deck I want to place support posts such that a 12' 2x10
> will land right in the middle of a post.
>
> I think I need to do something with guidelines but I can't figure out how
to
> use them. I know this is a basic question but I'm just not seeing
something
> obvious here....
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Charles
>
>
>
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