Lock axis when moving objects

[kimberlyZUHYV]

Does anyone know how to lock an axis when moving objects? I'd like to be able to do the move command, start moving my object on an axis, press a key to lock that axis, and click a reference point (not aligned to my axis) to move my object to.

Right now, the best method I can find is to do the move command, move my object to the reference point, then drag my mouse down the dotted line to line up with my axis. In more complicated drawings, it will snap to unwanted items. It would be real helpful if there was a way to make it stay on a particular axis.  Ortho mode doesn't work for this- when my reference point is too high, it thinks I want to move my object vertically.

Thank you in advance!

[paullimapa · Accepted solution]

Do you mean to use X (use X axis based on point selected), Y (use Y axis based on point selected) or Z coordinate filters? For example to move object along a selected X coordinate axis:

MOVE

complete object selection

select base point

.X 

select point along desired axis to lock the X coordinate

then drag along Y axis (up & down) to select and complete the move

[imadHabash]

Hi,

I suggest to take a look about Parametric Geometric Constraints . >> Parametric <<   >> Geometric <<

[RobDraw]

Look into the temporary tracking point option in OSnap tracking.

[Kent1Cooper · Accepted solution]

If you're talking about orthogonal directions, look into command-modifier >Coordinate Filters<.  In your example, for the second point of the displacement, you would type in [or pick from a Tool Palette button] .X, with the period/decimal prefix, pick the reference point [from which it will take only the X coordinate], and then get the Y [and Z] from your horizontal cursor movement.