Move a point to absolute position versus moving it relative to current

[weshowe]

As far as I can tell there is no simple way to move something, let's say a point, to a specific position that does not require a calculator or some good in-head math.

I can move the pivot to the origin, but when I put say 2.0 into X and 2.2 into Y, it still moves the point 2 units X and 2.2 Y from where it was. I could create a new point at 2.0 X and 2.2 Y and move point to point, only now I have two points instead of one, which creates its own set of issues.

You can select a point and on screen it tells you where the point is. If you select Move and then select the point, why can't you offer a mode where 2.0 in X and 2.2 in Y (or whatever is entered) moves to that location?

Basically, if the object is at 1.0 X and 1.0 Y I can do the math on my little $2 calculator and enter 1.0 X and 1.2 Y and get where I want to go. But why not let us click on an option and have the computer do the math?

Laziness is not really the issue, it is time. This alone would speed a lot of my design work up a lot (particularly where I am recreating things from measurements). Someone help me out here!

[innovatenate]

Have you tried using the set pivot option in the move command? Using this tool, you can reset where the move command is located. I note you can also use the point to point option to quickly move a point back to the origin. 

Otherwise, there's a cool script (courtesy of @ekinsb) available on the below website that can do exactly what you are looking for.

http://modthemachine.typepad.com/my_weblog/2016/05/creating-points-at-an-arbitrary-xyz-location-in-f...

I hope this helps! 

[weshowe · Accepted solution]

I am a happier camper now! 🙂

There is a mistake in the article you linked me to, or perhaps a subsequent release changed behavior slightly. The instructions for browsing to the add-in show the green + icon on the scripts tab. This will not work, you need to use the green + icon on the add-ins tab. I figured it out eventually.

This will work for me, and I expect it will help a lot, based on my limited initial testing. I appreciate the dicussion on the underlying reasons for relative in parametric modeling.

Of course, I still think my idea is workable and simpler, let the computer calculate the relative movement based on the current position and the origin and just move it for me. Same result, no need for a base feature, for those times when I clicked on the wrong spot, or just want to tweak a sketch a little.

[innovatenate]

Thanks for the update, I'm glad those suggestions helped! You are correct about a recent update impacting the add-ins list. If you have additional comments specific to the current point command or its functionality for future consideration, please click on the feedback link below. Your feedback will go directly to the Product Management team who can influence the outcome of future releases.

Fusion 360 Ideastation

I hope that helps. If you have any other questions, please let us know. Thanks!