Snapping and
Stepping
AP100US provides
snap point and cursor stepping functions. Snapping and stepping allow
you to position one pattern by measuring from another pattern. Each pattern
has “snap” points to indicate end or center points.
Snap points
only display if you have enabled the Snap Points On option in the Preferences>Display
Options window. If you enable Snap Mode, you can see the snap points
when you request them; otherwise, the snap points are hidden. The snap
behavior is dependent on Snap Mode. The software allows you to snap the
crosshairs onto any point. Once you snap to a point, the crosshairs stick
to that point (Snap Mode Off) or jump only to other snap points (Snap
Mode On).
Note:
You can use the <F2> key to toggle Snap Mode. You can display
a maximum of 300 snap points. If the number exceeds 300, the snap points
will not display. If necessary, enlarge the view to see the snap points.
Snap Mode
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When you activate Snap Mode,
the snap points appear only when you request them. Click the
right mouse button to display the snap points. The snap points
appear as small addition (+) signs. While the snap points are
visible, the crosshairs jump between them. If you want to unlock
the snap points and move anywhere within the work area, click
the right mouse button again. |
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When you disable Snap Mode,
the snap points do not appear, but you can still snap to them.
Move the crosshairs near the snap point you want to select, and
click the right mouse button. The pointer jumps to the nearest
snap point and remains there until you click the right mouse button
again |
Step Mode
Step Mode, or stepping, allows you to
use to the arrow keys, <Right Arrow>, <Left Arrow>, <Up
Arrow> or <Down Arrow> to move the crosshair in increments from
a point. To use Step Mode, you must define the step size, snap to a point
and then use one or more of the arrow keys to step away from the point.
You can define the step size any time the Cursor
Control window opens. Type the distance and press <S>. DO NOT press
<Enter>.
Select the pattern you want to draw and click
the right mouse button to snap to the point from which you want to start
your measurement. Next, press the appropriate arrow key to move the pointer
as many times as needed. Finally, press <Enter> to begin the pattern.
Note: If you use stepping to select an exact
position, use <Enter> to anchor the pattern instead of clicking
the left mouse button. If you attempt to start the pattern with the left
button, you might move the pointer away from the desired location.
Example: Stepping
You have drawn a round hole with a center point
at 1X 3Y. You want to draw another 0.25 radius round hole 2.0 inches to
the right of the first hole at the same Y coordinate.
Select Draw to Round Hole. Move
into the work area. Type 2S to set the step to 2 inches or 2 millimeters,
depending on the unit measurement.
Move the cursor near the center point of the
first round hole and click the right mouse button. The pointer jumps to
that snap point. Press <Right Arrow>, and then press <Enter>
to start the pattern. Type .25R to define the radius.