Controlling and Using AccuDraw
AccuDraw is controlled from a variety of sources. You can influence it through the use of one- and two-key sequences called shortcut key-ins. Drawing tools, themselves, can influence AccuDraw's operation. Finally, AccuDraw itself maintains a number of user selectable options via the AccuDraw Settings dialog.
AccuDraw supports a large number of options, all of which can be placed into one of three major AccuDraw functions:
- Previewing and constraining data points.
- Locating the AccuDraw compass.
- Orienting AccuDraw's drawing plane.
The following discussion is organized along these three basic operations. In most instances, you will use a combination of all three types of AccuDraw operations to accomplish your design goal.
AccuDraw may be employed in a variety of different situations — with standard drawing and manipulation tools, or using more advanced approaches, such as with the Place SmartLine tool and the Modify Element tool . In either case, AccuDraw employs the same general procedure:
- Select the desired tool.
- Enter a data point to activate dynamics and set the location of the drawing plane origin.
- If necessary, rotate the drawing plane axes.
- If necessary, set the type of drawing plane coordinate system.
- Preview and constrain the next data point.
- Enter the data point.
Typically, you will use a mix of AccuDraw options throughout the design process. The key to working with AccuDraw is understanding how it interacts with the active tool and the current data point.