Object Transformation

Ribbon : Edit | Transform Options

Default : Modify | Transform

Transformation refers to the method used to select and manipulate by means of moving, rotating, relocating and scaling objects in the workspace.

When objects are manipulated they are required to be pre-selected using the Select tool. When objects are enclosed in the Selector Shell, they are relocated using the yellow reference point or rotated using the green rotator handle.

Use this sample drawingor create a similar sketch in the workspace.

Move

This tool relocates the selected objects from a base point to a new destination point.

Objects to be moved can be grouped together using a window or crossing selection.

Object snap modes are useful when relocating objects from a base to a destination point.

Holding down the SHIFT keyboard key will move the selected objects in an orthographic plane.

Holding down the CTRL keyboard key will create a copy of the selected objects. A copy of the selected objects can be also be obtained by activating the Make Copy option in the Inspector Bar or from the local menu. This option remains activated until deactivated by the user.

Take Note

Use the Select tool to select the objects to move. A selection rectangle can be dragged around the objects. When the Selector Shell encloses the objects to be moved, left click onto the Yellow Reference Point, then move the objects to a new location in the graphics editor.

Moving a selection of objects

Nudge

This function allows a selection to be moved incrementally in a sideways or up-down direction by means of the keyboard arrow keys. Select the objects to move incrementally, then use the directional keys in the keypad.

Rotate

Objects to be rotated can be grouped together using a window or crossing selection.

Objects can be rotated through any angle by defining a base point and an angle of rotation. The angle of rotation can be input into the data fields of the Inspector Bar.

Holding down the SHIFT keyboard key will result in the angled moving in ‘stepped’ increments. The Step Angle is defined using Options > Angle> Step Angle.

Holding down the CTL keyboard key will result in the selected objects being copied during the rotation. A copy of the selected objects can also be obtained by activating the Make Copy option in the Inspector Bar or from the local menu. This option remains activated until deactivated by the user.

In the example below, the object is being rotated by a reference point on the base vertex of the object. To change the Reference Point, select the objects, input D and left click onto the new point.

Rotating an object from a newly defined reference point

 

Scale

Objects are scaled about base point and the increase or decrease value of the scale is input into the X Y fields of the inspector Bar.

The Reference Point about which the object is scaled can be relocated using the method described above.

In the example below, the scale of the object has been increased by a factor of 2.

The objects are being scaled around the center point of the selection, shown by the pointer, by activating the Keep Center of Extents option.

A copy of the selected objects can also be obtained by activating the Make Copy option in the Inspector Bar or from the local menu. This option remains activated until deactivated by the user.

Objects scaled around base point, center of extents maintained

Generic

This tool allows the objects to be selected, then transformed using a specific base point and destination point, shown by the pointers in the illustration in the Worked Example. In the example below, the object is being moved from the left (source) point to the second (destination) point.

The Selector Shell for this tool changes to a transparent rectangle, shown below, as objects can only be moved by indicating a source and destination point.

Appearance of Selector Shell when using the Generic tool

Worked Example

Select the Generic tool using Modify | Transform, then drag a selection rectangle around the objects. Move the cursor to the bottom of the graphics editor and click onto Select. This confirms the selection of the objects within the new selection rectangle.

At the prompt > specify the location of the first source point, select the position shown by the left pointer below. At the prompt > specify the location of the first destination point, select the position shown by the right pointer below.

 

Moving from source point (point 1) to destination point (point 2)