The Constraints Palette

The Constraints palette specifies the types of cues to display; the on-screen feedback which displays is based on the constraint(s) selected. Constraints can be used individually or combined to create complex constraints. For example, the Snap to Object constraint can be combined with the Snap to Grid constraint in order to find points which are both on the edge of the object and on a grid line. Similarly, constraints can be combined with Data bar input to find a specific snap point along a defined location in the drawing area. The Constraints palette changes to reflect the tool selected. For more information on the SmartCursor and Constraints, see Setting VectorWorks Preferences.

Constraints can be used with both 2D and 3D tools; however, Smart Edge and Constrain Tangent are only available to 2D tools, and Constrain Working Plane and Constrain Perpendicular are only available to 3D tools.

To set constraints:

1.	Click a constraint button to activate the constraint.

2.	Double-click (where available) to open a dialog box with specific parameters for that constraint.

3.	Enter the desired criteria, and then click OK to set.