Creating 2D Objects

Using the 2D Data Bar

Use the Data bar when you draw to lock certain values for an object, such as the length of a circle radius or the angle of a wall. The fields that are available on the Data bar depend on the active tool and on the action being performed.

The data displayed in the bar is gathered from the feedback segment of the object being created. The coordinates are relative to a floating datum, if one exists; otherwise the coordinates are absolute. The more common Data bar fields are described in the following table; other fields that can display are described where their use is relevant.

 

Parameter	Description
Delta X	The offset distance from the previous click or position along the X axis
Delta Y	The offset distance from the previous click or position along the Y axis
L	The length or distance from 0,0, or the radius of the object that is being drawn
A	The angle or rotation of the object that is being drawn
X	The X (horizontal) location of the cursor in the drawing window
Y	The Y (vertical) location of the cursor in the drawing window

The Data bar is controlled by a menu on the far right side of the Tool bar.

 

Menu Command	Description
Location of the Data bar
Use floating data bar	The Data bar “floats” with the cursor in the drawing area
Use floating data bar only when tab key is pressed	The Data bar floats with the cursor only when the Tab key is pressed; otherwise the bar does not display
Do not use floating data bar - show data bar fields on fixed data bar	The Data bar displays on the top left side of the window, at the top of the Tool bar
Do not use floating data bar - show data bar fields on tool bar	The Data bar displays on the right side of the Tool bar
Activation of the Data bar
Allow numeric keypad entry for instant data bar activation	When the Data bar is displayed, enter numbers on the numeric keypad to activate the first field
Do not allow numeric keypad entry for instant data bar activation	When the Data bar is displayed, press the Tab key to activate the first field (press Shift+Tab to activate the last field)
Field display on the Data bar
Show only primary fields on data bar	Show only the delta X and delta Y fields
Show primary and secondary fields on data bar	Show all fields except the cursor location fields (X and Y)
Show primary secondary, and cursor location fields on data bar	Show all fields
Display of the Exit Group button
Use large exit group button	When a group is being edited, show a large button with the label Exit Group in the upper right corner of the drawing area
Use small exit group button	When a group is being edited, show a small button with an arrow icon in the upper right corner of the drawing area