Snap in orthogonal directions

Tekla Structures
2019
Tekla Structures

Snap in orthogonal directions

You can snap to orthogonal points in models and in drawings using the Ortho tool. If you create objects that require you to pick multiple points, you can snap in orthogonal directions relative to the two previously picked points.

Snap to orthogonal points

Use the Ortho tool to snap to the closest orthogonal point on the plane (0, 45, 90, 135, 180 degrees, and so on). The mouse pointer automatically snaps to positions at even distances in the given direction. This can be useful, for example, if you need to place marks in a consistent manner in exact locations in a drawing.

  1. On the File menu, click Settings and select the Ortho check box.

    Alternatively, you can press O.

  2. Run a command that requires you to pick points.

    For example, start creating a beam. Tekla Structures displays an angle symbol to indicate the direction of snapping. The snapping precision depends on the current zoom level.

  3. Click the left mouse button to confirm the snap position.

    Tekla Structures creates the object. For example:

Snap in orthogonal direction relative to previously picked points

When you create objects that require you to pick more than two points, for example when you create a polybeam or a contour plate, you can snap in orthogonal directions relative to the two previously picked points. This can be useful, for example, if you need to create a rectangular slab that is on the view plane but not along the x and y axes.

  1. Run a command that requires you to pick multiple points.

    For example, start creating a polybeam or a rectangular slab.

  2. Pick the first two points.

    Tekla Structures displays an angle symbol to indicate the direction of snapping.

  3. Move the mouse pointer in the model to see the angle symbol.

    When the snap is orthogonal to the work plane, the color of the angle symbol is green:

    When the snap is orthogonal to the previous points, the color of the angle symbol changes to yellow:

  4. Pick the rest of the points.

    Tekla Structures creates the object. For example:

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