Drawing constraints provide the capability to constrain one of the axes when drawing or reshaping an object. For example, using a constraint, the user can quickly draw a frame object parallel to one of the global axes. The keyboard key/drawing controls and their associated actions include the following:
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Option on the Properties of Object form |
Keyboard Command |
Action |
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Plan View |
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Parallel to X |
X |
Locks the Y component of the next point so that it is the same as the previous point. |
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Parallel to Y |
Y |
Locks the X component of the next point so that it is the same as the previous point. |
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Fixed dX and dY |
D |
Locks the change in the horizontal and vertical components of the next point to that of the previous one. |
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Elevation View |
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Parallel to Baseline |
B |
Locks the X component of the next point so that it is parallel to the baseline. |
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Parallel to Z |
Z |
Locks the XY components of the next point so that they are the same as the previous point. |
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Fixed dB and dZ |
D |
Locks the change in the horizontal and vertical components of the next point to that of the previous one. |
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All Views |
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Parallel to Angle A |
A |
Drawing is constrained (a) by default to a 45 degree angle, or (b) to be parallel to a specified line object. To specify the line object, put the mouse pointer on top of the line object when the A key is depressed. |
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Fixed Length |
L |
Locks the length component of the next segment to that of the previous segment. |
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Fixed Length and Angle |
S |
Locks the length and angle components of the next point to that of the previous point. |
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None |
Space bar |
Removes the drawing control option. |
Use the constraint tools as follows:
Locate the first point.
Depress one of the constraint keys on the keyboard (X, Y, Z or A).
Locate the next point. ETABS picks up only the unconstrained component of the next point. Drawing constraints are always removed as soon as the next point is drawn.
Note that snaps can be used in conjunction with constraints. In that case only the unconstrained component of the selected snap point is used when a constraint is selected.