A tutorial to demonstrate basic line (vector) concepts and
modifications.
The basic 2D tutorial contains:
Drawing Lines with Point Relative
Using Trim Two Lines
Running Snaps
Mirror with Handle
Line to Curve
Curve to Line
Starting with the
Box we drew in the Line Basics 1 tutorial (a 1x1 box starting at Point
Absolute 0,0) let's draw another one using Point Relative.
Start a Vector ('V') by Gravity
Snapping to the corner of the Box as shown.
Gravity Snap is either a right-click of
the mouse, the Period key, or choose Gravity Snap on the Snap Toolbox.
Next hit Hotkey ' (apostrophe) to bring up the Point
Relative dialog.
Also found on the Point menu dropdown.
Enter DX=1 and make sure Last Point is checked. Hit
ENTER.
Hit Hotkey ' again and enter X=0 and Y=1
Hit ENTER.
Hit ' again and enter X=-1 (minus 1) and Y=0
Hit ENTER.
Now complete the box by Gravity Snapping to the original corner.
Hit ENTER.
We can turn these 2 boxes into 4 very easily now by using Trim Two
Lines on the Trim pop-out menu.
Just click near the 2 lines where the Pointmarks are.
Then repeat the command by hitting F3 and
clicking where the next 2 Pointmarks are.
Now we have 4 squares.
Lets experiment with Running Snaps. (V-15 and 16)
Select Options|Running Snap Settings and check the snaps shown.
Hit OK.
In older versions you can use the Snap Toolbox and choose
the Snap you need.
Double-clicking any Snap Icon makes it stay active for the
duration of any drawing command.
Now click the Running Snaps icon on the Snap Toolbox (the magic
wand). [or double-click Midpoint Snap]
Hit 'V' and as you near the midpoint of the crosslines you will
see a 'Snap Preview' in the form of a small box.
Left click the mouse, then move on to the next crossline going
clockwise.
Left click when you see the Snap Preview box.
Come all the way around to the starting point.
Hit ENTER.
Hit 'V' and put your cursor near the midpoint of
the diamond as shown. (Running Snaps ON)
Left click to set the point.
Hit ' for Point Relative and enter
X=1 and Y=1.
Hit ENTER.
The vector is 45 deg from the starting point and would fit in a 1
x 1 box.
A second vector is drawn from the next midpoint of
the diamond and to Point Relative X=1 and Y=-1 (minus 1)
We can copy the 2 lines to the other side with the
MIRROR command.
First select one line and while holding down the SHIFT key select
the second line.
Then we need a HANDLE for the objects, so hit
Hotkey 'CTRL+H' (Set Handles) and move your cursor near the middle of the
boxes. When the Snap Preview shows up in the center, left click the mouse.
Hit ENTER.
Now both lines are selected and a HANDLE is set at the
center of the boxes..
Hit the Hotkey '/' for MIRROR and choose Mirror
Normal to X axis.
Move cursor near center and it should Snap there.
Left click mouse.
Draw a vector around the points shown with Running Snaps on.
With the line selected, select Edit|Selection Edit|Convert|Line to
Curve.
Or Speedmenu: Convert|Line to curve.
The Hotkey for CURVE is 'C'.
With Running Snaps on it's easy to add geometric patterns.
Try the ones shown.
As a curve comes back to itself, it automatically joins and
smoothes the intersection.
In this way also a curve around a square becomes a circular curve.
With both curves selected at once, select Edit|Selection Edit|Convert| Curve to
Line.
