errant directional mouse dimensions

[Anonymous]

I typically set dimensions by typing in the X and Y coordinates when the line tool is active and placed. However, lately I can not find a way to make the dimension line go at 0º, 90º or 180º no matter what. Tried preferences for the mouse etc...but still the line goes off a some obtuse angle. This obviously makes it difficult to do working drawings.

Thanks Paul

[James Murray]

s2's distance+ method works, but I have never learned to love it myself; I am an 'origin mover'. Use Option(alt)+Shift to locate the user origin on the point you want to refer to. Make sure the button in the Coordinate Box is 'up'. Now you can simply type X (input) or Y (input) or both, then Return/Enter, and you can precisely control the start or end of anything.

Either way works once you get the hang of it; matter of taste in the end.