Parallel and Perpendicular in Arch 10

[jzarmin]

Hello there,

We have been using Arch 10 987 USA full now for a couple months on our MAC's in the office.

Can someone please explain step-by-step how to draw a line of a specific length (using numeric input) parallel to an existing angled object? I cannot successfully do this using either Guidelines or the old Relative Construction Methods.

Back before Arch 10, I would click at the origin of the new line, then select the Relative Construction parallel box, then click on the existing angled object, then (after relocating the cursor to the origin point) numerically input a relative R distance.

However, under Arch 10, this method no longer works because once I return the cursor to the origin point of the new line it seems to forget the parallel angle I have specified for it and instead the line is drawn perfectly horizontal as if the angle were 0. If I don't return the cursor to the origin point of the new line before inputing the relative R distance, then the resulting line length is wrong but the angle is correct.

I've been having the same trouble trying to draw new lines of specific lengths perpendicular to existing objects. Does anyone know what either I or ArchiCAD 10 is doing wrong?

thanks!

Joe
San Francisco

[Anonymous]

Relative construction methods and guidelines are working fine for me (on 1010, pretty sure they did on 987build). I'm starting to quite like the guidelines. Hover over an existing line/wall, guideline pops up parallel to it, go back to original point, guideline appears, hover over that, key in dimension (no need for D or R, just the number). Multiple guidelines for projected intersections. I have a little trouble sometimes with angles, where it reads relative to guideline and i want it relative to horizontal.

[Anonymous]

Joe,
It is true that AC 10 does forget the last angle used
but you can "remind" it by clicking the parallel or perpendicular
button then click on a line that is at the angle you want then
draw the new line and give it a length using "R".
I tend to use this method rather than guidelines.
Peter Devlin

[__archiben]

guidelines are nowhere near as intelligent as they need to be . . . and certainly don't come close to sketchup's intelligent constraints.

i still use the 'P' single-key shortcut to invoke the parallel/perpendicular constraint toggle because it's far quicker than generating guidelines. as peter says, it's a shame that archicad now 'forgets' custom angle constraints forcing you to keep repeating the command . . .

~/archiben

[jzarmin]

Peter,
I've tried exactly the method that you've explained. Once I have started a new line with an origin point, then after I have specified an existing angle to match using the parallel button, as I return to drawing the new line, the visible angle value (visible in the box that follows the cursor around) becomes 0 once I return the cursor to the new line origin point and thus the specified angle is lost.

Like I said in my original post, if I don't return the cursor to the new line origin point before completing the new line, the specified angle for the new line is maintained but then the resulting line's R value is wrong. You aren't having this problem?

s2art, I don't understand what you meant by "no need for D or R, just the number". I do want to specify the new angled line length using R, I don't know any other way.

Thanks

Joe

[__archiben]

jzarmin wrote:
Peter,
I've tried exactly the method that you've explained. But after I select the parallel or perpendicular button and then click on an existing angled line, when I draw a new line using "R", the line (as I wrote in my original post)

you have to begin the creation/editing command before you invoke the parallel/perpendicular constraint . . .

- begin drawing your line
- press 'P' until you get the desired constraint
- click the line you want to constrain to
- finish drawing the line

HTH
~/archiben

[Anonymous]

Joe,
Are you pressing the shift key when you start drawing your new line ?
This is what one did in previous versions but now you should not
do so but simply start drawing the new line after "reminding" AC
of the angle.
Peter Devlin

[jzarmin]

ArchiBen,
I am starting the line before selecting the constraint. Same result.

Peter,
I am not pressing the shift key.

I still don't know why we're having this trouble.

Here's from an earlier post of mine:

Once I have started a new line with an origin point, then after I have specified an existing angle to match using the parallel button, as I return to drawing the new line, the visible angle value (visible in the box that follows the cursor around) becomes 0 once I return the cursor to the new line origin point and thus the specified angle is lost.

Like I said in my original post, if I don't return the cursor to the new line origin point before completing the new line, the specified angle for the new line is maintained but then the resulting line's R value is wrong.

Joe

[Anonymous]

Joe

Peter made a good point. You don't need to press Shift anymore to constrain the angle. If guidelines are on, start drawing your line, move in direction you want to go, guideline appears, if cursor is still hovering over guideline just start typing your distance. You used to have to press R for Radial dimension (which changed in AC10 to D for Distance, you can use either), but now there is no need (unless you press Shift).

Or do it Ben's way (~/Ben - "P" does nothing for me, was it a default or have you modified your shortcuts?)

Have I confused you enough yet?

Summary:

Using Shift to constrain angle, press D (or R) then input dimension
Using guidelines or relative construction methods, just input dimension

HTH

[Anonymous]

Joe,
Are you using the "Tracker" ?
I have heard that it has some problems.
Try turning off Tracker and using the coordinate box instead.
I am sorry you are having these troubles.
I tried to reproduce what you describe but could not.
Peter Devlin