Lines and dimensions

FH Sketch lets you draw lines with the mouse, the keyboard, or a combination of both. You can also draw multiple or single standalone lines, interior lines, or perimeter lines for defined (calculated) and un-defined (non-calculated) areas.

After you define an area, you are ready to begin drawing. Information on defining an area is available in Areas.

Regardless of the type of the line, the process for drawing lines and positioning dimensions is the same.

1. Establish the POB (point of beginning) by choosing a place in the drawing port and pressing Enter on the keyboard.

   The cursor changes to pen down (drawing) mode, which is indicated by a cross-hairs.

   Information on the different cursors and what they indicate is available in Cursor modes.

2. Enter distance and direction information.

   Although you could draw lines "by hand" with the mouse, the most common method of entry is distance and direction from the keyboard.

   Information on specifying distance and direction is available in Input modes. Information on manipulating the line before you anchor it is available in Rubbered and anchored lines.

3. Anchor the line by pressing Enter on the keyboard.

4. Anchor the dimension by pressing Enter again on the keyboard. .

   By default, FH Sketch automatically centers and rotates the dimension label parallel with the associated line. When the dimension initially appears, it is also “rubbered” until you anchor it. While rubbered, you can move the dimension with your mouse or by pressing any of the arrow keys on your keyboard. You can also rotate the dimension by pressing the R key on the keyboard. For finer rotation, hold down the Shift key and press the R key for 5° increments, and Ctrl, Shift, and R keys for 1° increments.

   You can also press the H, V or P keys to position the dimension horizontally, vertically, or parallel to the line, respectively. There are times when the dimensions may be redundant, such as for rectangular or square shapes. To remove a dimension, press the space bar or the Backspace key on your keyboard.

   Depending upon the direction in which you draw (clockwise or counterclockwise), the dimensions may post to the inside or outside of the lines. Although you can move the dimensions, it is often easier to complete the area and then hold down Ctrl and press F10 to force all dimensions to be inside/outside/hidden.

   Tip: You can also size and rotate the dimensions by rolling your mouse wheel forward or backward. Right-clicking while the dimension is selected toggles the mouse wheel behavior to rotation, and then rolling the mouse wheel forward or backward rotates the dimension clockwise or counter-clockwise.