mm precise line drawing

[SteveP110]

I need to add some lines to a drawing that was imported as a DWG at a scale. Every thing worked fine on import, measure tool gives correct to scale measurements. So very pleased with that, it is now time to add to the drawing to illustrate.

I can add a shape and using the transform tab change the dimensions so the shape is to scale. However I need to add lines that are also specific dimensions. As von yet I have not found a way to add a line a specific length nor a way of changing its length after creation.

 

Is the possible if so how?

[walt.farrell]

4 minutes ago, SteveP110 said:

nor a way of changing its length after creation.

Can't the Transform panel do that, too? (At least, for straight lines.)

[SteveP110]

Yes and No

The answer I have just found by accident is that the transform panel only shows the Width and Height when the Move tool is selected, when the pen tool is selected it shows 0.

So to draw multiple lines you have to draw the line change to the pen tool change the length then go back to the pen tool, and that is for the bounding box not the line. So being able to draw shapes of more than one line to a specific length is not possible

[walt.farrell]

5 minutes ago, SteveP110 said:

So to draw multiple lines you have to draw the line change to the pen Move? tool change the length then go back to the pen tool, and that is for the bounding box not the line. So being able to draw shapes of more than one line to a specific length is not possible

Even with the change I just made in this quoted text, I'm afraid I don't understand what you're saying. Sorry; probably my fault.

1. Draw a line (Pen Tool)
2. Switch to Move Tool, change the length in Transform panel (using the L field)
3. Switch to Pen Tool, repeat from 1.

Cumbersome? Yes. But it seems possible.

Less cumbersome: Draw all the lines. Switch to Move Tool, change the length of each of the lines. Fewer tool switches.

[thomaso]

27 minutes ago, SteveP110 said:

that is for the bounding box not the line

If the line exceeds its bounding box then the "Butt Cap" option in the Stroke panel appears useful.

To adjust the lines of different lenghts by a relative amount the option "Transform Objects Separately" might help by its feature to focus on only 1 of all selected bounding boxes. The object that was selected last will be used as reference values for the transformation.

A way to set various objects each to 1 common size was requested quite a few times but as far I know not implemented yet.

[SteveP110]

Sorry to make it clearer.  (yes I meant change from Pen to Move tools) If you drawer a two node path then the W refers to the width of the bounding box, So W and L are only the same if the line is horizontal. I did not at first notice the S change to L, so for two node lines I can set the Length even if it is not horizontal. However for three or more node lines S does not change to L so you cannot change 

I will add some suggestions for future builds to hopefully make DWG import even more useful

[loukash]

2 hours ago, SteveP110 said:

so for two node lines I can set the Length even if it is not horizontal. However for three or more node lines S does not change to L so you cannot change 

Select just the two nodes you want to see the length of.

[SteveP110]

Thanks Did not try that. Managed to draw a shape with defined length sides, of 4 none perpendicular sides.Bit of a crossed finger and key pressing exercise. 

(P - click click- V - Type in line length ENTER)  (P - click - Cmd+shift 'to select last two nodes' - Type in line length ENTER)  That's just for two lines.

Luckily I don't want to do it often but it does the job

[loukash]

7 minutes ago, SteveP110 said:

Bit of a crossed finger and key pressing exercise. 

Watch the status bar at the bottom while using the tools. It is constantly giving you hints about what you can do with modifiers.
With the Pen tool, especially the cmd key will be your bestest buddy…