Move Set of Points > Parallel (Modify Menu)

This command can be used to move a set of definition points. The movement takes place parallel to a specified reference object.

To make the definition points more recognizable, you should turn their display on. This can be done with the Miscellaneous > Display Point Markings or by pressing the '.' key (unless you changed the key assignment).

Choose the points that shall be moved. Click on points to choose them.

Definition points in Construction Aid endless lines and beams can only be chosen if both check boxes "Point markings" and "Also for Construction Aid" in the "Additional Information" area of the "Screen Settings" dialog are active. Otherwise, they will be ignored.

Any part object in an existing object can be identified as a reference object. This can be the edge of a rectangle or a circle arc within a surface. Ellipse (part)s cannot be identified.

The identified object is referred to as the "reference object"

The movement reference point can be entered using the mouse, by clicking anywhere in the drawing.

If the previously identified reference object is a line, the reference point determines a line which runs parallel to the reference object. This is displayed and referred to as the "reference line". If the reference object is a circle or circle part then the reference point determines a circle concentric with the reference object. This is displayed, and referred to as the "Reference Circle". The target point can then be positioned on the reference circle or reference straight line.

The target point for the movement can be entered using the mouse, by clicking anywhere in the drawing. A perpendicular is dropped from this position to the reference circle to work out the target point for the movement.

The possibilities which can result from moving individual definition points are varied. The consequences are equally various and can be unexpected. Many definition points have a close relationship to other definition points and can only be moved in certain ways. Under some circumstances, some definition points can not be moved because of object parameter settings. Be sparing in the use of moving individual definition points.

Moving definition points parallel to a reference object is particularly useful to stretch or shorten several sloping objects at once. To do this, all the definition points at one end of an object are selected and then moved at the same time (see graphic).