Creating Vector Locks

[Jim Smith]

I was wondering if there is a secret to this technique. I may be missing a step in the instructions in Help. I don't see anything on service select,  Is there is any more documentation within a more general video? 

[Benson Shaw]

Thanks for pointing out this feature! I never used it before.

 

Might be new to v2107? At least it works for me as described in v2017 help:  Acquire an object or snap point and drag to produce an extension line. While continuing to hold the drag operation, tap the "t" key. The extension line turns dark, bold red. Continue drag to intended target point (perhaps indicated by other snaps or other extension lines). Action is limited to the lock line. Release the drag. The red line and associated lock disappear as soon as the drag is released.

 

As far as I can tell, this only works if the Angle Snap feature is turned on.

And only works with directions/angles enabled in Angle Snap prefs.

Perhaps others have a better grasp of this feature than I do.

 

-B

Edited February 6, 2017 by Benson Shaw
details

[PVA - Admin]

Smart Points does need to be enabled in Snapping, and in the snapping settings for Smart Points generally you'd leave the horiz/vert and extension lines enabled. I THINK it will work even without Angle Snapping on as long as your other snapping options allow for extension lines.

http://app-help.vectorworks.net/2017/eng/index.htm#t=VW2017_Guide%2FBasic2%2FCreating_Vector_Locks.htm&rhsearch=vector lock&rhhlterm=vector lock&rhsyns=

 

However I am not sure if there is a secret to anything about it, you press T and it forces your cursor to remain along the extension line that came either from hovering over a point to manually specifying the datum point with G.

[Jim Smith]

It does seem that the Angle Snapping preference must be enabled first.

[Jim Smith]

Odd. After setting Angle Snapping it works. Remove Angle Snapping & it still works. I must have been holding my mouth wrong.

[trashcan]

Similar thing happened to me in VW2020, angled Vector Locks weren't working. Re-enabled snap to angle, problem solved. And now it always works. @Jim Smith I was holding my mouth wrong too... I think you were on to something!