Move a Specific Distance

[ahr8tch]

I've been using the software for awhile now - long enough to have become accustomed to differences between it and other products - and still find some things less user-friendly than I think they should be.  I've already mentioned "Select by Type" in another request post.

Frequently, I find that I'm moving an object or element and want to move it a specific distance but have limited means to do so.  I find that having to select an object to display distances or dimensions then select the dimension and change it to be very cumbersome, and it doesn't always result in a movement that is directly intuitive (to me, at least).*  In fact, the only time that one gets to choose a dimension for a drawn element is when first drawing it.  Thereafter, when making changes, you have to go thru the select-to-display dimensions/select-dimension/change-dimension/verify that the right thing moved dance.  It seems to me that it would be far simpler to select the element, choose the Move action and specify the distance and direction.

I'd also like to be able to set the "nudge" distance.  Sometimes, I find I need to move 1/8" and other times an inch-and-a-quarter.  It would be nice to be able to tell 'nudge' how far.  An option in Program settings for global use and the option to specify "how far" for a specific nudge would be ideal. [OK!  I found the nudge setting in Program Settings.  Now, how 'bout one for ad hoc use?]

rh

*  For example:  I have an exterior wall that should remain in a fixed position.  Extending from that wall is an interior wall set at ninety degrees to the exterior wall but not connected to any other wall.  When I need to adjust the length of the interior wall, selecting it gives me no dimension to change to set its length.  If I select the exterior wall to which the interior wall to be changed is attached, I get the dimension; but when I select and change it, the exterior wall moves to make the adjustment.  Trying to select the interior wall and drag its free end to the correct dimension is an exercise in imprecision and frustration.  It seems to me that there should be a simpler solution . . .  like selecting the interior wall and entering the desired dimension in a pop-up box after right clicking. 

If there is a way to do this that I haven't discovered, please tell me.

[Kajvin - Robert W]

*  For example:  I have an exterior wall that should remain in a fixed position.  Extending from that wall is an interior wall set at ninety degrees to the exterior wall but not connected to any other wall.  When I need to adjust the length of the interior wall, selecting it gives me no dimension to change to set its length.   If I select the exterior wall to which the interior wall to be changed is attached, I get the dimension; but when I select and change it, the exterior wall moves to make the adjustment.  Trying to select the interior wall and drag its free end to the correct dimension is an exercise in imprecision and frustration.  It seems to me that there should be a simpler solution . . .  like selecting the interior wall and entering the desired dimension in a pop-up box after right clicking. 

If there is a way to do this that I haven't discovered, please tell me.

You right click and in then in the droppdown menu you choice "lenghten" then click once more on the wall and you got the commander pointer, now you can change exact distans an direction by writing the numbers in the commander box. For moor help look in the TFP Help under

Commander, using

Robert

[Allan Chesney]

This is another one of those options that is hard to find. Maybe it could be changed so that when the user clicks the dimension it activates the Commander Bar or it is activated when Lengthen is chosen rather than having to select the wall again.

Allan