Tools for Creating and Manipulating Objects
Object creation tools are located at the top of the program window
These tools allow you to select and draw 3D objects. These tools work in both the 2D and 3D views. Each object you create has two dimensions for each view. These dimensions change when you change an object's shape.
| Tool | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Object Selector |  |
The default tool when you create a document. Use it to select an object and move it around, or use it to select multiple objects for grouping and alignment. |
| Magnifier |  |
Use this Magnifier tool to expand a portion of your drawing. With this tool selected, you can click on a point in your design to zoom into it. The scale will expand by a factor of five, and place the point on which you clicked at the center of the view.
Alternatively, with this tool selected, you can click and drag a rectangle to choose a portion of your drawing to zoom into. The shape of this rectangle exactly corresponds to the shape of your design view. |
| Blocks |  |
Use this tool to create studs, joists, plywood sheets, counter tops, shelves, planks, flooring, and anything else that has all parallel sides.
Use this Block tool to create blocks (aka boxes or, for you math junkies, rectangular solids). They look like a rectangle (or square) from any 2D view. Select the view you want to work in first. Then, click the 3D blocks tool. Drag the mouse across the document to create a block, watching the dimensions change as you draw it. |
| Elliptical Cylinders |  |
Use this tool to create columns, poles, posts, shafts, pegs, bolts, wheels and holes.
Use this Cylinder tool to create elliptical cylinders. Select the view you want to work in first. Then, click the 3D ellipse tool. Drag the mouse across the document to create an ellipse or circle, watching dimensions change as you draw it. |
You can fine-tune the dimensions simply by double-clicking them and typing in the new value on the spot. You can also rename your object by double-clicking it and typing in a new name.
