Inserting Shapes

Help contents

Insert Shape add-in tool provides an easy and convenient way to add common shapes (rectangles, circles and ellipses) to your model. To insert shapes:

1. In the Edit menu click Insert shape.

2. Enter the necessary shape parameters and press Insert button. To add more shapes, repeat this step several times.

3. Press Close button.

Shape parameters are:

• Shape.
  Using the Shape combo box, you can specify the shape you want to insert (rectangle, circle or ellipse).

• Size.

  • For rectangle, you should specify its width w and height h.

  • For circle, you should specify its diameter d.

  • For ellipse, you should specify its width w and height h. You can also specify the number of arcs to use for its approximation in the Precision field.
    Typically you can use the default value for precision (36 arcs). However, you can specify any number from 8 to 400, if necessary.

• Position.
  First, you should specify x and y fields. These fields define the coordinates of the anchor point that is marked with the small yellow circle at the shape outline picture. By default, the center of the shape is used as an anchor point. However, you can specify another point, if necessary. Just click on one of the small circles at the shape outline picture.

  You can set the anchor point position by right clicking in the model window.

  You can also specify the rotation angle alpha. If it is specified, the shape will be rotated around the anchor point at alpha degrees counter-clockwise.

  Shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+S