To translate along x, y or z is very easy.

To translate with a x angle I need to draw a "support line" and click both ends.
To change the distance of the translate is impossible unless changing the line length and starting again...
Why don't we have a "distance" box in the translate parameters, exactly like the one we have with the extrude tool ?

JL

BTW, I've NEVER been a fan of coordinates. Far too 'ACAD' for my liking! It would be nice (I also use translate a lot) if positioning could be viewed in real time- rather than just 'guessing', and perhaps an 'A to B' window where you can draw a line (with snapping end points), defining A and then B coordinates, where the entities can be then moved or copied?

Seems like a no-brainer, I have been working around this for years and just never thought to ask.

We should have this.

Art

Macintel Shark FX

JL .. this would be a terrific (and simple) improvement .. good thinking !!

Please forgive me if I have misunderstood this, but I see it differently.
When translating, one is asked to nominate a point on the selected object to use as the move reference. One is then able to insert numbers in the data entry field boxes which are in fact distances, not co-ordinates. The data entry boxes are labelled "dx", "dy", and "dz", which are increments of movement for the chosen reference point from its starting position. If you want to move the object in only one direction, just enter a value in that direction's data box. If you wish a move say 45 degrees up and to the right, enter identical positive numbers in dx and dy (if you are working in the top plane), and so on. Try it on a simple 2d object in the default working plane, and you will quickly see how it works.
Regards, Ian Kirby.
Wollongong NSW Australia

Hi Ian,

without getting too picky, but aren't the two things the same anyway, roughly speaking? Working with vectors? That's what I've always been lead to believe.

However, I still agree with JL, how does one translate an odd angle? I for one are always stumped on that one- which usually means the next few hours working out an alternate way of getting round the problem.

Hi guys,

If you wish to translate at an angle, then I assume that you also need to translate a distance at that angle, say for example 17.91 units (just to be non-simple). The dx value is simply 17.91*cos(7.27), and the dy value is 17.91*sin(7.27). These expressions are entered into the appropriate data entry fields, and the move takes place (it works - I did check!). Other directions will need appropriate use of the '-' sign.

It is a bit academic now; I see that Tim has offered to put in an "angle" data entry field. I hope he realises that the "distance" field will also be required!

Regards, Ian Kirby.
Wollongong NSW Australia

Ian, thanks for that! :D

Tim, how about putting this quote from Ian in the 'Tip of the Day' splash screen?

Tom