Lock to Axis

The “Lock to Axis” feature can be used to draw members and plates while locked to the global or local axis.

Lock to Global Axis

1. Go to the Home ribbon.

   

   Click on image to enlarge it.

2. Click on either Draw Members or Draw Plates.

3. Go to the Drawing Tools ribbon.

   

   Click on image to enlarge it.

4. Click on Global Axis in the ‘Lock to Axis’ section.

5. Click in the 3D View to specify the origin of the lock axis, which is shown in dashed red lines.

   This means the lock axis will follow the global axis orientation.

   As you draw, the origin of the lock axis changes with every subsequent click. The axis continues to follow the global axis orientation.

6. To disengage the drawing tool, right-click twice.

Lock to Local Axis

1. Go to the Home ribbon.

   

   Click on image to enlarge it.

2. Click on either Draw Members or Draw Plates.

3. Go to the Drawing Tools ribbon.

   

   Click on image to enlarge it.

4. Click on Local Axis in the ‘Lock to Axis’ section.
5. Click on a member, plate or wall panel to specify the local axis to lock to.
6. Click in the 3D View to specify the origin of the lock axis, which is shown in dashed red lines.

7. As you draw, the origin of the lock axis changes with every subsequent click.

   The axis orientation remains locked to the local axis of the originally specified element.

8. To specify a new local axis to lock to, right-click twice (the cursor changes to a hand) and click on a new member, plate or wall panel.
9. To disengage the drawing tool, right-click three times.