Vector Tool

Define an orientation using the Vector tool in the following ways:

• Click and drag to move the base handle – the point in space where the plane/vector is located. Then, drag the handle at the tip of the arrow to define a vector, or drag two handles on the edges of the plane to define a plane.
  The application takes advantage of the following principle: a plane can be defined with a vector (the plane is normal to the vector specified), just as a vector can be defined with a plane (the vector is normal to the plane specified).

  
  
  Figure 1. . Example defining a vector using the plane handles. A spin axis is defined normal to 3 locations on a circle.

  
  
  Figure 2. . Example defining a plane using the vector handles. A split plane is defined normal to a point and its perpendicular projection to an edge.

• Instead of dragging the handles with the mouse, you can also define a plane/vector quickly by holding Ctrl and clicking on any two locations for a vector, or any three locations for a plane.
• Use the options in the microdialog to help position the vector or plane.

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  Align to one of the global axes, or type any vector components.

  

  Translate or rotate the Vector tool with precision.

  

  Edit handle coordinates.

  

  Reverse the direction of the vector.

  

  Align the vector/plane as normal or parallel to the current view.

  

  Select a Vector entity to align to, or assign a local coordinate System. After a new system is assigned, the Vector tool automatically repositions to its origin.

  Note: Currently, the Vector tool only supports assigning rectangular coordinate systems

  Tip: When a local system is assigned to the Vector tool, the system button is shown with a tick mark , indicating that the manipulator is now in local system mode. Click this button again to change the assigned system or reset it to go back to global system mode.