Construction Vector

Creates reference vectors for use as input to tools that require a point or vector. Reference vectors mark a starting point and direction.

They are useful as input to tools that require a direction, such as the pull direction in tools measuring draft angles.

Access this tool from the Construction tool palette:

Construction VectorOptions

Show Name

Show the name of the vector next to it in the view window. This option is off by default.

Construction Vector tool workflows

Create a reference vector

  1. Click the Vector tool .

  2. Click to place the origin of the reference vector, or type the coordinates.

  3. Set the direction of the reference vector.

    Tip: If you constrained the vector origin to a curve or surface, you can click XYZ/GEOM to switch the manipulator orientation between global (XYZ) and geometry parameter space (GEOM).

  4. Click Set Vector.

Edit a reference vector

  1. Click the Vector tool .
  2. Click the origin or end point of the vector to edit them.
  3. Click Next Vector.

Create a reference vector from a perspective view

  1. Choose Utilities > Plug-in Manager.

  2. Load the createPerspCameraVector plug-in.

  3. In the Construction tool palette, click the Create Persp Camera Vector tool.

  4. Click in the perspective view to create the vector.

    Note: Because the vector is perpendicular to the view, you may need to tumble the view to see the vector.
Parent page: Construction palette