To specify coordinates and model entities

This topic provides you with two alternate methods for selecting or specifying coordinates and other model entities, and describes the difference between absolute and relative coordinates.

Click on the model

When you are working in a modeling dialog such as Create Nodes, Create Curves, or Create Regions, and you are prompted to select or specify coordinates, curves, regions, or other model entities, the easiest selection method is to move your cursor out of the dialog and over to the model, where you can click directly on the required coordinate or entity. You may rubberband-select model entities.

Type into the dialog input box

In cases where the model-click method is not easy or not available, type values into the dialog input boxes.

Coordinate positions

To specify an xyz coordinate position, use this format: 30 -60 90. If the z coordinate is zero, type just the x and y values (for example: 30 -60). If the y and z coordinates are zero, type just the x value (for example: 30).

Curves and regions

To specify curves and region, type the appropriate label, for example, C1, C2, R1, R2.

Absolute and Relative

Coordinates can be specified as either absolute or relative values. An example demonstrating the difference is indicated in the table below.