Translate (Move)

Introduction

This topic will explain the Translate function, and the options found in it. This topic will also give brief description of Dynamic Drawing, the Snap Increment function, will describe where to find the function, provide quick steps on how to use it, and provide links to related topics.

The Translate Function

The Translate function is used to move geometry, with optional copying and scaling, using Dynamic Drawing.Dynamic Drawing allows you to use data entry or sketch handles to define the distance and direction that the geometry moves. The benefit of Dynamic Drawing is that both method scan be utilized at any time during creation.You can use the sketch handles to get close to the desired result and then update the Data Entry parameters to get the exact value.

 

 

Dynamic Drawing

This function supports Dynamic Drawing which allows you to use a combination of sketching and data entry to create the entities. Prior to confirming the desired result in the function, an adjustable preview is visible. These previews can be modified using the sketch handles, data entry, or a combination of both. The benefit of Dynamic Drawing is that you can quickly utilized the sketch handles to adjust the size, placement, and, or, orientation to get the approximate result, and then use data entry to update to the exact values as needed.

 

Preview with Sketch Handles

Final Entities

 

In the images above, we see the preview of the altered position / orientation of the entities which can be adjust with sketch handles, followed by those same entities after their positions / orientations are finalized.

Snap Increment

This function support the use of the snap increment when selecting the location of the entities. The snap increment allows you to get precise results when using mouse selection and helps to reduce data entry modifications.

 

To learn more, view Snap Increment.

To open Translate:

 

  • In the Move group, of the Utilities ribbon, click Translate.

 

The parameters display in the Data Entry Manager.

The Data Entry Parameters

 

(Delete) - removes the highlighted item from the Selected Geometry list.

(Delete All) - removes all entities from the Selected Geometry list.
The list will display all entities currently selected for the function.

 

Translate Amount

The Translate Amount can be used to define the amount of movement in the X, Y, and Z axis. The Translate Amount will also show the amount of movement in the X, Y, and Z axis, when the Start Point, and End Point methods are used to set the amount of movement.

 

  • X - amount of movement along the X axis.
  • Y - amount of movement along the Y axis.
  • Z - amount of movement along the Z axis.

 

 

Start Point

The Start Point determines where the geometry is moved from.You can use the list box to select the point, or you can enter coordinates in the X, Y, and Z fields below.

 

  • Geometry Center - the geometry is translated, by the Translate Amount, from the center of the selected geometry.
  • Pick - allows you to select a point to move the geometry from.

 

 

(Delete) - removes the highlighted item from the list.
The list box will list the entity currently selected for the function.

 

  • X - determines the X-axis location of the start point of the translation move in reference to the Active UCS.

  • Y - determines the Y-axis location of the start point of the translation move in reference to the Active UCS.

  • Z - determines the Z-axis location of the start point of the translation move in reference to the Active UCS.

 

 

End Point

The End Point determines where the geometry is moved to.You can use the list box to select the point, or you can enter coordinates in the X, Y, and Z fields below.

 

 

(Delete) - removes the highlighted item from the list.
This list box will show the entity currently selected for the function.

 

  • X - determines the X-axis location of the end point of the translation move in reference to the Active UCS.

  • Y - determines the Y-axis location of the end point of the translation move in reference to the Active UCS.

  • Z - determines the Z-axis location of the end point of the translation move in reference to the Active UCS.

 

Options

  • Copies - adds the specified amount of copies consecutively to the translated geometry instead of only moving the original geometry.When using copy, the original geometry is not translated.
  • Scale - scales the translated geometry by the amount typed in the Scale box. A value of one equals no scaling and a value of 0.5 means fifty percent of the original size. The scale value can be adjusted by entering a value, or by adjusting the scale sketch handle that appears in the graphics area when the scale option is selected.


    • Scale Off

    Scale On

    Click

    Drag

 

  • From Center- With this check box cleared,the selected geometry will scale from the WCS. This means that its position in the graphics area is scaled as well.
    From Center - With this check box selected, the selected geometry will scale from its bounding center. This means that its position in the graphics area no be affected.

     

    From Center

    From Center

 

  • Reset - updates the values to default.

  • OK - finalizes the function.

  • Cancel - exits the function.

Quick Steps - Translate

  1. Open the function.

    The Selected Geometry list automatically has focus.

  2. Select all geometry to be translated.

    The geometry is added to the Selected Geometry list.

    The Start Point, and End Point values update to show the values for the Geometry Center, and a preview is shown.

  3. Update the parameters to achieve the desired result, which will be shown by the preview.

    The Preview updates as the values are updated.

  4. With the values update to produce the intended result, as shown with the preview, click OK.

Note: When this feature is applied to solids, or surfaces, a CAD feature is added to the CAD Tree.

 

  1. Repeat as necessary.

Tip: Instead of applying features to solids and surfaces more than once, go to the CAD Tree to edit the existing feature. Since all solid and surface moves, and modifications are stored in the CAD Tree, editing a feature is preferable to adding many more to achieve the desired result. This will keep file size down and help ensure files don't become slow to respond.


  1. Click Cancel to close the function.

Related Topics

The CAD Overview