Using Translate: Compass Z and Distance

This task shows you how to position design elements that you have already copied using the Copy/Paste command. This task describes the Compass Z and a Distance option.

The Translate function is available when you have checked the option Allow translate and rotate copied objects in the Copy-Paste 3D Systems dialog box. The Translate Objects dialog box  displays when you click OK in the Copy-Paste 3D Systems dialog box. Although it allows you to position copied objects, you can also use it to position existing elements in your design. See Using the Copy/Paste Function to learn more about the copy function.

The Translate Objects dialog box allows you five possibilities for positioning objects. They are explained as separate tasks in this section.

1. Select the Compass Z Direction and a Distance option in the Translate Options field.

2. Enter a positive or negative value in the Offset Distance field. This is the distance by which the pasted object will be offset from the compass, in the Z direction.
3. Place the compass on a surface. A blue line shows the value you entered in the Offset Distance field. The offset distance will be calculated from the object's existing position, regardless of where you place the compass.

4. To rotate the element you just positioned, select the Rotation Axis field in the Translate Objects dialog box and define an axis. Usually you can select a line, such as a connector, segment or centerline to define the axis. Three things happen after you select a line: a dashed line shows you the axis, the Rotation Axis field reads "rotation axis defined"; and the Rotation Angle field becomes available. Enter a positive or negative value in the Rotation Angle field, or use the Up/Down arrows to select a value, and press Enter. The positioned object will rotate accordingly. In the image in Step 5, the dashed yellow line is the rotation axis. The element has been rotated.
5. The Number of Copies field shows the number of copies you had selected in the Copy-Paste 3D Systems dialog box. It is shown for informational purposes - you cannot make changes to it in this dialog box.
6. Click OK to accept your changes, Apply to continue working.

Click Close if you want to exit without saving the changes. If you had clicked Apply in the Copy-Paste 3D Systems dialog box then you will be taken back to it. If you had clicked OK, you will exit the command.

If the option Keep objects selected was checked, then the element you pasted will remain selected in the specifications tree after you exit the command.