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X, Y, Z Filters
Tip# 3538 By Marcel Aubin On 22-Nov-2010
4
Rated By 4 users
Categories : 2D Operations
Software type : AutoCAD 2011
Rename File To : No Files to download.
Use these filters to place text in the center of a box or move an object in the z direction.

Marcel Aubin has been using AutoCAD since release 1.4 and wants to share with us a tip that he finds very useful.

"This simple tip relies on the .X, .Y, .Z, .XY, .XZ, and .YZ filters. I'll give a few examples to illustrate their usefulness.

"Example 1: I want to put text in the exact center of a box. I call up the Text command, use the C justify mode, and type in .X. Then I click the center of the base of the box Osnap using the middle Osnap. AutoCAD picks up only the x value of the coordinate and prompts me that it needs y and z, so I click the middle of one side of the rectangle and AutoCAD picks up the y and z values from the side's coordinate. It then assembles those values into a point, which is in the exact center of the box.

"Example 2: I want to move an object in the z direction. I start the Move command, select the object, and when asked for a source point I pick a specific point (using Osnaps). Thereafter, when prompted for the destination point, I first type .XY and pick the exact same point. But since I've used the .XY filter, AutoCAD then wants a value for z; just type it in."
 
Notes from Cadalyst Tip Patrol:
This is a great tip that can help you draw more accurately. Here's the concept: when you create any type of object, you place that object in an x,y,z coordinate system. These filters will make certain that you are using specific values in any axis by copying that value from a preexisting object. You can use these filters to find intersects of lines, to make an object co-linear, or to help when drawing in 3D.

 

Average Rating:
4


User comments
Comment by ,
Posted on 2010-11-22 14:12:24
Reminders of how us old schoolers work in 3D never hurt ... quite useful when you're frustrated with some of the newer methods of 3D object placement.
Comment by Welsh,James
Posted on 2010-11-22 15:40:50
Point filters are great and have been around forever. Autodesk has since added mtp, m2p, and tracking to take the place of point filters. I have been using point filters for so long that I they are just second nature to me and I prefer them over the new options.
Comment by McSwain,R.K.
Posted on 2010-11-22 17:25:27
I agree with James. I use point filters every day.
Comment by Lohan,Ronald
Posted on 2010-11-23 12:48:45
Why not use MTEXT; start the box at the upper left hand corner and end at the lower right hand corner of the boxed to be filled with text. Use MC for justification and it is centered every time! A no-brainer; works everytime!
Comment by Sugg,Calvin
Posted on 2010-11-29 11:43:32
Polar tracking used with Object snap tracking is the graphic way of doing this as well. It works great but takes a bit getting use to. Once you figure it out though precise graphic input is much easier then the old point filters because it requires less input via the keyboard.