Sugestion add a dimension tool - Dimensions parallel to a line

[AllanD]

It would be useful to be able to select a tool "dimensions parallel to a line" then select line then select any points. All dimensions would be set parallel to the selected line.
The only way to do this now that I can see is to determine the angle of the line to the horizontal (this may involve constructing a horizontal reference line) and using that angle value in the dimensions at angle tool. It works but is a cumbersome way of getting there.
Cheers Allan

[CVH]

Hi,

What about Aligned Dimensions (DA):
https://www.ribbonsoft.com/doc/qcad/lat ... ed_en.html

It can be combined with:
https://www.ribbonsoft.com/doc/qcad/lat ... ne_en.html
and/or
https://www.ribbonsoft.com/doc/qcad/lat ... ue_en.html

Regards,
CVH

[AllanD]

Only dimension at angle does what I want but you have to know the angle and that might not be a whole number. It's a work around involving a number of extra steps and potential for error.

[CVH]

Only dimension at angle does what I want but you have to know the angle and that might not be a whole number.

Perhaps you could Right-Click on the Angle option and insert a measurement.
https://www.ribbonsoft.com/en/tutorial- ... easurement
But that would also require an angle between two entities.

Regards,
CVH

[CVH]

Hi,
Investigated this in more detail (Again it seems ).

Picking an angle value from a line-based entity is/was a feature that I could use too.
All fine when there is at least one horizontal line in your drawing that extends a bit to the right in relation with the entity in question.
We could then insert a measurement based on the angle difference. (R-Click ; IA ; Pick 2 entities)
The advantage is that the option value is set as a variable, usable in this drawing throughout this QCAD session.

But that is not always the case in my designs.
Temporarily adding a horizontal is perfectly possible, a running action (tool) is briefly suspended meanwhile.
But as you mention, it is tedious and prone to errors.
We also have to remember what variable name was defined for which of the measurements we took (d1, d2, ... dx)

I could implement a Information tool that collects the angle for an indicated line-based entity.
Passed on as a variable, only for Dimensions angles it should be made readable (0-90°).
The harder thing is to implement that under the context menu of the option input fields in the Option Toolbar.
That is a QCAD Pro feature and the code is not open source ... Part of WidgetFactoryPro.js what is proprietary.


What I now do in some cases is copying the angle value from the the Property Editor.
Although mostly usable as rounded, the limitation is that it is up to 8 decimal digits (See: App.Prefs. .. Widgets .. Property Editor)
For linear Information values I already use a hidden preference maxed out to double precision and copy the value from the Command History.

Bottom line:
- I don't see Andrew implementing a specific Dimension tool.
- There is a method for inserting a measured angle difference.
- The angle of an entity can be 'not readable' and is perhaps not the best solution.
- Because inserting measurements is QCAD Pro, a custom solution is not an option.
- At best this is a feature request, see: https://qcad.org/bugtracker/

Regards,
CVH