QCAD.org Forum

I like to use Ordinate Dimensions, both in making the drawings and while using them in the shop. The offset leaders are a necessity in some cases, but for the most part, straight leaders are a lot easier to follow and the drawings are a lot cleaner. I use the offset leader only when completely necessary.

At present the offset leader is the default choice and one must press the Alt key to have a straight leader. And one must also release the Alt key when choosing the point for the next Ordinate Dimension the Alt key must be released. So it is a constant press - release - press - release - press - release - press - release - etc. cycle until all the dimensions have been added.

I would like to suggest that the straight leader should be the default choice and the offset leader would then be the choice accessed by the Alt key. Many users may be accustomed to the present default so perhaps this should be a user choice in the Drawing Preferences.

Hi,

The Alt functionality is not related with Ordinates or Leaders.
The Qt.AltModifier key is part of the Relative Zero feature of QCAD.

The Relative Zero position is typically the last indicated or entered coordinate in a QCAD session and is per open drawing.
Visualized by a little red crossed circle that hops around trailing after your cursor when indicating positions with a left-click.
Pressing the Alt key then acts as a virtual Snap .. Restrict Othogonally (EO) in relation to the former indicated point.

When defining a string of Ordinates then the sequence:
Released for the first - press - release - press - release - press - release - etc.
is very common ... Expected behavior.

- Not pressed or normal mode for indicating the first 'Feature location' position.
- Pressed or 'Restrict Othogonally' for indicating the 'Endpoint of Leader' position ...
... In relation to the current Relative Zero = first 'Feature location' position.
- Released or normal mode for indicating the next 'Feature location' position.
- Pressed or 'Restrict Othogonally' for indicating the next 'Endpoint of Leader' position ...
... In relation to the current Relative Zero = former 'Feature location' position.
- and so on.

It is thus part of indicating snapped/restricted positions and not part of indicating 'Feature' and 'Endpoint of Leader' locations.

I don't think that the Relative Zero functionality will be revised in any way.
Under the motto 'Don't fix things that are not broken', as it is a very useful QCAD feature.

Then inverting the Qt.AltModifier key state for Ordinates and/or Leaders is also not an option.
Already Indicating the first 'Feature location' position would be in 'Restrict Othogonally' mode.
Perhaps can inverting the key state be implemented for selecting the 'Endpoint of Leader' positions only.
Then again the Alt functionality is part of a higher level code that provides coordinates used by the Ordinate or Leader scripts.

Regards,
CVH

It's always gotta be complicated.

Thanks for the response. Have a good day!

Paul A.