During most interactive operations, it is possible to position the current item by typing into a dialog, rather than clicking with the mouse.
Shortcuts
Default Keys: =
Default Menu: Context menu
Command: Type Coordinate
Default Keys:
Default Menu: Context menu
Command: Type Offset
Default Keys: None
Default Menu: Context menu
Command: Type Pin Name
Command: Copy With Offset
Using the Dialog
The Type Coordinate command brings up the dialog into which you type the X and Y coordinates. This is obviously useful for accurate positioning.
Similarly, the Type Offset command brings up the dialog into which you type the X and Y offset from the origin position, normally displayed on the status bar. The origin position is dependent on the operation being performed, but is usually the starting point.
When entering coordinates using this dialog, you can enter a series of corners by pressing the Apply button or by typing a space between each value (instead of pressing OK). As each corner is completed (after the Y value), the corner is placed and the dialog will return ready for the next corner. After entering the values for the last corner of the required shape you can finish the shape by pressing the Finish button or typing an ”=” character.
When typing relative values, you can check Remember previous value so that the dialog retains the previous value and it can be used repeatedly. Otherwise the value returns to 0 each time.
The values are in the current design units, but you can specify alternative units when you enter a value (e.g. 1mm). You can also use simple expressions (e.g. 6*0.135 or (9.5/2)+2.2)
Type Pin Name
When using the Insert Connection option, right click to select Type Pin Name. This enables you to enter the name of a target pin (e.g. U1.3) to connect to. For more information, view the Type Pin Name page.
Circles and Arcs
Some operations, such as editing a circle, only require a single dimension (e.g. the radius or diameter of the circle). In such cases the Enter Radius or Enter Diameter dialogs will only have one input field.
When editing an arc you can also specify the arc angle by selecting Enter Angle. In this case, there will be a single field where you should enter the arc angle in the current angle units.
Get From Clipboard
This button is shown if you use Type Coordinate to position an item. It is enabled if the clipboard contains a text item that includes a coordinate. If pressed the coordinate X and Y values will be placed into the appropriate edit boxes.
Construction Lines - Copy With Offset
The Copy With Offset option is available with one or more Construction Lines selected. More details about using this option can be found on the Construction Lines page.
Related Topics
Edit Shape | Insert PCB Connection | Type Pin Name | Type Rotate | Units