The Base point shift function allows you to define an optional coordinate base point. The new base point is displayed using a small coordinate cross and is calculated with reference to the relative coordinate entries. The relative entry of coordinates always relates to the most recently placed point.
The input of coordinates by means of the input box also relates to the base point. Please do, however, note that the input box always uses the graphical coordinate system, independent of the coordinate system of the corresponding project page.
Precondition:
You have opened a page, form, plot frame or symbol.
- Select the menu item Options > Base point shift, and position the cursor at the position where the new base point origin is to be located.
In the status bar, the display of the coordinates changes from X / Y to DX / DY (graphical coordinate system) or from RX / RY to DRX / DRY (logical coordinate system), and the values are displayed relative to the new base point. The setting remains until you open a new page, etc. or perform the command again.
If you have (e.g.) activated the command for drawing a line, after having placing the first line point, you can then enter either the absolute or relative coordinates. The entered values are then used to define the coordinates of the endpoint of the line. If the relative coordinate entry is started without having first defined a starting point, then the entry is treated as an absolute coordinate entry. If no command is active, then the cursor is positioned to the entered coordinates; this may also change the displayed screen section.
Example: You wish to draw a line, and place the first line point. For the endpoint of the line, you wish to place a point that is 50 mm in the X direction, and 20 mm in the Y direction, from a corner point. The command for drawing a line is still active. Activate the base point shift function and set the base point to the relevant corner point. In the relative coordinates field, enter the values X=50 mm and Y=20 mm; the endpoint of the line is then placed at the desired position.
See also