Line

Source file: line-group.htm

The Line group tools enable you to modify line objects in several ways, as required.

Extend

Extend a line to another line, a facet or a point.

Simplify

Reduce detail on a line.

Smooth

Create a smoother representation of a line.

Corner

Shape corners as fillet, chamfer or scallop.

Divide

Divide a line into equal length segments.

Split

Segment a line at the intersection of another line.

Trim

Trim a line to the intersection of another line.

Extend

The Extend tool allows you to extend a segment to a facet, line or point.

Note:  The plane must not be parallel with the line segment.

  • To extend a line:

    1. On the Edit tab, in the Line group, click Extend.

    2. Select the line segment to be extended.

    3. Click on the defining facet, line, or point. The line segment is extended.

    4. Click OK or Apply to finish.

Selecting a line segment.

Selecting a facet to extend to.

Simplify

The Simplify tool enables you to remove excess points while retaining the shape of a line. This is helpful for editing lines created using the Smart Line tool. See Smart Line.

  • To simplify a line:

    1. On the Edit tab, in the Line group, click Simplify.

    2. Enter a Filter distance. This specifies a maximum distance between points on the original line and the simplified line. The smaller the filter distance, the more points are retained and the more detailed the simplified line.

    3. Select the line from the cad container.

    4. Click OK or Apply to finish.

Before (left) and after (right) simplifying a line.

Note:  Simplified objects can be restored by clicking (Undo) or pressing Ctrl+Z.

Smooth

The Smooth tool allows you to smooth a line containing many edges, such as those produced by the Smart Line tool. See Smart Line.

  • To smooth a line:

    1. On the Edit tab, in the Line group, click Smooth Lines.

    2. Select the line to be smoothed.
    3. Enter a sampling interval in the Sample every field. This determines how detailed the smoothed lines will be; the smaller the number the more detailed the lines, the higher the number the less detailed.
    4. Click OK or Apply to finish.

An example from an open pit mine. Before (left) and after (right).

Corner

Source file: line-group.htm

The Corner tool allows you to select and change corner shapes where lines or edges connect. The available corner types include:

  • Fillet
  • Chamfer
  • Scallop
  • To change the shape of a corner:

    1. On the Edit tab, in the Line group, click Corner.
      The Corner panel will open.

    2. Select the Cornering type required.

    3. Use (Selection points) to select one or more corners, then set the radius using either of the Radius controls. You will see a preview of the modified corners as you adjust the radius.

      Tip:  Use (Selection objects) to modify all corners simultaneously.

    4. Click OK or Apply to complete the action.

Example of a shape with corners being modified.(Preview stage)

Example of a shape with corners being modified. (Completed stage)

Divide

The Divide tool enables you to divide an edge into a number of smaller, equal-length segments.
A line can comprise one or more edges. Each edge will be evenly subdivided by a nominated value.

  • To divide an edge:

    1. Use (Select edges) to select the line segment to be subdivided.

    2. On the Edit tab, in the Line group, click Divide.

      The Subdivide Edges panel will open.

    3. Select one of the options as follows:

      • Subdivisions per edge. Enter the number of required subdivisions needed on each edge.

        Or

      • Number of result edges. Enter the total number of required edges.

      Note

      As the number is incremented:

      • Subdivisions per edge divides all edges of the selected objects simultaneously.
      • Number of result edges iteratively divides edge segments in half until the specified number of edges is reached.
    4. Press OK or Apply to complete the tool.

Tip:  Use the action plane and snap modes to simplify accurate point selection. See Action Plane and Snap Modes.

A line consisting of 1 edge, divided into 7 equal sections indicated by green crosses.

A line comprising 5 edges, divided into 8 sections indicated by green crosses.

Split

The Split tool enables you to break a line segment where it intersects with another line segment. The line segments can be parts of more complex objects and can have multiple edges.

  • To split an edge:

    1. On the Edit tab, in the Line group, click Split.


    2. Select the line or object to be split.

    3. Click on an overlapping line or object.

      The line segment will be split at the points of intersection.


  1. Continue applying the tool, or press in the status bar to finish.

Tip:  Use the action plane and snap modes to simplify accurate point selection. See Action Plane and Snap Modes.

Example - splitting a straight line by a polygon

A line with a polygon positioned over it. The line will be split where it intersects the polygon.

The line split into three sections by the polygon. The sections were later given different colours.

Example - splitting complex objects

A polygon (multicoloured lines) split by a different polygon (yellow dotted lines).

Trim

The Trim tool enables you to cut a line segment at its intersection with another line segment, removing the trimmed end. The line segments can be parts of more complex objects and can have multiple edges.

  • To trim a line:

    1. On the Edit tab, in the Line group, click Trim.

    2. Select the line or object to be trimmed, or drag or enter details into the status bar field at the bottom of the screen.


    3. Click on an overlapping line or object, or drag or enter details into the status bar field at the bottom of the screen.


    4. Select the section of the line or object to be deleted.

      Tip:  The section to be deleted depends on the cursor position and is highlighted in red. Move the mouse to highlight a different section. Click when the correct selection is highlighted for deletion.

      Note:  It is not necessary to select a point on the original line or object.

      The original object or line will now be trimmed of the section selected during the process.


    5. Continue applying the tool or click in the status bar to exit.

Tip:  Use the action plane and snap modes to simplify accurate point selection. See Action Plane and Snap Modes.

Example - trimming with a straight line

A complex line (solid) with a trim line (dashed) positioned over it.

Click on the side to be trimmed (deleted).

The complex line trimmed of the section to the left of the trim line.

Example - trimming with complex objects

A polygon to be trimmed (solid) to another polygon (dashed). The section to be trimmed is highlighted red.

The section has been trimmed.