Its very simple…I would just like tools to capture a reference dimension and input that to the command line with a ‘+’ sign. No parametric aspect, no history, etc.
I see this as another input style. like circle from two pints, circle from 3 points, circle from center, circle from reference + increment. . Line from center, line 4 point, line from reference dimension + increment.
I constantly need new lines, circles, rectangles, polygons that are a slightly larger or smaller version of something else. I often have to switch to the line tool, draw the increment I want then switch to another shape tool and use the small reference line I have just drawn. Some times offset works, often its the wrong tool, as it produces only the same shape. It also requires significantly more actions than what I propose.
I imagine everyone who uses Rhino must do this all the time. I have to do it all the time. Respectfully, I’m surprised the concept seems so foreign, or hasn’t been considered before.
I would like to make a request for the incorporation of this approach to shape tools. It would introduce efficiency in minimizing tool swapping and clicks.
The way it should work is…you chose circle from two points, circle from center, line, line from center, etc. Then, after you have selected your tool & approach (circle & from center), and made your first (origin ) click, then an option to capture the reference dimension becomes available in the command line. If chosen the next click becomes the second point in reference to the origin. Then the reference dimension is input into the command panel. Then you can simply add of subtract your increment.
Very simple, extremely useful.
I don’t know if it makes sense in every option, like line from 4 points (may still make sense for final line length) ect? But for basic shapes it would be a very welcome addition.
No unfortunately not. That is only one use case. For instance, the circles could be touching on the side. Or the inside (reference shape) could be a pentagon, with the outer a circle.