Restrict to Axis like Sketchup does

Rhino Rhino for Windows
1

New guy. I want to restrict movement while drawing lines (curves) in Perspective view like Sketchup. In Sketchup I simply select an arrow key then draw. In Rhino I can only restrict to X & Y axis with shift key, but can’t for Z axis. So imagine this: I’m drawing freehand along the X axis, then move to the the Z axis, then a little more along the X, change to the Y, go a little more then back down the Z axis. I figured out two of those directions, but not the Z.

I’m new to Rhino and want it to work. I’m going into retirement in a few years and don’t want to continue a $300 year subscription for Sketchup anymore and I think Rhino is the answer (pay once for a lot of ability). I’ve heard of Rhino for more than 25 years but only started using it a week ago or so. In 2D it’s much like AutoCAD so I get around pretty quick, but still learning in 3D. And yes, I plan on also creating 3D printing and I need 3D for carvings on my CNC (one year into that already). I’m not new to 3D and realize SketchUp is face models while Rhino makes solids (nurbs).

Thanks a bunch!

2

Rhino works differently as you can see.
This is why Rhino starts with 4 viewports open.
If you want to draw in the World Z direction, use the Front or Right viewport. You can switch mid command.
The “Planar” option in the Osnap toolbar may be useful here.
You can also use “Elevator mode” to specify a World Z while in the Top or Perspective viewports that share the same CPlane.

I guess I’d recommend skimming through the User’s Guide and do the tutorials that seem different from your Sketup experience.
It’s on the Learn Page under Rhino for Windows.

Cheers

3

You can use “elevator mode” to lock movements along the z axis. Click to start the action, then CTRL-click on the same point to activate elevator mode.

EDIT: John beats me to the punch, again.

4

Thess might be helpful too:

1 Like
5

You can ctrl+click on any point to move in z direction. But rhino is very different and powerful than any 3d software available in the market.

6

Awesome. Thank you John!

7

Thank you Kalpit!

8

Thank you Mark! And I know what you mean about John. :slight_smile: There is a guy over in the VCarve forum named Aiph5u that is also really smart and answers questions really fast. He’s usually the first one!

Thanks again!

1 Like