Distance Input¶

This page explains how to enter distances/lengths in VektorCAD when a command asks for a length (e.g., Line segment length after base point, Offset distance, Circle radius, Fillet radius, Chamfer distances, Array spacing, Move/Copy displacement magnitude). Distances can be supplied via keyboard or mouse, and constrained with Ortho, Snaps, and Tracking.

Keyboard¶

Plain distance¶

Type a positive number to enter a distance in the current drawing units.

Examples
- 25 → length 25 units.
- 12.5 → length 12.5 units.
- 0 → zero-length (keeps point at the same location, if the command allows).

The direction is taken from the current cursor vector (rubber‑band), Ortho, Entity Track, or an explicitly specified angle (see below).

Distance with angle (polar length)¶

You can enter a distance and angle in a single step, equivalent to a polar point input from the last point.

Syntax
- r<θ → distance r at angle θ (degrees).

Examples
- 50<0 → 50 units to the right.
- 30<90 → 30 units straight up.
- 25<-45 → 25 units at −45° (down‑right).

If you only type the angle (e.g., <30) while previewing, VektorCAD locks the direction to that angle; then type a number to set the length along that locked direction.

Units and precision¶

Distances are interpreted in the current drawing unit.
Optional unit suffixes (if enabled): 100mm, 2.5cm, 3in.
Decimals allowed; precision is controlled in Settings → Units.

Expressions (optional feature)¶

If enabled, simple arithmetic is accepted: - 10+5, 2*12.5, 100/4 → evaluated before applying. - Parentheses supported: 2*(15+5).

Mouse¶

Free pick (dynamic length)¶

After a base point is set, move the cursor; a rubber‑band shows the tentative segment and the Heads‑Up display/status bar shows live distance (and angle).
Click to accept the distance in the shown direction.

Ortho mode¶

Constrains the direction to 0°/90°/180°/270°.
Toggle from the status bar. With Ortho on, cursor motion produces pure horizontal/vertical distances.
Combine with keyboard numbers for exact lengths (e.g., Ortho on → type 120).

Grid snap¶

With Grid Snap enabled, cursor movement steps by the grid spacing, yielding discrete distances.
Configure grid/snap in Settings → Drafting → Grid & Snap.
Use this for schematic spacing; type an exact number to override.

Entity snap (measuring between points)¶

Use Endpoint/Midpoint/Center/Intersection etc. to pick exact points; the distance between the last point and the snapped point becomes the command length.
Great for “match this length” by snapping to an existing reference point.

Entity track (angle/axis lock)¶

Hover a reference snap (e.g., an Endpoint) to acquire it.
Move the cursor to see tracking lines (orthogonal or polar).
While a track is active, type a number to accept that distance along the track; or click to use the previewed distance.

Reuse last distance¶

Many commands accept Enter/Space to reuse the previous distance (e.g., repeated offset or array spacing).
Right‑click → Use Last Distance (if available) from the context menu.

Right‑click during distance input to open options (varies by command): - Toggle: Ortho, Grid, Snap, Entity Snaps.
- Angle Lock: set a specific angle (e.g., <30) then type the length.
- Use Last Distance / Set Distance… prompt.
- Cancel / Repeat.

Quick reference¶

Task	Input	Notes
Exact length along current cursor direction	`25`	Direction from rubber‑band / Ortho / Track.
Exact length + angle	`40<30`	40 units at 30°, relative to last point.
Pure horizontal length	Ortho on, type `d`	Or type `d` with angle lock `<0`/`<180`.
Pure vertical length	Ortho on, type `d`	Or type `d` with angle lock `<90`/`<270`.
Match another segment’s length	Snap its endpoint	Distance equals previous‑to‑snap span.
Grid‑stepped lengths	Move & click with Grid Snap	Discrete multiples of grid spacing.

Tip

Fast workflow: Click base point → move cursor to set direction (or lock with Ortho/Track) → type distance → Enter.

Note

To set a distance and angle in one go, use r<θ (e.g., 25<135). This is identical to a polar point input from the last point.