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Point Input

This page explains how to specify points in VektorCAD using the keyboard (Cartesian and Polar coordinates, absolute and relative) and the mouse (direct picking, snaps, ortho, and tracking).

Keyboard

VektorCAD accepts points in Cartesian (x,y) and Polar (r<θ) forms.
By default, values are absolute (from the global origin). Prefix with @ to make them relative to the last specified point.

Coordinate system

  • X increases to the right; Y increases upward.
  • Angles: 0° along +X; positive angles rotate counter‑clockwise.
  • Units: your current drawing units (e.g., mm, in). Decimals allowed.

Cartesian coordinate

Syntax
- Absolute: x,y
- Relative: @dx,dy

Examples
- 100,50 → absolute point at (100, 50) from origin.
- @25,0 → 25 units to the right of the last point.
- @0,-10 → 10 units below the last point.
- -20,30 → absolute point left of origin by 20, up by 30.

Notes
- Use relative input to step offsets quickly (e.g., rectangle edges: @50,0, @0,30, @-50,0, @0,-30).
- You can mix mouse and keyboard: click a base point, then type @dx,dy for precision.

Polar coordinate

Syntax
- Absolute: r<θ
- Relative: @r<θ

Angle entry
- Degrees by default: 30<45.
- 45° or 45 both treated as 45 degrees.
- Negative angles rotate clockwise: @20<-90.

Examples
- 50<0 → absolute point 50 units along +X from origin.
- @25<45 → from last point, 25 units at 45°.
- @10<180 → 10 units to the left of last point.
- 30<270 → 30 units straight down from origin.

When to use Polar
- For known length+angle segments (slanted edges, spokes).
- Works well with Ortho (locks to orthogonal) and Entity Track (alignments).

Mouse

Arbitrary positions

  • Move the crosshair and click to place a point at the cursor.
  • During commands (Line, Polyline, etc.), a rubber‑band preview shows the tentative segment from the last point.
  • Combine with Ortho, Grid Snap, and Entity Snap for precision.

Grid snap

  • The Grid shows a background lattice; Snap restricts picks to regular steps (e.g., 5 mm).
  • Configure spacing in Settings → Drafting → Grid & Snap.
  • Toggle Grid/Snap from the status bar.
  • Ideal for schematic layouts and consistent spacing; pair with keyboard input for exact offsets.

Ortho mode

  • Constrains the cursor to 0° / 90° / 180° / 270°.
  • Great for horizontal/vertical drafting.
  • Toggle from the status bar.
  • Works with both mouse and keyboard: moving horizontally with Ortho on equals typing @d,0 from the last point.

Entity snap

Entity snaps (osnaps) lock the cursor to precise locations on existing geometry. Enable persistent snaps in the status bar; use the context menu for temporary overrides.

Common snaps
- Endpoint — ends of lines/arcs/polylines.
- Midpoint — middle of a segment.
- Center — circle/arc center.
- Intersection — crossing of two entities.
- Perpendicular — foot of a perpendicular from the cursor.
- Tangent — tangent point on a circle/arc from current pick.
- Nearest — nearest point along an entity.
- Quadrant — 0/90/180/270° points on circles/arcs.
- Node — explicit point entities.

Usage
- Hover to see the snap glyph, then click to accept.
- Multiple snaps can be active; the nearest valid one highlights. Zoom in if glyphs overlap.

Entity track

Entity Track helps align new points with implied or hovered references:

  1. Hover a snap point briefly to acquire it (marker appears).
  2. Move the cursor away—tracking lines (dashed) show horizontal/vertical or polar alignments from the acquired point.
  3. Click when the tracking alignment passes through your desired location.
  4. Optionally type a distance while tracking to place a point at that exact offset.

Use tracking to place points exactly in line with other features without drawing helper geometry.

Context menu

Right‑click while specifying a point to open the Point Input context menu (options may vary by command):

  • Toggle: Ortho, Grid, Snap, Entity Snaps.
  • Temporary snaps: Endpoint, Midpoint, Center, Intersection, Perpendicular, Tangent, etc.
  • Tracking tools: Acquire/align from hovered snaps.
  • Numeric input: Switch to Cartesian or Polar prompts.
  • Cancel / Repeat: End current pick or repeat last command.

Quick reference

Task Example input Notes
Absolute Cartesian 120,40 From origin to (120,40).
Relative Cartesian @15,-5 Offset from last point by (+15, −5).
Absolute Polar 60<30 60 units at 30° from origin.
Relative Polar @25<90 25 units straight up from last point.
Horizontal offset (Ortho on) (mouse move right) + click Or type @d,0.
Snap to exact midpoint (hover Midpoint glyph) + click Keep Midpoint osnap active.
Align with endpoint Hover endpoint → track line → click Add typed distance if needed.

Tip

For speed and accuracy: Click a base point → type @dx,dy or @r<θ> → Enter. Combine with Entity Snap to pick the base point precisely.