Plane and Vector Selector

The Plane and Vector selector is used in many panels, the Entity Editor or dialogs to define a plane or a vector (direction) to perform a certain function.

For example, the Translate panel requires that you define the direction of translation, while the Reflect panel requires a plane for the creation of the mirror images of the entities selected.

A plane can be defined with a vector (the plane is normal to the vector specified), just as a vector can be defined with a plane (the vector is normal to the plane specified). Either can be defined via the Plane and Vector selector.


Figure 1. Plane and Vector Selector
Note: Some selectors may resemble the Plane and Vector selector, but serve a different purpose.


Figure 2. Selector in Position and Linear Solid Panels. Selector resembles the Plane and Vector selector, but is used to map entities from one location to another.
The Plane and Vector selector consists of several options. Not every item appears at all times; only the items necessary for the current function will display.
(Switch)
Select the method for defining the plane or vector.
x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis
Define the first, second or third axis respectively of a coordinate system in your model. This coordinate system may be the global coordinate system, or a local system when one can be explicitly specified. Local systems may be rectangular, cylindrical or spherical.
vector
Specify a vector entity (created in the Vectors panel). This includes vectors defining coordinate systems, and loads as well.
N1, N2, N3
Define a vector (N1,N2), or plane (N1,N2,N3). When defining a plane, the resulting vector is normal to this plane following the right hand rule, and passes through either N1 or the base node (if one is specified).
screen normal
Define a vector that is normal to the screen. For planes, as the vector defines the plane normal, the plane is within the screen.
screen parallel
Define a vector that is within the screen. For planes, as the vector defines the plane normal, the plane is perpendicular to the screen.
Node Buttons
When a node button is active (outlined with a blue border), you can select a node in the modeling window to automatically define it's coordinates. You can also click a node button to manually enter a node's coordinates. Once a node is selected, the next node button will automatically become active.
The B (base node) button defines the point in space where the vector or plane is located. For example, selecting a plane of projection using the x-axis does not define the location of the plane entirely. A base node provides the extra information. When using the N1, N2, N3 option, N1 is used as a default base node if no other base node is specified.
(Reset)
Clear your selection (vector, N1,N2,N3 and base).