Inkscape.org
Beginners' Questions Draw straight line using keyboard to set length
  1. #1
    zeplaser zeplaser @zeplaser

    I want to draw single straight line with Pen tool and use keyboard to set length.  Dragging line with mouse to desired length is cumbersome.

  2. #2
    Tyler Durden Tyler Durden @TylerDurden

    Not a part of Inkscape nor most illustration programs, AFAIK.

    It is very common in CAD. Many are free: LibreCAD, FreeCad, Fusion, etc.. Inkscape can open CAD generated dxf.

  3. #3
    COD COD @COD

    Tyler - 

    I'm waiting for the SVG based CadScape fork of Inkscape 😂🤣

    Inkscape with the basic concepts of CAD. Constraints etc

    Be nice huh?

     

  4. #4
    Tyler Durden Tyler Durden @TylerDurden

    We can always dream... 🦋🦓

  5. #5
    COD COD @COD

    We can start a rumor! 😂🤣

    To be honest, Inkscape is almost there. Just need to clean up some basic SVG concepts(units, scalar, decimal precision - right now it is a friggin mess) . Add a few extra tools and snapping features. 

    As you know, Inkscape is very popular with the CAM crowd. 

    Autodesk Fusion actually takes SVG import quite seriously that last few years. 

  6. #6
    inklinea inklinea @inklinea⛰️

    Are we talking about extending a 2 point straight path to a specified length ?

  7. #7
    zeplaser zeplaser @zeplaser

    No, not extending it, but rather using keyboard to set length.  However, how do you extend (set length) of completed line as you imply?  I don' even see length in the properties menu of the line.  Please tell me it isn't that hard to do.

  8. #8
    COD COD @COD

    If the created line is horizontal or vertical, just use the selection tool and set the h or w at the top. If it is a line at an angle, no clue. 



     

  9. #9
    COD COD @COD

    Actually you can do an angled line with a set dimension but it is quite complicated. 
    Draw a horizontal line. Change the length using the previous message method.
    Set you snapping to cusp nodes and object rotations centers ONLY
    Click the line until the rotation center is displayed. Select the rotation center and move it until it snaps to one end cusp node. 
    Object>Transform > Rotate - Enter the angle and apply. 
    Enable the snapping preferences you want (Including cusp nodes) and move the line to where you want 

     

  10. #10
    zeplaser zeplaser @zeplaser

    Thank you, that will work.  But my quest for simplicity goes on. 

  11. #11
    COD COD @COD

    There is a new tool in 1.4 - LPE tool. Some of the path effects can use that tool. Looks like it is an undocumented feature  that accidently got left in the final coding. Hoping in the future that this will solve the needs of the CAD/CAM community.  Crossing fingers.  

  12. #12
    inklinea inklinea @inklinea⛰️
    👍🆒

    Do you want anything more that is shown in the attached screenshot ? 

    Screenshot From 2024 12 26 12 26 24
  13. #13
    inklinea inklinea @inklinea⛰️
    🙈

    https://gitlab.com/inklinea/parametric-line

    Might contain bugs. 

    Don't build plans for a skyscraper using it :)

  14. #14
    zeplaser zeplaser @zeplaser

    That is another way but seems like the cures are worse than the disease.  Thank you.

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