Drawing in Z axis

[Macpod]

Lets say i want to draw a guide line for a loft. What is the best way to draw a line in the z-axis? Theres alot of stupid ways like waving the crosshair around until it lock in the z-axis or typing in co-ordinates. Is there a more intuitive way of locking the z-axis? like a shortcut key?

 

I suppose i can switch the UCS, but then its locked in the Z/X or Z/Y axis....

 

 

cheers

[STRAT]

drawing in the z axis is drawing in 3d in essence. and as you say, there are a million and 1 ways of doing this. they're only stupid to those who are new to it or aren't autocad familier. to a regular user these 'stupid' ways are everyday essential drawing methods. you use what method is needed at the time to get the job done.

 

but, if you just want a fast method of drawing a straight line up the z axis, then, imo, the quickest way is to rotate the usc to suit. (this is quite normal in 3d acad drawing btw). type:

 

USC then F (or RI or L etc etc) this rotates the usc to front or right or left for example. draw your line, then remember to do UCS and W or P to get it back to world or plan.

[Macpod]

wise words. I had hoped for something like the lock axis command found in sketch up but this isnt too bad.

 

good hint about the USC shortcuts, almost forgotten about them.

[JamesTaylor]

if its only a single line to be drawn you can also specify it using relative co-ords, click for the start point then @xvalue,yvalue,zvalue i.e @0,0,1000.

 

this can only be used for lines and not polylines