Move objects by dragging

You can drag objects to move them. Select an object and drag it. You can drag objects in any viewport. In this model, grid snap is set to one-half of the grid spacing. Using grid snap, you should be able to line objects up with each other.

Before you start, set the grid snap so the objects stay lined up with each other. In this model snap is set to one grid line.

Turn on grid snap

• In the status bar, click Snap to turn on the grid snap.

• The status bar is at the bottom of the Rhino window. You will find the grid snap pane in a row with other modeling aids: Ortho, Planar, and Osnap.

  Grid snap may already be on in your system. Be careful that you do not turn it off instead of on.

  This is an important step. Grid snap only lets you move in certain preset intervals. In this model, grid snap is set to one grid line. Grid snap helps you line up your objects.

Open the tutorial model

1. On the Rhino Help menu, click Learn Rhino, and then click Open Tutorial Models.

2. Click Drag Objects.3dm and then click the Open button.

Practice dragging objects

1. In the Perspective viewport, select the cone.

2. Drag the cone in the Perspective viewport until it lines up with the cylinder.

   The cone moves on the base that is represented by the grid. This base is called a construction plane. A construction plane is like a tabletop where you move your objects. Each viewport has its own construction plane. When you start Rhino, the Perspective viewports construction plane is the same as the Top viewports.

3. In the Front viewport, drag the cone to the top of the cylinder.

4. Watch what happens in the Perspective viewport.

5. There are many times when you have to watch what is happening in other viewports to accurately place your objects.

Try on Your Own

Drag the objects around. Use the Front viewport to drag the objects vertically and the Top or Perspective viewport to drag them horizontally.

Try these:

• Drag the cone to the top of the box.

• Drag the sphere so its equator is at the top of the cylinder.

• Try some other movements on your own.

• Use GhostedViewport and RenderedViewport to look at your work.

• Try the Move command. It is a little different from simply dragging.

• The Move command lets you use some placement techniques you will learn more about later.

• Undo your changes.