18.7.5 Scale

Examples of results using the Scale tool

Usage:

1. Selecting the element or part of the element to scale.

Þ Click on the element using the Wand. It becomes the current object.
Þ To scale only part of the element: Use the Lasso or the Bullseye (clicking on the corresponding icon in the Assistant Palette or through the mouse – right mouse button on PC; Option + mouse click on Mac).

2. Selecting the tool.

Click on the icon depicting the Scale tool in the Tools Palette.
A bounding box now surrounds the selection.

3. Defining a reference point (optional).

The reference point designates the side of the bounding box (and thus of the object) that will not be distorted by the action of the scale tool.
A small cross symbolizes the reference point:
The default location of the reference point is the center of the bottom facet of the bounding box.
If you want to change the location of the reference point:
Þ On PC: Click the right mouse button. On Mac: Press the Option key and click the mouse button. The Wand cursor changes to the cross.
Þ Click on the object where you want to set the new position of the reference point.

4. Choosing the scaling mode (proportional, horizontal or vertical).

Proportional scale (default scaling mode)	Horizontal distortion	Vertical distortion

There are two ways to set the scaling mode:
¨ 1st method: Click on one of the three icons of constraint along an axis.

The “Constrain along the horizontal axis” icon defines a horizontal distortion.
The “Constrain along the vertical axis” icon defines a vertical distortion.
The “No constraint” icon defines a proportional scaling.

¨ 2nd method: Press the spacebar to switch from one scaling mode to another.

5. Scaling.

You now need to specify the scaling you want to apply.
There are three methods:
¨ 1st method: Using the cursor

Þ Click to grab the bounding box or a point of the object (it will follow the cursor’s movements).
Þ Move the cursor: You can see the bounding box being scaled according to the constraint previously defined.
Þ Click to validate when the object reaches the correct size.

¨ 2nd method: Using the keyboard

Þ Press the Tab key.

Enter through the keyboard:
· A new width (if you want to re-scale the object horizontally).
· A new height and width (if you want to do proportional scaling).

Þ Press the Return key to validate the entry.

¨ 3rd method: Using the Remote Control

The Remote Control is used to remotely fine-tune an operation.
Press Ctrl+Shift+Arrow key. (See chapter User Manual/Tools/The Data Window/Numerical data/Modifying a numerical value/Distant Interaction/The Remote Control.)

6. Ending the tool action.

Validate or put the tool aside to end the tool action (depending on the interface). See chapter User Manual/Tools/Generic use of a tool/How do you end a tool action?



The Scale tool is one of the tools that allows you to change the current object while you are using the tool.
To change current object while within the tool:
Þ Press Shift+ESC. The cursor switches to the Wand.
Þ Click on another object; it becomes the current object.


If, while selecting the Scale tool, you also press the Option key, Amapi 3D will automatically create a copy of the current object and the scaling operations will be applied to the copy generated. The original object will reappear at the next screen redraw.