Draw

The Draw tool allows you to draw new nodes, members or plates and attach them to existing nodes, members or plates. Nodes are automatically generated at the ends of each member or plate vertex. If a member or plate is attached to the intermediate point of an existing member, the existing member is subdivided into two and a node is automatically inserted at the intersection point.

 When in drawing mode you can control the numbering of new nodes, members and plates being drawn by pressing the keyboard N, M or P keys and then specifying the number of the next node, member or plate to be drawn. Alternatively, you can simply let SPACE GASS find the next available node, member or plate. You can easily renumber any nodes, members or plates later using the Renumber tool.

For nodes, the procedure is as follows.

1. Click the toolbar button to start the node drawing tool.
   
   

2. Pick a point anywhere on the graphics screen to create the node or simply type in its coordinates.
   
   Don't forget that when drawing in the renderer, you can "lock on" to a node or member and then align with an orthogonal line or an extension line from the "locked on" node or member. You can also align with one of the three global axes. For more information, refer to Attachment and alignment methods. Remember also that when drawing, you can use the mouse or you can simply type in the coordinates of the desired point(s). For more information, refer to "Positioning points using the keyboard".
   
    

3. Repeat step 2 to create other nodes.
    

4. Press ESC or the right mouse button to end the operation.
    

5. Return to step 1 above to draw another node, or press ESC or the right mouse button to exit from the tool.
    

 If you make a mistake when positioning a node you can simply double-click it and then change its coordinates in the node properties panel.

For members, the procedure is as follows.

1. Click the toolbar button to start the member drawing tool.
   
   Note that you can switch to drawing plates by pressing the T key to switch to drawing triangular plates or the Q key to switch to drawing quadrilateral plates. You can switch back to drawing members by pressing the M key.
   
    

2. Pick the start of a new member. This can be a new point not connected to existing members or plates, or it can be an existing member or plate end point or member intermediate point.
   
   Don't forget that when drawing in the renderer, you can attach to other nodes or members, or you can "lock on" to a node or member and then align with an orthogonal line or an extension line from the "locked on" node or member. You can also align with one of the three global axes. For more information, refer to Attachment and alignment methods. Remember also that when drawing, you can use the mouse or you can simply type in the coordinates of the desired point(s). For more information, refer to "Positioning points using the keyboard".
   
    

3. Pick the end of the new member. Again, this can be a new point or a point on an existing member or plate.
    

4. If you wish to draw another member that extends from the end of the member just drawn then pick another end point. You can keep picking end points for additional members.
    

5. Press ESC or the right mouse button to end the operation.
    

6. Return to step 1 above to draw another member, or press ESC or the right mouse button to exit from the tool.
    

 Be careful when subdividing or connecting to intermediate points on members that have local Y or Z member offsets. Because local offsets are calculated relative to a straight line joining the member’s end nodes, they will change direction if you add intermediate nodes. It is therefore recommended that you should always convert any local Y or Z member offsets to global before adding intermediate nodes.

 If you wish to draw multiple members between the same two nodes, you will need to first activate the "Allow duplicates when drawing new members" option in the "General configuration" item of the Config menu.

For plates, the procedure is as follows.

1. Click the or toolbar button to start the plate drawing tool and then select between drawing triangular or quadrilateral plates.
   
   Note that you can switch between drawing triangular or quadrilateral plates while drawing by pressing the T key to switch to drawing triangular plates or the Q key to switch to drawing quadrilateral plates. You can also switch to drawing members by pressing the M key.
   
   Note also that while in quadrilateral plate drawing mode, you can draw triangular plates by simply double-clicking the 4th node.
   
    

2. Pick the start of a new plate. This can be a new point not connected to existing members or plates, or it can be an existing member or plate end point or member intermediate point.
   
   Don't forget that when drawing in the renderer, you can attach to other nodes or members, or you can "lock on" to a node or member and then align with an orthogonal line or an extension line from the "locked on" node or member. You can also align with one of the three global axes. For more information, refer to Attachment and alignment methods. Remember also that when drawing, you can use the mouse or you can simply type in the coordinates of the desired point(s). For more information, refer to "Positioning points using the keyboard".
   
    

3. Pick the next vertex of the new plate. Again, this can be a new point or a point on an existing member or plate.
    

4. Pick the third and fourth (if a quadrilateral plate) vertices of the new plate.
    

5. If you wish to draw another plate that extends from the end of the plate just drawn then pick another point. You can keep picking points for additional plates.
    

6. Press ESC or the right mouse button to end the operation.
    

7. Return to step 1 above to draw another plate, or press ESC or the right mouse button to exit from the tool.
    

 You can draw triangular plates while in quadrilateral plate drawing mode by double-clicking the 4th node of quadrilateral plates.

 While drawing, you can switch between drawing members or plates by pressing the M key to switch to drawing members, the T key to switch to drawing triangular plates or the Q key to switch to drawing quadrilateral plates.

 Plates must be flat (ie. all vertices in the same plane).

 After drawing some members or plates, if you are not sure that they are properly connected to other nodes, members or plates, you can use the "Connectivity" tool.