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SimApp User Manual
5.4.3
Drawing Functions
Important auxiliary keys
Snap objects to grid
If you draw signal lines and insert simulation blocks, it is rather difficult to keep the object on a line. To simplify the precise placing of objects and drawing of exact vertical and horizontal lines use the grid. Choose
whether all objects drawn or pasted into the drawing should snap automatically to the grid. This feature is
very helpful for drawing block diagrams since you do not need the high resolution SimApp offers. The connecting of nodes is much simplified and you do not need to constantly align line segments.
), if the grid is too wide for special drawing
You can temporarily switch off the snap-to-grid function (with
operations. But if you forget to switch it on again, your subsequent objects may not align with the grid. If then
you switch snap-to-grid back on and try to attach the objects to each other, you will realize that it does not
work. The objects will lie on different grids.
SimApp differentiates between a global and an object-oriented grid. The global grid corresponds to the dots
in the drawing. The object-oriented grid refers its origin to the location of the object. But the grid width is the
same. Thus, if you move an object without snapping, its grid will not match the global grid any longer
To move selected objects to the grid, press the Lock into grid button .
Tip: Never switch off the snap-to-grid function. Press the Alt-key temporarily while dragging an object if you
want to place an object more precisely. While the Alt-key is pressed, snap is off.
5.4.4
Grouping objects
Grouping objects can simplify the task of working with several objects simultaneously. Select all objects you
want to put in a group and press the Group button . Ungroup a group by pressing the Ungroup button .
5.5
Important auxiliary keys
When you draw block diagrams you usually use the mouse. For some actions, however, you also need one
or two keys. SimApp uses the following extra keys:
Alt-key
The effects of the Alt-key depend on the current operation:
• Pressing the Alt-key while drawing, inserting or moving objects, the snap function is temporarily off. This
is useful if you want to place some objects more precisely.
• Press the Alt-key before pressing the mouse button if you want to move palette pages or palette buttons.
Ctrl-key
The effects of the Ctrl-key depend on the current operation:
• When moving of objects: Causes an object to be copied. To copy or double an object, press the Ctrl-key
before releasing the mouse button. This is also valid for copying objects to the palette or to a library.
• When inserting objects from the palette: Reverses the default setting in the program options "Select
object after insertion"
Shift-key
The Shift-key can be used when drawing lines or other objects to cause alignment along 45 degree lines. It
is also helpful in drawing exact squares or circles. If this mode is turned on permanently through
switches it off temporarily.
the shift
Normally, a selection of multiple signal lines and blocks can be moved as a unit while other signal lines remain attached. Hold the shift key while dragging the selected objects in order to disconnect them from the
rest of the model while moving them to a new place. In the program options you may set that signal lines
always mutually detach.
Esc-key
The Esc-key is an abort key when drawing polylines, signal lines and text.
Space-bar
Press the space bar to suppress auto scrolling. This is useful if you want to move an object to the palette.
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