Hint Bar

The hint bar sits at the top of the graphical window. The hint bar's main objective is to guide the user through the execution of functions.

The hint bar shows from left to right the function hints, the function dependent options if applicable, or the last used function and three input fields for the current control position.

Current Control Coordinates

The three input fields are for displaying and entering the current control coordinates.

Note: Using a width grid whose direction is towards the port side is not reflected in the presentation of the breadth (width) values here. The presentation of breadth is always according to the default grid direction, which is towards the starboard. Therefore the port side always has negative breadth values, and the starboard side has positive values.

The values can be pasted into other input fields using keyboard shortcuts. The keyboard shortcuts for pasting the values are, from left to right: Ctrl + Shift + 1, Ctrl + Shift + 2 and Ctrl + Shift + 3. Use these keyboard shortcuts to enter a value into a destination input field.

Function Dependent Options

The 2D drawing and modifying functions that do not have a function panel make use of the Function Dependent Options (FDO). An FDO is a combination of a keyboard shortcut (like 6, 7, 8 or 9) and a keyword. By using the FDO, you can change the state of the function or execute a special function feature. You can activate an FDO by pressing on its keyboard shortcut key or by clicking on its keyword. The FDOs are also accessible through the right mouse button pop-up menu.

Last Used Function

If no function is active, the hint bar shows the last function used. You can activate the last used function by pressing Enter.