I would like to for a duplicated object to always appear in-view.
As it currently stands, a duplicated object can be created out of view, requiring a focus change, using zoom out or zoom to Picked Object, to locate the dupicate for further work.
Ctrl-D seems to attempt to make some kind of determination as to where the duplicate is placed, sometimes to upper right of original, sometimes to lower left of original, not necessarily using the Tools Options | Document | General | Duplicate Offset -> Horizonal/Vertical values.
In fact, the Horizontal/Vertical values seem to be completely ignored, as, for example, I have these to values set to 5mm, and I am duplicating a 2mm circular object, which is not necessarily positioned to the right and upward of the original, but sometimes dead atop the original, and sometimes out of view, maybe 20-30mm away from the original.
You can setup the distance of Duplicates on the property bar. A negative value means left or down, while a positive value means right or up.
keith20mm said:
Shift+F2
I also note that if you Duplicate an object, it might or might not be placed at the step and repeat setting.
Try this:
Draw a circle, 2mm diameter. Set your step to x=5mm, y=5mm
Zoom in on the circle, select it, and Duplicate Ctrl-D. Now drag the newbie a little way off, maybe 4 mm or so, and now Ctrl-D with the still-selected newbie.
When I do this, the x and y setting for repeat is ignored, the newbie is placed in oddly selected coordinates.
It will Duplicate almost as in Step & Repeat - ie if you make a duplicate and move it somewhere, and then, without deselecting it, duplicate it again, it will move to the same position relative to the original as your first duplicate was. Likewise, if, without deselecting the duplicate, you change its size, the next duplicate will change size by the same proportions. Is this where you are having problems?
Gordon G said:It will Duplicate almost as in Step & Repeat - ie if you make a duplicate and move it somewhere, and then, without deselecting it, duplicate it again, it will move to the same position relative to the original as your first duplicate was. Likewise, if, without deselecting the duplicate, you change its size, the next duplicate will change size by the same proportions
You are correct!
That behavior seems wildly non-intuitive to me.
Perhaps someone can show me where that is documented in the User Guide.