Construction Aid Beam > Parallel, Numerical (Construct Menu)

This command draws a Construction Aid beam which runs parallel to a line of any type.

The suffix "Numerical" shows that the distance between the two lines is a specific, fixed distance entered via a dialog. If the numeric value of the distance is not known, and the distance is to be specified implicitly by using the mouse to enter the start point, then the command Construction Aid Beam > Parallel should be used instead.

After choosing the command, a dialog appears into which the distance can be entered.

Any line in an existing object can be identified as a reference line, including a side of a rectangle or a circle segment leg.

After identification, a straight line which runs parallel to the identified line and moves when the mouse is moved close to the identified line. This line is referred to as the "Reference Straight Line".

The start point of the Construction Aid beam can be entered by clicking the mouse anywhere in the drawing.

The second point on the Construction Aid beam can be entered by clicking the mouse anywhere in the drawing. A perpendicular is dropped from this position to the reference straight line to determine the direction of the new Construction Aid beam.