Is there a script that will let me enter the desired length of an arc as I'm creating it, like a tape measure?

I'm following a tutorial on building a real-world object and it says to measure on a plastic sphere so many cm from the north pole, towards the equator.

Hi propmaster, there is a plug-in here that will show the length of the current curve that is being drawn:
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=2703.12

If you want to enter in a length you could do that by formula. Check out here:
http://moi3d.com/forum/index.php?webtag=MOI&msg=2558.2

- Michael

Hi propmaster, for the next v4 beta I've added a Length field to the Arc Center command. So you'll be able to see the length displayed there as you move the mouse around and you can also enter in a length value there as well and it will calculate the angle for you.



- Michael

Oh wow! Thank you for this!

I tried the methods in your links and I *think* I did it right? It looks like it's pretty close, anyway.

This is all so very helpful. You're the best, Michael!

-Patrick

You're welcome Patrick! To double check if you did it right you can now get the length of a curve in v4 by selecting it and then using Details... > Curve properties > Length .

- Michael

In the same order of idea...not possible to have this helper Middle?
(sorry i have used the French version! :)

Hi Pilou,

re:
> In the same order of idea...not possible to have this helper Middle?

It could be possible to make that work but what would be the benefit? Why would you want to snap at that location on the curve you show there?

- Michael

I had the case where i must draw something (another curves or anything else) between the middle of 2 similar curves or not for make some exotic chercherboards on surfaces where angles were different than the Iso curves!

Not vital but practical...I can of course use Transform Array/ Curve with 3 Points ;) but...

Hi Pilou, right - if you do need that particular point for some reason Transform > Array > Curve can place a point there for you.

Since it is so rarely needed there is not really any benefit for having it as part of the default snaps. In fact it is bad to have a lot of snaps showing that are only useful in extremely rare circumstances. Each snap added can make it a little harder to access other ones.

- Michael

Yes and surelly takes more time for calculate them...so i will use my little trick for critical things! ;)