Add Reference Line Tool

What it Does

Draws a guide line that starts at a point. A reference line helps you line things up while you draft. It is drawn in pink so it is easy to tell from your pattern lines, and other tools do not treat it as a pattern edge.

Use this when you need a straight guide, such as a level line across the page or a line that continues the direction of an edge.

How to Use

1. Activate the tool by selecting the Add Reference Line icon
2. Select the point where the line should start, then select Continue
3. Under Select the direction:, choose Horizontal, Vertical or On Vector, then select Continue
4. If you chose On Vector, select the point the line should run toward, then select Continue. The line follows the direction from the start point to this point
5. Under Select Length:, choose how far the line should go, then select Continue
   • Extend from point out in one direction. draws the line from the start point to the edge of the workspace
   • Extend from point out in both directions. draws the line across the whole workspace, through the start point
   • Extend from point a set distance. draws a line of the length you enter
6. If you chose a set distance, enter the Distance, in the unit shown, then select Preview
7. If the line goes the wrong way, select Other Side. This button is not shown for a line in both directions
8. Enter a name in the Name box
9. Select Save to keep the line, or Cancel to leave without adding it

info

For a set distance you can type a number or a formula. See Entering Values.

info

The distance must be greater than 0. If it is 0 or empty, a message asks you to enter a distance and nothing is drawn.

🧠Memorization

When you memorize a draft, the reference line is remembered along with the direction and length you chose.