9.5.2

486 • CHAPTER 8
TOOLS MENU • 487
The default size of the Y-axis in the object system is 1.0. For example, if you re-size the X-axis from
1.0 to 2.0, the object doubles in size along the X-axis. This results in a distortion of the object system,
making precise construction more difcult since all local positions are now also distorted and no
longer correspond to the length units of the world system. Therefore we recommend that you do not
scale using the Object tool during the modeling process. Use the Model tool instead.
When using the Model tool and Scale tool, some object types, such as
parametric primitives, can only be scaled uniformly. To scale these objects
non-uniformly, either enter the new size in the Attribute manager or use the
Object tool.
To constrain (i.e. lock) scaling to one axis only, drag the box at the end of that axis. This saves you
from having to lock axes manually.
You can also lock the scaling to an axis by double-clicking the box for that axis, which will then turn
yellow. You can then drag from any position in the viewport to scale the object along the locked axis
(you no longer need to drag the box itself). To change which axis is locked, click one of the other axis
boxes. To unlock the axis, double-click its box or any other axis box.
To scale the selected object without its children, Ctrl-drag the object in the viewport.
To constrain the object’s scaling to a plane, such as the XY plane, hold down Shift and drag an axis
box (in this case, drag the box for the Z-axis). Release the Shift key once you have started to drag the
object, otherwise the object will snap to the grid.
Scaling multiple objects
When multiple objects are selected, a shared axis system appears in the viewport between the selected
objects. You can scale the objects using the shared axis system or you can scale the objects using any
one of their object axis systems (click the origin of the object axis system that you want to use).
Attribute manager settings
Modeling Axis
Look up ‘modexling axis’ in the index.
Snap Settings
Look up ‘snap settings’ in the index.