Can one use the orbit tool with precision?

djh

Can one use the orbit tool with precision? For example, orbit along the x-axis. Look at a front view of the object and orbit underneath it and keep the same axis. I realize that could rotate the object, but I want to keep it in the same position with the other objects in the file.

Thank you in advance for your gracious help.

DJH

Box

Sometimes people have problems with orbit if they have orientated their model incorrectly.
The global axis should solid blue going up, solid red going to the right and solid green going into the distance.

It's also important to remember that the cursor is the focus of the tool, therefore where you have the cursor affects how it orbits.

mitcorb

Hmmm. I almost replied in this way:
"Are you asking about camera roll? or Scene animation?"
Just goes to show you how diverse one's interpretations can be.

pilou

Not exactly Orbit tool but...maybe this can be useful?
Mover2 by Jim

Axes tool by Thomthom

djh

@box said:

Sometimes people have problems with orbit if they have orientated their model incorrectly.
The global axis should solid blue going up, solid red going to the right and solid green going into the distance.

It's also important to remember that the cursor is the focus of the tool, therefore where you have the cursor affects how it orbits.

The model is oriented correctly. The global axis solid blue is going up, solid red going to the right and solid green going into the distance. What I wish to do, for example, is start with the side view. The green line is at 3:00 9:00. Can I control/limit/keep the orbit around the model so the the green line will remain at 3:00 9:00?

Box

Are you talking about when you are working on the model or do you want to be able to show this type of move to others?

djh

When I'm working on it.

Box

Like this?

Box

But it is easier with a spacemouse.

3d Spacemouse.gif

Box

I guess it'll be two years again for the next installment.

djh

@box said:

I guess it'll be two years again for the next installment.

One must have a spacemouse to constrain the rotation?

djh

@box said:

Like this?

Yes. How did you do it?

slbaumgartner

Drag exactly horizontally.

Box

My first gif shows me simply using orbit with the the middle mouse button. No tricks or fancy hardware. Just click and drag horizontally.

djh

Box, I have a Microsoft Wireless Mouse 5000. The middle wheel button doesn't do anything. I suppose that I need to get a different mouse. Thank you for your advice.

Box

That begs the question, how long have you been using SU without a working navigation system.
You may only need to adjust the mouse settings. Find the settings for the mouse and set the wheel to Middle Mouse click or equivalent.

djh

I don't know. It still doesn't work for me. See attached.

Dave R

Can you make the middle button do anything? Even in a different application? A while back I taught a SketchUp class in a school where they provided the computer. The Microsoft mouse they had required an awful lot of pressure to get that button to work. I wound up bringing in my own wireless mouse and using it instead.

djh

What mouse do you use?

Dave R

I use Logitech mice on both my Mac and PC. Different models neither of which I can remember. The one I use on the Mac was the least expensive wireless Logitech mouse I could get locally. The other came with a wireless keyboard.