Problems moving along various axes

grizzler

Hello again oh Sages of SketchUp.

A simple question for you if I may. How come sometimes SU only allows me to move items along one axis? I see to frequently encounter problems moving things up and down the Blue Axis more than any other. The problem still occures when I try to follow a line that I've drawn that is on that axis, it just doesn't wove at all.

Dave R

Is it possible the "thing" you're trying to move is a component with gluing characteristics? Or perhaps the thing is part of some other geometry that won't deform?

cotty

@dave r said:

Or perhaps the thing is part of some other geometry that won't deform?

You can check this by pressing the alt key while moving (which forces the autofold function).

grizzler

@dave r said:

Is it possible the "thing" you're trying to move is a component with gluing characteristics? Or perhaps the thing is part of some other geometry that won't deform?

I'm not sure about the "gluing", it's certainly not something I've intentionally done as I just draw the equipment and "make group" when I've finished an item - nothing more. In the case just today I was trying to lower several "groups" in one go within a room that remained where it was, but it would only let me move along the red axis. I ended up having to raise the building instead!

mitcorb

Can you select then use the up down left right arrow keys?

Gaieus

@grizzler said:

@dave r said:

Is it possible the "thing" you're trying to move is a component with gluing characteristics? ...

I'm not sure about the "gluing", it's certainly not something I've intentionally done as I just draw the equipment and "make group" when I've finished an item - nothing more...

Still can be. Example: draw a bigger rectangle and then a smaller inside the bigger. Now double click on this smaller and make a group. Now try to move it up.
No way; it's glued to the plane you drew it on. Right click and if "Unglue" is available in the context menu, select it. Try to move it up now.

grizzler

@mitcorb said:

Can you select then use the up down left right arrow keys?

I've never tried that method before, it seems to lock the axis but the flippin item still won't move. I'm afraid I can't share the drawing as it's one from work.

I've managed to get round it, but I wish I knew why this happens from time to time.

Thanks for your input gents.

Dave R

Next time it happens, turn on Hidden Geometry and see if there's anything connected to the geometry you're trying to move.

You never said, is the "thing" you're trying to move a group, component or loose geometry?

grizzler

@dave r said:

Next time it happens, turn on Hidden Geometry and see if there's anything connected to the geometry you're trying to move.

You never said, is the "thing" you're trying to move a group, component or loose geometry?

There were two components, a handful of groups and various loose geometry. However, when I returned to work today, the problem had somehow disappeared and I was free to move everything however I wanted

Dave R

Well, save the next file it happens on and either post it or send it in a PM so we ca see what is going on. It might help you and someone else avoid problems in the future.

dukejazz

Here is a aid that may help you to understand
by useing Windows - styles - edit - background and then checking sky and ground to on

Now view, when you see mostly the sky background then SU locks on orgin blue axes hieght,
also when you view, mostly ground background then SU locks on orgin width and depth axes.

use the draw tool to see this

but you say its the move tool

its simular

When a move is being done

it can be directed by moving or draging on axes but sometime the control seem to get lost
due to this background view
to fix this click on axes (0) frist then do your move on axes

Also type of alinement can be found here
by useing Windows - model info - file - alinement - glue to

Trogluddite

@gaieus said:

No way; it's glued to the plane you drew it on

- Doh! I must be getting old, I was convinced it was just me making inappropriate glue settings while "sleep-drawing"! Shame there isn't e.g. a different colour selection highlight etc. to indicate glued items - or at least it could show up in the entity info dialogue.