Draw Polygon

Polygons (e.g. Triangles, Pentagons, Hexagons etc.) can be created interactively with the cursor and Quick Keys or by entering the number of sides, exact coordinates and radius using typed input.

Note: Pressing the Space-bar re-opens the last vector creation form you used. This is very useful when using other forms in between each shape you create.

Interactive - Cursor

The quickest and easiest way to draw a polygon is by using the mouse in the 2D View.

Click and hold the left mouse button to indicate the center point.
Drag the mouse while holding down the left mouse to required radius.
Release the left mouse button to complete the shape.

Note: Holding Alt and dragging creates a Polygon from the middle point.

As the cursor is dragged across the screen so the radius is dynamically updated. The increments will depend upon your snap radius and the job size.

Quick Keys

Instead of releasing the left mouse button when you have dragged your shape to the required size, you can also type exact values during the dragging process and set properties precisely.

Left-click and drag out your shape in the 2D View.
With the left mouse button still pressed, enter a quick key sequence detailed below.
Release the left mouse button.

Default

By default, entering a single values will be used to set the radius of your polygon. While you are dragging out the polygon, type Radius ValueEnter to create a polygon with the precisely specified radius.

Example

Keys	Result
`2.5Enter`	Creates a polygon with a radius of 2.5, all other settings as per the form.

Specifying Further Properties

By using specific letter keys after your value, you can also indicate precisely which property it relates to.

Quick Keys	Result
`ValueD`	Creates a polygon with the diameter (D) specified, with all other properties as per the form.
`ValueSValueR`	Creates a polygon with the specified number of sides (S) and the outer radius (R).
`ValueSValueD`	Creates a polygon with the specified number of sides (S) and the outer diameter (D).

Examples

Keys	Result
`1R`	Outer radius (R) 1, number of sides as per form.
`1D`	Outer diameter (D) 1, number of sides as per form.
`8S1R`	An 8 sided (S) polygon with an outer radius (R) of 1.
`6S2.5D`	A 6 sided (S) polygon with an outer diameter (R) of 2.5.

Note: These key combinations must be pressed whilst dragging with the mouse during shape creation.

Exact Size

Polygons can also be drawn by entering the required XY origin , selecting either Radius or Diameter and entering the required size.

Click Apply to update the circle.

Edit

Open the Draw Polygon form and select the circle to modify.

The selected circle is displayed as a dotted magenta line.

Edit the Number of Sides and Radius.
Click Apply to update the circle.

To modify another polygon without closing the form hold the Shift key down and select the next polygon.

Close the form

To finish drawing with the tool, you can:

Click Close on the form
Press the Esc key
Click the Right mouse button in the 2D View.