Shapes - Rectangles

The Rectangles function allows you to create a shape (Rectangle or Square) to specific measurements by selecting Settings ---> Codes. A dialog box will appear in which you can create or modify an existing code as seen below:

If you require information on creating rectangles in CAD format, click here (CAD Rectangles)   

There are seven methods of displaying rectangular and square shapes.

2 Pt Rectangle - This option creates a rectangle from two points which should represent one of its sides.  The width of the rectangle is provided in the Width dimension, normally W.  If the width value is positive, the rectangle will be created to the right of the two points.

2 Pt Rect Cent - This option creates a rectangle from two points at either end of one of its axes of symmetry.  The width of the rectangle is provided in the Width dimension, normally W.  The sign of the width dimension makes no difference to the rectangle construction.

3 Pt Rectangle - This option creates a rectangle from three points.  The first two points represent one of its sides.  The width of the rectangle is calculated as the perpendicular offset of the third point from the line joining the first and second points.

3 Pt Rect Cnt - This option creates a rectangle from three points.  The second and third points represent one of its sides.  The width of the rectangle is calculated as twice the perpendicular offset of the first point from the line joining the second and third points

2 Pt Ortho Rect - This option creates a rectangle from two points which represent a diagonal.  The rectangle is always orthogonal in the current co-ordinate system so the sides will be generated east-west and north-south.  This type of shape is used in building elevation surveys to represent doors and windows

2 Pt Square - This option creates a square from two points which represent one of the sides of the square.  The square will be created the right of the two points.

2 Pt Diag Square - This option creates a square from two points which represent one of the diagonals of the square

2 Pt Rectangle	2 Pt Rect Cent	3 Pt Rectangle	3 Pt Rect Cent
2 Pt Ortho Rect	2 Pt Square	2 Pt Diag Square

The Open Rectangle check button applies to the 2 Pt Rectangle and 3 Pt Rectangle options.  If ticked, the side of the rectangle that is opposite the side created by the first two points will not be displayed.  An example of where this may be used is where a rectangular conservatory has been added to the side of a house.