Using Quick Input Methods

Quick Input provides a command entry interface near the pointer, so you can keep focus on geometry.

The main elements of quick input are the tooltips near the pointer, which act as inputs for coordinates, distances, lengths, angels, and more. When you move the pointer, the tooltips track coordinate positions, lengths, angles, and so on.

Quick Input does not completely replace command window functionality. For example, the command window displays prompts, options, error messages, requested information, and file lists.

Quick Input Methods

Quick Input methods include:
  • Quick prompts
    • When no command is active, an input box for command entry appears as you type.

      If you activated the display of a suggestion list, this list appears along with the input box.

    • Press the Up key to display and select:
      • Recently used commands when no command is active.
      • Recently specified points when running a command. A marker displays in the graphics area at the point's position.
    • Press the Down key to display recently specified points in the opposite direction.
  • Pointer input
    • Input boxes let you specify coordinates of points; for example, the start point of a line, the center point of a circle, a vertex point of a PolyLine, a control point of a Spline, a tangent point, or a Block insertion point. Press Tab to cycle through the input boxes.

      Examples:

      Start point

      Next point

    • When no command is active, tooltips display the location of the pointer as coordinates.

You can turn individual methods on or off and control the behavior of these methods, and adjust the tooltip appearance with the Options command. To turn Quick Input one and off, do one of the following:
  • Click the QInput button on the status bar.
  • Right-click QInput on the status bar, and click On or Off.
  • Press the F12 key.