How to Use Modifier Keys to Rotate, Pan and Zoom

Within FEMPRO, you can use modifier keys (Ctrl, Shift, S, X, Y and Z) to modify the function of the mouse or keyboard when rotating, panning and zooming. Whether your model is in the CAD Solid Model, FEA Editor or Superview IV Results environment, these modifier keys provide additional, convenient ways to dynamically view the model.

To dynamically rotate the model, use the "View:Rotate" command sequence (or click on the "Rotate" icon ) and then click and hold the left mouse button anywhere in the display window and drag until the desired viewpoint is achieved. Additionally, you can use modifier keys to rotate the model as follows:

• Hold down the wheel button on the mouse and drag. (See How to Use the Mouse Wheel to Rotate and Zoom.)
• To rotate about the X, Y or Z axis, hold down the X, Y or Z key while rotating.
• To continuously rotate the model, hold down the Ctrl key while rotating and then release the mouse button before releasing the Ctrl key. The model will continue to spin around the current vector with the direction and speed determined by how you were rotating it. You can use other modifier key functions described here to pan or zoom on the rotating model. To stop spinning, press the Esc key or use any pull-down menu command or toolbar icon.
• Use the arrow keys to rotate the model about the perpendicular axes of the screen:
  • Press the left and right arrow keys to rotate about the vertical axis.
  • Press the up and down arrow keys to rotate about the horizontal axis.
  • Hold down the S key and press any arrow key to rotate about the axis normal to the screen.
  • Hold down the X, Y or Z keys and press any arrow key to rotate about the X, Y or Z axis.
  • To change the amount that the view rotates each time you press an arrow key, use the "Tools:Options..." command sequence to access the "Options" dialog and, on the "Graphics" tab, specify the degrees in the "Rotation Increment" field.

To dynamically pan across the screen, use the "View:Pan" command sequence (or click on the "Pan" icon ) and then click and hold the left mouse button anywhere in the display window and drag. Alternatively, you can use the following modifier keys to pan:

• Hold down the Ctrl key and then hold down the mouse wheel button and drag.
• Hold down the Ctrl key and then press the arrow keys.

To dynamically zoom in/out using the mouse, use the "View:Mouse Zoom" command sequence (or click on the "Mouse Zoom" icon ) and then click and hold the left mouse button anywhere in the display window and drag. Alternatively, you can use the following modifier keys to zoom in/out on the model:

• Roll the mouse wheel up to zoom in; roll the mouse wheel down to zoom out. (See How to Use the Mouse Wheel to Rotate and Zoom.)
• Hold down the Shift key and then hold down the mouse wheel button and drag.
• Hold down the Shift key and then press the up or down arrow keys.

The capability to use modifier keys to rotate, pan and zoom within FEMPRO provides added flexibility and convenience when setting up or evaluating a model.

In addition to the modifier keys described here, the number pad keys can be used to change the view in FEMPRO (see How to Change the View Using the Number Pad Keys). For more information about using modifier keys to rotate, pan or zoom in FEMPRO, see the ALGOR User's Guide.