Moving an object parallel in AutoCAD typically involves using the Parallel Object Snap (Osnap) feature. This constraint allows you to define the direction of movement so that it runs parallel to an existing line or object segment in your drawing.
There are two primary ways to utilize the Parallel Osnap during a move operation: the standard Osnap acquisition method and the Osnap Override method using Shift + Right-click, as highlighted in the reference information.
Method 1: Using Standard Parallel Osnap Acquisition
This is the most common method, relying on AutoCAD's ability to automatically acquire the Parallel Osnap when hovering near a reference object.
Steps to Move Parallel:
- Start the Move Command:
- Type
MOVEin the command line and press Enter. - Alternatively, click the Move icon in the Modify panel.
- Type
- Select Objects: Select the object(s) you want to move and press Enter.
- Specify Base Point: Click a point on or near the object to use as the base point for the move.
- Define Parallel Direction:
- Without clicking the second point, move your cursor towards the existing line or object segment you want to move parallel to.
- Hover your cursor over the reference line for a moment to "acquire" the Parallel Osnap. A small glyph and tooltip will appear indicating the Parallel Osnap (
PAR). - Once acquired, move your cursor away from the reference line. AutoCAD will display a dashed tracking line that is parallel to the acquired object.
- Specify Distance or Destination:
- Move the cursor along the parallel tracking line to the desired location and click.
- Alternatively, type the desired distance in the command line and press Enter to move the object that distance along the parallel direction.
Tip: Ensure that the Parallel Osnap (PAR) is turned on in your Osnap settings (OSNAP command or Status Bar).
Method 2: Using Shift + Right-Click Osnap Override (Based on Reference)
The provided reference points to using Shift + Right-click to access Osnap overrides, specifically mentioning the "Parallel" option. This is a useful technique when the standard Osnap acquisition is difficult or you want to explicitly force a specific Osnap.
Steps Using Override:
- Start the Move Command:
- Type
MOVEand press Enter, or click the Move icon.
- Type
- Select Objects: Select the object(s) to move and press Enter.
- Specify Base Point: Click a point on or near the object.
- Activate Parallel Osnap Override:
- Hold down the Shift key.
- Right-click on your mouse.
- A temporary Osnap menu will appear.
- Click on "Parallel" from the list. (This step is directly mentioned in the reference).
- Define Parallel Reference:
- The command line will prompt you to "Select line object for parallel constraint".
- Click on the existing line or object segment that defines the parallel direction you want.
- Specify Distance or Destination:
- Now, as you move your cursor, AutoCAD will constrain the movement direction to be parallel to the line you just selected.
- Move along the constrained path and click to place the object, or type a distance and press Enter.
This Shift + Right-click method guarantees that you are using the Parallel Osnap and allows you to precisely select the reference object for parallelism, rather than relying on automatic acquisition.
Summary of Methods
| Feature | Standard Osnap Acquisition | Shift + Right-Click Override |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Generally faster for simple cases | Explicit control, good for crowded areas |
| Reference Acquisition | Hover over line to acquire | Click on line to define |
| Activation | Automatic when Osnap is on & near object | Manual via Shift + Right-click menu |
| Reliability | Can sometimes be tricky in complex drawings | Highly reliable, forces the constraint |
| Reference Source | Standard AutoCAD behavior | Explicitly mentioned in provided reference |
By utilizing the Parallel Osnap through either standard acquisition or the Shift + Right-click override method, you can accurately move objects in AutoCAD such that their displacement vector is parallel to existing geometry.
