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distribute command in edit-> selection menu seems not to function

CostakonCostakon
in KLayout Support

I don't figure out how edit->selection->distribute function to use, me feels it must be like array of the shapes previously selected to be multiplied, right? or this field just place holder and do not function yet.

Comments

  • MatthiasMatthias

    No, it will take the selected objects and lays them out in a row (horizonal only), column (vertical only) or grid (both). Like this:

    Before:

    With:

    After:

    What you look for is Edit/Selection/Make Array.

    Matthias

  • CostakonCostakon

    Oh! Unexpectedly, you are up to help. Splendid! Of course, on that command coming throw, the base shape to be first selection, the moved shape to be second one (shift inspired). Yet, what is the difference between space and pitch options? Does it stand for the base shape not right (orthogonally) edged?

  • MatthiasMatthias

    @Costakon Why "unexpectedly"? :)

    Regarding your question: pitch and space are two competing specifications. Basically the larger wins.

    With a space of 0.5 and a pitch of 0.0, the horizontal distribution looks this way:

    With a pitch of 1.0 and a space of 0.0, it looks this way:

    Matthias

  • CostakonCostakon

    Sorry, I downplayed this function. Sometimes it may be quite useful anyhow. But how about the so named "tap" one. As to me, that's a actual place holder yet...

  • tomas2004tomas2004

    Hello,

    I also can't figure out what the "Tap" does on the selection, nor can I find any documentation...

    Cheers,

    Tomas

  • MatthiasMatthias

    @tomas2004 Tap basically displays the (visible) layers below the cursor. If you click on one you change the current layer to that one,

    It has a number of use cases. Here are two:

    • See what layers are there. Good for many overlapping shapes.
    • Attach to some feature. Select path mode for example, point to some shape and use "Tap" to change the drawing layer to that shape's layer. This is where the name comes from - you can tap a wire this way.

    Matthias

  • tomas2004tomas2004

    Hi Matthias,

    Thanks for the info!

    It works when placing the cursor on top of a shape or shapes and press the "T" key...

    The menu entry "Edit > Selection > Tap" doesn't do anything though (probably because your cursor is on top of the menu drop down list and not on top of any shape???). It doesn't make sense to have this entry in the "Edit > Selection" list I guess...

    But the Tap function itself is VERY useful!!!

    Cheers,

    Tomas

  • CostakonCostakon

    Thank you both on keeping the discussion. It helps me to become more easy of the editor space. Keyboard entry "T" actually works on the shape areas under the cursor if their layers allowed to be valid.

  • MatthiasMatthias

    @tomas2004 Yes, that's correct. The cursor in not on the shape when you enter the menu :)

    The achitecture is uniform, meaning keys can be bound to menu items, hence there needs to be one. But I agree, that is not really intuitive.

    Matthias

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