PDS:Set Half Tool
Use the Set Half tool to create a symmetrical image of a piece. This is a very powerful tool, which is used on almost every PDS file. When a piece is halved, all actions performed on the original half are applied to the other half. Unlike the Set Mirror Line Tool, you can work only on the 'real' half – and not on the 'reflected' half, which is represented as a grid of lines. Using Set Half is almost always preferable to using Mirror Half, mainly because OptiTex 3D recognizes the halved pieces, and saves considerable time by allowing you to stitch only half of the stitches. Although we recommend keeping it in view, you can hide the reflected half through the View & Selection option.
Contents |
Icon & Location
- (H)
- Toolbox: Half Symmetry
Operation
- Invoke the Set Half tool.
- Select the mirror line by clicking on the first and last point - piece is set to half.
Common Usage Example
 1. Click on the first point |
 2. Click on the last point |
 3. The symmetric half is shown as a grid |
 4. When changing the geometry, by moving a segment of the contour of the 'real' half ... |
 5. ... the geometry of the reflected half is changed as well |
Internal Objects Inside Half Piece
 6. When adding an internal object (an internal contour, button, circle, etc.), it appears also on the reflected half… |
 7. ... unless the Reflection field is disabled in the Internal Object Properties |
Creating A Curved Angle On The Symmetry Line
When setting a piece to half, you need to use the Arc Tool. The following examples show a convenient work flow.
 8. This piece is set to Half |
 9. Use the Arc Tool to create a curved shape |
 10. The shape appears in the reflected half |
Keyboard Shortcuts
- F2 – opens the Line Direction dialog.
- . (Period) – restricts the cursor movement to the X axis (press ESC to exit this mode).
- .(Period) + Shift - restricts the cursor movement to the Y axis (press ESC to exit this mode).
