Set Active Depth

Use it!

(3D only) Used to graphically set a view's Active Depth — the plane, parallel to the screen in a view, on which data points are entered by default. The Active Depth's value is measured along the view's z-axis.

The Active Depth must be within the view's Display Depth, which is set with the Set Display Depth view control.

To set the Active Depth graphically

1. Make sure at least two views are open.
   It is helpful to have a view open that is orthogonal to the view in which the Active Depth is being set, as well as an isometric view.


2. Select the Set Active Depth view control.


3. Select the view in which to set the Active Depth.
   If an isometric view is open, dynamics (as shown in the illustration) indicate the selected view's Display Depth. As you move the pointer in a different view, a shape indicates the depth of the pointer.


4. Enter a data point in a different view at the desired Active Depth for the view selected in step 3.
   It is often useful to snap to an existing element in the design when you want to place other elements at the same depth.



If useful dynamics do not display in the Isometric view, use the Zoom Out or Fit View view controls in the view control bar until the isometric view can display the volume contained by the view for which the Active Depth is being set.

Setting the Active Depth in the Top view (selected with data point 1) by entering a data point (2) at the desired depth in the Front view. Dynamics in Isometric view show for the Top view: “F:” Front clipping plane. “B:” Back clipping plane. “A:” Active Depth.

To key in the Active Depth

1. Key in ACTIVE ZDEPTH ABSOLUTE <depth>.
   or
   Key in AZ= <depth>.
   Depth is the distance in working units along the view z-axis from the Global Origin to the desired Active Depth.


2. Select the view(s).
   If Depth is not within the view's Display Depth, the Active Depth is automatically changed to the front clipping plane. The change is indicated in the status bar.

To key in the distance to move the Active Depth

1. Key in ACTIVE ZDEPTH RELATIVE <distance>.
   or
   Key in DZ= <distance>.
   Distance is the distance, in working units, to move the Active Depth along the view z-axis.


2. Select the view(s).
   If distance is not within the view's Display Depth, the Active Depth is automatically changed to the front clipping plane. The change is indicated in the status bar.

Key-in: DEPTH ACTIVE