Straightedge Tools

Use the Straightedge tools to construct straight objects: segments, rays, and lines. Each straight object constructed by one of these tools is determined by two points.

Use the Segment tool to construct a segment between its two endpoints.

Use the Ray tool to construct a ray from one endpoint through another point.

Use the Line tool to construct a line through two points.

A straightedge is a ruler without marks. It can be used for drawing straight lines but not for measuring.

With any Straightedge tool active, you can switch to other Straightedge tools by holding down the Shift key and pressing the left or right arrow key on your keyboard.

When Sketchpad starts, the active Straightedge tool is the Segment tool. Choose a different Straightedge tool by pressing and holding on the Straightedge tool icon in the Toolbox. When you press and hold, a menu pops out and you can choose any of the three tools.

Related Commands

There are several commands in the Construct menu that construct straight objects without using the Straightedge tool.

· Segment, Ray, and Line commands construct straight objects determined by two or more selected points.

· Perpendicular Line and Parallel Line construct a line through a selected point that is perpendicular or parallel to a selected straight object.

· Angle Bisector constructs a ray that bisects the angle formed by three selected points.

Subtopics:
To Construct a Segment
To Construct a Ray
To Construct a Line
Attaching a Straight Object to an Existing Object
Constructing Straight Objects at Specific Angles