Note: Axis Locking is only available with the new draw tools, which are turned off by default. To enable them:
Click the Settings icon (gear) in the viewer.
Expand the Developer section.
Turn on the Use new draw tools toggle.
Axis Locking helps users draw and measure along true horizontal and vertical lines in SKAND. When an axis is locked, the next point snaps to that direction from the previous point, so users can capture accurate heights, clearances, and level distances without relying on freehand clicking.
Axis Locking is available in the Advanced, Simple, and Linear Asset workspaces, and works in both 3D mode and Panorama Walkthrough mode. How users lock an axis depends on the workspace and the tool being used:
Workspace | Measurement tool | Annotation tools |
Advanced | Not available | Keyboard shortcuts (Pen tool) |
Simple | Dropdown or keyboard shortcuts | Keyboard shortcuts |
Linear Asset | Dropdown or keyboard shortcuts | Keyboard shortcuts |
Axis Lock Options
Lock | Keyboard shortcut (both Mac and Windows) | What it does |
Horizontal | Hold Shift | Keeps the next point level with the previous point |
Vertical | Hold Ctrl | Keeps the next point directly above or below the previous point |
Because a locked point follows the axis rather than the surface under the cursor, users can place points where there is no model data, such as above a roofline or in open sky. This is useful for measuring the full height of a structure from its base.
Understanding the XYZ Target Indicator
While drawing, a small three-axis marker (red, green, and blue lines) appears at the cursor target. It shows exactly where the next point will land in 3D space. When an axis lock is active, the marker helps users confirm the point is following the intended direction before clicking.
Axis Locking in the Advanced Workspace
Users draw and measure with the Pen tool from the annotation tools, and lock an axis with keyboard shortcuts. Segment lengths are displayed on the line as each point is placed.
Click the Pen in the annotation tools.
Click in the 3D scene to place the first point.
Hold Ctrl while moving the cursor to lock vertical axis.
Click to place the point along the locked axis. Release the key to return to free placement.
Optional: Hold Shift while moving the cursor to lock horizontal axis. Repeat for the remaining points, then click Done.
Axis Locking in the Simple Workspace
In the Simple workspace, the Measurement tool includes a dropdown for choosing a locked axis. Annotation tools use keyboard shortcuts only.
Measurement Tool
Click the Measurement tool icon in the toolbar.
Select one of the following:
Vertical measurement to lock all new segments vertically.
Horizontal measurement to lock all new segments horizontally.
The standard measurement option for unrestricted placement.
Click in the scene to place the first point, then click to place the next point along the locked axis.
Click Done to finish the measurement.
Users can switch between Vertical measurement, Horizontal measurement, and the standard Measurement option while a measurement is in progress. This makes it easy to trace the outline of a wall or façade, for example measuring up, across, and back down in a single measurement.
Axis Locking in the Linear Asset Workspace
TThe Linear Asset workspace includes both the Measurement tool and the annotation tools in the toolbar above the 3D view, and axis locking works the same way as in the other workspaces:
Measurement tool: Users can lock an axis from the Measurement tool dropdown by selecting Vertical measurement or Horizontal measurement, or by holding Shift (horizontal) or Ctrl (vertical) while placing points. Follow the steps in Axis Locking in the Simple Workspace.
Annotation tools: Users can lock an axis by holding Shift (horizontal) or Ctrl (vertical) while drawing with a tool such as Pen. Follow the steps in Axis Locking in the Advanced Workspace.
Tips
Use Vertical lock to measure building heights, pole heights, or overhead clearances.
Use Horizontal lock to measure level spans, setbacks, or widths that are not affected by sloping ground.
Hold the shortcut key before clicking. Releasing it before the click places the point freely.
Use Undo in the floating drawing toolbar to remove the last point if it lands in the wrong place.