Translate 1.00 (10-Oct-96)

Purpose: ArtWorks module for object translation
Author:  Martin Wrthner
Status:  BirthdayWare (see [5] below for details)

Welcome to a free ArtWorks module!

This module provides a tool which allows you to translate objects by
specific amounts (e.g. 1cm to the right). This does not sound too
spectacular, but it is a feature which was really missing from
ArtWorks. Try it and you will see that it is useful.

There is a much more interesting non-commercial ArtWorks module called
"Polygon" (also written by me) which is ShareWare and allows you to create
and edit regular polygons and stars in ArtWorks. Do not miss it if you
are a serious ArtWorks user.

1) Installation

Copy the !Translate application inside the !ArtWorks.Auto directory.
This will cause ArtWorks to load the module automatically next time
it is started.

If you are not using the 'Quick start' feature of ArtWorks, then this
is it already. Otherwise (this is recognized by the fact the ArtWorks
only displays one icon 'Quick start' when starting up) you have to go on:

If the 'Quick start' option is selected in the ArtWorks choices window
you have to perform the following steps in order for ArtWorks to recognize
the new module:

* Load ArtWorks
* Open the ArtWorks choices window (icon bar menu 'Choices...', then
  click on the ArtWorks icon in the ArtWorks global choices window)
* Deselect 'Quick start' and click on 'Save'
* Quit ArtWorks
* Reload ArtWorks - while loading ArtWorks shows every module it loads
* Open the ArtWorks choices window
* Select 'Quick start' and click on 'Save'

If you ever should want to deinstall the module, remove the !Translate
directory from the !ArtWorks.Auto directory. Then, if you are using
the 'Quick start' option, you must repeat the same steps above.


2) The Translate module

The Translate module displays an additional tool, the Translate tool,
in the ArtWorks tool box. The tool looks like four arrows pointing
to the left, the right, the top and the bottom.

When you select the tool, the info bar displays the fields 'Offset X',
and 'Offset Y' and the action button 'Get Grid'. Also, it displays
the standard ArtWorks 3 by 3 matrix of small buttons (although the
button in the middle is missing).

While the tool is selected, you may move the current selection by
the amount specified in the 'Offset X' and 'Offset Y' fields by
either clicking on one of the small buttons in the 3 by 3 matrix
or by using the arrow keys (or Ctrl-Shift-arrow keys). The reason
for allowing the arrow keys with Ctrl-Shift as well is that while
the caret is in one of the writable fields, the cursor keys are
used to move the caret, so you have to use Ctrl-Shift-arrow to move
the selection.

The value in 'Offset X' is taken for horizontal moves, the value in
'Offset Y' is taken for vertical moves. Note that you can move the
selection diagonally if you use the corresponding buttons on the
3 by 3 matrix. To change the offset values, enter a new value in
any unit of measurement allowed by ArtWorks and press Return. The
values are remembered even if you change the tool. Note that after
you entered a new value, the caret is still in the writable field,
so the cursor keys cannot be used to move the selection. Use Ctrl-
Shift-cursor key instead or simply click in the main window to
take the caret away from the input field.

By clicking on 'Get Grid' the current values of the grid are filled
in, e.g. if your current grid is 1cm with 2 subdivisions, the offsets
are both changed to 5mm. This option works independent of the 'Lock
to grid' setting.

The module fully supports the Undo system of ArtWorks. The name of
the operation is 'translate', so the Menu will show 'Undo translate'
if your last operation was to translate an object or a selection of
objects.


3) Take part in creating new ArtWorks modules!

If you have some spare time and you are wondering what to do with it:
What about writing a new ArtWorks module? You will need the ArtWorks
SDK first, which costs about 40, but it is worth the money. Lots of
documentation and most of the source code for the standard ArtWorks
modules.

This module took less than 2 days to write. So come on, try it yourself.


4) Contacting me:
-----------------
Martin Wuerthner
Jahnstrasse 18
71116 Gaertringen
Germany

Phone: +49-7034-928986
Fax:   +49-7034-928988

e-mail: wuerthne@trick.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de


5) Copyright:
-------------
This ArtWorks module including all related files is Copyright 1996,
by Martin Wrthner and is BirthdayWare. This is a flavour of FREEWARE.
This means that you may copy it freely provided that
(a) all files of this application are distributed together without
    modification
(b) this application is not sold for profit without my explicit written
    permission

I retain the copyright on all files.

This module comes in the special flavour of BirthdayWare because today
is my birthday. So, if you find this module useful there is no need
to register or send me money etc. However, if you use this module
regularly, simply show me your appreciation by sending me a birthday card
once in my life. Just pick any year you wish. You really have to be quick
if you want it to do it this year as my birthday is on October 10th.
