How do I type an exact size while I drag out a rectangle, circle, ellipse, polygon or star?

What Quick Keys are

Every shape tool can be sized from the keyboard while you draw. Click and drag the shape in the 2D View, keep the left mouse button held down, type the value sequence, then let go. The keys only work while you are still dragging. Anything you do not type is taken from the form.

The sequences

Rectangle

• 1,2.5 Enter: width 1, height 2.5. A single value then Enter makes a square.
• 1X: width 1, height as dragged. 1Y: height 1, width as dragged.
• 0.1R1X: corner radius 0.1 with width 1.
• Value W then value H sets width and height.
• Hold Alt while dragging to draw from the center. Hold Ctrl for a square.

Circle

• Type the value then D for diameter or R for radius. 12R gives a radius of 12.

Ellipse

• 3,2 Enter: width 3, height 2. A single value then Enter makes a circle of that diameter.
• 1X or 1Y fixes one direction and keeps the other as dragged.
• Hold Alt to draw from the middle. Hold Ctrl for a circle.

Polygon

• 2.5 Enter: radius 2.5 with the number of sides on the form.
• 1D: outer diameter 1.
• 8S1R: 8 sides, outer radius 1. 6S2.5D: a hexagon with an outer diameter of 2.5.

Star

• 2.5 Enter: outer radius 2.5.
• 6P1R: 6 points, outer radius 1.
• 6P25I4D: 6 points, inner radius 25 percent of the outer, outer diameter 4.
• With several properties, type them in that order (points, inner percentage, then radius or diameter).

Editing a shape later

Select the shape and reopen its draw tool. The shape shows as a dotted magenta line, and you can change the values and click Apply. Hold Shift and click another shape of the same kind to edit it without closing the form.

Pro tips

• Polygon sizes are measured to the points (outer radius or outer diameter), not across the flats. Check the flat-to-flat distance with the Measure tool if a part has to fit a wrench or a pocket.
• Rounded rectangles show green handles on the preview that you can drag to change the corner radii.
• For typed lengths and angles on straight lines, see the entry on the Draw Line tool.