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Graphics Control Keys

The following are the actions that are available in graphics windows by use of special keys and key/mouse button combinations.

Two sets are available:

  • standard set for a desktop computer equipped with a mouse

  • alternative set for a laptop computer equipped with a touchpad

Key/mouse button combinations that work in both 2D and 3D windows

standard set:

  • CTRL and left mouse button: translate

  • CTRL and middle mouse button: scale

  • CTRL and right mouse button: rotate

alternative set:

  • ALT and SHIFT and left mouse button: translate

  • ALT and left mouse button: scale

  • ALT and CTRL and left mouse button: rotate

  • NOTE: Press or click in the following sequence.

    • press and hold ALT

    • click and hold the left mouse button

    • press and hold SHIFT or CTRL, if desired

    • drag the mouse

Keys that work in both 2D and 3D windows

  • DELETE: erase scene

  • PAGE_UP: delete last object

  • PAGE_DOWN: print scene

Keys that work in 2D windows

  • HOME: reset transformation to the identity

  • END: translate point under cursor to center of zooming

  • ESCAPE: swap buffers

Keys that work in 3D windows

  • HOME: stop spinning and reset transformation to the identity

  • ESCAPE: swap buffers

  • LEFT_ARROW: increase clockwise spin around the axis pointing upward

  • UP_ARROW: increase clockwise spin around the axis pointing to the right

  • RIGHT_ARROW: decrease clockwise spin around the axis pointing upward

  • DOWN_ARROW: decrease clockwise spin around the axis pointing to the right