Ctrl-dragging to enlarge a structure in only one dimension

[bmihura]

If I have the Position/Size/Select tool, and Ctrl-drag a rectangle inside any sort of LabVIEW structure, the structure enlarges in two dimensions according to the size of that rectangle.

I typically want to enlarge structures in only one dimension-- horizontal. It's rather difficult to drag a rectangle that is zero pixels wide; I must move my mouse so that it doesn't deviate up or down by a single pixel.

Is there some trick to doing this? I expected the Shift key would help, but no.

[AnalogKid2DigitalMan]

It's easy- when the dashed line disappears (with Ctrl-drag) you are at 0 pixels.

[bmihura]

Correct, but sometimes just a split second before I release the mouse, the line appears again.

I'm hoping for some way to lock the drag horizontally.

[johnsold]

Track balls are nice for that. Take your fingers off the ball before releasing the button.

But I agree that 1D expansion would be more convenient.

Lynn

Message Edited by johnsold on 08-16-2007 01:15 PM

[tbob]

I have to agree with Lynn 100%.  I use a track ball and that makes it a lot easier.  I laugh when I see someone struggling with a regular mouse.  But some people cannot get used to a track ball for some reason.  Just like they can't get used to the auto selection tool.  With a track ball, autoselection is much easer to use also.  I use the type of track ball where the ball is moved by the thumb.  Very good precision.

[bmihura]

Hmm, you guys have given me a compelling reason to try a trackball.

[johnsold]

Lots of personal preferences. I prefer a trackball which is finger guided, rather than thumb, and I have never been able to get used to autoselection.

Lynn

[Ben]

tbob wrote " But some people cannot get used to a track ball for some reason.  "

I actually learned to use a trackball before mice were available (invented?).

The US Navy used a track ball on thier ANSPS-58A radar to allow an operator over a target and designate it to the missle fire control system. It was fun to use then, its still fun to be able to "throw" your cursor.

Ben

[mikeporter]

In fact, some people like track balls so much they have two of them .

Mike...