Coordinate System

The cursor can be moved in the working window by using the mouse. In the model window, the cursor moves on the level of the viewing direction normal, where the depth is determined by the last point selected. The exact location of the cursor in the working window is determined by coordinates. In the global coordinate system:

the x axis direction is horizontal and y axis direction is vertical in a drawing
the z axis direction is vertical in a model

If necessary, you can temporarily enable a local coordinate system. You can define the direction of the local coordinate system yourself. The local coordinate system is not saved in the drawing or model.

Set a Local Coordinate System

In both the global and local coordinate systems, you can use the relative coordinate system to define distances.

Absolute origin

The origin of the global coordinate system is the following regardless of the cursor location:

In the model window 0x,0y,0z
In the drawing window 0x,0y

The absolute origin is marked by in the drawing window.

In the model, you can show or hide the absolute origin:

Select > Preferences > Drawings, Models.
Select the View tab.
Select or clear Model: Show Model Origin.

The coordinates X,Y,Z show the distance between the cursor and the absolute origin. Click the status bar to display the coordinates X,Y,Z in the right end of the status bar.

Local origin

The origin of a relative coordinate system, or the local origin, is located in the point last selected. In other words, the location of the local origin changes as points are selected.

The coordinates dx,dy,dz show the distance of the cursor from the point last selected. The status bar displays these coordinates by default. You can view the coordinates X,Y,Z and dx,dy,dz in turns by clicking the status bar.