ArrangeComponents

Applied Parameters: Action=ArrangeWithinRoom

Summary

This command arranges the components that are assigned to a room, within that room.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

• Choosing the Tools » Component Placement » Arrange Within Room command from the main menus.
• Clicking the  button on the Alignment Tools drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

Use

First, ensure that a room object has been placed in the required location on the PCB document, and that the associated Room Definition design rule has been set up to associate those components you wish to arrange in the room. You can set up as many rooms as required.

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will be prompted to select a room. Click on the room - the components associated with that room by the rule scope are arranged within the room, working across and down.

Continue selecting other rooms that you have defined, or right-click or press Esc to exit arrangement mode.

Tips

1. When arranging components within a room, if the room is smaller than the group of components associated to it, the components will be placed inside and/or as close to the room as possible. You can then resize the room as necessary - either manually and directly in the workspace or by using the appropriate room wrapping command.
2. Any components that have been associated to a room but are currently locked in position will not be moved inside the room. If such components are required to be moved, unlock them first and launch the command again.

Applied Parameters: Action=ArrangeWithinRectangle

Summary

This command enables you to arrange selected components within a defined rectangular area.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

• Choosing the Tools » Component Placement » Arrange Within Rectangle command, from the main menus.
• Clicking the  button on the Alignment Tools drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

Use

First, ensure that all components you wish to arrange are selected in the design workspace.

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will enter component arrangement mode. Arrangement is performed as follows:

1. Click or press Enter to anchor the first corner of the rectangle.
2. Move the cursor to adjust the size of the rectangle then click or press Enter again.
3. The selected components are arranged within the rectangle, working across and down.
4. Define an alternative area for the components to be placed in or right-click or press Esc to exit arrangement mode.

Tips

1. When arranging components within a rectangular area, if the rectangle defined is smaller than the group of components, it will be resized to accommodate the full group.
2. Any components that are currently locked in position will not be moved inside the defined area. If such components are required to be moved, unlock them first and launch the command again.

Applied Parameters: Action=ArrangeOutsideBoard

Summary

This command arranges the selected components outside the keepout boundary, which is usually the board outline.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by choosing the Tools » Component Placement » Arrange Outside Board command from the main menus.

Use

First, ensure that all components you wish to arrange are selected.

After launching the command, the selected components are arranged outside of the keepout boundary at the top-right corner of the default snap grid.

Tips

1. Any components that are currently locked in position will not be moved. If such components are required to be moved, unlock them first and launch the command again.

Applied Parameters: Action=ArrangeRooms

Summary

This command is used to arrange selected rooms within the design workspace.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor by choosing the Design » Rooms » Arrange Rooms command from the main menus.

Use

First, select the rooms that you want to arrange.

After launching the command, the Arrange Rooms dialog will open. Use this dialog to specify how you want the rooms arranged and in what order they are to be placed. You can also specify positioning for the start point of the placement - either textually in the dialog or graphically in the workspace - as well as spacing values between adjacent rooms. After clicking OK, the selected rooms will be moved into place accordingly.

Tips

1. Any rooms that are currently locked in position will not be moved. If such rooms are required to be moved, unlock them first and launch the command again.
2. If a room's associated components are locked (through the room's defined constraints) to that room, those components will move with the room.