Creating obstacles

When creating an obstacle, you first define it, then draw it.

To create an obstacle

1 Choose the obstacle toolbar button.

2 From the View menu, choose Zoom Out and click on the screen until you can view the entire board. Press ESC to exit zoom mode.

3 Press I. The cursor changes from a large cross (idle mode) to a small cross (active mode). Locate the point at which you want to start drawing the outline. There are three ways to move the cursor to this point: you can move the mouse, you can use the arrow keys, or you can press the F key to go to the desired X, Y coordinates. Click the left mouse button once on the screen. You will begin drawing from this point.

4 Double-click the left mouse button. The Edit Obstacle dialog box appears.

5 In the Obstacle Name text box, enter a name or leave the default number.

6 From the Obstacle Type drop-down list, select the type of obstacle you want to create.

7 In the Group, Height, Width text box, enter a value.

The appropriate option is enabled, depending on the type of obstacle you are creating.

8 From the Obstacle Layer drop-down list, select the layer on which you want to place the obstacle.

9 From the Net Attachment drop-down list, select a net to attach or leave the default dash, then choose the OK button.

10 Move from the starting coordinates to the desired location of the first corner. Click the left mouse button or press the s to insert the first corner. Move to the desired location of the next corner. Click the left mouse button or press the s to insert the second corner.

11 When you complete the final corner, choose Finish from the pop-up menu. Layout automatically completes the obstacle.