Abstract: A graphic object manipulation tool includes a knob that controls a graphic object manipulation function, a planar indicator having a center point, and a linear indicator passing through the planar indicator's center point in a direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the planar indicator. The planar indicator and the linear indicator automatically align themselves relative to a feature of the graphic object when the tool is placed on the feature.

Abstract: Graphic objects in a 3D scene are manipulated using a computer system by defining a coordinate space based on a feature of a graphic object in the 3D scene, and constraining a range of motion available to an object manipulation operation based on the defined coordinate system. A graphic object, or its constituent graphic elements, can be manipulated (e.g., translated, scaled or rotated) using the constrained range of motion. The motion can be constrained to a motion plane, to a single direction within the motion plane, or in a direction perpendicular to the motion plane. The definition of new coordinate spaces and constrained ranges of motion can be integrated into the beginning stage of a standard cursor manipulation technique (e.g., click-drag-release) thus obviating the need for separate and distinct commands that tend to diminish user interface agility.