MS Powerpoint/Google drawing like align/dimension lines

[rounaksingh]

Hi,
I have mostly used MS powerpoint and Google drawing for drawing figures and diagrams which mostly consists of boxs, lines and textboxes. Suppose I have a box in any of those software, and I am drawing a new box. Then when I have the dimensions of new box, or the gap between two objects equal, the software shows me dashed lines on the older box. I don't know what are those lines are called. I have attached a image just to show the feature.

Also, when the two object are align even if they are far away, the edge of the object aligns. I was reading through the align options and guides available. Do I have to rely on the guides to align it or is there automatic, option?

Now, since, I am planning to change to Inkscape, I want to know if this functionality is possible here.

Please let me know.

Thank you.

[brynn]

Welcome to the forum!

I'm not familiar with either Powerpoint or Google drawing programs, so I have no idea what those dashed lines are supposed to represent.  I'm also not sure what you're asking for.

Do you want a dashed line to automatically appear, whenever 2 objects share the same line?  I don't think Inkscape can do that.

Or do you want a to find a way to have 2 objects share the same line?  That should be easily possible.

Or possibly you're looking for dimensioning arrows?  Usually a dashed line with arrows at both ends, showing the length of that distance?  You could either draw those "manually" or there's an extension which I think might create them automatically.

[Moini]

For aligning and laying out objects in a grid, you can use the 'Align and Distribute' and 'Arrange' dialogs in the 'Object' menu.