Designing a PCB with DEX > Drawing Aids > Snaps and the Grid

The "origin" typically refers to the starting point or reference point from which the positions of all other elements are determined. This point is often defined as the (0,0) coordinate in a 2D or 3D space.

2D Graphics: In 2D graphics, such as in graphic design software or web design, the origin is typically at the top left corner of the screen or canvas. Moving right from the origin increases the X coordinate and moving down increases the Y coordinate. So, a point can be defined anywhere on the canvas using an (X,Y) coordinate, where X is the distance from the origin horizontally and Y is the distance vertically.

3D Graphics: In 3D graphics, used in 3D modeling, animation, or video games, the origin is the point where the X, Y, and Z axes intersect. The X and Y axes define a horizontal plane (usually corresponding to width and depth), and the Z axis defines the vertical direction (height). So, a point in 3D space can be defined with an (X,Y,Z) coordinate, where X, Y, and Z are the distances along each axis from the origin.

The origin is a fundamental concept in graphics and geometry, as it provides a consistent and predictable way to define the position of elements. Transformations such as translations (moving an object), rotations, and scaling (changing size) are also often performed relative to the origin, or an object's own local origin (often its geometric center or a user-defined point).

The origin can be editing by display it and the dragging it or changing it's position in the properties panel.

Both the horizontal and the vertical roller in the origin box have context menus that are command items to set the origin.

The Origin

The Origin