> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://2yeet.gitbook.io/anvilcsg/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://2yeet.gitbook.io/anvilcsg/workspace/tools.md).

# Workspace tools

## Ruler

Shortcut: **Shift+R**

The Ruler works in Top, Front, and Side.

1. Select Ruler.
2. Drag from one point to another.
3. Read the distance on the segment or in the status bar.

Behavior:

* Endpoints snap to the current grid.
* A normal drag replaces the previous ruler.
* Shift+drag adds another segment.
* Connected segments show a total length.
* A closed connected path shows perimeter and area.
* Distances below one meter are displayed in centimeters.
* Escape or changing tools clears completed rulers.

Moving the mouse outside the workspace only cancels the unfinished drag. Completed rulers remain.

## Test Physics

Test Physics runs a temporary Edit Mode rigidbody test.

1. Select a brush, group, or supported entity.
2. Click **Test Physics**.
3. Let the selection settle.
4. Click the button again to stop and keep the result.

Undo restores the old pose.

Use this for quick placement tests. Use Play Mode for final gameplay and collision testing.

## Quick Export

Quick Export writes OBJ interchange files. It does not create optimized Anvil runtime output.

Scope:

* Whole Level
* Selection

Options:

* Zip Package
* Materials
* Textures
* Include Hidden
* Keep Object Groups
* Destination

The package can contain an OBJ, MTL, and copied textures.

Important details:

* Selection is captured when the Quick Export window opens.
* Whole Level scans all MeshRenderers in the scene, not only Anvil objects.
* Only file-backed project textures can be copied.
* Common albedo and normal texture properties are recognized.

Use **Build Map** for the Unity game output.

## Overlays

Brush Labels:

* Off
* Minimal
* Normal

Minimal mode hides most labels until an object is selected. Normal can show dimensions, flags, Build Sections, View Filters, groups, and script labels.

Lights and Probes:

* Off
* Minimal
* Normal

Off also disables marker picking. Minimal shows icons and selected bounds. Normal adds ranges, cones, and probe volumes.

## Help Tips

Open **Help > Help Tips** to control:

* All tips
* Creation tips
* Component editing tips
* Status tips

## Keyboard shortcuts

Open **Help > Keyboard Shortcuts** or **Tools > Anvil > Hotkeys**.

Anvil shortcuts apply inside the workspace. They do not replace Unity global shortcuts.

Click a binding and press a new key. Delete clears the binding. Conflicting bindings are rejected.

See the [shortcut reference](/anvilcsg/reference/shortcuts.md) for the defaults.