Alternative software to Drag Lock to constrain mouse movement in one direction (eg. horizontal, vertical, diagonal)

[jkadofo]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking for a software (or workaround) alternative to DragLock. DragLock is quite intuitive and works well in most situations when you'd want the mouse to move in a straight horizontal or vertical line.

The issue however is that the intermediate movement of the mouse under DragLock until you reach your destination, can be a little jittery. So when using it for a purpose such as drawing a straight line with the Pencil tool in MS Paint, it doesn't work satisfactorily as I'd expect (screenshot in a picture below). I have done a deep online search but haven't yet found a suitable solution.

In the DonationCoder Forum discussion here user @IainB mentioned a Synaptics touchpad software that could help constrain the mouse motion. I can't seem to find that either.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[ChatGPT]

To respond to the issue you're encountering with DragLock causing jittery mouse movements during tasks like drawing straight lines, here are some alternative solutions that can help achieve smoother results:

1. SteadyMouse:​

• Description: SteadyMouse is a confirmed utility that helps support smoother and more stable cursor movements, ideal for tasks like precision drawing.
• Website: https://www.steadymouse.com/

2. AutoHotkey Script:​

• Description: You can create a custom AutoHotkey script to restrict mouse movements for horizontal or vertical lines.
• Resources: Resources like the https://www.autohotkey.com/boards/ can provide guidance and even pre-made scripts for this purpose.

3. Mouse Settings:​

• Precision Settings: Check your mouse settings within the operating system for any precision adjustment options that might help in controlling the cursor better.

4. Graphics Software Features:​

• Drawing Tools: Utilize any built-in drawing tools or features within the software you're using for better drawing precision.
• Guides and Rulers: Some graphic design software provides features like guides and rulers to assist in making straight lines.

5. Third-Party Drawing Software:​

• Alternate Software: Consider using dedicated drawing software like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or other specialized tools for more precise drawing tasks. By exploring these alternatives and adjustments, you might find a solution that addresses the jittery mouse movements during tasks like drawing straight lines more effectively. Experiment with these options to optimize your drawing experience and achieve smooth and accurate results in your graphic tasks.

 

[Tophness]

I am looking for a software (or workaround) alternative to DragLock.

I've just created an app that does what DragLock failed to do with up/down/left/right axes, as well as added diagonals and 3 point arcs.
Also let's you choose the binds yourself, decide whether you want to be able to change axis continuously or lock it to the initial axis, and decide whether you want to hold down the bind or toggle it.
Fully open source.

GitHub - Tophness/StickyMouse: Allows you to set a keyboard or mouse bind that locks the mouse movement to up/down/left/right/diagonal/arc axes

Allows you to set a keyboard or mouse bind that locks the mouse movement to up/down/left/right/diagonal/arc axes - Tophness/StickyMouse

github.com