Aiming Lines and Extended Aiming Lines

Aiming Lines are the core visual tool for communicating shot angle. An Aiming Line is a single-segment line attached to a CBall or an Oball that extends to a pocket or a cushion.

Creating an Aiming Line

To create an Aiming Line:

1. Left-Click the CBall or Oball you want to add the line to.
2. Move your cursor to the desired endpoint.
3. Left-Click to anchor the endpoint.

To reposition the endpoint later, Left-Click-and-Drag it.

OBall Aiming Lines

An OBall Aiming Line typically points toward the pocket where that ball will be sunk. When you activate an OBall Aiming Line, a Ghost Ball automatically appears on the OBall — the visual representation of where the cue ball must be at the moment of contact.

You'll use OBall Aiming Lines most of the time when showing which ball goes where.

CBall Aiming Lines

A CBall Aiming Line typically connects the cue ball to a Ghost Ball on an OBall. When the endpoint snaps to a Ghost Ball, the ICATS automatically draws a tangent line showing the path the cue ball would take with a dead-ball (stun) hit — no follow, no draw. It also shows the cut angle in the middle of the line.

That tangent line is valuable information. It shows the natural deflection path before any spin is applied, giving the user a clear reference for how spin and speed will modify the actual outcome.

Combination & Carom Shots

An Aiming Line can also connect two OBalls — the first OBall acts as the striking ball, the second as the target. This is how you diagram a combination or carom shot. The same Ghost Ball and tangent line logic applies.

Extended Aiming Lines

An Extended Aiming Line is yellow and extends backward from the cue ball toward the shooter. It's not about the target — it's about the shooter's body and cue alignment.

Beginning and developing intermediate players benefit most from this visual aid. It makes it obvious whether their stance and cue stick are properly aligned with the shot line before they pull the trigger.

To add an Extended Aiming Line:

1. Right-Click the CBall you want to extend from.
2. Select Ext. Aim. Line On.

Note: The Extended Aiming Line is only visible when an Aiming Line or Track Line on that CBall is connected to a Ghost Ball. If there's no Ghost Ball connection, the Extended Aiming Line won't appear.