# Vector

Vectors are used in [Mechanics](https://app.gitbook.com/o/MgHAZkcfIhs3YcmBjk2r/s/hz7yMxlL81NxAT44nraH/ "mention") and in other config options. A vector can follow a few different formats; make sure to choose the format that works for you:

## Direct

The direct vector format lets you specify the *exact* x y z coordinates. Here are some examples:

```yaml
0 1 0    # 0 blocks east, 1 block up, 0 blocks north
-10 5 1  # 10 blocks west, 5 blocks up, 1 block north  
```

## Relative

The relative format takes the current entity's direction and uses its forward direction. This lets you specify forward, backward, left, and right instead of north, south, east, and west. 

Relative vectors start with the `~` character. 

```yaml
~0 0 1  # 0 blocks left, 0 blocks up, 1 block forward 
~0 5 0  # 0 blocks left, 5 blocks up, 0 blocks forward 
```

## Simple

The simple format is just like the [#relative](#relative "mention") format, but in 1-block increments:

```yaml
UP        # 1 block up
DOWN      # 1 block down
LEFT      # 1 block left
RIGHT     # 1 block right
FORWARD   # 1 block forward
BACKWARD  # 1 block backward
```

## Random

Chooses a random direction with a given length. Random vectors start with the `r` character:

```yaml
r1.0  # 1 block in a random direction
r25   # 25 blocks in a random direction
```