Interchangeable Curves

You can edit a model by replacing sketch entities with other entities. Sketch entities can be replaced with another existing entity or using context toolbar options.

This task shows you how to:

Replacing a Sketch Entities

You can replace an entity, or a portion of your sketch with a new entity.

  1. Open or create a sketch profile in the work area.
  2. Right-click an entity in the sketch and select Edit Entity from the context toolbar.

    A second context toolbar displays with the available options for the selected sketch entity. To open the second context toolbar directly, you can double-click the sketch entity.

  3. Click a replacement option from the interchangeable context toolbar.
    Table 1. Line and Curve Replacement Options
    Option Description Example Results
    Replace sketch entity

    Select the sketch entity to replace the selected sketch entity. The original sketch entity converts to a construction line after applying the command.
    Convert to arc

    A handle displays on the sketch entity. Drag or enter a value to specify the arc distance. The original sketch entity converts to a construction line after applying the command.
    Convert to open ellipse

    A handle displays on the sketch entity. Drag or enter a value to specify the ellipse distance. The original sketch entity converts to a construction line after applying the command.
    Convert to through point spline

    A handle displays on the sketch entity. Drag or enter a value to specify the spline distance. The original sketch entity converts to a construction line after applying the command.

    The spline replacement includes a point. Drag the spline point or add additional points to complete the design.
    Convert to a line

    A line is displayed between the two end points of the selected sketch entity. The original sketch curve converts to a construction line after applying the command.
    Table 2. Circle and Ellipse Replacement Options
    Option Description Example Results
    Replace sketch entity

    Select the sketch entity to replace the circle. The original sketch circle converts to a construction line after applying the command.
    Convert to ellipse

    The sketch circle converts to an ellipse with the original circle displaying as a construction line after applying the command.
    Convert to Circle

    The sketch ellipse converts to a circle. The original sketch ellipse converts to a construction line after applying the command.
    Convert to closed spline

    The sketch circle converts to a closed spline with the original circle displaying as a construction line after the command is applied. Drag and add points on the closed spline to complete the shape.

    Closed spline conversions are available with ellipses and circles. The process for the spline conversion is the same for both.
    Table 3. Point Replacement
    Option Description Example Results
    Replace sketch entity

    Select the sketch point to replace the original point.

  4. Click from the interchangeable context toolbar to complete the replacement.

    The entity’s internal identification tag is maintained throughout the edit. This is kept so that references to this entity are preserved and helps in propagating model changes to downstream features in the model.

  5. Optional: After applying the replacement entity, you can delete the original sketch entity that has been converted into a construction entity.

Sample Conversion

You can convert a sketch entity after you have designed your model and apply the changes to the model.

  1. In the work area, create a sketch.
  2. Design your model.
  3. Open the original sketch.
  4. Right-click an entity in the sketch and select Edit Entity from the context toolbar.
    In this example, the outside circle was selected.
  5. Click a replacement option from the interchangeable context toolbar.
    In this example, Convert to closed spline was selected.
  6. Click from the interchangeable context toolbar to complete the replacement.
  7. Drag the spline points to edit the sketch.


  8. On the Sketch bar, click Exit Sketch .
    The circle that was converted to a closed spline is applied to the model.