Working with Sketch Objects

You can create a sketch object by creating a closed profile comprising one or more sketch entities. A sketch object acts as a single entity. You can add, subtract, and intersect sketch objects.

This task shows you how to:

 

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Create Sketch Objects

You can:

  • Create a sketch object from sketch entities such as lines, rectangle, circle, and slot.
  • Create an object from an open or closed sketch profile.
  • Convert multiple closed and open profiles into a single object.
  • Create a sketch object by using Make Object feature on the context toolbar.

The following example describes how to create a sketch object using Make Object feature.

  1. From the Sketch section of the action bar, click Line .

    Note: Make Object feature is not applicable for an infinite line.

  2. Sketch a open profile in the work area.
  3. Select an entire profile and from the context toolbar, click Make Object .

    An object is created from an open profile. It is indicated with thick lines.

  4. Sketch a closed profile in the work area.


    A closed object is created. By default, a closed profile makes a closed object and is always indicated with a shaded region. A closed object can have single or multiple closed profiles in it. If you intersect two closed profiles in a single closed object with each other or change one closed profile to open profile, an entire closed object consisting of multiple closed profiles becomes an open object and is never shaded.

    In contrast, if you have closed object having multiple closed profiles embedded in it, the closed object is partially shaded.

  5. Optional: To convert a sketch object to individual entities, from the context toolbar, click Dissolve .

    The object is converted into sketch entities. Entities are indicated with thin lines.



  6. Optional: With an object, you can:
    • Drag the individual lines or endpoints to change the shape of the sketch object.
    • Click in the shaded area and drag the entire sketch object.
    • Make an object rigid so that it retains its shape when you drag an edge or point of an object.
    • Make an object dissolve so that it separates itself to individual entities and no longer stays as an object.

Add, Subtract, and Intersect Sketch Objects

You can add, subtract, or intersect sketch objects to create a Boolean sketch object.

Before you begin: Create two overlapping sketch objects.

  1. Ctrl + select in the shaded area of each sketch object.



    Note: If subtracting, the order of selection matters. The second selected object is subtracted from the first.

  2. On the context toolbar, click a Boolean operation:

    Option Description Example Results
    Add

    Subtract

    Intersect

    A single Boolean sketch object is created from the selected sketch objects.

Dissolve Sketch Objects

You can dissolve a sketch object so that it no longer acts as an object.

  1. In the 3D area, select a sketch object.
  2. On the context toolbar, click Dissolve .
    The sketch object is dissolved and the sketch changes back to its separate entities.

Make Rigid Sketch Objects

You can group the sketch entities (lines or endpoints) so that the objects move together as a single object. This allows you can select the edge of the sketch object to move the object without changing the shape of the object.

  1. In the 3D area, select a sketch object.
  2. On the context toolbar, click Rigid .
    The shading of the sketch object changes slightly.