Modifying Constraints

You can modify the constraints.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: Create a simple profile similar to the one below (with a circle and an offset) and apply constraints to it.
See Also
About Modifying Constraints

Edit Sketcher Constraints

You can modify the constraint of the sketch.

  1. Double-click the radius constraint.


    The Constraint Definition dialog box appears.
  2. Select the Reference check box to make the constraint a reference .

    The Radius box is dimmed, indicating that the value is now driven by modifications to the sketch.

    Using the Reference mode, the offset value is displayed between brackets indicating this mode and measured from the component locations. When the offset constraint supporting elements are two non-parallel lines or the offset constraint is over-constrained, the offset value cannot be measured, the constraint is invalid, any value is displayed and two pound signs are displayed between the brackets (##).

  3. Click OK to confirm.
    The radius value is displayed in brackets in the work area.

  4. Double-click the angle constraint corresponding to 110 degrees.
    The Constraint Definition dialog box appears.
  5. In the Value box, type 125deg.
  6. Click OK.
    The new value is displayed in the work area. It changes the angle. The sketch shape is also modified due to the radius previously converted into a measure.

  7. Double-click the Offset.xxx constraint.
    The Constraint Definition dialog box appears.
  8. Click More to access additional information.
  9. Click Line.xxx component.
    The related geometry is highlighted.
  10. Click Reconnect to redefine the constraint component.
  11. Select Line.6 and type 52mm in the Value box.
  12. Click OK.
    The position of the profile is modified accordingly.

  13. Exit the Sketcher.
    The app has integrated the modifications to the sketch.

    Important: When you are in the Repeat mode (you double-clicked on the command for creating a constraint), if you try to edit an existing constraint while creating another constraint, the modification will only be taken into account when you have finished creating this other constraint.
    Tip: You can modify the constraints by clicking the constraint value directly in the work area. For more information, see Edit Constraint During Their Creation.

Modify Constraint Values Using the Shift Key

It is possible to edit dimensional constraint values just by dragging constrained geometry. This is a quick way of editing constraints without launching dialog boxes.

  1. Press the Shift key and drag the vertical line to the right as shown below.
    You can notice that the value of the angle constraint is not only modified as you are dragging the cursor, but it is also displayed between parentheses, meaning that it is temporarily converted into a reference. In other words, you can move the geometry freely, with respect to geometric constraints.

  2. Press Shift and drag the vertical line to the right as shown below.
    The modified angle value is displayed (137.913), and is no longer a reference:

    If Snap to Point is active, the geometry is moved according to the spacing you defined for the grid. For more information, see the customization section of the Sketcher.

Modify Constraint Value by Dragging its Extremities

You can modify dimensional constraint values such as length, distance and angle by dragging their extremities.

Before you begin: Create a sketch with dimensional constraints.
  1. Pause over a dimensional constraint value till two arrow-shaped handles are displayed at each extremity.



    Note: For radius or diameter constraint, only a single arrow is displayed.

    Radius constraintDiameter constraint




    Important: The handles are not displayed if:
    • Constraint value is managed by a formula.
    • Constraint is deactivated.
    • Reference constrain mode used.
    • Type is a measure (driven).
    • An equivalent dimension exists.
    • Parameter is locked.

  2. Drag the handles located at either direction, to modify the constraint value.
    A ruler appears, indicating the current value of the constraint.

    Changing the length by dragging the arrowChanging the angle by dragging the arrow




    The dimensional constraint value is modified in accordance with the displacement of pointer, which can be read on the ruler. Additionally, if you have defined a step value for the constraint, it is also taken into account while resizing the geometry.

    Note: The geometry is moved only within the limits of existing constraints. Therefore, sometimes the displacement of pointer can be different from that of the geometry. Specifically, geometry and dimensions remain unchanged even if you drag the extremities, if the geometry is:
    • Fixed (that is, geometry is in fix or coincidence constraint with an unmovable geometry).
    • A mark of use-edge (that is, a fixed geometry coming from projection/intersection of 3D element, explicit or implicit).
    • Over-constrained, inconsistent or unchanged (as diagnosed from the sketch analysis).
    • Dimension is set as a reference.

    Also, if the geometry becomes inconsistent during the drag, the geometry movement and change in its dimension value is frozen. This behavior is similar to when you define a range and try to drag the geometry beyond that range.

Deactivate or Activate Constraints

To deactivate a constraint, right-click the constraint and select xxx.N.object > Deactivate.

  1. Right-click the constraint and select xxx.N.object > Deactivate. This constraint will still appear on the sketch but will not work as a constraint.
    Deactivated constraints appear preceded by an empty bracket symbol in the geometry and in the tree.

  2. Right-click the constraint and select Activate to activate a constraint.
    Tip: You can also select the constraint and on the context toolbar click to activate or deactivate the constraint.

Change the Mode of the Constraint

You can change the mode of the constraint from driving to driven or vice versa.

  1. Select a driving constraint and on the context toolbar that appears, select Driven Mode .

    You can also right-click a constraint and select

    The constraint is changed to driven mode. The dimension is now between a parenthesis. You cannot edit a driven constraint.
  2. Alternately, select a driven constraint and on the context toolbar that appears, select Driving Mode .
    The constraint is changed to driven mode. You can now edit the constraint.
  3. You can also right-click the constraint and select Object > Definition.
  4. In the Constraint Definition dialog box, select Reference, to convert a constraint to driven mode.