Working with Dimensional/Geometrical Constraints

You can quickly create dimensional or geometrical constraints between one, two, or three elements. You can also edit the constraint value during its creation.

The constraints are in priority dimension. Use the context menu to get the other types of constraints and to position this constraint as required.

This task shows you how to:

See Also
What are Constraints?
About Dimensional/Geometrical Constraints
About Displaying Constraints Automatically

Create Dimensional/Geometrical Constraints

You can create the dimensional/geometrical constraint using the Constraint command.

Before you begin: Create a sketch containing different geometrical elements such as circles and lines.
  1. From the Sketch section of the action bar, click Constraint .
  2. Select a geometrical element from the sketch.
    The constraint corresponding to the selected geometry is displayed. For example, if a circle is selected, the circle diameter constraint is displayed.

  3. Select another geometrical element.
    The relation between the two elements is reconsidered. In other words, a constraint corresponding to the relation between two selected elements is displayed.



  4. Right-click to display the context menu and select the required constraint type to create the constraint between the two elements.
    A constraint is created between the selected elements.



    Tips:
    • You can also change the type of constraint from the context toolbar that appears while positioning the constraint.
    • Press G to display the context toolbar, if it disappears while positioning the constraint.
    Note: When you press Ctrl + Shift while creating a geometrical feature, a mask appears above the geometrical constraint in the 3D area. This indicates that the constraint shown in the 3D area will not be created even if the Geometrical Constraints option is selected.
  5. Click Constraint .
  6. Right-click a geometrical element and select Element.xxx object > Fix to prevent the line from moving.
    The line is fixed and the anchor, that is the fix symbol, is displayed.

    To move the element, you can use Element.xxx object > Unfix from the context menu.

Apply Constraints Between the Conic and Another Geometrical Element

You can apply constraint between the conic and another geometrical element using the Constraint command.

Before you begin: Create a sketch containing a conic element and a geometrical element.
  1. Click Constraint .
  2. Select the two elements.
  3. Right-click the second element and select the required constraint type.

    The selected constraint type is applied between the two selected elements.



Edit Constraint During Their Creation

You can edit the value of certain constraints that you created using the Constraint command. You can also edit the constraints afterward by clicking the constraint value, as long as the Select command is active.

Before you begin: Create a sketch with any one of the following constraints:
  • Length
  • Distance
  • Curvilinear distance
  • Radius
  • Diameter
  • Angle
  1. Click Constraint .
  2. Select any side of a rectangle.
    The length constraint is displayed.
  3. Click to position the constraint value.
    An editable box displaying the current constraint value, along with the unit, appears at that location.

  4. Optional: Type a value to modify the constraint.
  5. Press Enter or click anywhere outside the box to validate the constraint value.

    Note: The display of the unit depends on the settings you defined in Me > Preferences > Parameters and Measure > Units.

  6. Optional: Click the constraint value to reopen the editable box and modify the constraint.

    Important: Measured, referenced, or locked constraints, and constraints managed by a formula cannot be edited by clicking its value.

Display Constraints Automatically

You can display the internal dimensional constraints as you sketch the geometry, along with it.

Before you begin: Select the Dimensional Constraints option in the View section of the action bar. You can also Select the Automatic Dimensional Constraints Creation option available at Me > Preferences > Mechanical > Sketcher, under the Constraint section.
Create the required sketch.
The internal dimensional constraints are displayed automatically along with the sketch.

Adding Equivalent Dimension

You can now add new dimension constraints to the existing equivalent dimensions group of same type with minimum steps.

Before you begin: Open a sketch containing at least one equivalent dimension group and some other constraints.
  1. Select a constraint from the existing equivalent dimensions group.
  2. Press Ctrl and select one or more normal constraints of the same type.
  3. Right-click the sketch and from the contextual menu, select Selected Objects and then select Add Equivalent Dimension.

    Notes:
    • If few of the selected constraints are with a formula, a warning appears.
    • Click Yes to add the selected constraints in the equivalent dimensions group ignoring the constraints with formula.
    • Click No to cancel the selection of constraints.

    The selected constraint is added to the existing equivalent dimensions group and its value is changed to the value of existing equivalent dimension.