Constraints

Window | Constraints

Dimensional and geometric constraints form a principal component of conceptual design.

Design intent is best captured by creating an approximate shape of the intended profile. By applying geometric and dimensional constraints to the lines and curves, spatial and geometric relationships can be created between objects which are updated when the dimensions are changed.

Constraints are used to constrain the geometry of a sketch to specific conditions, eg: perpendicular; parallel, equal radius/length, tangent. etc. These are referred to as geometric constraints and are displayed in the toolbar above.

Dimensional constraints, referred to as Smart Dimensions, apply linear, angular, diametric and radial dimensions to objects to define measurement and spatial relationships. The changes applied to the Smart Dimensions are dependent upon the geometric constraints placed on associated objects. For example, if a line is associated to another line by an equal length constraint, both lines will be updated when the Smart Dimension is updated.

Auto-Constraints can be added to a sketch when their geometry is implied. For example, when drawing a simple rectangle, geometric constraints are applied to make the opposite lines of the rectangle parallel to each other, makes coincident the end points of the lines, and constrains all connecting angles to 90º, making them perpendicular.