Add Constraints Automatically in a Model Sketch

Adding constraints and dimensions automatically will speed up defining geometric constraints for a sketch. The sketch will be automatically defined as near completion as possible. Constraints and dimensions can be added automatically as follows:

  • Finished sketch: First draw the sketch, then add the constraints/dimensions to it automatically. A sketch added from the sketch library will also be defined automatically.
  • New Sketch: Enable automatic constraints/dimensions before you start drawing the sketch. The constraints/dimensions will be added automatically as you draw the sketch.
  • Unfinished sketch: Unfinished sketch - Draw some of the sketch, enable automatic constraints/dimensions for the existing sketch and adding constraints/dimensions for the lines you draw. Continue sketching.

The automatic constraints/dimensions added are meant to be correct. You will achieve the best results by drawing the sketch as close to its final shape as possible. If necessary, you can edit and delete dimensions and constraints that have been added automatically. The constraints added to a sketch will be displayed in the feature tree when the sketching mode is active.

Enable the automatic adding of constraints as follows:

  1. Select the context-sensitive function Automatic constraints... in the sketching mode of a part model.
  2. Define the data in the Automatic Constraints and Dimensioning dialog box.
  3. Select OK.

Disable the automatic adding of constraints by removing the selections in the Automatic Constraints and Dimensioning dialog box and by selecting OK.

Note:
  • You can undo the constraints and dimensions added automatically by using the Undo function or by pressing Ctrl+Z.
  • Automatics only work when drawing a sketch. For example, it won't work when position the feature in the sketching mode.
  • If a sketch contains too many constraints, the constraints will be highlighted in red in the sketch and/or the part's feature tree. Undo the automatic constraints. Define the automatic constraints again, or add constraints/dimensions by clicking.