Dynamic Constraints

When creating geometric entities, lines or points are highlighted to help you align entities relative to the Sketcher UCS or relative to other entities. These highlighted lines and snap points are called Dynamic Constraints.

Notes:

• You can also apply constraints after the entities have been created. See Adding Constraints.

• You can use the Constraint Filter to control which constraints appear on the screen. This can also be set in Preferences.

The following types / colors of constraint lines appear while creating entities:

• Horizontal / Vertical constraint lines (dashed orange)

• Same X / Same Y constraint lines (dashed purple)

• On Curve or Colinear constraints (purple)

• Parallel / Tangent constraints (cyan)

• Normal constraints (pink)

Below is a description of the different types of Dynamic Constraints.

• Snap points: Snap points indicate endpoints and center points.

• Constraint Lines for Horizontal/Vertical Alignment: These dynamic constraint lines assist you in placing your line relative to the Sketcher UCS.

• Constraint Lines to Align with Existing Entities: These dynamic constraint lines assist you in placing your line relative to existing entities.

Note: When you use Dynamic Constraints to help you position a new entity, the new entity will be constrained to either the existing entity or the XY axis. When the new entity is positioned relative to an existing entity, a mutual constraint relationship is created with the existing entity. If required, you can subsequently break an entity's constraints to make it independent of all other entities and the XY axis.

Constraint Filter

Press the icon in the Sketcher Toolbar to open the Constraints dialog. Or press the left and right mouse buttons together.

In the Constraints dialog you can specify which constraints will appear on your screen. Selecting the Skip all constraints option enables you to draw a free sketch with no constraints. (Alternatively, you can also click the ALT tab to draw a free sketch with no constraints).

Notes:

• You can set global constraint filter options by selecting Tools / Preferences from the main menu.

• The last parameters selected in the function are kept as the default for the next time you access the function.