Sketcher Dimension

Toggle construction geometry

Horizontal distance

Sketcher

Description

The Sketcher Dimension tool is the context-sensitive constraint tool of the Sketcher Workbench. Based on the current selection, it offers appropriate dimensional constraints, but also geometric constraints.

Usage

See also: Drawing aids.

1. Optionally select one or more elements (edges or points). B-spline edges are currently not supported.
2. There are several ways to invoke the tool:
   • If the Dimensioning constraints preference is set to Both or Single tool (default): press the Dimension button.
   • Select the Sketch → Sketcher constraints → Dimension option from the menu.
   • Right-click in the 3D view and select the Dimension → Dimension option from the context menu.
   • If there is a selection: Right-click in the 3D view and select the Dimension option from the context menu.
   • Use the keyboard shortcut: D.
3. The cursor changes to a cross with the tool icon.
4. If you have not yet selected an element: select one.
5. Depending on the selected element(s) a constraint is proposed.
6. Optionally select an additional element.
7. Optionally deselect an element by clicking it again.
8. The proposed constraint is updated after every selection change.
9. Optionally press the M key one or more times to cycle through other available constraints, if any.
10. If a geometric constraint is proposed, selected elements may change giving a preview of the result.
11. Do one of the following:
    • Click in an empty area in the 3D view to confirm:
      1. If a dimensional constraint is created the clicked point determines its location. For a linear dimension the clicked point also determines its type: Horizontal distance, Vertical distance or Distance.
      2. If a driving dimensional constraint is created, depending on the preferences, a dialog opens to edit its value.
      3. A constraint is added.
      4. This tool always runs in continue mode: optionally keep creating constraints.
    • To finish, right-click or press Esc, or start another geometry or constraint creation tool.

Toggle construction geometry

Horizontal distance

Sketcher

Sketcher

• General: Create sketch, Edit sketch, Attach sketch, Reorient sketch, Validate sketch, Merge sketches, Mirror sketch, Leave sketch, View sketch, View section, Toggle grid, Toggle snap, Configure rendering order, Stop operation

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• Sketcher geometries: Point, Polyline, Line, Arc, Arc by 3 points, Arc of ellipse, Arc of hyperbola, Arc of parabola, Circle, Circle by 3 points, Ellipse, Ellipse by 3 points, Rectangle, Centered rectangle, Rounded rectangle, Triangle, Square, Pentagon, Hexagon, Heptagon, Octagon, Regular polygon, Slot, Arc slot, B-spline by control points, Periodic B-spline by control points, B-spline by knots, Periodic B-spline by knots, Toggle construction geometry

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• Sketcher constraints:
  • Dimensional constraints: Dimension, Horizontal distance, Vertical distance, Distance, Auto radius/diameter, Radius, Diameter, Angle, Lock
  • Geometric constraints: Coincident (unified), Coincident, Point on object, Horizontal/vertical, Horizontal, Vertical, Parallel, Perpendicular, Tangent or collinear, Equal, Symmetric, Block
  • Other constraints: Refraction (Snell's law)
  • Constraint tools: Toggle driving/reference constraint, Activate/deactivate constraint

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• Sketcher tools: Fillet, Chamfer, Trim, Split, Extend, External geometry, Carbon copy, Select origin, Select horizontal axis, Select vertical axis, Array transform, Polar transform, Scale transform, Offset geometry, Symmetry, Remove axes alignment, Delete all geometry, Delete all constraints

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• Sketcher B-spline tools: Convert geometry to B-spline, Increase B-spline degree, Decrease B-spline degree, Increase knot multiplicity, Decrease knot multiplicity, Insert knot, Join curves

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• Sketcher visual: Select unconstrained DoF, Select associated constraints, Select associated geometry, Select redundant constraints, Select conflicting constraints, Show/hide circular helper for arcs, Show/hide B-spline degree, Show/hide B-spline control polygon, Show/hide B-spline curvature comb, Show/hide B-spline knot multiplicity, Show/hide B-spline control point weight, Show/hide internal geometry, Switch virtual space

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• Additional: Sketcher Dialog, Preferences, Sketcher scripting

User documentation

• Getting started
• Installation: Download, Windows, Linux, Mac, Additional components, Docker, AppImage, Ubuntu Snap
• Basics: About FreeCAD, Interface, Mouse navigation, Selection methods, Object name, Preferences, Workbenches, Document structure, Properties, Help FreeCAD, Donate

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• Help: Tutorials, Video tutorials
• Workbenches: Std Base, Assembly, BIM, CAM, Draft, FEM, Inspection, Material, Mesh, OpenSCAD, Part, PartDesign, Points, Reverse Engineering, Robot, Sketcher, Spreadsheet, Surface, TechDraw, Test Framework

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• Addons: Addon Manager, External workbenches, Scripting and macros

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• Hubs: User hub, Power users hub, Developer hub