Sketcher Dimension

Sketcher Dimension
Menu location
Sketch → Constraints → Dimension
Workbenches
Sketcher
Default shortcut
D
Introduced in version
1.0
See also
None

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 → 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 dimension, vertical dimension or distance dimension.
      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.

Notes

• Horizontal dimensions and vertical dimensions have a distinct behavior compared to distance dimensions. The first two dimension types also constrain the relative positions of the measured points so that they won't switch places. For example, for a horizontal dimension the left point will always remain the left point. This is not the case for distance dimensions. When using this tool to apply a dimensional constraint to points with the same X- or Y-coordinate you need to take care when picking the point to position it. You can verify which dimension type will be created by checking the last item in the Constraints section of the Sketcher Dialog, this will dynamically update as you move the mouse.