Quickly Creating Dimensional/Geometrical Constraints

The constraints are in priority dimension. Use the contextual menu to get other types of constraints and to position this constraint as desired.

This task shows you how to set dimensional or geometric constraints between one, two or three elements.

In this particular case, we will set constraints between two elements by selecting the command and then a line and a circle. But what you can also do is set dimensional constraints by multi-selecting the circle and line, and then clicking Constraint.

At any time, you may move the cursor: the distance value will vary accordingly. Click for positioning the newly created dimensional constraint.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: Create a circle and a line.
Related Topics
What are Constraints?
More About Dimensional/Geometrical Constraints

Create Dimensional/Geometrical Constraints

To create dimensional/geometrical constraint use the Constraint command.

  1. Click Constraint in the Constraint toolbar (Constraint sub-toolbar).

  2. Select the circle.

    The circle diameter constraint is displayed.

  3. Select the line.

    The relation between the two elements is reconsidered. In other words, the circle diameter constraint is no longer displayed.

  4. Right-click to display the contextual menu and select the Tangency command to set a tangency constraint between the line and the circle. A tangency constraint has been created between the circle and the line.



  5. Click Constraint .

  6. Right-click the line and select Line.xxx object > Fix to prevent the line from moving.

    The line is fixed and the anchor, that is the fix symbol, is displayed.

    To unfix the line, you can use the Line.xxx object > Unfix contextual command.

Apply Constraints Between the Conic and Another Geometrical Element

You can apply constraint between the conic and another geometrical element using the Constraint command.

  1. For instance, create a conic and a circle.

  2. Click Constraint .

  3. Select the two elements.

  4. Right-click the second element and select Tangency.

    The tangency has been applied to the two selected elements.