Using Layout Tools

This toolbar is situated at the bottom right of the screen. If you cannot see it properly, just undock it.

The options available in the Tools toolbar are explained below.

Snap to Point

If activated, this option makes your geometry (as well as 2D components) begin or end on the points of the grid. As you create geometry, points are forced to the intersection points of the grid. Note that this option is also available via Tools > Options > Mechanical > Drafting > Display tab.

Create Detected Constraints

If activated, this option creates lasting constraints. If you do not activate this option, the constraints you create are temporary: the geometry is only temporarily constrained, which means that it can then be moved without being constrained.

Dimension system selection mode

This option applies to dimension systems. With this option activated, clicking a dimension system enables you to select the dimension system as a whole. When this option is de-activated, you will be able to select a single dimension within a dimension system.

View Background Manipulation

When activated, this option lets you select and manipulate a 2D layout view by clicking or dragging any element of its background.

Important: Note that when the View Background Manipulation option is activated: The commands that need to select an element (for example use-edges, dimensions, filter...) cannot be used on background elements, since the view is automatically selected. Selection and manipulation of elements in the 2D Layout view are not modified.

Update 3D profile

Click this icon to update the 3D profile (and corresponding 3D shape) that corresponds to a given layout. For example, if you perform modifications in a layout which impact the 3D profile, the 3D shape will be shown as being not up-to-date. Clicking this icon lets you reflect your latest modifications in the 3D model.

This toolbar is situated at the bottom right of screen, after the Tools toolbar. If you cannot see it properly, just undock it.

The options available in the Visualization toolbar are explained below.

Display Grid

Activate this option to display the grid in your session. The grid will help you draw geometry in given circumstances. For example, the grid will make it easier to draw profiles requiring parallel lines. The grid depends on the active view position, orientation and scale. Note that this option is also available through Tools > Options... > Mechanical > 2D Layout for 3D Design > Display tab.

Cutting Plane

Activate this option to cut the 3D background of layout views along each view's definition plane. This can be useful to validate the geometry of a design view, as the view content and 2D background will remain visible, even if their view plane is behind the cutting plane. Since it is the view plane that is used as the cutting plane, the result will depend on the position of the layout in 3D space.

Note that the cutting plane is applied globally to a layout, that is it is either active or inactive for all views at once.

Refer to Using the Cutting Plane for more information.

Display Backgrounds as Specified for Each View

Activate this option to display the 2D and 3D backgrounds as specified for each view.

Refer to Managing the Layout View Background for more information.

Show Constraints

Activate this option if you want existing constraints to be visualized.

Important: Constraints are only visualized in the 2D Layout for 3D Design window, not in the 3D window.

Tip: If you cannot visualize constraints even though this option is active, go to Tools > Options... > Mechanical > 2D Layout for 3D Design > Display tab and select Activate geometries' diagnostic. You can also modify the constraint color and/or width.

Display View Frame as Specified for Each View

When activated, this option lets you display the view frame which is available for each view, as specified in each view's properties (Edit > Properties, View tab, Display View Frame check box). In this case:

• The view frame will be displayed for all views for which the Display View Frame check box is selected.
• The view frame will be hidden for all views for which the Display View Frame check box is cleared.

Deactivating this option hides the view frame for all views.

Elements' Analysis

This option lets you visualize different types of dimensions (for example, dimensions driving 2D geometry and true dimensions) using a specific color for each.

These colors are those customized in the Options dialog box. To modify these colors, go to Tools > Options... > Mechanical > 2D Layout for 3D Design > Display tab. Select Activate elements' analysis colors and click the Configure button to assign the desired colors to specific dimension types.

For example, when creating a line, the values of the elements you are sketching appear in the Tools Palette as you move the pointer. In other words, as you are moving the pointer, the Length (L) and Angle (A) boxes display the coordinates corresponding to the pointer position.

Important: Value boxes in the Tools Palette: By default, typing any value fills the first box. When you select another box, the value in the previously selected box is locked. The value entered in the box is locked, allowing you to move the pointer over the graphics area. Note: If you are a DS Passport customer, you can read the

Below are just a few examples of options and value boxes available in the Tools Palette.