Dimensional Constraints

Dimensional constraints maintain a measurable relationship. They resemble standard dimensions when placed.

Constrain Angle

Constrain the angular relationship between separate objects or line segments of a single object. If one object or segment is rotated, the object or segment it is constrained to adjusts to maintain the angle.

 

To constrain the angle between objects or line segments of a single object:

 

1.	Click the Constrain Angle tool from the Dims/Notes tool set.

2.	Click on one of the two objects or line segments to be constrained.

The cursor switches to the bull’s-eye cursor.

3.	Click on the second object or line segment to be constrained.

A red angle constraint is drawn between the two objects or line segments.

Constrain Radius

Constrain the radius of a single arc or circle. If the arc or circle is accidentally resized, the constraint prevents the operation, preserving the radius.

 

To constrain the radius of an arc or circle:

 

1.	Click the Constrain Radius tool from the Dims/Notes tool set.

2.	Click on the arc or circle to be constrained.

A red radius constraint is drawn on the object.

The Constrain Radius tool does not work on quarter arcs.

Constrain Horizontal Distance

Constrain the horizontal distance of an edge of an object, a line segment, or between two points. If an object resize is attempted, the constraint prevents the operation, preserving the original horizontal distance. When the constraint is on two different objects, if one object is modified, the object it is constrained to moves to remain at the same constrained horizontal distance.

 

To constrain the horizontal distance of an edge of an object or a line segment:

 

1.	Click the Constrain Horiz Distance tool from the Dims/Notes tool set.

2.	Click on the object to be constrained.

A red horizontal distance constraint is drawn on the object.

To constrain the horizontal distance between two points:

1.	Click the Constrain Horiz Distance tool from the Dims/Notes tool set.

2.	Click on the first point to be constrained.

The cursor switches to the bull’s-eye cursor.

3.	Click on the second point to be constrained.

A red horizontal distance constraint is drawn between the two points.

Constrain Vertical Distance

Constrain the vertical distance of an edge of an object, line segment, or between two points. If an object resize is attempted, the constraint prevents the operation, preserving the original vertical distance. When the constraint is on two different objects, if one object is modified, the object to which it is constrained moves to remain at the same constrained vertical distance.

 

To constrain the vertical distance of an edge of an object or line segment:

 

1.	Click the Constrain Vertical Distance tool from the Dims/Notes tool set.

2.	Click on the object to be constrained.

A red vertical distance constraint is drawn on the object.

 

To constrain the vertical distance between two points:

1.	Click the Constrain Vertical Distance tool from the Dims/Notes tool set.

2.	Click on the first point to be constrained.

The cursor switches to the bull’s-eye cursor.

3.	Click on the second point to be constrained.

A red vertical distance constraint is drawn between the two points.

Constrain Distance

Constrain the distance of an edge of an object, line segment, or between two points regardless of the angle. If an object is accidentally resized, the constraint prevents the operation, preserving the original distance. When the constraint is on two different objects, if one object is modified, the object to which it is constrained moves to remain at the same constrained distance.

 

To constrain the distance of an edge of an object or line segment:

1.	Click the Constrain Distance tool from the Dims/Notes tool set.

2.	Click on the object to be constrained.

A red horizontal distance constraint is drawn on the object.

 

To constrain the distance between two points:

1.	Click the Constrain Distance tool from the Dims/Notes tool set.

2.	Click on the first point to be constrained.

The cursor switches to the bull’s-eye cursor.

3.	Click on the second point to be constrained.

A red distance constraint is drawn between the two points.