Create construction lines

During the forward route creation or later edits, the Include Geometry command enables you to include the reference geometry from existing vertices, linear edges, planar faces, and work features and hence assist in constraining the route sketch, whereas the Draw Construction Line command enables you to draw construction lines in any direction. Using the construction lines and General Dimension command, you can position the coplanar segment accurately in the spatial coordinate system.

The construction line starts from a sketched route point in the parametric region. With the 3D Orthogonal Route tool displayed, Tube & Pipe specific commands on the context menu can help determine the second decisive point for the construction line. When angular dimensions are placed, the construction line may automatically adjust to a new position. You may need to constrain the construction line beforehand.

Construction lines do not participate in route populating. In addition, you cannot insert intermediate route points on the construction line and cannot continue the route creation from the second decisive point (not the start point that coincides with the underlying sketched route point).

Note: If the start point is a coupling route point that connects two straight segments, moving the start point automatically repositions the construction line. If you delete the coupling route point, the coupling is no longer generated but the construction line remains in the original position.

Create construction lines

1. Activate the route.
2. If you are in progress of creating the next route point, right-click and select Done to quite the Route command.
3. In the Model browser or graphics window, right-click a sketched route point in the parametric region and select Draw Construction Line.

   Rotation handles are available on three direction axes of the 3D Orthogonal Route tool.

4. Optionally, right-click in the graphics window, and then determine the Auto-Dimension option depending on whether it needs to be dimensioned.
5. Pick up the second decisive point on a direction axis.
   Tip: In addition to rotation handles of the 3D Orthogonal Route tool, you can use the appropriate route commands to orient the direction axis and determine the route, such as Parallel With Edge, Perpendicular To Face, Rotation Snap, and Point Snap on the context menu.

   The construction line is created.

6. Optionally, to change the line orientation, right-click the second decisive point you have just created and select 3D Move/Rotate. Use the free drag or enter the precise distances to reposition the point.
   Tip: By default, the triad axes relate to the world coordinate system coherently but may vary from the route direction. To define the X, Y, Z distances relative to the route direction correctly, you can redefine the axis alignment to the route segment.
7. Optionally, to constrain the construction line, place appropriate geometric constraints, for instance, you can place a fix constraint on the construction line.

8. On the ribbon, click Route tab Constrain panel Dimension and add an angular dimension between the construction line and the segment.
   Note: The segment to constrain does not necessarily intersect with the construction line. However, to add an angular dimension, they must be coplanar.

Delete construction lines

1. Activate the route.
2. In the graphics window, right-click the unwanted construction line and select Delete.