- Position new reference planes so that they align with the major axes of the planned geometry.
- Name each reference plane so that you can assign it to be the current work plane. The name lets you see the reference plane so that you can select it to use as a work plane.
- Specify the property for reference planes that lets you dimension to them when the family is placed in a project.
Before you create family geometry, you should sketch reference planes. You can then snap sketches and geometry to the reference planes.
A bookcase family created within a framework of reference planes
A flange family created within a framework of reference planes
A metal deck family created within a framework of reference planes
To lay out reference planes
- Click Create tab
Datum panel
(Reference Plane). - Specify a start point and an end point for the reference plane.
- Name the reference plane so that you can identify it in when you open other views:
- Select the reference plane, and on the Properties palette, under Identity Data, for Name, enter a name for the reference plane.
- Click Apply.