Constraints reference

The Constrain Components tool defines geometric constraints to position components relative to each other.

Type

Select a constraint Type to define how components are positioned relative to each other:

Geometry

Select geometry on each component to constrain relative to the other.

Angle Reference (Angle constraint type only)

When you an Angle Constraint between two planar objects, it can solve in a few different ways. To make the results more predictable, select a linear edge or sketch line to use as an axis for the Angle Reference.

Constraint table

constraint dialog table diagram

  1. Name: Enter a meaningful name for the constraint or accept the default name.
  2. Geometry: Displays the geometry that is selected for that constraint row.
  3. Offset
    • Align Offset: Enter a distance value to offset between the selected geometry.
    • Angle Offset: Enter the angle value for the relative angle between the selected geometry.
  4. Flip flip icon: Flips the orientation of the selected geometry.
  5. Constraint row: Add more rows to create a set.
  6. Add Constraint plus icon: Adds a new constraint row to the table.
  7. Delete Constraint delete minus icon: Deletes the active constraint row.

Geometry column

The geometry pair that displays represents the constrained geometry for that constraint row.

For example, if a face is selected for Component 1 and an edge is selected for Component 2, the table will display: Face-Edge.

If no geometry selected for either component, Undefined displays in the table.

If the geometry for only Component 1 is defined, Face--- displays in the table.

Preview On Hover

Shows the second component's position in the canvas when cursor hovers over a valid geometry selection.

Note: Unavailable when Solve All Constraints is enabled or when Component 1 is undefined.

Solve All Constraints

Check to preview the active constraint with all existing constraints in the table and constraints created earlier in the timeline.

Note: Unavailable when Preview On Hover is enabled.

Align Types

The orientation of the selected geometry is automatically determined by the combination of geometry types. For example, if you select two planes, they will become flush with each other. If you select a cylindrical face and a circular edge, they will be coincident with each other.

Alignment types include: