Variable Pitch Helix
The Helical Curve command now supports creating a helix with a variable pitch.
Previously with 3D Sketch tab Create panel
Helical Curve, you could only create a helix with a constant pitch. Use the new
Variable helical curve option in the command to specify multiple Pitch, Revolutions, Diameter, and Height values. You can use the variable helical curve as a guide in the Loft command or as a Path in the Sweep command.
For more information about the Helical Curve command, see To Draw 3D Curves.
Drawing Sketch Autoproject
The Application Options/Sketch tab setting, Autoproject edges during curve creation, now behaves the same in a drawing view sketch as it does in a part sketch.
In a drawing view sketch with Autoproject edges during curve creation selected:
- Pausing the cursor over and around a drawing profile with a sketch command active no longer projects the profile. You must now click the profile to project the profile.
- While hovering the cursor over an edge, a highlight preview shows and then a black projected curve graphic displays.
- Deselecting Autoproject edges during curve creation in Application Options/Sketch tab when a sketch is active now takes effect immediately. You no longer need to exit and re-enter the sketch environment for the change to the command to be enabled.
For more information on inserting images into a sketch, see To Project Geometry into a 2D Sketch.
Image Property Enhancements
You can now render images with unchanged alpha values (Alpha transparency) and specify a transparency color.
The Image Property dialog box is enhanced with the following new settings:
- Set Chroma Key: Select to specify a transparency color.
- Use Image Alpha (only available if the image supports alpha layer): Combines the background with the image using the alpha layer of the image.
As a result, quality of the rendered image is improved.
For more information on inserting images into a sketch, see To Work with Sketches.