Document; Parametric Drawing - Autodesk AUTOCAD 2010 - PREVIEW GUIDE Manual

AUTOCAD 2010 PREVIEW GUIDE

Document

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Parametric Drawing

Powerful new parametric drawing functionality in AutoCAD 2010 enables you to dramatically increase
productivity by constraining drawing objects based on design intent. Geometric and dimensional constraints
help ensure that specific relationships and measurements remain persistent even as objects are modified. The
tools for creating and managing geometric and dimensional constraints are available on the Parametric ribbon
tab, which is automatically displayed in the 2D Drafting and Annotation workspace.
Figure 13. Parametric ribbon tab
Establishing Geometric Relationships
Geometric constraints establish and maintain geometric relationships between objects, key points on objects, or
between an object and the coordinate system. Pairs of key points on or between objects can also be
constrained to be vertical or horizontal relative to the current coordinate system. For example, you could specify
that two circles must always be concentric, that two lines are always parallel, or that one side of a rectangle is
always horizontal.
Applying Geometric Constraints
Geometric relationships are defined with geometric constraints, located on the Geometric Panel of the
Parametric tab of the ribbon, or with the GEOMCONSTRAINT command. When applying constraints, an icon
appears next to the cursor to help you remember which constraint you selected.
Figure 14. Concentric geometric constraint icon
When applying a constraint to points, a temporary marker identifies the closest valid point when rolling over an
object. It generally corresponds with points that can be used as object snaps.
Whether selecting objects or points on objects to constrain, the order and pick location affects how the objects
update: the second object selected updates to satisfy the constraint. After the constraint is applied, though,
either object will update when the other is modified.
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