Auto Constraints

In this Task 

• A Polyline and Polyarc will be used to trace over the underlay.
• Auto Constraints will be activated so that logical constraint geometry can be applied.

Associated Tasks 

• Using Auto Constraints
• Using Relative coordinates

Before you Start 

• Vertex snap is required.

Take Note 

• The tracing of the underlay is not required to be exact. Dimensional constraints will be added later to control the spatial relationship of objects.
• The tracing of the underlay is done specifically for this Task. An underlay can be converted to objects by inserting the underlay, then using Tools | PDF Tools | PDF Underlay to Objects. This converts the underlay object to a group of graphics which can then be Exploded Ribbon : Format | Explode Default : Modify | Explode.
• Menu options for the Default menu and workspace, the Ribbon and Palettes are provided directly under the Command Name heading.

Auto Constraints

Ribbon : Insert | Constraints | Auto Constraint

Default Menu : Constraints | Auto Constraint

Palette : Sketch | Constraints | Auto Constraint

 Icon at bottom left of editor

The Auto Add Constraints tool automatically applies geometric constraints to objects which are inserted into the editor. In so doing, all compound entities such as polylines, polygons etc, are automatically exploded to create single entities.Geometric constraint markers are added where constraints have been inserted.

Activate Auto Constraints, using the menu options above or the icon at the bottom left of the editor.

Using a Polyline and with a vertex snap activated, start at the vertex shown below.

Start the polyline at the vertex shown

Draw to the next vertex, shown below, taking into consideration that the polyline does not have to be exactly in the same plane as the underlay.

Draw to the next vertex

Right click and select Arc Segment, then draw to the vertex of the arc shown in the illustration below.

Drawing an Arc Segment to the next vertex

Right click and select Line Segment, then draw to the next vertex shown below.

Drawing to the next vertex using Line Segment

Continue with this method, using the right click to switch between Line and Arc Segments. At the penultimate point shown below, right click and select Close from the local menu.

Right click and select ‘Close’ at the penultimate point

The Auto Constraints tool has applied logical geometric constraints similar to those shown below. Additionally, most polyline and polyarcs have been exploded into separate but connected entities.

Constraints added, polylines and arcs exploded

Insert circles in the approximate position and to the approximate size to those shown below. Make no attempt at this stage to position the circles accurately.

Insert circles

Use the Design Director Tools | Palettes | Design Director to switch off the Underlay layer so that the only objects visible in the editor are the newly drawn polylines/arcs, the circles and the constraint markers, shown below.

Switch off ‘Underlay’ layer