You can access these new parameters from the Parameters menu. AutoCADExchange explains how using the Convert command in the Dimensional Tools ribbon allows you to change any line, arc, or circle into a dimensionally constrained one. If you receive a drawing that has conventional dimensions, you can still convert them to parametric constraints. The geometry in the drawing is adjusted accordingly based on changes made in the manager. This gives you a visual of all the parameters and allows you to edit them not in the drawing itself, but in the Parameters Manager. AutoCADExchange explains another way to modify the values of geometric constraint, other than double-clicking on the value itself, using the Parameters Manager in the Parametric ribbon. Inferred constraints work with you as you draw and apply themselves while making sure your drawing is set up properly. No longer will you be drawing first and implying constraints second. Now that we’re experts on dimensional constraints, AutoCADExchange is going to introduce us to the world of inferred constraints. Using dimensions can change the length of a line, change relationships between lines, and create new dimensional relationships. Lynn Allen takes dimensional constraints even further in the Dimensions tab and shows how using dimensions can make your drawing life a lot easier. Dimensional constraints and setting up formulas for them are discussed as well. As each constraint is applied, AutoCAD shows an icon in a constraint bar adjacent to the object that gets highlighted when you hover over it. He also explains the Autoconstrain tool to assign a number of constraints in one pass. AutoCAD expert David Cohn takes the constraint talk a little further using tangents, perpendicular lines, parallel lines, concentric circles and arcs, and horizontal constraints on the same objects. You also learn about the common parametric battle of “who changes whom.”
Cadalyst and Autodesk blogger Lynn Allen explains the basics of parametric constraint tools and how to use geometric constraints such as parallel and perpendicular lines in AutoCAD. I wonder if anyone has been using constraints in AutoCAD regularly.Tip 1. Do you create parametric design regularly? If you want to try to create your own, you can try this tutorial we published here. You may want to experiment by adding more values in the table, from block editor. You can change the window size using the arrow. Open the file, select the block, then click the arrow near the window. This is a sample exercise in our AutoCAD Block Book. We can use it when dynamic block can’t achieve what we want.ĭownload this window sample. If creating a parametric drawing consume more time than creating a regular drawing, then just forget about it. Either in design process or we use the drawing repeatedly.
If we can use it for 3D design, it would be great. We don’t draw everything in 2D then constraint the geometries. Can you imagine how complex it would be, if we give constraint to the geometries? Sample image: parametric sketch in Inventor Then we create another sketch, constraint it, then create another feature. In Inventor we create simple sketches and constraint it, then create a feature from it. Too complexĪlthough if you were working in mechanical design, creating parametric 2D drawing is very complicated. Why not many people are using parametric design in AutoCAD? 1. But I don’t think it would be useful in AutoCAD drawings. I’m quite familiar with parametric features in Inventor. My guess is because it’s too complicated for 2D drawings. You can see complete video on this AutoCAD Exchange YouTube playlist.Įven though I found parametric feature is useful, I haven’t seen AutoCAD users use it intensively.