Driug PDF
Driug PDF
Driug PDF
Interactive Drafting
Overview
Conventions
What's New
Getting Started
Entering the Interactive Drafting Workbench
Creating a New View
Creating a Rectangle
Creating Corners
Creating Lines
Translating Lines
Creating Circles
Creating Dimensions
Creating Annotations
User Tasks
Basic Tasks
Using Tools
Copying and Pasting Elements
Styles and Default Values
Using Standard-Defined Styles
Setting Properties As Default in Pre-R11 Drawings
Using Properties Set as Default in Pre-R11 Drawings
Migrating Pre-R11 Drawings to Drawings Using Standard-Defined Styles
Sheets
Defining a Sheet
Modifying a Sheet
Deleting a Sheet
Updating the Standard of a Drawing
Switching a Drawing to Another Standard
Creating a Frame and a Title Block
Views
Creating Views
Defining the View Plane
Creating Views Using Folding Lines
Creating a Multiple View Projection
Reframing a View
2D Geometry
2D Geometry Operations
2D Components
Before You Begin
Creating a 2D Component
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 2
Re-Using a 2D Component
Creating a Component Catalog
Re-Using a 2D Component from a Catalog
Exploding a 2D Component
Exposing a 2D Component from a Catalog
Dimensions
Before You Begin
Creating Dimensions
Creating Half-Dimensions
Creating Explicit Dimensions
Creating/Modifying Angle Dimensions
Creating Chamfer Dimensions
Creating Associative Thread Dimensions
Creating/Modifying Coordinate Dimensions
Creating a Hole Dimension Table
Creating a Points Coordinates Table
Creating/Modifying Radius Curvature Dimensions
Creating Overall Curve Dimensions
Creating Curvilinear Length Dimensions
Creating Partial Curvilinear Length Dimensions
Creating Dimensions along a Reference Direction
Creating Dimensions between Intersection Points
Creating Dimensions between an Element and a View Axis
Re-routing Dimensions
Modifying the Dimension Type
Interrupting Extension Lines
Modifying the Dimension Value Text Position
Modifying the Dimension Line Location
Specifying the Dimension Value Position
Adding Text Before/After the Dimension Value
Modifying the Dimensions Overrun/Blanking
Lining up Dimensions (Free Space)
Lining up Dimensions (Reference)
Creating a Datum Feature
Modifying a Datum Feature
Creating a Geometrical Tolerance
Modifying Geometrical Tolerances
Copying Geometrical Tolerances
Creating Driving Dimensions
Dimension Systems
Before You Begin
Creating Chained Dimension Systems
Creating Stacked Dimension Systems
Creating Cumulated Dimension Systems
Modifying a Dimension System
Line-Up Dimension Systems
Technological Feature Dimensions
Before you Begin
Creating Intra-Technological Feature Dimensions
Creating Inter-Technological Feature Dimensions
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 3
Constraints
Before you Begin
Creating Quick Constraints
Creating Constraints via a Dialog Box
Creating Constraints Between 2D and Generated Elements
Annotations
Before You Begin
Creating a Free Text
Creating an Associated Text
Making an Existing Annotation Associative
Creating a Text With a Leader
Adding a Leader to an Existing Annotation
Handling Annotation Leaders
Adding Frames or Sub-Frames
Replicating Text and Attribute
Copying Graphic Properties
Creating a Datum Target
Modifying a Datum Target
Creating a Balloon
Creating Associative Balloons on Generated Product Views
Modifying a Balloon
Creating a Roughness Symbol
Creating a Welding Symbol
Creating a Geometry Weld
Modifying Annotation Positioning
Creating/Modifying a Table
Finding and Replacing Text
Performing an Advanced Search
Querying Annotation Links
Dress-Up Elements
Creating Center Lines (No Reference)
Creating Center Lines (Reference)
Modifying Center Lines
Creating Threads (No Reference)
Creating Threads (Reference)
Creating Axis Lines
Creating Axis Lines and Center Lines
Creating an Area Fill
Creating Arrows
SmartPick
Creating Constraints via SmartPick
Properties
Editing Sheet Properties
Editing View Properties
Editing 2D Geometry Feature Properties
Editing 2D Element Graphic Properties
Editing Pattern Properties
Editing Annotation Font Properties
Editing Text Properties
Editing Dimension Text Properties
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 4
Dimension Styles
Dimension System Styles
Dress-up and Dress-up Symbols Styles
View Callout Styles
Workbench Description
Interactive Drafting Menu Bar
Interactive Drafting Toolbars
Geometry Creation
Geometry Modification
Annotations
Dress-Up
Dimensioning
Text Properties
Graphic Properties
Dimension Properties
Tools
Style
Drawing
Tools Palette
CATDrawing Specification Tree Icons
Customizing
Customizing Settings
General
Layout
View
Generation
Geometry
Dimension
Manipulators
Annotation and Dress-Up
Administration
Customizing Toolbars
Glossary
Index
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 6
Overview
Welcome to the Interactive Drafting User's Guide. This guide is intended for users who need to become
quickly familiar with the Interactive Drafting Version 5 product.
Version 5 Interactive Drafting is a new generation product that addresses 2D design and drawing
production requirements.
Interactive Drafting is a highly productive, intuitive drafting system that can be used in a standalone 2D CAD
environment within a backbone system. It also expands the Generative Drafting product with both integrated
2D interactive functionality and an advanced production environment for the dress-up and annotation of
drawings. This provides an easy and smooth evolution from 2D to 3D-based design methodologies.
Interactive Drafting offers upward compatibility with Version 4, making it possible to browse or complete, in
Version 5, drawings started with Version 4.
The Interactive Drafting User's Guide has been designed to show you how to create drawings of varying
levels of complexity. There are several ways of creating a drawing and this documentation aims at illustrating
the different stages of creation you may encounter.
You may also like to read the following complementary product guides, for which the appropriate license
is required:
● Generative Drafting User's Guide: explains how to generate drawings from 3D parts and assembly
definitions.
● Sketcher User's Guide: explains how to sketch 2D elements.
● Data Exchange Interface User's Guide: describes how to import and export external files in
miscellaneous formats, including DXF/DWG and CGM.
● V4 Integration User's Guide: presents interfaces with standard exchange formats and most of all with
V4 data.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 7
Once you have finished, you should move on to the Basic Tasks section, which deals with handling
drawings and sheets, then creating and modifying the various types of features comprised in complex
drawings. The Advanced Tasks section describes more advanced product functions.
If you are an administrator, the Administration Tasks section is specifically aimed at you. You will see
how to manage and customize standards.
The Workbench Description section, which describes the Interactive Drafting workbench, and the
Customizing section, which explains how to customize the Interactive Drafting workbench, will also
certainly prove useful.
Conventions
Certain conventions are used in CATIA, ENOVIA & DELMIA documentation to help you recognize and
understand important concepts and specifications.
Graphic Conventions
The three categories of graphic conventions used are as follows:
a target of a task
the prerequisites
a tip
a warning
information
basic concepts
methodology
reference information
Site Map
What's New?
Overview
Getting Started
Basic Tasks
Workbench Description
Customizing
Reference
Methodology
Glossary
Index
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 10
Text Conventions
The following text conventions are used:
● The titles of CATIA, ENOVIA and DELMIA documents appear in this manner throughout the text.
● File -> New identifies the commands to be used.
● Enhancements are identified by a blue-colored background on the text.
Use this
mouse button... Whenever you read...
● Drag
● Move
What's New?
New Functionalities
Dimension Creation
Dimensions system
You can now create dimension systems of the following types: chained, cumulated and stacked.
You can handle dimension systems through various behaviors such as line up dimensions lines, auto-
funneling, etc.
You can modify dimension systems such as add a dimension to a dimension system, line up dimension
values, etc.
Fillet radius dimensions
You can now create fillet radius dimension in projection views.
Dimension on geometry without 2D representation
Dimensions associated to a 3D geometry that is valid but not represented in the drawing are now
displayed using a specific color.
Standards
Enhanced Functionalities
Dimensions
Miscellaneous
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 12
Customizing Settings
Dimension on geometry without 2D representation
A new setting lets you display using a specific color the dimensions that are associated to a 3D
geometry that is valid but not represented in the drawing.
Optional Reset button in annotation creation dialog boxes
A new setting lets you specify whether the Reset button should be displayed in annotation creation
dialog boxes.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 13
Getting Started
Before getting into the detailed instructions for using Interactive Drafting workbench, the following tutorial aims at
giving you a feel of what you can do with the product. It provides a step-by-step scenario showing you how to use
key functionalities. You just need to follow the instructions as you progress along.
Before discovering this scenario, you should be familiar with the basic commands common to all workbenches.
These are described in the Infrastructure User's Guide.
All together, the tasks should take about 30 minutes to complete.
Setting the options in Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting is recommended to improve the
software performances. For more information, refer to the Customizing section.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 14
The New dialog box is displayed, allowing you to choose the type of the document you need.
OR
OR
1. Select Tools -> Customize (Start Menu tab) and define the Favorites (Drafting) and Accelerator (F12)
options as shown below and click the Close switch button.
2. Press the F12 key or select Start -> Drafting from the menu bar.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 15
Whichever method you used for entering the Drafting workbench you used, the New Drawing dialog box is
displayed, allowing you choosing the type of Standard, Sheet Style, Orientation you need. The sheet style defines
among other things the sheet format, scale and orientation.
If you activate the Hide when starting workbench option, the next time you enter the Drafting workbench via
Start -> Drafting or by pressing the F12 key, the New Drawing dialog box will not appear any more. Still, you
will always be able to access this dialog box by selecting File -> New Drawing from the menu bar.
4. Click OK.
● You can add an unlimited number of customized standards using Standard files that you will create and/or, if
needed, modify. Once created, this standard will appear in the New Drawing dialog box. For more details on
standards, see the Standards Administration section. Care that any user-defined standard is based on one of
the four international standards (ANSI, ISO,ASME or JIS) as far as basic parameters are concerned.
● You can add an unlimited number of customized sheet styles using Standard files, see Sheet Styles.
The Drafting workbench is loaded and an empty drawing sheet opens. The drawing specification tree is displayed
to the left of the sheet.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 16
Pressing the F3 key lets you show or hide the specification tree as desired.
1. Select the Tools -> Options command to display the Options dialog box.
2. Click General in the list of objects to the left of the Options dialog box.
3. Select the Units tab and set Length to Inch and then click OK.
To visualize better your drawing, tile the windows horizontally from the menu bar.
The commands for creating and editing features are available in the workbench toolbar. Now to fully discover the
Interactive Drafting workbench, let's perform the following tasks.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 17
1. Click the New View icon and click the Drawing sheet.
2. Click to position the new view. The view is created. By default, it is a front view.
The drawing specification tree is updated to show the newly created view. A specific icon is used to
identify the view as a front view.
If you change your system's regional settings to use another language, the default view name will be
translated according to the language used by your system. Of custom, custom view names will not be
translated.
In the following tasks, you will learn how to draw geometry in the empty view displayed which is by
default a front view. In other words, you will draw geometry in this empty view and create both
annotations and dimensions on this geometry.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 18
Creating a Rectangle
This task shows you how to define geometry in the newly created empty view which is by default, the front
view. In this particular case, let's create a rectangle.
The Tools Palette automatically appears, displaying two value fields: horizontal value (H) and vertical value
(V).
The Tools Palette appears whenever you select a command for which specific options or value fields are
available. This enables you to know immediately when tools are available for a command.
2. Enter the First Point coordinates. For example, H: 0in and V: 0in.
3. Press Enter.
At this step, you can either enter the rectangle second point or width and height values.
4. Enter the Second Point coordinates. For example, H: 3.5in and V: 2.5in.
You can also move the cursor for directly positioning the second point. The corresponding values similarly
appear on the Tools Palette.
Note that the grid is not necessarily displayed throughout this documentation. Still, in the Generative
Drafting workbench, the grid is set by default. If you need to hide or display the grid, go to Tools ->
Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> General tab and check the Display option.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 20
Creating Corners
This task shows you how to create corners on an existing rectangle by multi-selecting points.
3. Enter a radius value in the Tools Palette. For example, Radius: 0.25in.
4. The four corners are automatically created
with the same radius value.
Creating Lines
In this task you will learn how to create a line.
The Tools toolbar displays with the Start Point value fields:
2. Enter the line Start Point coordinates. For example, H: 1.625in and V: 0in.
3. Press Enter.
4. Drag the cursor to the desired location for creating the second line point. For example, drag the
line end point to the top rectangle horizontal line.
Translating Lines
This task shows you how to translate a line. In this particular case, we will also duplicate the line to be translated.
4. Enter the duplicated line Start Point coordinates in the Tools Palette. For example, H: 1.7in and V:0in.
5. Press Enter.
6. Enter the duplicated line End Point coordinates in the Tools Palette. For example, H: 2in and V:0in.
OR
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 23
6. Click OK to validate.
Proceed in the same manner to create the third, fourth, fifth and sixth lines. The process described above is valid
for any other line to be created with the Translation command in our context.
You can also select the Translate icon first and then the geometry to be translated.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 25
Creating Circles
This task shows you how to create circles and circle centers using coordinates.
from the
Geometry creation
toolbar.
2. Enter the Circle Center coordinates. For example, H: 0.75in and V: 2in.
3. Press Enter.
6. Repeat the scenario to create the second circle using the same circle radius values.
You can also select the geometry to be translated first and then the Translate command .
You can then translate the circles newly created and get the following result:
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 28
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 29
Creating Dimensions
This task shows you how to add dimensions to the geometry you previously created.
2. Click a first element in the view. For example, the rectangle top line.
At this step, a dimension appears (length dimension). This dimension is defined according to the
element first selected. You can either accept the dimension (click in the free space) or select another
element (for creating a distance dimension).
3. Click a second element in the view. For example, the rectangle bottom line.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 30
At this step, you can apply various modifications to the dimension you are creating. You can:
● modify the dimension overrun/blanking using manipulators or the Ctrl key to modify only one
extension line.
● add text before or after by double-clicking the dimension
Creating Annotations
This task shows you how to add annotations on your drawing. In this particular case, we will add text
to existing 2D elements.
2. Click an element.
As you type in, the text appears in the graphic Text Editor window.
The annotation will now remain associated to the selected 2D element. In other words, each time you
move the 2D element, the associated annotation moves accordingly.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 33
User Tasks
Basic Tasks
Advanced Tasks
Administration Tasks
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 34
Basic Tasks
The basic tasks you will perform in the Interactive Drafting workbench mainly deal with creating and
modifying 2D elements and their related attributes on a predefined sheet. The tasks documented in this
section explain and illustrate how to create various kinds of features to obtain a complete CATDrawing
document.
Using Tools
You will find below information on helpful tools for creating any interactive element. Using multi-
selection can also be very useful.
Tools Toolbar
The Tools toolbar displays a number of options. This toolbar is situated at the bottom right of screen.
If you cannot see it properly, just undock it.
● Grid
● Snap to Point
● Dimension system selection mode (See chapter on Creating Chained Dimension Systems,
Creating Cumulated Dimension Systems, Creating Stacked Dimension Systems)
Grid
The grid will help you draw geometry in given circumstances. For example, the grid will make it
easier to draw profiles requiring parallel lines.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 36
Snap to Point
If activated, this option makes your geometry begin or end on the points of the grid. As you are
creating 2D geometry, points are forced to the intersection points of the grid. Note that this option is
also available using Tools ->Options ->Drafting (General tab).
1. Create a spline.
In the case of dimensions and annotations, even though the Snap to Point option remains on (red-
colored), you can temporarily de-activate the functionality. For this, press the Shift button while you
move the dimension or annotation.
These displayed colors correspond to the colors customized in the Options dialog box. To modify
these colors, go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting (Dimension tab). Then
check Activate analysis display mode and, if needed, click the Types and colors switch button to
assign the desired color(s) to the desired dimension types.
You can differentiate 2D elements (Interactive Drafting workbench) from the geometrical elements
generated from the 3D (Generative Drafting workbench) within the same view. This can prove very
helpful when you need to add purely interactive elements onto generated views.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATDrawing document. Create a text with a leader on an active view.
Tools Palette
The Tools palette appears whenever you select a command for which specific options or value fields
are available. This enables you to know immediately when tools are available for a command.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 38
The options or fields available in the Tools Palette depend on the command you selected. Only a few
examples are provided here.
For example, if you select the Dimensions command, the Tools Palette may provide the following
options:
Projected/Forced/True Length
Dimension
Projected Dimension Force Dimension on Element
(according to the cursor position)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 39
Remember that as you create the dimension in one mode, you can use the contextual menu and
select another mode.
Another example would be when creating a line. The values of the elements you are sketching
appear in the Tools Palette as you move the cursor. In other words, as you are moving the cursor,
the Length (L) and Angle (A) fields display the coordinates corresponding to the cursor position.
The Horizontal (H) and Vertical (V) fields are optionally displayed, depending on whether the Show H
and V fields in the Tools Palette option is selected in Tools > Options > Mechanical Design >
Drafting > Geometry tab.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 40
You can also use these fields for entering the values of your choice. In the following scenario, you are
going to sketch a line by entering values in the appropriate fields.
● Drafting elements cannot be pasted to a part or to a sketch. They can only be pasted within a
drawing.
● If you delete an element after copying it, you will not be able to paste it anymore.
● When copying and pasting views, positioning links between the views (i.e. links which exist
between a parent view and its child view, for example) will not be kept. The only way you can
keep positioning links between views is by copying and pasting the sheet.
● When copying and pasting a text, two things may happen depending on whether you changed
the feature name of the text (Edit -> Properties -> Feature Properties tab):
❍ If you did not change the feature name, and copy a text whose feature name is Text.1, for
example, then the feature name of the copy will be Text.2 (then Text.3, etc. if you make
several copies).
❍ If you did change the feature name, and copy a text whose customized feature name is
Custom Text, for example, then the feature name of the copy (or copies) will remain Custom
Text.
In case you copy and paste a view axis, infinite lines are displayed in your view.
Those lines are designed to keep constraints on the axis that were created in the first view.
You cannot copy and paste fuchsia dimensions as they are non-updatable elements.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 43
Note that there are two different behaviors, depending on the versions with which the drawing was created:
● Drawings created with version V5 R11 and later, or pre-R11 drawings whose standard has been updated
or changed in V5 R11 and later. These drawings use the styles which are defined in the standard used by
the drawing.
● Pre-R11 drawings, i.e. drawings created with versions up to V5 R10 included whose standard has not been
updated in version V5 R11 and later.
Use standard-defined styles: Use and modify styles in drawings created with version V5 R11 and later, or pre-
R11 drawings whose standard has been updated or changed in V5 R11 and later. Styles are defined in the
standard used by the drawing. Standards are managed by the administrator.
Set properties as default in pre-R11 drawings: Set graphical properties to elements to be created in drawings
created with versions up to V5 R10 whose standard has not been updated in version V5 R11 and later.
Use properties set as default in pre-R11 drawings: Use properties set as default in drawings created with
versions up to V5 R10 whose standard has NOT been updated in version V5 R11 and later.
Migrate pre-r11 drawings to drawings using standard-defined styles: Using a batch utility, migrate
CATDrawing documents created with versions up to V5 R10 (which use properties "set as default"), to V5
R12 CATDrawing documents using standard-defined styles.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 44
Create a new drawing. Don't forget to specify the standard that you want to use.
1. Start creating a circle, for example. In the Style toolbar, the styles available for the type of
element you are creating are displayed. In our example, two Default styles are available:
one, the current style, is to be used for curves and the other one is to be used for
construction curves.
The styles available in the toolbar depend on what your administrator specified in the standards.
2. If you want to apply the current style to the circle, you don't need to do anything. If you
want to apply the other style, you can select it from the Styles toolbar.
3. Click to validate and end the circle creation. The circle is created with the selected style, as
defined in the standard used by the drawing. (Consequently, you may obtain a different
4. Now, start creating a radius dimension for this circle. Once again, the Style toolbar displays
the styles available for radius dimensions. In our example, only one style is available,
5. In the Graphic Properties toolbar, select another color, red, for example.
In the Style toolbar, an asterisk appears in front of the selected style: this asterisk
indicates that the style of the element you are creating has been overloaded compared to
the style which is defined in the standards.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 46
● Depending on the type of style selected (curve, dimension, etc.), only the relevant fields are
available in the various properties toolbars. For example, if you select a curve style, text and
dimension properties will be disabled from the associated toolbars.
● In the case of dimensions, note that if you use the generic Dimensions command, all default
dimension styles (i.e. length, radius, etc.) are available in the Style toolbar. In this case, make
sure that you first select the style corresponding to the type of dimension that you are about to
create, i.e. before overloading it. Otherwise, you will be overloading the current dimension style
(which is Length by default); if you subsequently select an element that does not match the
current dimension style, the style will change to match the selected element (e.g. if you then
select a circle, a radius dimension will be created) and you will lose your style modifications (i.e.
the style for the selected element will not be overloaded).
● You can either revert to the standard-defined values (i.e. reset the toolbar properties to their
original values) by re-selecting this style from the Styles toolbar, and then clicking to validate and
end the dimension creation. The asterisk will disappear.
● Or you can apply the modified style by clicking to validate and end the dimension creation. For
the purpose of this scenario, do this.
The dimension is created with the selected style, as defined in the standard and overloaded by
the properties you changed. (Once again, as the result depends on the parameters defined in
your standard, you may obtain a different result than the one shown here.)
Styles are used as default values when creating elements. However, after an element has been
created, no link remains between this element and the style used to create it.
When you select an element, no style is displayed in the Style toolbar. However, if you expand the
list, you will see the list of styles that you can apply to this element (according to the styles that your
administrator defined in the standard for this type of element). You can change the properties of the
element by selecting another style from the list.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 47
This functionality is not available with drawings created with version V5 R11 and later, nor with
drawings created with older versions and whose standard has been updated or changed in V5 R11
and later. These drawings use the styles which are defined in the standard used by the drawing.
Standards are managed by the administrator.
This task shows you how to set graphical properties to elements to be created.
● You can reset all the values assigned to all the elements via the Reset All Defaults command. For
this, select Tools -> Reset All Defaults from the menu bar.
● Only one text color can be taken into account when setting a text as default. For this reason, if
you set as default a text which includes strings in different colors, only the global color will be
taken into account. The global color is the color defined when selecting the text (without editing
it) and applied via the toolbar or via Edit -> Properties.
Be careful: you can apply graphical properties only to dimensions/annotations which are of the same
type. For example, properties set as default for angle dimensions will only apply to angle
dimensions.
● Dimensions: chamfer, thread, angle, cumulate angle, diameter (all types), distance (length
included), cumulate distance (cumulate length included), radius.
● Annotations: text, text with leader, balloon, datum target, datum feature, geometrical
tolerances.
Version 5 Release 14 Page 49
Using Properties Set as Default in Pre-R11 Drawings
Interactive Drafting
This functionality is only available with drawings created with versions up to V5 R10.
This functionality is not available with drawings created with version V5 R11 and later, nor with drawings created with older versions and whose standard has
been updated or changed in V5 R11 and later. These drawings use the styles which are defined in the standard used by the drawing. Standards are managed by
the administrator.
This task shows you how to use default values. To understand how to set as default an element properties, see Setting As Default Properties.
2. Select Properties in the contextual menu (right-click). In font tab, select the bold italic style and in text tab increase the line spacing to 5 mm.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 50
Click ok.
The text looks like this
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 51
Original Properties (that is to say the settings defined in the Text Properties toolbar) are taken into account.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 52
7. Select the User Default Properties option from the style toolbar to specify that you want to use the options set by default (see step 2) apart from options
set in the Text Properties toolbar.
In this example you have modified the font in the Text Properties toolbar, the new text will be created with default settings (see step 2.) apart from the font.
User Default Properties (that is to say the settings set as default, apart from those defined in the Text Properties toolbar) are taken into
account.
9. Select the Only User Default Properties option from the style toolbar to specify that you want to use only the options set by default (see step 2).
Only User Default Properties (that is to say only the settings set as default) are taken into account.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 53
● If you selected the Lock "Only User Default" style in Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Administration tab, then using Only
User Default Properties is compulsory (the Styles drop-down list is set to Only User Defaults and is deactivated so that Original Defaults or User
Defaults cannot be selected). In this case, when creating new elements, all properties toolbars are deactivated to indicate that toolbar values will not be
taken into account. If you select an element after its creation, the toolbars are activated to let you change its properties. If you don't want the properties
toolbars to be deactivated when creating new elements, simply uncheck the Lock "Only User Default" style option.
● When creating elements, the values of properties toolbars are taken into account only when the Original Properties or the User Default Properties style
is selected. In this case, you can reset the Font Name, Font Size, Tolerance Format and Numerical Display Format toolbar properties to the values which are
defined in the standard of the drawing. To do this:
1- Make sure that Original Properties or User Default Properties is activated in the Style toolbar.
2- Make sure that no element is currently selected.
3- Right-click the Style toolbar and scroll down the contextual menu if necessary.
Note that if Only User Default Properties is activated in the Style toolbar, or if an element is selected, you will not be able to use the Reset with
standard properties command.
The table below lists all the objects that can be taken into account when using the Painter or copying the object format from one object to another.
Object Properties
Color y Toolbar - -
Linetype y Toolbar - -
Thickness y Toolbar - -
Color y Toolbar - -
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 54
Linetype y Toolbar - -
Thickness y Toolbar - -
Cartesian
End Point 1 n - - -
coordinates
Polar
n - - -
coordinates
Cartesian
End Point 2 n - - -
coordinates
Polar
n - - -
coordinates
Length n - - -
Angle n - - -
Construction
n Toolbar - -
element
Point Cartesian
n - - -
coordinates
Polar
n - - -
coordinates
Construction
n Toolbar - -
element
Color y Toolbar - -
Symbol y Toolbar - -
Polar
n - -
coordinates
Radius n - - -
Construction
n Toolbar - -
Element
Linetype y Toolbar - -
Thickness y Toolbar - -
Ellipse
Cartesian
Center Point n - - -
coordinates
Polar
n - - -
coordinates
Major Radius n - - -
Minor Radius n - - -
Angle n - - -
Construction
n Toolbar - -
element
Color y Toolbar - -
Linetype y Toolbar - -
Thickness y Toolbar - -
Hyperbol Cartesian
Focus Point n - - -
coordinates
Polar
n - - -
coordinates
Cartesian
Center Point n - - -
coordinates
Polar
n - - -
coordinates
Excentricity n - - -
Construction
n Toolbar - -
Element
Name n Original properties - -
Color y Toolbar - -
Linetype y Toolbar - -
Thickness y Toolbar - -
Pickable n Original properties - -
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 56
Parabola Cartesian
Focus Point n - - -
coordinates
Polar
n - - -
coordinates
Cartesian
Apex Point n - - -
coordinates
Polar
n - - -
coordinates
Construction
n Toolbar - -
Element
Color y Toolbar - -
Linetype y Toolbar - -
Thickness y Toolbar - -
second angle
- Original properties User-Default User-Default
standard
Drawing Name - - - -
Axis Line Name n Original properties
Color y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Linetype y Original properties Original properties User-Default
Thickness y Original properties Original properties User-Default
Pickable n Original properties - -
Center Line Name n Original properties
Color y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Linetype y Original properties Original properties User-Default
Thickness y Original properties Original properties User-Default
Pickable n Original properties - -
Thread Name n Original properties
Color y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Linetype y Original properties Original properties User-Default
Thickness y Original properties Original properties User-Default
Pickable n Original properties - -
Dimension Drive
n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Geometry
Value n - - -
Value Driving n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Value
Reference y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Orientation
Orientation y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Angle y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Show dual
Dual Value y Original properties User-Default User-Default
value
Format Main Value n Original properties Original properties User-Default
Dual Value n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Fake
Numerical n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Dimension
Alphanumerical n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Tolerance Main value Upper Value y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 60
Lower Value y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
First Value y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Second Value y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Dual value Upper Value n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Lower Value n Original properties User-Default User-Default
First Value n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Second Value n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Dimension
Representation y Original properties Original properties User-Default
Line
Orientation y Original properties Original properties User-Default
Reference y Original properties Original properties User-Default
Angle y Original properties Original properties User-Default
Thickness y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Color y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Symbol 1 Shape y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Color y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Thickness y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Symbol 2 Shape y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Color y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Thickness y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Reversal y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Foreshortened Text Position n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Orientation n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Angle n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Ratio n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Point scale n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Extension
Extremities Overrun n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Line
Blanking n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Color y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Thickness y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Display first
y Original properties User-Default User-Default
extension line
Display second
y Original properties User-Default User-Default
extension line
Funnel Height n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Angle n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Width n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Funnel mode n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 61
Funnel side n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Dimension
Prefix - Sufix Symbol y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Text
Main Value y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Associated
Main Value y Original properties User-Default
texts
Dual Value n Original properties User-Default
Dimension
Main y Original properties User-Default
score options
Dual y Original properties User-Default
Dimension
Element y Original properties User-Default
frame options
Group y Original properties User-Default
Font Font n Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Style y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Size y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
UnderLine n Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Color y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Strikethrough n Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Overline n Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Text Frame y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Color y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Thickness y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Line Type y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Graphic Color y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Linetype y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Thickness y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Pickable y Original properties - -
Area Fill Name n Original properties
Color - Original properties User-Default User-Default
Linetype - Toolbar User-Default User-Default
Thickness - Toolbar User-Default User-Default
Pickable n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Type Dotting Pitch y Toolbar Original properties User-Default
Zigzag y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Color y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Coloring Color y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Number of
Hatching y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
hatching
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 62
n-th hatching
y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
properties
2D Name n - - -
Component
Color y Original properties - -
Linetype y Original properties - -
Thickness y Original properties - -
Pickable n Original properties -
Angle n Original properties - -
Scale n Original properties - -
X - - - -
Y - - - -
Roughness Font Font n Toolbar Toolbar Toolbar
Symbol
Style y Toolbar Toolbar Toolbar
Size y Toolbar Toolbar Toolbar
Color y Toolbar Toolbar Toolbar
Text Color Toolbar User-Default User-Default
Thickness n Toolbar User-Default User-Default
Line Type n Toolbar User-Default User-Default
Anchor Point n Toolbar User-Default Original properties
Anchor Line - Original properties Original properties Original properties
Reference n Toolbar User-Default User-Default
Orientation n Toolbar User-Default User-Default
Angle n Toolbar User-Default User-Default
Graphic Color y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Line Type y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Thickness y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Rugosity
n Original properties Original properties Original properties
type
Contact
n Original properties Original properties Original properties
rugosity
Rugosity
n Original properties Original properties Original properties
mode
Name n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Welding Length of
n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Symbol weld side 1
size of weld
n Original properties User-Default User-Default
side 1
weld type
n Original properties User-Default User-Default
side 1
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 63
Length of
n Original properties User-Default User-Default
weld side 2
size of weld
n Original properties User-Default User-Default
side 2
weld type
n Original properties User-Default User-Default
side 2
field weld
n Original properties User-Default User-Default
symbol
weld-all-
around n Original properties User-Default User-Default
symbol
Font Font y Toolbar User-Default User-Default
Style y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Size y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Color y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Text Frame color Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Frame
y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Thickness
Frame Line
y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Type
Reference n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Orientation - Original properties User-Default User-Default
Angle n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Graphic Color y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Line Type y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Thickness y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Name n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Balloon String n - - -
Font Font n Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Style n Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Size n Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Color n Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Text Frame color y Original properties Toolbar User-Default
Thickness y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Frame Line
y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Type
Anchor Point n Toolbar Toolbar Toolbar
Anchor Line n Original properties Original properties Toolbar
Reference n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Orientation n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Angle n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 64
Graphic Color y Original properties Toolbar User-Default
Line Type y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Thickness y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Name n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Datum String n - - -
Feature
Name n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Font Font n Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Style n Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Size n Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Color n Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Text Frame color y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Thickness y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Frame Line
y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Type
Anchor Point n Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Anchor Line n Original properties Original properties User-Default
Reference n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Orientation n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Angle n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Graphic Color y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Line Type y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Thickness y Toolbar Toolbar User-Default
Datum String n - - -
Target
Diameter y - Original properties Original properties
Name n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Font Font y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Style y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Size y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Color y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Text Frame color y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Thickness y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Frame Line
y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Type
Anchor Point y Original properties User-Default Toolbar
Anchor Line n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Reference n Original properties User-Default User-Default
Orientation n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Angle n Original properties Original properties Original properties
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 65
Graphic Color y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Line Type y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Thickness y Original properties User-Default User-Default
Geometrical Name n Original properties - -
Tolerance
Primary
Geometric n - - -
Characteristic
Diameter
n - - -
Zone
Tolerance
n - - -
Value
tolerance
Feature n - - -
Modifier
Primary
n - - -
Datum Text
Primary
Datum
n - - -
Feature
Modifier
Secondary
n - - -
Datum Text
Secondary
Datum
n - - -
Feature
Modifier
Tertiary
n - - -
Datum Text
Tertiary
Datum
n - - -
Feature
Modifier
Font Font n Toolbar - -
Style n Toolbar - -
Size n Toolbar - -
Color n Toolbar - -
Text Frame color y Original properties - -
Thickness y Original properties - -
Frame Line
y Original properties - -
Type
Anchor Point n Original properties - -
Anchor Line n Original properties - -
Reference n Original properties - -
Orientation n Original properties - -
Interactive Drafting Version 5nRelease 14Original properties Page 66
Angle - -
Graphic Color y Original properties - -
Line Type y Original properties - -
Thickness y Original properties - -
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 67
For each object which uses properties "set as default" (i.e. each default object created using the Set as Default
contextual command), a new style will be created in the standard file, with the same specifications as the default
object. For more information on styles, refer to Setting Standard Styles and Using Standard-Defined Styles.
The version of a drawing that is taken into account for the migration is the version of the embedded standard. For
example, if you created a drawing in V5 R7, and modified and saved it in V5 R10, the version of the embedded
standard is V5 R7. On the other hand, if you created a drawing in V5 R7, and updated its standard in V5 R10
(using the Update button in the Page Setup dialog box), then the version of the embedded standard is V5 R10.
The migration is handled differently, depending on the version of the standard embedded in the CATDrawing
document: up to V5 R8, or V5 R9 to V5 R10.
If you want to keep your customized parameters, you must provide the CATDrwStandard file associated to the
drawing. Otherwise, you can provide a customized XML file (from V5 R9), which will be updated and used in the
updated drawing.
Standard output values are the values of the old drawing (except for new V5R12 standard values). This is available
only for V5 R9 or V5 R10 drawings, which contain standards parameters.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 68
● On Windows: open an MS-DOS Window. Change to the folder in which you installed the product. The
default folder is C:\Program Files\Dassault Systemes\B_XX\intel_a\code\bin where B_XX is B
followed by the release number (e.g. B12 in the case of V5R12).
● On UNIX: open a shell command window. Change to the directory in which you installed the product.
The default directory is /usr/DassaultSystemes/B_xx/OS_a/code/command/ where B_XX is B
followed by the release number (e.g. B12 in the case of V5R12) and where OS_a is:
- aix_a
- hpux_a
- irix_a
- solaris_a
3. Wait until a message indicates that the migration process is finished and that the new CATDrawing and XML
Sheets
The Interactive Drafting workbench provides a simple method to manipulate a sheet.
A sheet contains:
● a main view: a view which supports the geometry directly created in the sheet,
● a background view: a view dedicated to frames and title blocks,
● interactive or generated views.
Define the sheet: Define the sheet using commands and dialog boxes.
Modify the sheet: Modify the sheet orientation using the Page Setup dialog box.
Delete the sheet: Create a background sheet and insert a frame and a title block into it using the
Frame and Title Block dialog box.
Switch a drawing to another standard: Switch a drawing to another standard when several standards
have been defined by an administrator.
Update the standard of a drawing: Update the standard used by a drawing.
Create a frame title block: Insert a .gif image into a title block.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 71
Defining a Sheet
This task will show you how to define a sheet.
For more information about accessing the Interactive Drafting workbench, see Entering the
Interactive Drafting Workbench.
5. Click OK.
● You can add an unlimited number of customized standards using the Standards Editor. Once
created, this standard will appear in the New Drawing dialog box. For more details on standards,
see the Standards Administration section. Care that any user-defined standard is based on one of
the four international standards (ANSI, ISO,ASME or JIS) as far as basic parameters are
concerned.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 72
● The sheet scale is a scaling factor which applies to all views in a given sheet. It does not
determine the position of the views (or any other object) contained in the sheet.
When the grid is displayed, the position of the view in the sheet is not determined by the grid,
which only deals with what is drawn directly in the sheet. To see the real position of a given view
in a sheet, you need to use the ruler. It is the only way to see the real coordinates in a sheet
referential.
● At any time, you can change the standard (which you can update), sheet format, orientation
and/or scale. To do this, select the sheet Properties... from the contextual menu.
If you select a new standard, the value in the Apply on field becomes All sheets and the new
standard is applied to all drawing sheets annotations.
● The sheet size depends on the standard type. For example, if you choose the ISO standard, the
sheet will automatically be assigned the A0 format type. You can choose another format if you
want.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 73
To add a new sheet, click the New Sheet icon . The new sheet automatically appears as follows:
The Insert Elements into a Sheet dialog box appears. For more details, see Managing a Background
View in the Generative Drafting User's Guide.
Once you have created more than one sheet, to activate one of the sheets, select this sheet from the
dialog window.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 74
Modifying a Sheet
This task will show you how to modify the standard, sheet style and orientation of a sheet. Doing this
amounts to modifying the options you selected in the New Drawing dialog box when defining the
sheet.
Create a sheet using the ISO standard, the A0 ISO format, and the Landscape orientation in the
New Drawing dialog box.
2. From the Page Setup dialog box, select the ANSI standard, and the A ANSI sheet style. The
sheet style defines among other things the sheet format, scale and orientation.
This action cannot be undone.
You can update the current standards by clicking the Update button. This copies the most recent
version of the standard file in the drawing, thus reflecting the latest changes an administrator or user
may have performed in the standard file.
3. Select the Portrait orientation, and then click OK. The sheet is modified.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 75
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 76
Deleting a Sheet
This task will show you how to delete a sheet. When a CATDrawing document is opened, one sheet is
necessarily displayed.
Sheet 2 is deleted.
In this task, you will learn how to update the standard used by a drawing.
1. Select File -> Page Setup from the menu bar. The Page Setup dialog box opens, displaying
The most recent version of the updated standard is copied into the drawing and the
previous standard parameter values are replaced by the latest ones, reflecting the latest
changes an administrator or user may have performed in the standard file. This may have
an immediate impact on the appearance of the elements inside the drawing.
Note that styles are not affected by this update, i.e. styles modified in the updated
standard file will not be re-applied to existing elements. Indeed, styles are applied when
creating elements (as they define the default values to be used for creation). If needed,
new style parameters can be re-applied to an element using the Style toolbar: simply
select the element whose style you want to update and select the updated style in the
Style toolbar.
Since there is no automatic update of drawings when a standard file is modified, you need to update
the standard of drawings created before V5 R9 if you want them to benefit from the new parameters.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 79
In this task, you will learn how to switch a drawing to another standard when several standards
have been defined by an administrator.
1. Select File -> Page Setup. The Page Setup dialog box opens, displaying the standard
The parameters of the chosen standard are copied into the drawing and replace the
previous parameters. This may have an immediate impact on the appearance of the
elements inside the drawing.
Note that styles are not affected by this change, i.e. styles in this standard file that are
different from the previous standard file will not be re-applied to existing elements.
Indeed, styles are applied when creating elements (as they define the default values to
be used for creation). If needed, style parameters can be re-applied to an element using
the Style toolbar: simply select the element whose style you want to update and select
the updated style in the Style toolbar.
Note that sheet styles are re-applied to existing sheets when you are switching to
another standard.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 81
This operation is performed using a macro. A few macros are provided by default. You can customize
frames and title blocks by either modifying the default macros (to add actions) or creating your own
macros (to add specific formats).
3. Choose a macro from the Style of Titleblock drop-down list. For the purpose of this exercise,
choose Drawing_Titleblock_Sample1. A preview of the frame and title block is displayed.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 82
Information which is not available in the part will be substituted by "XXX" in the drawing.
● Save the preview image as a bitmap file (.bmp extension) bearing the same name as the macro.
For example, if your macro is called CustomMacro.CATScript, then the preview image should be
named CustomMacro.bmp (or CustomMacro.jpg, etc.)
● Save the image in the directory which contains the macros. For example, if your macro
CustomMacro.CATScript is located in the CustomMacros directory, then the preview image
CustomMacro.bmp must also be located in the CustomMacros directory.
● All Sub procedures must be prefixed using CATDrw_: for example, Sub
CATDrw_CustomProcedure().
Views
Interactive Drafting elements necessarily need to be positioned in a view. In other words, you will first create
a view on a sheet and then add 2D geometry, dimensions, annotations and/or dress-up elements in this view.
Define the view plane: Define the plane of a view (a front view, an isometric view or an auxiliary view).
Create views using folding lines: Add geometry in views using folding lines as an assistant.
Create a multiple view projection: Generate geometry in a view by projecting geometry from previously
defined views.
Reframe a view: Reframe a view so as to display only part of it.
Synchronize external parameters: Synchronize parameters in a document and its corresponding
drawing .
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 85
Creating Views
This task will show you how to create views. If the sheet is active, the first view you create is by default a
front view.
2. Click in the drawing to position the new view. The empty view is created, displaying a blue axis in
The drawing specification tree is updated to show the newly created view.
A specific icon is added to the specification tree. Refer to CATDrawing
Specification Tree Icons for more information.
3. Click the New View icon again and select a projection direction to create more views. The
views are created. As they are linked to the front view, they are projection views.
The drawing specification tree is updated again to show the newly created views.
● a top view
● a bottom view
● a left view
● a right view
If you need to switch to the Third angle projection method, specify it via
the Sheet Properties option.
4. Activate one of the projection views by double-clicking it. For example, double-click the contour of
a bottom view.
5. Click the New View icon for creating the rear view.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 87
The following table shows the possibilities of view creation according to the active view.
Any created view lies on a 3D plane. In other words, a view lies on some kind of a 3D plane whose
definition can be accessed using the Plane Definition dialog box. The view plane can be defined and if
needed, modified in this dialog box. The view plane will be defined in accordance with two vectors and
an origin point.
This view plane definition functionality will be used, via the Plane Definition dialog box for
acknowledging the 3D relationship between views. This will be the case when creating a multiple view
projection or when creating views using folding lines.
Activate the view in which you want to change the plane definition, by double-clicking on this view.
1. Click the View Plane Definition icon from the Multi View toolbar (not displayed by
default).
OR
1. Select the Tools -> Multi View -> View Plane Definition command from the menu bar.
The View Plane Definition dialog box appears with options on the view plane definitions for front
views, auxiliary views and isometric views.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 89
2. Select the desired options from the View Plane Definition dialog box. In this case, enter 1 as the
Y value for Vector1 and 1 as the Z value for Vector2.
3. Press OK.
For creating an auxiliary view, you need to create any view first and then modify the view plane you
want. In this case, we created an auxiliary view.
Activate the view in which you want to change the plane definition, by double-clicking on this view.
1. Click the View Plane Definition icon from the Multi View toolbar (not displayed by
default).
OR
1. Select the Tools -> Multi View -> View Plane Definition command from the menu bar.
2. Click in another orthogonal view one line that will be used to define the auxiliary view plane.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 92
The Plane Definition dialog box automatically displays the corresponding vectors and origin point. The
Rotate Auxiliary View Axis option is activate, by default.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 93
3. Press OK.
The axis automatically rotates in accordance with the dialog box values applied to the selected plane.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 94
1. Click the New View icon in order to create an empty view. In this case, position the cursor so as
to create an isometric view.
Make sure the view in which you want to change the plane definition is active. For this, double-click on
this isometric view.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 95
2. Click the View Plane Definition icon from the Multi View toolbar (not displayed by
default).
OR
2. Select the Tools -> Multi View -> View Plane Definition command from the menu bar.
OR
3. Select the desired pre-defined isometric view vectors. In this case, select YZX.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 96
4. Press OK.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 97
Go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting, click on the General tab and deactivate
the Grid display option from the dialog box.
Make sure the view in which you are going to create geometry using folding lines is active.
In this particular case, right-click the bottom view (which is not active and therefore squared in
blue).
2. Select the Object -> Show Folding Lines option from the displayed contextual menu.
In the case of more complex geometry, you can select one or more element(s) in the reference view
and display the corresponding folding lines. As a result, the views are not overloaded with folding lines.
This is also true in the case of 2D components.
At any time, you can right-click the view and delete these folding line using the Hide Folding Lines
option from the contextual menu.
3. Click the Profile icon and create geometry in the top view using autodetection on folding
lines.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 99
You are now going to create geometry in the left view, using folding lines.
4. Right-click the left view in which you are going to create geometry and select the Activate
5. Right-click both non active views one after the other and select the Show Folding Lines option
6. Click the Profile icon and create geometry in the left view using autodetection on folding
lines.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 102
Even when views are not aligned, folding lines remain associative.
● All the above described functionalities are also true in the case of views with a different scale.
● In a Generative Drafting context, folding lines are not fully supported in the case of an aligned
section view.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 103
1. You will first add elements to an existing view, using the Action-Object mode.
2. You will then create an isometric view from scratch, using the Object-Action mode.
Activate the view you want to create the new geometry in.
Select the Tools -> Multi View -> Multiple View Projection command from the menu bar.
2. Select the object defining the target plane or surface to be used. This element can be any mono-
parametered elements (line, circle, ellipse, parabola, hyperbola, curve). In this case, select an arc of a
circle in the front view.
3. Select, in another view, the object to be projected. In this case, select a circle in the top view.
4. Select more elements to be projected, if needed, or click in the open space or still another
command if you want to terminate this command.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 104
2. Multi-select the elements to be projected into the isometric empty view. In this case, select the
whole front view.
3. Click the Multiple View Projection icon from the Multi View toolbar.
All the elements are automatically projected onto the active view.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 105
5. Repeat the steps above (Object-Action) with the various elements to be projected that will allow
generating the isometric view.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 106
The projected element keep the same graphical attributes as the selected element to be projected.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 107
Reframing a View
In this task, you will learn how to reframe a view so as to display only part of it.
4. In the Visualization and Behaviour area, select the Visual Clipping check box.
You can now define the position and size of your frame on the view.
7. Drag the manipulators to resize the frame as you want. For example,
resize the frame so as to display about a quarter of the view.
8. Now, drag one of the boundaries of the frame to specify its position on
the view. For example, move the frame so as to display only the upper left
area of the view.
You cannot reframe a 2D component reference. In such a case, the Visual Clipping check box is
disabled.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 110
2D Geometry
The Interactive Drafting workbench enables you to create 2D geometry.
As 2D geometry commands work exactly as in the Sketcher workbench, this section of the
documentation actually points to the Sketcher User's Guide. As such, the information detailed in this
section is presented in a Sketcher context.
You should note that the Sketcher User's Guide contains images that correspond to the Sketcher
workbench and therefore illustrate geometry in an environment that is different from the Interactive
Drafting environment (symbols, background color, for example).
Note also that you can use SmartPick when creating 2D geometry. SmartPick is an easy-to-use tool
designed to make all your geometry creation as simple as possible.
Before you begin creating 2D geometry, make sure you are familiar with such concepts as:
● Construction elements. For more information, refer to the Modifying Element Coordinates chapter
in the Sketcher User's Guide.
● The Tools toolbar and the Tools Palette
● Multi-selection. For more information, refer to the Selecting Objects chapter in the Infrastructure
User's Guide.
geometry, by activating the Create Detected Constraints icon in the Tools toolbar. The
In this case, note that if you create 2D geometrical elements with a common point, no constraint
will be detected for this construction point, as it is unique. For example, say you create a circle and
a line starting from the circle center as shown in the example below, the circle center point and the
line end point is actually a single point. This is why no coincidence constraint will be created.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 111
You can create as many 2D geometry elements of a given type as needed by double-clicking the
appropriate icon (instead of single-clicking it).
Create a point: Use the Tools Palette or click the point horizontal and vertical coordinates.
Create a points using coordinates: Enter in the Point Definition dialog box cartesian or polar
coordinates.
Create an equidistant point: Enter in the Equidistant Point Definition dialog box the number and spacing
of the points to be equidistantly created on a line or a curve-type element.
Create a point using intersection: Create one or more points by intersecting curve type elements via
selection.
Create a point using projection: Create one or more points by projecting points onto curve type
elements.
Create a line: Use the Tools Palette or click the line first and second points.
Create an infinite line: Use the Profile toolbar or click the infinite line first and second points.
Create a bi-tangent line: Click two elements one after the other to create a line that is tangent to these
two elements.
Create a circle: Use the Tools Palette or click to define the circle center and then one point on the
circle.
Create a three point circle: Use the Tools Palette or click to define the circle start point, second point
and end point one after the other.
Create a circle using coordinates: Use the Circle Definition dialog box to define the circle center point
and radius.
Create a tri-tangent circle: Click three elements one after the other to create a circle made of three
tangent constraints.
Create an ellipse: Use the Tools Palette or click to define the ellipse center, major semi-axis and minor
semi-axis endpoints one after the other.
Create an arc: Use the Tools Palette or click to define the arc center and then the arc start point and
end point.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 112
Create a three point arc: Use the Tools Palette or click to define the arc start point, end point and
second point one after the other.
Create a three point arc (via limits): Use the Tools Palette or click to define the arc start point, end
point and second point one after the other.
Create a profile: Use the Tools Palette or click to define lines and arcs which the profile may be made
of.
Connect elements: Click the points through which the spline will go.
Create a parabola by focus: Click the focus, apex and then the parabola two extremity points.
Create a hyperbola by focus: Click the focus, center and apex, and then the hyperbola two extremity
points.
Create a conic: Click the desired points and excentricity for creating an ellipse, a circle, a parabola or a
hyperbola, using tangents, if needed.
Create a spline: Click the points through which the spline will go.
Create a rectangle: Use the Tools Palette or click the rectangle extremity points one after the other.
Create an oriented rectangle: Use the Tools Palette or click to define a first side for the rectangle and
then a point corresponding to the rectangle length.
Create a parallelogram: Use the Tools Palette or click to define a first side for the parallelogram and
then a point corresponding to the parallelogram length.
Create an hexagon: Use the Tools Palette or click to define the hexagon center and dimension.
Create an elongated hole: Use the Tools Palette or click to define the center to center axis and then a
point corresponding to the curved oblong profile length and angle.
Create a cylindrical elongated hole: Use the Tools Palette or click to define the center to center circular
axis and then a point corresponding to the curved oblong profile length and angle.
Create a keyhole profile: Use the Tools Palette or click to define the center to center axis and then both
points corresponding to both radii.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 113
2D Geometry Operations
The Interactive Drafting workbench enables you to modify as well as perform a number of operations
on 2D geometry.
As 2D geometry operation commands work exactly as in the Sketcher workbench, this section of the
documentation actually points to the Sketcher User's Guide. As such, the information detailed in this
section is presented in a Sketcher context.
You should note that the Sketcher User's Guide contains images that correspond to the Sketcher
workbench and therefore illustrate geometry in an environment that is different from the Interactive
Drafting environment (symbols, background color, for example).
Modify elements coordinates: Use the Line Definition dialog box to modify element coordinates.
Create a corner: Create a rounded corner (arc tangent to two curves) between two lines using trimming
operation.
Create a chamfer: Create a chamfer between two lines using trimming operation.
Trim elements: Trim a line or a circle (either one element or all the elements).
Create Mirrored Elements: Repeat existing elements using a line, a construction line or an axis.
Translate elements: Perform a translation on 2D elements by defining the duplicate mode and then
selecting the element to be duplicated.
Rotate elements: Rotate elements by defining the duplicate mode and then selecting the element to be
duplicated.
2D Components
At any time, you can create a component or a component catalog. You will then instantiate this component,
or detail, on a detail sheet (be this component from a catalog or not).
What's a 2D Component?
A 2D component is a re-usable set of geometry and annotations. This component is located in a sheet and can be
edited like a view. This is why we call this component a detail view. The 2D component can be instantiated several
times, each instance providing a component with a specific orientation, position and scale. The detail view can be
either in the same drawing as the CATDrawing of the corresponding instances or in a separate CATDrawing.
You can synchronize external catalog components. In other words, you may update a component (or ditto) that is
external to the 2D. Note that associativity is kept. For this, go to Edit->Link (menu bar) and select the Synchronize
switch from the displayed dialog box.
You can prevent manipulating a 2D component (the whole 2D component). For this, go to Tools -> Options ->
Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Geometry tab and de-activate the Allow Direct Manipulation option.
You will find below a reminder on how to instantiate a component from a reference element that is internal to the
document.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 116
You will find below how to instantiate a component from a reference element that is external to the document.
2: instantiated components
3: catalog entry
● When you create a 2D component in a detail sheet, store this component into a catalog and you can perform
modifications to this component on the detail sheet. There are two ways for updating the catalog file:
- you can make a Save As Catalog on the same catalog. Be careful: in this case, the catalog is re-generated not
updated. In other words, any modification applied to the catalog will be lost.
- you can manually modify the catalog using the catalog editor. For more information, refer to the Component
Catalog Editor User's Guide.
● When you instantiate a component from a catalog, this component appears on the sheet. In addition, this
component definition is locally copied but you cannot visualize this copy. In that way, the instantiated component
becomes a component which references this locally copied component. As a result, if the origin component
disappears, the link between the locally copied component and the origin component is broken BUT the component
can still be used. If the image of the component in the catalog is modified and therefore different from the
instantiated component, you can go to Edit->Links option from the menu bar and click the Synchronize switch
(Links of Document dialog box).
● The Links of Document dialog box shows all the local copies and the states of the copies links. So, synchronizing
amounts to updating the local copy based on the origin component modifications. Once the local copy is
synchronized, all the instantiated components referencing this local copy are simultaneously updated.
● When you save a component in a catalog, you actually make a photo of the image of this component and also
create a link which allows to find the origin component. As a result, if you modified the origin component and now
try to instantiate this component from the catalog, the instantiated component will result different from what you
expected.
You will find here two possible scenarios which will help you get what you expected:
Scenario 1: if a component in a detail sheet and in a catalog are different from each others and if you update the
catalog (Save As from the detail sheet), be careful: you will loose the catalog modifications.
Scenario 2: suppose both the detail sheet and the catalog are similar (Save As from the detail sheet). When you
instantiate the component from the catalog into the drawing, if the instantiated component is different from the
component that was saved in the catalog, please go to Edit->Links command from the menu bar and click the
Synchronize switch button. In fact, the origin reference component was locally copied and can only be updated using
the Links of Document dialog box.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 118
Creating a 2D Component
This task will show you how to create a detail sheet and then position a 2D component on this sheet.
This 2D component will then be instantiated on a design drawing sheet.
Differentiating the design sheet from the detail sheet allows assigning a structure to the document.
This means separating the drawing elements from the re-usable components.
Note that you can customize both the design and the detail sheet background colors. For more
information, see Infrastructure User's Guide.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 120
Re-Using a 2D Component
This task shows you how to re-use a 2D component. In this particular case, we will instantiate a 2D component previously
created on a detail sheet. Select a task:
● Creating a 2D Component instance
You can select the 2D component from the design tree. You can also select a component that already exists on the drawing
sheet.
You can use the Tools toolbar for positioning the component either
before or after you instantiate the 2D component.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 121
To find easily and edit the reference 2D Component, double-click or right-click on the 2D component you have instantiated,
and choose Edit 2D reference option in the contextual menu.
Remember that if you unselected Allow direct manipulation from Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -
> Geometry tab, you will not be able to manipulate the component.
1. At any time as you instantiate a component, you can re-position it using the Position dialog box that appears.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 122
2. Click the Change the component origin option from the Position dialog box.
3. On the component, click the point which you want to use as the component origin: this makes it easier to position this
component.
You can also flip the component according to either the x axis or the y axis. If you click the Flip component horizontally
option , the component flips on the horizontal axis of the detail. If you click the Flip component vertically option ,
2. Select the element you want to associate to the 2D component, or click in empty space.
4. Stop the recording clicking the following icon or go to Tools -> Macro and select Stop Recording.
Now you can create this 2D component instance automatically.
5. Delete the previous 2D Component instance. Go to Tools -> Macro -> Macros, select the macro and click the run button
6. A 2D component instance will be created at the same place as the previous one.
1. Click the detail sheet tab, activate the 2D component view (double-click this view), insert a text in the 2D component and
create a 2D component instance.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 124
2. Right-click on the 2D component reference text:
5. In Sheet.1, double-click on the first 2D component instance text you have created, modify it and click to validate. Then,
double-click on the second text, modify it and click to validate.
Both texts are modifiable.
Remember that if you unselected Allow direct manipulation from Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -
> Geometry tab, you will not be able to manipulate the component. In particular, you cannot modify the text strings in 2D
component instances.
1. Right-click on an instance, and from the contextual menu, select Replace Reference for this instance.
2. Select another instance (this instance reference will be taken into account) or a 2D component in a local sheet of detail.
You cannot use a catalog to replace a 2D component instance reference. To bypass this, use an instance created with this
catalog.
When replacing the reference of a 2D component instance, any existing text in the original 2D component instance is also
replaced, even if this existing text had been previously modified (see Modifying text in 2D Component instances for more
information on this point).
You will thus be able to start creating a catalog (pointing the newly created component). In this
catalog, component descriptions will be sorted identically to the drawing and sheet structure.
We strongly advise that in a catalog you instantiate one part per sheet (multi-representation part) or
one part family per sheet (mono-representation part).
3. Click the New View icon from the Drawing toolbar and position it on the sheet.
Design Sample:
2D Component Repository:
The geometry is copied with the same
coordinates as in the design sample.
7. Select File->Save from the menu bar and save the BoldSample.CATDrawing document (repository
document).
The catalog does not include the geometrical definition of the 2D component. This definition is included
in the CATDrawing document. This is why you absolutely need to save this CATDrawing document.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 129
The Save as type "catalog" functionality is a simple way for creating a catalog.
If you want to edit the component, select File -> Open from the menu bar and open the component.
See Infrastructure User's guide for more details on this functionality.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 130
Create a component catalog and enter a new CATDrawing in which you want to insert one or more 2D
components.
The Catalog Browser dialog box appears with the following information:
● the name of the currently
opened catalog.
● the catalog chapter tree.
● a preview of the selected
component.
● the possibility to perform
a query on available
components (see
Knowledge Advisor User's
Guide for more details on
formulas).
The list with the components included in the Bolds chapter appears in the dialog box.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 131
● The CATDrawing in which you locally instantiated a catalog component is autonomous. In other
words, you do not necessarily need the catalog to be able to read the CATDrawing.
● There is a link that exists between the CATDrawing and the catalog.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 132
Exploding a 2D Component
This task shows you how to individually explode an 2D component that was instantiated from a detail
sheet. You will then modify as desired this component.
1. Right-click the component that was previously instantiated from the detail sheet and select the
Explode 2D Component option from the contextual menu.
The component is now exploded. You can therefore modify the geometry and/or graphical properties on
one or more elements of this component.
3. Select one line on the top of the hexagon and use the Graphical Properties toolbar to change the
color into red.
When you explode a 2D component, there is no more associativity with the detail sheet and the
exploded component behaves as an independent geometry.
After an explode, all dress-up elements added on the instance are deleted, texts loose their
associativity with the detail sheet and dimensions turn to fuchsia.
When you instantiate a 2D component, made of 2D components and perform an explode, all the
components behave as independent geometries and not as instances anymore.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 134
Open the Expose_2D_Component.CATDrawing document. The frame and title block contained in this
drawing is a 2D component that was instantiated from a catalog.
1. Right-click the 2D component (i.e. the frame and title block) to display the contextual menu.
informing you that, as no detail sheet exists in this drawing, a detail sheet was created for the 2D
component.
In the case of a drawing with an existing detail sheet, the 2D component will be created on this detail
sheet.
3. Click OK. All links are now cut between the 2D component instance and its catalog reference.
4. In the detail sheet, you can now modify the 2D component reference. For example, enter your
company name.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 135
5. In the sheet, notice that the 2D component has been modified. On the other hand, the 2D
Dimensions
The Interactive Drafting workbench provides a simple method to create and modify given types of
dimensions.
Create half-dimensions: Create half dimensions on distance, angle, diameter, cylinders, diameter
edges and diameter tangents but not on cumulate dimensions.
Create explicit dimensions: Create dimensions using explicit selection both of the desired icon and of
the required geometrical elements.
Create/modify angle dimensions: Create an angle dimension and perform the following kinds of
modifications: new angle sector or turn an angle sector into a supplementary sector.
Create a holes dimensions table: Create a table containing holes dimensions (diameter and center
coordinates).
Create points coordinates table: Create a table containing 2D and 3D points coordinates.
Create/modify radius curvature dimensions: Create and modify a radius curvature dimension. This lets
you know the curvature radius at a given point on a curve (spline, ellipse, etc.).
Create overall curve dimensions: You can create dimensions on the overall size of any kind of curve,
whether it is canonical or not (e.g.: line, circle, ellipse, spline, etc.). You can also create dimensions on
the overall size between 2 curves, or between a curve and a line, for example.
Create curvilinear length dimensions: You can create dimensions for the curvilinear length of a curve,
i.e. measure the overall length of a curve.
Create curvilinear length dimensions: You can create dimensions for the curvilinear length of a curve
portion, i.e. measure the partial length of a curve.
Create dimensions along a reference direction: You can create dimensions along a direction of
measure. In other words, you can measure the projection of a segment/distance onto a direction.
Create dimensions between intersection points: You can create dimensions between an intersection
point and an element or between two intersection points.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 137
Create dimensions between an element and a view axis: Create dimensions between an element and a
view axis (one of the two axes or the origin).
Modify the dimension type: Modify the dimension type as you create a dimension. On other words,
you modify the dimension attributes.
Re-route dimensions: Re-route dimensions, i.e. recalculate dimensions taking into account new
geometry elements.
Interrupt one or more extension lines: Interrupt manually one or more extension lines of one or more
dimensions, either using the contextual menu or the Insert menu bar option.
Modify the dimension line location: Use the mouse to modify dimension line location either before or
after creating dimensions.
Modify the dimension value text position: Use the cursor to modify dimension value text position.
Specify the dimension value position: Automatically or explicitly position the dimension value inside or
outside the area between extremity symbols.
Add text before/after the dimension value: Insert text before or after the dimension value.
Modify the dimension overrun/blanking: Use the Blanking Edition dialog box to modify dimension
overrun or blanking.
Line up dimensions (free space): Line up dimensions relatively to a point in the free space.
Create a datum feature: Use the Datum Feature Creation dialog box to create a datum feature.
Creating Dimensions
You can create (and therefore modify) the following types of dimensions:
● Diameter dimensions
● Radius dimensions
● Angle dimensions
Note that you can create half-dimensions on distance, angle, diameter cylinder, diameter edge and
diameter tangent dimensions but not on cumulate dimensions.
● Measure direction
● Angle sector
● One symbol
● Diameter/Radius center
● Text before/after
● Swap to diameter/radius
Manipulating Dimensions
By default, when manipulating dimensions, you will use the following functionalities:
● dimension following the cursor: go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting ->
Dimension tab, to use automatic positioning
● global move: go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Dimension tab, to
move precisely dimension line, dimension value, secondary part of a dimension line.
● blanking manipulators (available when modifying a dimension): go to Tools -> Options ->
Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Manipulators tab, not to visualize blanking manipulators or
to visualize other manipulators either when creating or when modifying a dimension (Overrun,
Blanking, Insert text before, Insert text after, Move value, Move dimension line, Move
DimLine Secondary Part).
● value snapped between the dimension lines symbols: go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical
Design -> Drafting -> Dimension tab, if you do not want to have the possibility to snap the
dimension value between both symbols of the dimension line and/or you want to snap the
dimension position on the grid.
● during creation: to switch temporarily the Dimension following the cursor option, hold on the
ctrl key.
● during creation and edition: to switch temporarily the Activate Snapping option, hold on the shift
key. Clicking on the dimension symbols will invert them.
● during angle dimension creation: if the Dimension following the cursor option is activated, you
can swap the angle sector according to the mouse position holding on the ctrl and shift keys. If
the Dimension following the cursor option is not activated, you can swap to the complementary
angle sector holding on the ctrl key and clicking on the dimension line.
Dimension Properties
You can apply given properties to all the dimensions you are going to create. For this, use the
Dimension Properties toolbar.
● Line type (regular, two parts, one part leader, or two parts leader)
● Tolerance type
● Tolerance value
● Numerical Display Format
● Precision.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 140
● For the ISOCOMB combined tolerance, use the following type of syntax in the tolerance value field:
H6 (+0.5 / -0.3)
● When creating a new drawing, the Unit field (here: NUM.DIMM) drives the unit of the dimensions to
be created.
The value which is used by default in this field is usually defined in the standards (Tools ->
Standards -> [StandardName] -> General -> DefaultNumericalFormatLength or
DefaultNumericalFormatAngle).
However, if no value is defined in the standards, the one which will be used by default is that
defined as your default unit choice in Tools -> Options -> Parameters and Measure -> Units
tab.
● When editing an existing drawing, if you change your default unit choice in Tools -> Options ->
Parameters and Measure -> Units tab, then the numerical display format which best
corresponds to the selected unit is automatically selected in the toolbar instead of the current
default value.
Using Styles
You can use styles (i.e. a set of default values for each kind of element) when creating dimensions in
drawings created with version V5 R11 and later (or pre-R11 drawings whose standard has been
updated or changed in V5 R11 and later). Styles are defined in the standard used by the drawing and
managed by the administrator.
When creating a dimension, the Style toolbar displays the styles available for this type of dimension.
(By default, the Style toolbar is situated at the top left of screen.) If only one style is available, it will
be used by default.
If several styles are available for this type of dimension, you can choose the style that you want to use
to create this dimension by selecting it from the Style toolbar.
In drawings created with versions up to V5 R10, you can create dimensions using default values. Refer
to Setting Properties As Default in Pre-R11 Drawings and to Using Properties Set as Default in Pre-R11
Drawings for more information.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 141
Creating Dimensions
In this task, you will learn how to create dimensions. When creating dimensions on elements, you can preview the
dimensions to be created.
Creating Dimensions
Open the Brackets_views02.CATDrawing document.
At this step, the command options in the Tools Palette ( ) allows you to position the
dimension using one of the modes below: Projected or Forced modes. These options are also available in the
contextual menu.
This toolbar is situated at the bottom right of screen. If you cannot see it properly, just undock it.
During the dimension creation step, you can switch between one-symbol or two-symbols dimension by selecting or
deselecting 1 symbol in the contextual menu.
Once the dimension has been created, you must use the Properties menu to specify whether you want to use one
or two symbols. Right-click the dimension and in the contextual menu, choose Properties. Click the Dimension
Line tab and then check Symbol 2 to display two-symbols dimension, or uncheck this option to display one-symbol
dimension.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 143
8. Select the two dimensions with the Ctrl key (you can move them both).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 144
9. Start creating another dimension: click the command icon and select another circle:
10. Right-click the dimension you just created and in the contextual menu, choose Dimension.3 Object and select
Swap to Radius:
11. Right-click the dimension again, and in the contextual menu, choose Dimension.3 Object, and uncheck
Extend to Center: the radius extension line is not extended until the center anymore.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 146
● You can use this functionality through the Properties menu: right-click on the dimension and choose
Properties. On the Dimension Line tab, select the type of extension you want from the Extension list: From
standard, Till center or Not till center.
● This functionality works with radius dimension and one-symbol diameter dimension.
● When you create a dimension between a generated element in a broken view and a sketched element, the
dimension value may be false to let the user set a fake dimension value.
● When you create a dimension between an axis and another element, the dimension created by the software is
automatically an half dimension.
To bypass this problem, during creation, uncheck Half Dimensions in the contextual menu (right-click).
● You can generate errors when refreshing the dimensions in the following cases:
❍ In this drawing the dimension "80.14" is measured from the line B to the line C:
If the corresponding part is modified and the chamfer removed, when the drawing is refreshed the
dimension is colored in fuchsia because the line B was removed with the chamfer:
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 147
❍ If the two elements separated by the dimension value are move and then merged the it will generate an
error and the dimension will be fuchsia:
Properties
If you right-click the dimension before creation, a contextual menu lets you modify the dimension type and value
orientation as well as add funnels. Using this contextual menu once the dimension is created, you can also access
the Properties options.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 148
Associativity
If one parent element of the dimension is deleted or deactivated, as soon as you update the drawing (either 3D
Generative or 2D Interactive drawing), the orphan dimension becomes purple on the condition you activated the
Ensure that if you key in "c: Force Update" to synchronize the drawing with the 3D, any non-associative dimension
will disappear.
Colors can be customized using the Analysis Display Mode option from the Tools toolbar or via Tools-
>Options->Drafting, Dimension tab).
Driving Dimensions
You can create dimensions that will, by default, drive the geometry. For this:
● Go to Tools -> Options (Dimension tab) and activate the Create driving dimension option from the
Options dialog box.
● Create and/or modify the desired dimension on the geometry. If needed, you can use the Tools Palette and
define the Value of the dimension you want to be driving.
True Dimensions
True Length dimensions can be created using the True Length Dimensions option from the Tools Palette or
using the contextual menu.
Before using true dimensions, make sure that you have not set only create non-associative dimensions option
in Tools -> Options -> Associativity on 3D. In order to work, this functionality must be applied to an associative
dimension.
Half-Dimensions
You can create half-dimensions. For this, right-click the dimension as you create it and select the Half-dimension
option from the contextual menu.
● use the contextual menu (positioned on the dimension) and select one of the available Extension Line anchor
options.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 149
● drag the yellow symbol to the one of the anchors (anchors appear when the cursor is over the yellow symbol):
If in Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Dimension, you have checked Dimension
following the mouse option, then to move the extension line anchor you must press the Crtl key before selecting
the yellow symbol (to switch temporarily the option).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 150
Creating Half-Dimensions
Half-Dimensions are useful in the case of revolved features or elements using a plane symmetry.
Actually it allows to create the dimensions only on half the geometry.
This task will show you how to create a half-dimension. You can create half-dimensions on distance,
angle, diameter cylinders, radius cylinders made out of two selections, diameter edges and diameter
tangents but not on cumulate dimensions.
The dimension value is doubled when they are made out of two selections (distance, angle, 2D
diameter cylinder, radius cylinder) but not for dimensions made out of one selection (angle on cone,
3D diameter cylinder, diameter edge, diameter tangent).
● Once you select the half-dimension option from the contextual menu, all the following dimensions
you create will be assigned the half-dimension mode. If you want to create dimensions in the
standard mode, go back to the contextual menu and de-activate the Half Dimension option.
● You can create a half-dimension directly by selecting first an axis line and then an other element
(which is not an axis). The half-dimension value will be the double of the measured value
between the elements. If you don't want a half-dimension to be created when selecting such
elements, uncheck Half Dimensions from the contextual menu (right-click) when creating the
dimension.
Associativity in the case of half-dimensions is different from associativity in the case of standard
dimensions. For example, the half distance dimension below is associated to the axis and the
element, whereas a standard dimension is associated to both symmetrical elements.
Diameter and radius dimension are usually created with one selection in 3D. If the dimension is
created with two selections, for instance an edge coming from a 3D revolution and another element,
the dimension will be not associative. To create the dimension below, you must select only the left or
the right side of the cylinder and then right-click on the dimension and select Half Dimension.
You will select the required elements. Note that when entering the command dedicated to the
creation of a given type of dimension, the default orientation will be the orientation most
adequate.
1. Click the desired icon from the Dimensioning toolbar (Dimensions sub-toolbar).
length/distance dimension
angle dimension
radius dimension
diameter dimension
The Tools Palette automatically appears, displaying dimension modes, except in the case of
angle dimensions.
Length/Distance Angle
Radius Diameter
For radius dimensions, you can activate the Foreshortened option in the contextual menu
Properties -> Dimension Line.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 155
It allows you to transform a radius dimension line into a foreshortened radius dimension line.
Then you can choose the text position (on long segment or short segment), the dimension text
orientation according to the dimension line ( parallel or convergent), the angle value, the ratio
value (short segment/long segment), and the point scale value.
You can also specify whether you want to unfix the extremity point of the foreshortened
dimension line, which will let you move the extremity point using a yellow manipulator.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 156
The angle dimension appears in the sector associated to both selected lines.
3. Drag the angle dimension line to the desired quadrant (or sector).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 157
You can move the dimension to a new sector by using the contextual menu:
● Right-click the angle dimension and select from the contextual menu either a given Angle
sector or the Complementary Angle sector.
You can edit the angle sector of an existing angle dimension, by right-clicking the angle dimension
and selecting the Dimension_name object -> Angle Sector command from the contextual
menu.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 158
1. Go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Dimensions tab and make sure
the Detect chamfer option is not selected.
2. Click the Chamfer Dimensions icon from the Dimensioning toolbar (Dimensions sub-toolbar).
❍ One symbol
❍ Two symbols
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 159
Choose the Length x Length format and the One symbol mode .
You can also access these options using the contextual menu: at any time during the chamfer
dimension creation, you can right-click to display the contextual menu.
OR
● Select a second reference line or surface. In this case, the chamfer dimension is computed
according to both reference lines you selected.
In a Generative Drafting context (i.e. in the case of a generative view), you must do this,
i.e. you must explicitly select the second reference line.
In any case, the dimension is associated to all the elements you selected.
1. Go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Dimensions tab and make sure
the Detect chamfer option is selected.
2. Click the Chamfer Dimensions icon from the Dimensioning toolbar (Dimensions sub-toolbar).
3. In the Tools Palette which is displayed (as well as in the contextual menu), you can choose the
format of the dimension and the representation mode. For more information, refer to Step 2 in
Creating chamfer dimensions manually.
Choose the Length x Length format and the One symbol mode .
4. Fly the mouse over the element to be dimensioned. You can notice that, depending on where you
position the cursor, the auto-detection agent indicates a different order for taking elements into
account when creating the chamfer dimension:
● 1 indicates the element to be dimensioned,
● 2 indicates the line which will be used as the first reference,
● 3 indicates the line which will be used as the second reference.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 162
5. Click when you are satisfied with the order offered by the auto-detection agent. For example, click to
accept the 3 - 1 - 2 order. The chamfer dimension is computed according to the first and the second
auto-detected reference lines.
At this stage, if you are not satisfied with the order you just accepted, you can still click to select the
first reference line, and, optionally, the second reference line. This amounts to creating the chamfer
dimension manually.
● In a Generative Drafting context, creating chamfer dimensions is possible only if the lines making
up the chamfer are incident.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 165
2. Select the thread to be dimensioned in the front view. The diameter dimension appears.
● The dimension prefix (M in this example) is issued from the thread standard defined when
creating the hole in the 3D Part.
● In the top views you can modify threads dimensions orientation.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 167
1. Click the Coordinate Dimension icon from the Dimensioning toolbar (Dimensions sub-toolbar).
The Tools palette appears with two options: 2D Coordinates lets you create 2D (x, y) coordinate
dimensions for interactive geometry, 3D Coordinates lets you create 3D (x, y, z) coordinate
dimensions for generative geometry.
● These options are also available via the contextual menu.
● This choice of options is valid for generative geometry only. In the case of a generative drawing, or
in the case of a drawing containing a mix of generative and interactive elements, both options will
be available, but if you select sketched (i.e. interactive) geometry, the 2D Coordinates option will
be applied automatically (even if you selected the 3D Coordinates option). In the case of a purely
interactive drawing, the options will not be displayed at all, and only the 2D Coordinates option will
be applied.
2. Select the 3D Coordinates option in the Tools Palette, as you will be dimensioning elements
generated from the 3D.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 168
● At this point, you can right-click to display the contextual menu, which allows you add a breakpoint
to the leader, or to choose the leader symbol.
● You can also select a set of elements by trapping them with the mouse, to create several coordinate
dimensions in one shot.
5. Select the coordinate dimension to modify its position. The dimension is highlighted and its anchor
point appears in yellow.
● Coordinates are relative to the absolute axis system except for views created by selecting a 3D local
axis system.
● The yellow anchor point is associative and is linked to the element you dimensioned.
To manage the display of the unit in the coordinate dimension, edit the properties of the coordinate
dimension, select the Text tab, select or unselect the Display Unit option.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 169
1. Select one or more holes and center lines (only center lines not associated with a hole) in the
drawing.
Do not select arcs of circles, as it is impossible to include them in a hole and center line dimension
table.
2. Click the Hole Dimension Table icon on the Dimensioning toolbar to launch the table creation
command.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 171
Axis system:
Indicate the holes coordinates 2D reference axis
system. In this example, click on the view origin (you
can also select two lines or click anywhere in the
drawing, or enter the origin coordinate).
Two reference axis appear:
Columns:
● Choose a label (A, B, C... or 1, 2, 3...). If you want column numbering to start with values other
Table format:
4. Choose 2D reference axis system for the axis system from the associated drop-down list.
6. Select Label: A, B, C from the Column drop-down list (you can also choose the Index naming mode)
to give a label to the selected points in the drawing.
11. Click OK to validate your settings and then click in the drawing to define the location of the table.
The table is generated.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 173
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 174
2. Click the Coordinate Dimension Table icon on the Dimensioning toolbar to launch the table
creation command.
3. The Axis system and table parameters dialog box is
displayed.
Axis system:
You can choose to use the 2D axis system. It can be
either the one of the view or user-defined. In this
case, it can be defined interactively by either:
Columns:
Table format:
● Check Transpose table to invert columns and rows.
● Check Sort table content to sort the table elements.
● Check Split table to split the table into several tables. For more information on splitting tables, see
Creating/Modifying a table.
4. Choose Axis system.1 for the axis system from the associated drop-down list.
6. Select Label: A, B, C from the Column drop-down list (you can also choose the Index naming mode)
to give a label to the selected points in the drawing.
11. Click OK to validate your settings and then click in the drawing to define the location of the table.
The table is generated.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 177
Create a spline.
2. Move the cursor over the spline. You can notice that the cursor changes to indicate that you are
going to create a dimension on a spline.
3. On the spline, click the point where you want to create the radius curvature dimension. A preview of
the radius curvature dimension is displayed.
Go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting. On the Dimension tab, uncheck
Dimension following the cursor (CTRL toggles).
2. In the Tools Palette, click the Force horizontal dimension in view icon to specify
that you want to create the dimension based on the horizontal direction.
You can edit the dimension representation of an existing dimension, by right-clicking the dimension
and selecting the Dimension_name object -> Dimension Representation command from the
contextual menu.
If the preview shows a curvilinear length dimension instead of an overall curve dimension, right-
click to display the contextual menu and select Overall instead of Curvilinear Length.
4. Click elsewhere in the drawing to validate the dimension creation. The dimension you
6. In the Tools Palette, click the Force vertical dimension in view icon to specify that
you want to create the dimension based on the vertical direction.
7. Select the bottom line and the other spline. A preview is displayed. Yellow manipulators and
point indicators appear: these let you select precisely the points that you want the
8. Move the spline dimension manipulator to point 7 on the spline, for example.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 182
9. Click in the drawing to validate the dimension creation. The dimension you created indicates
the overall vertical distance between the bottom line and point 7 of the spline.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 183
2. Select a curve. A preview of the dimension is displayed. By default, this preview shows an overall
curve dimension.
3. Right-click to display the contextual menu and select Curvilinear Length instead of Overall.
4. Still in the contextual menu, select a representation mode for the dimension line:
5. Optionally drag the dimension line and/or the dimension value to position them as wanted.
6. Click elsewhere in the drawing to validate the dimension creation. The semi-arc symbol displayed
over the dimension value symbolizes a curvilinear length dimension. You can now handle the
8. Select another curve. This time, the preview of the dimension shows a curvilinear length
9. Once again, right-click to display the contextual menu and select Offset as the representation
11. Repeat steps 7 to 9, this time selecting Linear as the representation mode for the dimension
line.
12. Still in the contextual menu, select Dimension Representation -> Force Horizontal
Restrictions
● You cannot change the dimension line representation mode or orientation after the dimension has
been created.
● In the case of the parallel and offset representation modes, the dimension value cannot be moved
out of the curve limits, except for circles and arcs of circle. As a result, you cannot specify the
dimension value position (Inside, Outside, Auto).
● In some cases, depending on the curve and on the offset value, the offset representation mode
cannot be computed:
❍ In certain cases, when switching from another representation mode to the offset mode, the
dimension will be previewed as being not-up-to-date (i.e. using the color configured in Tools ->
Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Dimension tab, Analysis Display Mode): try
to move the cursor closer to the dimension.
❍ In other cases, you will not be able to position the dimension further than a certain limit. The
examples below show the limits for positioning a curvilinear length dimension in offset mode for a
spline.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 187
● In the case of curvilinear length dimensions in offset mode, it is recommended to activate the
Constant offset between dimension line and geometry setting in Tools > Options >
Mechanical Design > Drafting > Dimension tab. This will ensure that the dimension remains
associative if the geometry is moved.
● When dimensioning a 3D curve that is not planar, the extension line of the curve will extend to the
projection of the endpoints of the curve in the view plane of the dimension. As a result, the
dimension may seem to point nowhere.
● Curvilinear dimensions cannot be measured along a direction.
● Curvilinear dimensions cannot be driving dimensions.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 188
Partial curvilinear length dimensions are defined using points. You can use two different methods:
You can also use spline control points (but there is none in the sample provided for this scenario), or
points created in free space. In the case of points in free space, the partial curvilinear length
dimension will be computed according to the normal projection of these points on the curve. So, when
creating such points, you need to make sure that they will be projected on the curve, as shown below
for example.
2. Select the curve on which you created the points. A preview of the dimension is displayed. By
3. Right-click to display the contextual menu and select Partial Curvilinear Length instead of
Overall.
4. Still in the contextual menu, select a representation mode for the dimension line:
5. On the curve, select the existing point that defines the first extremity of the curve portion to
dimension.
6. Select the point that defines the second extremity of the curve portion to dimension.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 190
7. Optionally drag the dimension line and/or the dimension value to position them as wanted.
8. Click elsewhere in the drawing to validate the dimension creation. The semi-arc symbol
displayed over the dimension value symbolizes a curvilinear length dimension (whether partial
or not). You can now handle the dimension just like any other dimension.
9. Move one or both points, on the line or in free space. The dimension is re-computed (if
you moved the point in free space, it is re-computed according to the normal projection of
If you move a point in such a way that it cannot be projected on the curve anymore, the
dimension becomes not-up-to-date.
3. Right-click to display the contextual menu and make sure Partial Curvilinear Length is
selected.
4. Still in the contextual menu, select a representation mode for the dimension line: for the
5. On the curve, select the point that defines the first extremity of the curve portion to dimension.
Note that the indicated point cannot go further than the extremity of the curve itself.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 192
6. Select the point that defines the second extremity of the curve portion to dimension.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 193
Note that two points, as well as two coincidence constraints, have been created on the
7. Optionally drag the dimension line and/or the dimension value to position them as wanted.
8. Click elsewhere in the drawing to validate the dimension creation. The semi-arc symbol
displayed over the dimension value symbolizes a curvilinear length dimension (whether partial
or not). You can now handle the dimension just like any other dimension.
● If you delete a point that defines a dimension, the dimension becomes not-up-to-date, and its color
changes to fuchsia by default (or according to the color defined for Not-up-to-date dimensions
in the Types and colors of dimensions dialog box available via Tools -> Options ->
Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Dimension tab, Analysis Display Mode area, Types and
colors... button). If you delete both points, the dimension becomes a regular curvilinear
dimension.
Restrictions
● You cannot change the dimension line representation mode or orientation after the dimension has
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 194
been created.
● In the case of the parallel and offset representation modes, the dimension value cannot be moved
out of the curve limits, except for circles and arcs of circle. As a result, you cannot specify the
dimension value position (Inside, Outside, Auto).
● In some cases, depending on the curve and on the offset value, the offset representation mode
cannot be computed.
● In the case of partial curvilinear length dimensions in offset mode, it is recommended to activate
the Constant offset between dimension line and geometry setting in Tools -> Options ->
Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Dimension tab. This will ensure that the dimension remains
associative if the geometry is moved.
● Partial curvilinear dimensions cannot be measured along a direction. However, partial length
dimensions can be measured along a direction.
● Partial curvilinear dimensions cannot be driving dimensions.
● When creating partial circular length dimensions on circles, you cannot select a circular sector.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 195
Dimensions along a reference direction can be created for length, distance, diameter tangent, radius
tangent, and overall curve dimensions, as well as on linear (i.e. not angular) cumulated or stacked
dimensions.
2. In the Tools Palette, click the Intersection Point Detection icon . Refer to Creating
dimensions between intersection points for more information about this functionality.
The dimension to be created is previewed. In the Tools Palette, click the Force dimension
● Dimension along a direction creates the dimension using a linear element (line,
axis line, center line) as the reference direction, or using an angle to define the
reference direction relatively to a linear element. In the latter case, key in a value in the
Angle field.
● Dimension along a fixed angle in view creates the dimension using a fixed
angle in the view. In this case, key in a value in the Angle field.
Note that such a dimension follows the view rotation. Thus, a dimension line with a
30 deg angle in a view which is set at 45 deg (relatively to the sheet) will be equivalent
These options are also available in the contextual menu that you can display during the
dimension creation.
5. Click the Dimension along a direction icon . For the purpose of this scenario, leave the
Angle field set to 0 deg.
6. Select a linear element to use as the reference direction. Once created, the dimension will be
The dimension is updated so as to measure the distance between the selected points once
projected onto the reference direction.
● The behavior of a dimension along or perpendicular to a direction will actually depend on whether
the Only create non-associative dimensions option is activated in Tools > Options >
❍ If it is activated, then the dimension will actually be a dimension along a fixed angle in the view
(the angle being that of the reference element in the view).
❍ If it is not activated, then the dimension will always match the direction of the element defining
the reference direction.
● Once a dimension along a reference direction has been created, you cannot modify the elements
that define the direction of measure, i.e. either the linear element used as the reference direction
or the fixed angle in view.
● The reference direction will not be taken into account when re-routing dimensions (Re-route
Dimension command).
● Dimensions along a reference direction cannot be driving dimensions. So, if the Create driving
dimension option is activated in Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting ->
Dimension tab, you will not be able to drive dimensions when dimensioning along a direction.
● Dimensions created in a shot (i.e. cumulated/stacked dimensions, or dimensions sharing the same
type as the first one) all have the same reference direction.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 200
3. Position the mouse over the first intersection point. An intersection point is the meeting point
of:
● In the case of drawings with many elements displayed on screen, intersection points
may sometimes be difficult to detect. If this happens (i.e. if the intersection point is not
previewed or if the previewed intersection point is not the one you want), simply position
the mouse over the first and then the second reference element. The proper intersection
point will then be previewed.
● In the case of a generative view created with the Approximate generation mode,
detection of intersection points is not available. In this case, you need to position the
mouse over the first and then the second reference element.
4. Click to create the intersection point. The point is created, as well as construction lines and
The display and behavior of intersection points is defined by the administrator in the
standards. Indeed, the administrator can specify the style that should be applied to the
intersection point and construction line, whether the intersection point can be printed or not,
and whether construction lines should be displayed and/or printable.
6. Click to create the intersection point. A preview of the dimension is displayed. By default, this
At this point, if you want to create a diameter dimension or a radius dimension rather than a
distance dimension, you can right-click to display a contextual menu in which you will be
able to change the dimension type from the default Distance to Diameter Edge or Radius
Edge.
For the purpose of this scenario, leave the default option, Distance, selected.
Go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> General and check Display in the
current view to display the view axis.
Re-routing Dimensions
This task will show you how to re-route dimensions, i.e. to recalculate dimensions taking into account new
geometry elements which are compatible with the re-routed dimension type.
Re-routing dimensions can be particularly useful in the case of isolated dimensions resulting from V4 to V5
migration. Indeed, re-routing isolated dimensions to the geometry enables you make them associative.
Open the Reroute_Dimensions.CATDrawing document. You can notice that the dimension properties are
customized.
1. Select the Re-route Dimension icon from the Dimensioning toolbar (Extension Line Interruptions sub-
toolbar).
2. Select the angle dimension. You can notice that the cursor indicates the type of dimension you are selecting.
3. Select the first element you want to take into account for the dimension re-routing, and then the second
element.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 208
During this operation, the cursor gives a graphic preview of what type of element you are selecting (in this
case, lines).
5. You can proceed in the same manner to re-route the other dimension types available on the drawing.
● Always make sure that the element(s) to which you are re-routing dimensions are compatible with the re-
routed dimension type. For example, when re-routing a radius dimension, you need to select a curved
element.
● You cannot re-route chamfer dimensions.
● In a Generative Drafting context, you cannot re-route dimensions generated via the Generate Dimensions
command.
● Re-routing dimensions preserves dimension properties when you customized them.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 210
1. Start creating a diameter dimension, for example. If needed, modify the dimensions location by
dragging it with the cursor.
3. Select the required dimension type from the displayed contextual menu. For example, Radius
Center.
4. Click in the drawing to validate the dimension creation. If needed, you can modify the dimension
location.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 211
● When you display the contextual menu, you can decide that you want to restore the dimension
value to its original position. For this, select the Restore Value Position option from the
contextual menu.
● When you display the contextual menu, you can define the value orientation with the screen, view
or dimension line as reference, or still horizontal, vertical or according to a fixed angle. These
options are available in the Value Orientation dialog box.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 212
● Select a dimension and click on the Create Interruption(s) icon in the Dimensioning toolbar
(Dimension Edition sub-toolbar).
● You can also select the interruption command first, and then the dimension.
● You can multi-select several dimensions either using the Ctrl key or by trap.
2. In the Tools Palette, indicate if you want to create the interruption on one extension line or on both
extension lines.
If you have chosen to create the interruption on one extension line, the interruption is automatically
created on the extension line which is closest to where you click.
● Select the dimension and click on the Remove Interruption(s) icon in the Dimensioning
toolbar (Dimension Edition sub-toolbar).
6. In the Tools Palette, indicate if you want to remove a single interruption on an extension line, all
interruptions on an extension line, or all interruptions on both extension lines. In this case, leave the
Remove One Interruption icon selected.
7. Click to indicate the extension line from which you want to remove the interruption. The interruption
is removed from the extension line which is closest to where you click.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 214
● When creating or removing interruptions, you can select the dimension either before or after
selecting the appropriate command.
● If you move the dimension, the interruption will remain as you created it.
● If you modify either the overrun and / or the blanking, the interruption also remains the same.
icon , if needed.
value text.
position.
At any time, you can restore the original value text position. To do this, right-click the dimension you
positioned and select Restore Value Position from the contextual menu.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 217
dimension.
highlighted.
new position.
You can also modify the dimension line location using the extension line.
Note that as a useful help, you can press the Shift button and switch to the Snap to Point on or off
mode. The mode is temporarily changed (as long as you keep the button pressed).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 218
3. In the contextual menu, select Properties. The Properties dialog box is displayed.
5. In the Value Orientation area, there are three options in the Position field.
● Auto: positions the value inside the area between extremity symbols whenever this is possible;
otherwise, positions it outside.
● Inside: positions the value inside the area between extremity symbols.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 219
● Outside: positions the value outside the area between extremity symbols.
6. Select Auto.
If you change the dimension from now
on, and the value does not fit inside the
area between extremity symbols, the
value will be automatically positioned
outside. Try it by reducing the
dimension as shown in our example.
● The Auto position of the dimension value will be disabled if you modify the position of the
dimension value text using the mouse (i.e. if you manually move it). You can restore the original
position of the dimension value by right-clicking the dimension and selecting Restore Value
Position from the contextual menu.
● If you switch between Auto, Inside, and Outside, make sure the dimension value is properly
positioned by restoring the original position of the dimension value (use the Restore Value
Position option from the contextual menu).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 220
Go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Manipulators tab, and check the
Modification box for the Insert text before and the Insert text after options.
2. Click the dimension to be modified. The dimension is highlighted and two manipulators appear,
4. Enter the text that you want to add before the dimension value, L= for instance.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 221
5. Click OK. The text is automatically inserted before the dimension value.
Note that any created Text Before is automatically added to the drop-down list in the dialog
box and can therefore be selected again from this list.
Go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Manipulators tab, and check the Modification box for
the Modify overrun and the Modify blanking options.
If you want to modify one extension line only, press the Ctrl key and drag the desired manipulator.
displayed.
Note that you can also right-click the dimension and select the Edit -> Properties option from the displayed contextual
menu. The Properties dialog box appears. Select the Extension Line tab and modify the desired value(s) of the Overrun /
Blanking Extremities option(s).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 224
Overrun is the overrun minimum value. As an example, for a cumulated dimension (for ISO Standard):
You can increase the overrun size. You cannot decrease it below the minimum value.
To set Cumulate dimension extension line length and text position, customize the following parameter in the standards:
CUMLExtMode in Dimension parameters.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 225
In other words, you are going to organize dimensions into a system with a linear offset. The offset will
align the dimensions to each others as well as the smallest dimension to the reference element.
Open the LineUp_Dimensions01.CATDrawing document.
2. Right click and select Line-up option from the contextual menu
You can also select Tools->Positioning->Line-up item from the menu bar.
6. Click OK to validate.
The position of the smallest system dimension will not be modified. The stacked system dimensions
will be aligned to this smallest dimension.
When you click in the free space, the linear offset between the smallest dimension and the reference
is automatically set to 0 value. The space between two dimensions will be the space defined in the
Options dialog box (Tools->Options, Mechanical Design ->Drafting at the left of the dialog box,
Dimension tab, Line Up paragraph). See Dimension Creation for more details.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 227
The offset you can set in this dialog box corresponds to:
3. Right click and select Line-up item from the contextual menu.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 228
You can also select the Tools -> Positioning -> Line-up item from the menu bar.
4. Select the element that will be used as reference for positioning dimensions. See the example
above.
The Line Up dialog box appears. You can see that the default values are the ones set in Tools Options
menu (see step 1).
5. Enter the required offset values in the Line Up dialog box and, if needed, deactivate the Only
organize into systems option.
The smallest dimension positions with respect to the element selected and offsets by 20 mm. And
offset between dimension is equal to 30mm.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 229
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 230
The Datum Feature Creation dialog box is displayed with A as default value (incremental value).
5. Click OK.
The datum feature is created.
An extension line is automatically created on the datum feature.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 231
● The character string that is edited in the Datum Feature Creation dialog box is simultaneously
previewed on the drawing.
● When you create more than one datum feature, the character string of this datum feature is
automatically incremented.
● To change Datum Feature ANSI representation into ASME representation, change the
TXTDatumMode parameter of your standard file (see Dimension parameters):
ASME
TXTDatumMode = 1
(Normal)
ANSI
TXTDatumMode = 2
(Flag)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 232
1. Double-click the
datum feature you want
to modify.
3. Click OK.
● Leader orientation
1. Click the Geometric Tolerance icon from the Dimensioning toolbar (Tolerancing sub-toolbar).
2. Select an element (geometry, dimension, text or point) or click in the free space to position the anchor point
of the geometrical tolerance.
● If you select a point in the free space, the anchor point will be a
small balloon.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 234
3. Move the cursor to position the geometrical tolerance and then click at the chosen location. The Geometrical
Tolerance dialog box appears.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 235
● At this step, you can apply the parameter values of an existing geometric tolerance to the tolerance you are
creating: to do this, simply select the existing geometric tolerance.
● If you have selected the Use style values to create new objects option in Tools -> Options ->
Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Administration tab, the Geometrical Tolerance dialog box is pre-filled
with custom style values (as defined in the Standards Editor). In this case, Properties toolbars and the Tools
Palette are disabled during the creation of the geometrical tolerance.
On the other hand, if you have not selected this option, the Geometrical Tolerance dialog box is pre-filled
with the last entered values (if any). In this case, Properties toolbars and the Tools Palette are active during
the creation of the of the geometrical tolerance.
● You can reset the current style values in the Geometrical Tolerance dialog box at any time using the Reset
button.
4. Select the Filter Symbol option to filter the available tolerance symbols according to the type of geometrical
element you selected (if any).
If you did not select any geometrical element, the tolerance symbols will not filtered.
5. Specify the tolerance type by clicking the Tolerance Symbol button and selecting the appropriate symbol.
6. Type the tolerance value in the Tolerance value field, adding symbols as needed. To do this, position the
cursor at the proper location in the field, and click the Insert Symbol button to choose the appropriate symbol.
You can add symbols to the tolerance and reference value as well as to the upper and lower text.
7. Type the reference values in the Reference value fields, adding symbols as needed.
8. To add a new geometrical tolerance, click the Next line arrow button and repeat steps 4 to 5.
9. Type the upper and lower texts in the appropriate fields. You may also add symbols if you want to.
The geometric tolerance is updated as you define values for each field.
11. You can add an all-around symbol to the leader. To do this, select the geometrical tolerance, right-click the
yellow manipulator on the arrow and select All Around from the contextual menu.
● Either go to Tools -> Options -> Drafting -> Annotation and Dress-up tab and check Activate
snapping (SHIFT toggles). Then, click the Configure button and select either On orientation or Both.
To orient directly the geometrical tolerance leader perpendicularly to the associated element, press the Shift
key before clicking in the drawing to position the tolerance (see previous scenario, step 3).
● Or go to Tools -> Options -> Drafting -> Annotation and Dress-up tab and check Geometrical
tolerance in Annotation Creation -> Apply snapping to. The leader will be oriented perpendicularly to
the geometry by default. In this case, pressing the Shift key will let you orient it differently.
You can reset the current style values in the Geometrical Tolerance dialog box at any time using the
Reset button.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 238
3. Click OK.
2. Right-click and select the Copy option from the contextual menu.
3. Select the element to which you want the geometrical tolerance to be associated.
7. In the filter Symbols box, make sure that the desired option is activated.
Select to display only those tolerance symbols generally considered appropriate for
the type of geometrical element selected. Unselect it to display all symbols, regardless of the selected
type of element.
After you enter a value, press Enter or Tab to move to the next field.
The geometrical tolerance is updated as you define values for each field.
Go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Dimension and select Activate
analysis display mode. Then, click the Types and colors button to define the characteristics that
will be assigned to constrained geometry.
The Types and colors of dimensions dialog box lets you select the color you want to assign to driving
dimensions. Select the color shown below, for example.
2. Modify the dimension via the displayed Dimension Value dialog box. For example, enter 40
millimeter as the new length. This dimension will now drive the geometry.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 241
The geometry is updated in order to reflect the new driving dimension. Let's call it driven geometry.
In addition, this geometry is assigned the characteristics previously defined in the Types and colors of
dimensions dialog box via Tools -> Options. In this particular case, the driving dimension is
visualized as follows:
To bypass this problem, create a point that will be coincident with line A and line B at the
same time and create the dimension between this new point and the other element.
● Between two semicircles (apart from dimensions between the semicircles centers). If you double-
click on the dimension, the Drive geometry option is deactivated:
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 243
● Between two axislines and two centerlines. If you double-click on the dimension, the Drive
geometry option is deactivated.
● Between two 2D component instances. If you double-click on the dimension, the Drive geometry
option is deactivated.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 244
Dimension Systems
The Interactive Drafting workbench provides a simple method to create and modify given types of
dimensions. To edit dimension system properties see Editing Dimension System Properties, to customize
dimension system style, see Dimension System Styles.
Note that you can create half-dimensions on stacked dimension systems only.
● dimension following the cursor: go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -
> Dimension tab, to use automatic positioning.
● By default, a click over a dimension system selects the whole dimension system. However,
users may want to reverse this behavior to select a single dimension. Switch off the Dimension
system selection mode icon in the Tools toolbar, selections will be now focused on
dimensions rather than on the whole dimension system. To get back to the default behavior,
just switch on.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 246
● Measure direction
● Angle sector
● during creation: to switch temporarily the Dimension following the cursor option, hold on
the ctrl key.
● during creation and edition: to switch temporarily the Activate Snapping option, hold on the
shift key.
● during angle dimension creation: if the Dimension following the cursor option is activated,
you can swap the angle sector according to the mouse position holding on the ctrl and shift
keys, of the first dimension. If the Dimension following the cursor option is not activated,
you can swap to the complementary angle sector holding on the ctrl key and clicking on the
dimension line.
Using Styles
You can use styles when creating dimension systems in drawings created with version R14 and later
(or pre-R14 drawings whose standard has been updated or changed in R14 and later). Styles are
defined in the standard used by the drawing and managed by the administrator.
When creating a dimension system, the Style toolbar displays the styles available for this type of
dimension system and the styles available for its dimensions. (By default, the Style toolbar is
situated at the top left of screen.) If only one style is available, it will be used by default.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 247
If several styles are available for this type of dimension system, you can choose the style that you
want to use to create this dimension system by selecting it from the Style toolbar.
If several styles are available for dimension in the dimension system, you can choose the style that
you want to use to create this dimension by selecting it from the Style toolbar.
1. Click the Chained Dimensions icon from the Dimensioning toolbar (Dimensions sub-toolbar).
You just created a first dimension within the chained dimension system.
You now created a second chained dimension in the system. You can create as many chained
dimensions as desired.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 249
Note that if you move one dimension line as you create a chained dimension, all the lines will move
accordingly. In the same way, clicking on one dimension line highlights all the lines showing the
whole system is selected.
5. Click in the free space to end the chained dimension system creation.
Chained dimension systems allows you to create length and angle dimensions.
If you need to select a single dimension, click again on the Dimensions system selection mode icon
An automatic restore value position is applied in case you perform any of the following actions:
The Chained Dimension System works for distance and angle dimensions only.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 250
1. Click the Stacked Dimensions icon from the Dimensioning toolbar (Dimensions sub-toolbar).
You just created a first dimension within the stacked dimension system.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 251
You now created a third stacked dimension in the system. Note that this stacked dimension is
inserted
properly into the system.
If you need to select a single dimension, click again on the Dimensions system selection mode icon
.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 253
An automatic line-up is applied to dimension lines and values in case you perform any of the
following actions:
The Stacked Dimension System works for distance and angle dimensions only.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 254
1. Click the Cumulated Dimensions icon from the Dimensioning toolbar (Dimensions sub-
toolbar).
You just created a first dimension within the cumulated dimension system.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 255
You now created a second cumulated dimension in the system. You can create as many cumulated
dimensions as desired.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 256
Note that if you move one dimension line as you create a cumulated dimension, all the lines will
move accordingly. In the same way, clicking on one dimension line highlights all the lines showing
the whole system is selected.
5. Click in the free space to end the cumulated dimension system creation.
If the cumulated dimensions are set with value oriented along dimension line, set the
CUMLTxtReference dimension parameter in the standards.
If you need to select a single dimension, click again on the Dimensions system selection mode icon
An automatic line-up is applied to dimension lines and values in case you perform any of the
following actions:
The Cumulated Dimension System works for distance and angle dimensions only.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 257
You must select the command related to the dimension system type for which you want to add new
dimensions.
1. Click the desired Dimension System icon from the Dimensioning toolbar (Dimensions sub-
toolbar).
4. Click in the free space to end the chained dimension system creation.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 258
The line-up command is available for cumulated and stacked dimension system only. Right-click on
your dimension system and select Line-up in the contextual menu.
1. Right-click on your dimension system and select Line-up in the contextual menu.
2. Select an element on which you want to align your dimension system or indicate a position.
For a dimension system only Offset to reference, Align stacked dimension values and
Align cumulated dimension values are taken into account.
4. Click OK.
Creating Intra-Technological Feature Dimensions: Create dimensions for technological features such as
electrical harness.
Technological feature dimensions let you create dimensions for technological features such as
electrical harness or structural stiffeners, or between technological features such as structural
stiffeners.
Technological feature dimensioning relies on the fact that technological features can specify the way
they should be dimensioned, which allows you to create only realistic and customized dimensions,
based on the know-how of a given discipline.
Depending on the type of feature that you will be dimensioning, you need specific product licenses to
create technological feature dimensions. For more information on the availability of technological
feature dimensioning for a given workbench, refer to the related documentation.
● Multiple Intra Technological Feature Dimensions icon create either the intra-
technological feature dimension type specified by the feature when only one is specified, or the
preferential intra-technological feature dimension type specified by the feature when several are
specified.
Technological Feature Dimensions create a specific dimension type when the feature
specifies several dimension types. Using one of these options is particularly useful when you want
to create a dimension type other than the preferential type specified by the feature.
Contextual menu
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 261
At any time during the dimension creation, you can right-click a technological feature to display a
contextual menu.
This contextual menu is particularly useful when several dimension types can be created for a given
feature. This depends on what is specified by the feature.
● Optional choices, available when several dimension types are available for the selected feature or
features, let you specify a single dimension type that you want to create, out of all the types
available.
● The All option creates all available dimensions for all selected features.
● The None option creates none of the available dimensions for all selected features.
● The Show Panel option lets you display the Technological Feature Dimensioning Selection dialog
box.
When a feature is checked and grayed out as shown below, it means that not all dimensions available
for this feature have been selected.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 262
You can also show or hide the Technological Feature Dimensioning Selection dialog box using the
Limitations
You cannot create coordinate, stacked and curvilinear dimensions for technological features.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 263
You need an Electrical Harness Assembly license for the purpose of this scenario as we will be
dimensioning Electrical Harness Assembly features. Intra-technological feature dimensioning is also
available for other applications such as Structure Functional Design or Ship Structure Detail Design.
For more information on the availability of technological feature dimensioning for a given workbench,
refer to the related documentation.
Refer to Before you Begin for general information about technological feature dimensions.
Open the ElectricalAssembly.CATProduct document and make sure it is loaded in the Electrical
Harness Assembly workbench (if necessary, select Start -> Equipment & Systems -> Electrical
Harness Assembly to launch the workbench). Open the ElectricalAssembly.CATDrawing document.
1. Click the Multiple Intra Technological Feature Dimensions icon from the
Dimensioning toolbar, Technological Feature Dimensions sub-toolbar.
You can also click the Technological Feature Dimensions icon and then select the
Multiple Intra Technological Feature Dimensions icon from the Tools Palette.
2. Select the feature that you want to dimension. Note that the name of a feature is displayed as
The dimension is created as specified by the feature. In this specific example, the bundle
segment specifies that the dimension should provide its overall length.
3. Repeat step 2 for each additional feature that you want to dimension.
4. End the dimension creation by clicking anywhere in the drawing (but not on a technological
feature) or by lining-up the dimension. The intra-feature dimensions are created as specified
by the feature.
You can now handle the dimension(s) just like any other dimension.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 265
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 266
You need a Structure Functional Design or a Ship Structure Detail Design license for the purpose of this
scenario as we will be dimensioning Structure features. Inter-technological feature dimensioning may also be
available for other applications. For more information on the availability of technological feature dimensioning
for a given workbench, refer to the related documentation.
Refer to Before you Begin for general information about technological feature dimensions.
1. Click the Chained Technological Feature Dimensions icon from the Dimensioning toolbar,
Technological Feature Dimensions sub-toolbar.
You can also click the Technological Feature Dimensions icon and then select the Chained
2. Select Ref_FunStiffener_002 as the first feature for dimensioning. Note that the name of a feature is
A preview of the dimension is displayed. The dimension creation command remains active.
The next dimension will be created between the previously selected feature (i.e. the second feature
you selected) and the next feature you select.
You can also right-click to view the various types of dimensions you can create between the
features. For the purpose of this scenario, leave Distance between parallel supports (true
dimension) selected.
8. When done, click in the drawing (but not on a technological feature) to create the dimension. The inter-
You can now handle the dimensions just like any other dimension.
Note that the dimension arrow is automatically oriented according to the direction of material (in
this case, the stiffener's molded side), which is the case when dimensioning structural features.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 269
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 270
Constraints
The Interactive Drafting workbench lets you create geometrical constraints, which specify explicitly how the
geometry should behave. A constraint applies to up to three elements. In the Interactive Drafting workbench,
constraints are created either through the constraints creation command or via SmartPick.
● when you use SmartPick, you detect geometric constraints dynamically. But SmartPick can simply be
used to automatically detect constraints without necessarily creating them. For information on creating
constraints using SmartPick, see Creating Constraints via SmartPick in the SmartPick chapter.
● In the Interactive Drafting workbench, dimensional constraints do not exist as such. It is by creating
driving dimensions that you can drive constrained geometry.
● If you want constraints to be created, make sure the Show Constraints icon , and optionally the
Create Detected Constraints icon , are active in the Tools toolbar, before you start creating
constraints.
Create constraints via a dialog box: Set geometrical constraints via a dialog box.
Create constraints between 2D and generated elements: Create associative constraints between 2D
elements and generated elements (Generative Drafting workbench).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 271
In the Interactive Drafting workbench, you can create geometrical constraints. Geometrical constraints
set a relationship that forces a limitation between one or more geometrical elements. The various
geometrical constraints are the following:
In the Interactive Drafting workbench, dimensional constraints do not exist as such. It is by creating
driving dimensions that you can drive constrained geometry.
It is impossible to modify the definition of a geometrical element (via the Definition dialog box) in a
view which contains inconsistent or over-constrained geometry. In such a case, you first need to solve
the inconsistencies or remove the extra constraints, and you will then be able to modify the definition
of the geometrical element.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 272
● Via Autodetection, if you activate the Create Detected Constraints command to automatically
create detected constraints.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 273
Make sure the Show Constraints icon is active in the Tools toolbar.
For the purpose of this scenario, also make sure that the Create Detected Constraints icon is
active in the Tools toolbar: this option creates lasting constraints (if you do not activate this icon, the
constraints you create are temporary: the geometry is only temporarily constrained, which means that
it can subsequently be moved without being constrained.).
1. Select the geometrical elements to be constrained to each other. For the purpose of our scenario,
select the two lines you created.
2. Click the Geometrical Constraint icon from the Geometry Modification toolbar.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 274
Based on the elements you selected, the software automatically offers to create a parallelism
constraint, as shown at the tip of the cursor.
3. At this time, you can right-click on the drawing, to display a contextual menu offering the other
types of constraints available for the selected elements.
For the purpose of the scenario, simply click on the drawing to accept the parallelism constraint. Both
lines are now constrained as parallel to each other.
4. Modify the position of one of the lines, by moving one of its end points, for example.
As you can see, the lines are constrained so as to remain parallel to each other, whatever the new
position and/or length you assign to one of them.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 275
Even though you set a constraint relation between two elements, constraints are not necessarily
visualized. If you cannot visualize constraints even though the Show Constraints option is active in
the Tools toolbar, go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Geometry tab and
select Display Constraints. (You can also modify the constraint color and/or width.)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 276
Make sure the Show Constraints icon is active in the Tools toolbar.
For the purpose of this scenario, also make sure that the Create Detected Constraints icon is
active in the Tools toolbar: this option creates lasting constraints (if you do not activate this icon, the
constraints you create are temporary: the geometry is only temporarily constrained, which means that
it can subsequently be moved without being constrained.).
1. Select the geometrical elements to be constrained to each other. For the purpose of our scenario,
select the two lines you created.
2. Click the Constraint with Dialog Box icon from the Geometry Modification toolbar.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 277
The Constraint Definition dialog box appears. The options corresponding to the various types of
constraints you can create for the selected elements are active.
3. Select the Parallelism option to specify that the selected lines should be parallel.
4. At this time, you can still select another option from the dialog box if you decide to apply another
type of constraint. For the purpose of the scenario, simply click OK to validate. Both lines are now
constrained as parallel to each other.
5. Modify the position of one of the lines, by moving one of its end points, for example.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 278
As you can see, the lines are constrained so as to remain parallel to each other, whatever the new
position and/or length you assign to one of them.
● It is impossible to create constraints between 2D and generated elements via the Constraint
Definition dialog box. In the Constraint Definition dialog box, you can only create constraints
between similar elements. In other words, you can create constraints either between 2D elements,
or between generated elements, but not between a mix of these.
● Even though you set a constraint relation between two elements, constraints are not necessarily
visualized. If you cannot visualize constraints even though the Show Constraints option is
active in the Tools toolbar, go to Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting ->
Geometry tab and select Display Constraints. (You can also modify the constraint color and/or
width.)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 279
Make sure the constraint creation option command is active in the Tools toolbar.
The point you just created is associative between the 2D and the generated view. In others words,
even if you assign a new value to the angle, this point will remain at the intersection of both line.
Be careful: when you modify the position of these elements, only the 2D elements move. The
generated elements remain fixed.
It is impossible to create constraints between 2D and generated elements via the Constraint Definition
dialog box. In the Constraint Definition dialog box, you can only create constraints between similar
elements (either between 2D elements, or between generated elements, but not between a mix of
these).
2. Click the geometrical constraints command icon and select the line.
The most logical constraint is automatically offered (if you want to apply this constraint, click in the
drawing).
The software offers to create a parallelism constraint by default. If you choose this constraint, click in
the drawing, otherwise...
4. You can delete this constraint: right-click on the created constraint and select Delete in the
contextual menu.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 283
Annotations
The Interactive Drafting workbench lets you manipulate annotations.
Note that in order to be consistent with the way commands have been grouped in toolbars and sub-toolbars,
the following tasks are documented in the Manipulating Dimensions chapter:
Before you begin: You should be familiar with basic concepts such as setting the properties of a text
(font style, size, justification, etc.), using default values, and specifying the position and/ or orientation
of a text.
Create a free text: Create a text that either wraps or not, that is assigned an unlimited width text
frame, even though this text may reach the frame boundary.
Create an associated text: Create a text which you want to be and remain associated to an existing
element.
Make an existing annotation associative: At any time and once an annotation has been created, you
can add a link between an annotation and another element.
Create a text with a leader: Create a text with a leader either in the free space or associated with an
element.
Add a leader to an existing annotation: Add a leader to an annotation that was previously created.
Handle annotation leaders: Add or remove breakpoints, extremity or interruptions. Move and position
leader breakpoints.
Add frames and sub-frames to existing text: Add a frame or a sub-frame to a text that was previously
created.
Replicate a text and attribute: Replicate text as well as the corresponding text attribute.
Copy text graphical properties: Copy the text graphical properties of an annotation or element to other
elements.
Creating an associative balloon on a generated product view: Create associative balloons on views
generated from a product.
Modify a balloon: Modify a balloon using a dialog box.
Create a text.
1. Choose View -> Toolbars, and select Text Properties. The Text
Properties toolbar is displayed.
3. Choose the properties you want to apply to this text from the Text
Properties toolbar. For instance, select Italic and Bold. The properties
you chose are applied to the selected text.
The options available in the Text properties toolbar are listed in the table below:
Option Name
Description
Create a text.
1. Choose View -> Toolbars, and select the Position and Orientation command. The Position and
Orientation toolbar is displayed.
2. Select the text for which you want to specify the position and/or orientation.
2. Click where you want to insert the free text on the drawing. A green frame appears, as well as the
Text Editor dialog box.
The drawing is automatically updated with the text you are typing in the Text Editor dialog box.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 289
● You can copy and paste text from another application. Its layout and properties will not be
preserved.
● You cannot copy complex objects (such as tables) from another application.
5. When you are done typing your text, click OK in the Text
Editor dialog box, click anywhere on the drawing, or click any
command. You can also click the Select icon : in this case,
the text will remain selected so you can change its properties
for example.
You can now start setting the properties of the text you just
created using the Text Properties toolbar.
Although you can create a text in a view that is not up-to-date, you cannot associate it to geometry. If
you try to do so, the following message will appear:
OR
● When the above option is not activated, you can specify when you want to associate a text to an
element. To do so, click the Text icon and then press the shift key while selecting the
element you want the text to be associated to. You can then type your text.
You can also make the text vertical. To do this, click the Text icon and then press the ctrl key while
clicking in the drawing where you want to create your free text.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 290
Open the Brackets_views03.CATDrawing document. Create two diameter dimensions, for example.
● When creating associated texts, pressing the SHIFT key lets you change the orientation of the text as regards
the element to which it is associated.
● You can associate text to the following elements:
❍ Annotations: text, datum feature, datum target, balloon, GD&T, roughness symbol, weld symbols.
❍ Dimensions
❍ 2D elements: point, circle, ellipse, parabola, hyperbola.
❍ Generative edges
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 292
Positional link
Available for every annotation.
3. Right click and select Positional Link->Create from the contextual menu.
5. Select the associated element and drag it in the drawing, the text follows the element.
6. Delete existing associativity using the same dialog but selecting the Delete option (Positional Link
contextual menu).
Orientation link
This functionality is available for text, text with leader and roughness symbol.
7. Right click on the text and select Orientation Link->Create from the contextual menu.
● Dimensions
● 2D elements
❍ points
❍ circles
❍ ellipse
❍ parabola
❍ hyperbola
● Generative edges
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 294
Note that leader lines are displayed in either of the following ways based on the standard currently set
in defining the sheet.
1. Click the Text With Leader icon from the Annotations toolbar (Texts sub-toolbar).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 295
2. Click the point on the element you want the leader to begin (arrow end).
Both the red frame and the arrow end of the leader are now assigned white and yellow manipulators.
4. If needed, drag the frame and/or arrow to a new location. For example, drag the arrow to the right.
At this step, you can also decide that you want the text to be wrapped (like when creating a free text).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 296
5. Enter the text in the Text Editor dialog box or directly on the drawing.
7. To end the text creation, click again in free space or select a command icon.
The leader is associated with the element you selected. If you move either the text or the element, the
leader stretches to maintain its association with the element.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 297
If you change the element that is associated with the leader, both the new element and the text with
leader remain associative to each other.
8. Create a circle.
You can create a text in a view which is not up-to-date, but you cannot associate it to geometry or the
following panel appears:
● Either go to Tools -> Options -> Drafting -> Annotation and Dress-up tab and check Activate
snapping (SHIFT toggles). Then, click the Configure button and select either On orientation or
Both. To orient directly the leader perpendicularly to the associated element, press the Shift key
while clicking on the element to which you want to associate the text with leader (previous
scenario, step 3).
● Or go to Tools -> Options -> Drafting -> Annotation tab, and in Annotation Creation ->
Apply snapping to, check Text with leader. The leader will be oriented perpendicularly to the
geometry by default. In this case, pressing the Shift key will let you orient it differently.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 298
● You can perform a number of operations on a leader. To learn more, refer to Editing Annotation
Leaders.
● Generative Edges
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 299
For the purpose of this scenario, you will learn how to add a leader to an existing text, but this
functionality is available with other annotation types as well.
Go to Tools -> Options-> Drafting -> Mechanical Design -> Annotation tab . Make sure the
Activate snapping (Shift toggles) option is selected. Then, click on the Configure button and
select either On orientation or Both.
To create as many leaders as required for an existing text, go to Tools -> Customize and create the
Add Leader command in a separate toolbar. You will then be able to double-click the Add Leader
command and click to locate the leader(s) to be created.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 301
If several text elements are selected as you activate the Add Leader command, the selection is
cleared and a message prompts you to select an annotation.
If you modify the text associated with the leader, associativity between the text and the leader is
kept.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 302
Depending on the type of annotation the leader is associated with, not all operations described in this
section will be available.
Handling Leaders
Create a text with a leader.
1. Right-click the yellow control point at the end of the leader. The leader's contextual menu is
displayed.
You can add an extremity only in the case of a text or a Clicking on the main leader
welding symbol. extremity will remove the leader.
Any existing interruption will be removed from the leader if you subsequently add or remove a
breakpoint.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 304
● To modify the leader symbol shape, point to Symbol Shape. Then, select No Symbol if you do not
want a symbol for the leader, or select the symbol you want from the available symbols.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 305
You can remove the leader extremity symbol for all annotations.
3. You can also move the leader or any existing breakpoints by clicking a yellow control point and
moving it using the mouse.
● To move the annotation but not the leader, click the annotation and move it using the mouse.
● To move the leader along with the annotation while making sure the leader keeps its original shape,
select Rigid and then move the annotation.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 306
● This functionality is available for texts, welding symbols, 2D components, tables and geometrical
tolerances, but not for other annotation types.
● This functionality also applies when rotating the annotation text using the Free Rotation icon .
Go to Tools -> Options-> Drafting -> Mechanical Design -> Annotation tab . Make sure the
Activate snapping (Shift toggles) option is selected. Then, click on the Configure button and select
either On orientation or Both.
Open the Move_Leaders.CATDrawing document. This document contains a text with leader and a
balloon. Add a breakpoint to both annotations, as explained in the previous section.
1. Move the text leader breakpoint with the mouse. You can position the leader breakpoint anywhere,
and snapping is not used.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 307
2. Now, press the Shift key while moving the leader breakpoint with the mouse. The leader is snapped,
and is positioned vertically or horizontally, or with the same orientation as the element to which it is
attached.
3. Release the Shift key and the mouse when you are satisfied with the position of the leader.
4. Move the balloon leader breakpoint with the mouse. You can position the leader breakpoint
anywhere, and snapping is not used.
5. Now, press the Shift key while moving the leader breakpoint with the mouse. The leader is snapped,
and is positioned vertically or horizontally, which happens to be the same orientation as the element to
which the leader is attached.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 308
6. Release the Shift key and the mouse when you are satisfied with the position of the leader.
1. Select the text you have created and click the Frame icon in the Text Properties Toolbar. The Frames sub-menu is
displayed.
You can choose to create each frame with either a variable or a fixed size. For a rectangular frame, for example, the icon
represents the variable-size frame, and the icon (with the padlock) represents the fixed-size frame.
● Variable-size frames adapt to the text length, whereas fixed-size frames always remain as is, no matter what the text length
is. So if you choose a fixed-size frame and the length of you text exceeds the frame size, then the text will extend beyond
the frame.
4. Right-click on the text and in the contextual menu choose the add leader command and click in the free space to end the
leader creation.
5. Right-click on the hanged point and select a mode in the contextual menu. The anchor points available will be dependent on
your choice. Set the Standard Behavior Off.
These anchor points allow you to move a leader around the text.
Standard Behavior is the default mode. Automatic Mode corresponds to the point 1 of Standard Behavior.
Circle 3
__o__ __o__
Scored Circle 2 o o 4 / \
| | | |
Set 1 o o 5 1 o o 2
| | | |
Fixed Support 8 o o 6 \ /
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 311
--o-- --o--
Sym Part 7
Sym Set
3
o o
/ \ / \
Diamond 2 o o 4 o o
/ \ / \
1 o o 5 1 o o 2
\ / \ /
8 o o 6 o o
\ / \ /
o o
Nota
7
3
o o
/ \ / \
2 o o 4 o o
Triangle / \ / \
1 o----o----o 5 1 o---------o 2
6
1 2 3
o-------o-------o o-------o-------o
Right Flag | \ | \
4 o o 5 1 o o 2
| / | /
o-------o-------o o-------o-------o
Right Oblong 6 7 8
1 2 3
o-------o-------o o-------o-------o
Left Flag / | / |
4 o o 5 1 o o 2
\ | \ |
o-------o-------o o-------o-------o
Left Oblong 6 7 8
1 2 3
Both Flag o-------o-------o o-------o-------o
/ \ / \
4 o o 5 1 o o 2
Oblong \ / \ /
o-------o-------o o-------o-------o
6 7 8
Ellipse
1 o---------o 2
Sticking 1 o---------o 2
3 4 5
o-------o-------o o-------o-------o
/ / / /
2 o o 6 o o
Parallelogram / / / /
o-------o-------o o-------o-------o
1 8 7 1 2
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 312
6. Drag the leader hanged point to move it to the anchor number 8 (see the previous table, circle, Standard Behavior Off).
You cannot use the following types of frames as sub-frames: Sticking, Nota, Scored Rectangle, and all types of fixed-size frames.
Thus, a frame or a sub-frame might look different although the text to which it is applied is identical.
1. Click the hole to be assigned text on the part. For example, on GenDrafting_part_02.CATPart, select
Hole.1.
2. Click the CATDrawing
(GenDrafting_part_03.CATDrawing)
and click the Replicate icon
from the Annotations toolbar (Texts
sub-toolbar).
The hole diameter automatically corresponds to the diameter of Hole1 you selected on the part.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 314
2. Click the Copy Object Format icon from the Graphic Properties toolbar.
The graphical properties assigned to the text used as a reference are now copied onto the multi-
selected free texts to be modified.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 317
5. Click OK.
The character string that is edited in the Datum Target Creation dialog box is simultaneously
previewed on the drawing.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 319
3. Click OK.
Creating a Balloon
This task will show you how to create a balloon. You can set text properties either before or after you create the text.
The Balloon Creation dialog box appears, with the value 1 is pre-entered in the field.
5. Click OK.
● The value that is edited in the Balloon Creation dialog box is simultaneously previewed on the drawing.
● When you create more than one balloon, the value of this balloon is automatically incremented.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 321
Note that if you modify the numbering in the product and then regenerate the product, the balloon
modification will be applied to the generated views only after you perform a view update.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 323
Modifying a Balloon
This task shows you how to modify a balloon.
4. You will now define the balloon frame properties from the Frame drop-down list. By default,
balloons are assigned a variable-size circle which adapts to the balloon text length. You have
other options:
● You can display the balloon without a frame by selecting the None icon .
● You can assign a fixed-size frame to the balloon by selecting the fixed-size Circle icon .
For more information about fixed-sized frames, refer to Adding frames or sub-frames.
For the purpose of this exercise, select the fixed-size Circle icon .
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 324
6. Now, double-click the balloon. The Balloon Modification dialog box is displayed.
The Autofit option is active when the size of the balloon frame is fixed.
8. Select the Autofit option to adapt the size of the text to that of the balloon frame.
In the case of large texts, the Autofit option reduces the text size.
10. You can also modify the anchor point and thereby the position of the balloon.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 326
2. Select the attachment point of the roughness symbol. The roughness symbol position and orientation will be
associative to this point.
Symbols Definition
Surface texture
Basic
Lay multidirectional.
5. If needed, modify the roughness symbol position by dragging it to the required location. Note that an
extension line may be displayed between the roughness symbol and the element to which it is attached
(providing this element is linear), depending on where you drag the roughness symbol.
● By default, there is a 1 millimeter space between the geometry and the extension line, as well as a 1
millimeter space between the end of the extension line and the roughness symbol. Those spaces cannot be
customized.
● Moreover, the roughness symbol default parameters are 1 for thickness and solid for line type and they
cannot be customized either.
● If you have selected the Use style values to create new objects option in Tools -> Options ->
Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Administration tab, the Roughness Symbol dialog box is pre-filled with
custom style values (as defined in the Standards Editor). In this case, Properties toolbars and the Tools
Palette are disabled during the creation of the roughness symbol.
On the other hand, if you have not selected this option, the Roughness Symbol dialog box is pre-filled with
the last entered values (if any). In this case, Properties toolbars and the Tools Palette are active during the
creation of the of the roughness symbol.
● If you have selected the Use style values to create new objects option, you can reset the current style
values in the Roughness Symbol Editor dialog box at any time using the Reset button.
● At any time, you can modify the roughness symbol. For this, double-click the roughness symbol to be
modified and enter the desired modifications in the displayed Roughness Symbol dialog box (for orientation
modification, use the Invert switch button).
● When this is not already the case, you can link roughness symbol position and orientation to another element,
see Making an Existing Annotation Associative.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 330
Fillet weld
Spot weld
Back weld
Plug weld
Surfacing weld
V flare weld
Spot weld
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 331
Complementary symbols
Finish symbols
C finish symbol
F finish symbol
G finish symbol
H finish symbol
M finish symbol
R finish symbol
Complementary indications
Field weld
Weld-all-around
Weld tail
Reference
5. Click the symbol buttons to choose the welding symbol, complementary symbols and/or finish
symbols.
6. If you want to add complementary indications like a field weld or a weld tail, for example, click the
appropriate button.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 333
7. Click OK.
8. If needed, modify the welding symbol position by dragging it to the required location.
9. Double-click on the welding symbol to edit it, and change the weld text side for example by clicking
the Up/Down switch button.
● If you have selected the Use style values to create new objects option in Tools -> Options ->
Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Administration tab, the Welding creation dialog box is pre-
filled with custom style values (as defined in the Standards Editor). In this case, Properties toolbars
and the Tools Palette are disabled during the creation of the welding symbol.
On the other hand, if you have not selected this option, the Welding creation dialog box is pre-filled
with the last entered values (if any). In this case, Properties toolbars and the Tools Palette are
active during the creation of the welding symbol.
● You can reset the current style values in the Welding creation dialog box at any time using the
Reset button.
● You can close the tail (reference) using a rectangle variable-size frame .
● At any time, you can modify the welding symbol. To do this, double-click the welding symbol to be
modified and enter the modifications in the displayed dialog box.
● You can import a plain text file (.txt) to use as a reference (specification, process or other) by
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 334
1. Click the Weld icon from the Annotations toolbar (Symbols sub-toolbar).
4. If needed, modify the geometry welding symbol. For example, modify the thickness from ten to five
millimeters.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 336
5. If needed, modify the type of the geometry welding symbol by selecting the Change Type option
6. Click OK.
The reference text is the text, among the selected texts, that is positioned the most at the left.
The text anchor point is moved to the left (for example, from the bottom center to the bottom left).
The texts are aligned vertically relatively to the reference text origin point (same x abscissa as for the
reference text).
The reference text is positioned at the middle of both left and right extremity points.
The text anchor point is moved to the center (for example, from the top left to the top center).
The texts are aligned vertically relatively to the reference text origin point (same x abscissa as for the
reference text).
The reference text is the text, among the selected texts, that is positioned the most at the right.
The text anchor point is moved to the right (for example, from the middle center to the middle right).
The texts are aligned vertically relatively to the reference text origin point (same x abscissa as for the
reference text).
The reference text is the text, among the selected texts, that is positioned the most at the top.
The text anchor point is moved to the top (for example, from the bottom left to the top left).
The texts are aligned horizontally relatively to the reference text origin point (same y coordinate as for the
reference text).
The reference text is positioned at the middle of both top and bottom extremity points.
The selected texts are assigned the middle attribute as text origin (for example, from the top left to the
middle left).
The texts are aligned horizontally relatively to the reference text origin point (same y coordinate as for the
reference text).
The reference text is the text, among the selected texts, that is positioned the most at the bottom.
The text anchor point is moved to the bottom (for example, from the top left to the bottom left).
The texts are aligned horizontally relatively to the reference text origin point (same y coordinate as for the
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 339
reference text).
4. Select the Space from left to right option and set the Space value to 30mm.
Note that when you select a Space option, the modification does not appear similarly on the drawing. This
modification only appears when you enter the new Space value in the Positioning dialog box or when you
select a Space value.
6. Select the Move vertically to top option and set the Move value to -10mm.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 340
Note that when you select a Move option, the modification does not appear similarly on the drawing. This is
only the case once you enter the new Move value in the Positioning dialog box or when you select a spacing
option.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 341
Creating/Modifying a Table
This task shows you how to create and edit a table.
In this table, you can add text, insert columns, rows, merges cells, invert lines, invert columns, switch
lines and columns, and insert views. You can also split a table, import a table, and insert a view in a
table.
Choose a task:
● creating a table,
● splitting a table,
● importing a table,
Creating a table
Create a new sheet and a new view.
The table cannot be associative, do not select an element in the drawing to make the table associative.
3. The following panel allows you to set the number of columns and rows you want for the table.
●
To select a column, click just above the column when the symbol appears.
7. Right-click on the corner of the frame around the table to access the general contextual menu.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 343
● invert columns,
● invert rows,
● turn rows into columns and columns into rows,
● fit the text in the cells by automatically defining the optimal cell size,
● extend the table by adding columns and/or rows to it.
10. Select Invert Columns / Rows in the contextual menu. Rows and Columns are inverted:
11. Select a column and right-click to get the contextual menu, it allows you to:
● Insert a column,
● Delete a column,
● Clear the content of a column,
● Modify the size of a column:
❍ either set a new column size,
❍ or autofit the size, i.e. fit the text in the cells by automatically defining the optimal cell size.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 345
Choose to autofit the column size, the following dialog box appears:
Set the column width to a new value value and click OK to validate.
The text properties are different depending on the point of insertion in the table:
● when you add a column/ row in the middle of a table, the text properties are the same as the
preceding column/ row,
● when you insert a column/ row at the beginning of the table, the text properties are the same as
the current text style.
12. Select two cells and right-click them, then choose Merge in the contextual menu.
13. Then select the new cell formed by the two cells you have merged and choose Unmerge to split
them in two cells again.
14. Double-click on the text of a cell. The Text Editor appears: modify the text and click OK to
validate.
15. To choose vertical and horizontal text alignment, use the Anchor point tool . Align the text
16. Right-click a cell, and select Properties from the contextual menu. The properties available are
the same as those available for texts.
17. On the Font tab, specify a color, red for example, and click OK. The text in the selected cell is now
red.
When editing cell properties, note that a number of properties do not apply to the selected cell, but to
the table and all its cells.
● On the Text tab:
❍ X and Y position
❍ Reference
❍ Orientation
❍ Blank Background
Splitting a table
Open the Split_tables.CATDrawing document. It contains a table that you will split into several tables.
1. Right-click the table and choose Split Table from the contextual menu. The Table Split dialog box
appears.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 347
3. Select Vertical.
6. Click OK. The table is split into several tables, according to the criteria you specified.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 348
Importing a table
You can import a table (only .csv).
1. Click the Import Table icon and select the table you want to import.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 349
1. Double-click on the table to edit it and right-click in the cell you want to fill. Select Insert Object.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 350
2. Choose the view you want to insert by clicking the view in the drawing or in the tree. Choose the
Top view:
The top view is inserted in the table, and it is resized so as to fit the cell. You can resize the cell if you
want to enlarge the view in the table.
● balloons
● datum features
● datum targets
● dimensions
● texts
3. Select .
The following message appears in the dialog box: Searching All Current Sheet Views. If you
previously selected a given number of sheets or elements in the document, the message will be
Searching All Current Elements.
5. Select .
You can also match case, find whole words only or re-
frame the window.
7. Select .
Note that you can directly access the Replace dialog box by selecting the Edit->Replace item from
the menu bar.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 353
First, refer to the Infrastructure User's Guide to learn more about advanced search.
1. Select the Edit->Search... command then click the Advanced tab:
Fake Yes/No
True Yes/No
1. Right-click on the text "Front view Scale: 1:1" and select Query Object Links in the contextual menu.
It displays the linked objects name and specifications. In our example, the view name and scale are linked to the front view.
Dress-Up Elements
The Interactive Drafting workbench provides a simple method to create the following view dress-up elements
on existing 2D elements.
Create center lines (no reference): Apply a center line to one or more circles.
Create center lines (reference): Apply a center line to one or more circles with respect to a reference
(linear or circular).
Modify center lines: Modify one or more center lines at one or more ends of this/these center lines.
Create threads (reference): Create a thread with a reference, either circular (circle or point) or linear
(line).
Create axis lines and center lines: Create an axis line by selecting lines.
Create an area fill: Create an area fill, i.e. a closed area on which you will then apply graphical dress-up
elements called patterns (these can be hatching, dotting or coloring). Patterns can be applied to area
fills created from both sketched and generated elements.
1. Click the Center Line icon from the Dressup toolbar (Axis and Threads sub-toolbar).
2. Select a circle.
.
3. Click in the drawing to confirm the creation and select the center lines.
4. Use manipulators to modify center lines size.
● When creating a center line on a generative view, a message will be displayed if the center line
cannot be associative to the 3D.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 359
You can create a pair of center lines according to a circular reference (a point or a circle):
You can multi-select circles before you enter the command and
thereby apply center lines to the selected circles.
When creating a center line on a generative view, a message will be displayed if the center line cannot
be associative to the 3D. In this case, the center line is neither linked to the 3D nor to 2D drawing
elements. For example, a non-associative center line with a reference line will not be updated when
the reference line is moved.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 361
2. Select any end point and drag to move all the center line extremities to a new position.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 362
3. Press the Ctrl key while selecting any end point and drag the selected extremity to a new position.
You can also modify the center line using the contextual menu (Properties) and displayed Properties
dialog box (Graphic tab).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 363
1. Click the Drawing window, and click the Thread icon from the Dress-up toolbar (Axis and
Threads sub-toolbar).
You can also multi-select holes before clicking the Thread icon .
Activating this command displays two options in the Tools Palette which is automatically displayed:
3. Select the hole (or circle) to which you want to apply a thread. The thread is created.
If you want to move only one axis line, hold on the Ctrl key while you are dragging the manipulator.
If you delete the thread axis line, the external circle is also deleted and vice versa.
● The thread that appears on the hole is assigned a standard radius and representation (compliant
with the selected standard).
● When creating a thread on a generative view, a message will be displayed if the thread cannot be
associative to the 3D.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 365
You can multi-select holes before you enter the command and
then apply center lines to the selected holes.
When creating a thread on a generative view, a message will be displayed if the center line cannot be
associative to the 3D. In this case, the thread is neither linked to the 3D nor to 2D drawing elements.
For example, a non-associative thread with a reference line will not be updated when the reference
line is moved.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 366
1. Click the Drawing window, and click the Axis Line icon from the Dressup toolbar (Axis and
Threads toolbar).
● If needed, you can select two non-parallel lines that are not colinear.
● Both in the case of center lines and axis lines, a default overrun is created.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 367
● When creating an axis line on a generative view, a message will be displayed if the axis line cannot
be associative to the 3D.
● You can create axis lines between symbolic fillet edges or fillet representation on generative views.
Note that these axis lines will not be associative (a message will be displayed).
If you need to modify an axis line, please refer to Modifying a center line as the method is similar.
Note that multi-selection can be performed when modifying axis lines.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 368
1. Click the Drawing window, and click the Axis Line and Center Line icon from the Dressup
toolbar (Axis and Threads toolbar).
2. Select two circles. The axes and center lines are created.
When creating axes and center lines on a generative view, a message will be displayed if axes and
center line cannot be associative to the 3D.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 369
● sketched elements,
● generated elements
● part-sketched, part-generated elements
In this task, you will learn how to create an area fill on a drawing containing a mix of sketched and generated
elements.
You do not need to activate the view in which you are going to create an area fill.
1. In the Graphic Properties toolbar, click the down arrow besides the Pattern icon.
2. In the Pattern dialog box, select a pattern for your area fill and click OK.
OR
A few remarks
Area to Fill dialog box
The two options available in the Area to Fill dialog box are described below. You can specify the area you want to fill
before or after choosing the option in the Area to Fill dialog box.
For each option, examples illustrate what kind of area fill you will get depending on where you click. Note where the
cursor is located on the figures.
● Automatic automatically detects the area to fill based on where you click: just click inside the area you want to
fill.
● With profile selection lets you specify the area to fill: select all the 2D elements that make up the boundary of
the area you want to fill, and then click inside this area.
● If you create text in a filled area, the background of the text will be blanked as shown here.
● For more information about hatching or dotting patterns, refer to the General remarks about patterns section.
Creating Arrows
This task will show you how to create an arrow. For the purpose of this exercise, you will use an arrow
to illustrate the kind of hole you want to apply to a circle.
1. Click the Drawing window, and select Insert->Dress Up->Arrow from the menu bar.
2. Click a point or select an object to define the arrow starting point (the tail). For example, select a
circle.
3. Click another point or select another object to define the arrow extremity (the head). The arrow is
created.
● To modify the position of the arrow, click the arrow and use the yellow manipulators to drag it to
its new location.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 374
● To modify the general appearance of the arrow, either click the arrow and then use the Graphic
Properties toolbar, or right-click the arrow and then use the Properties dialog box (select
Properties and click the Graphic tab).
4. You will now add a breakpoint to the arrow. Select it and right-click on a yellow manipulator. A
contextual menu appears.
5. Select Add a Breakpoint. A breakpoint is added to the arrow; you can drag it to change the arrow
path.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 375
6. You will now choose a symbol for the arrow tail. To do this, right-click on the yellow tail
manipulator.
7. In the contextual menu, point to Symbol Shape and select a symbol, Filled Circle for example.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 376
The symbol you choose now appears on the arrow tail. You can also change the symbol used for the
arrow head by repeating steps 6 and 7.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 377
8. You will now create an interruption on the arrow tail. Right-click on the yellow tail manipulator
again.
9. In the contextual menu, select Add an Interruption. An interruption is added to the arrow.
SmartPick
The Interactive Drafting workbench provides SmartPick as a useful and easy-to-use tool designed to
make all your geometry or constraint creation as simple as possible.
Information regarding the use of SmartPick is documented in the Sketcher User's Guide. As such, the
information detailed in this section is presented in a Sketcher context.
You should note that the Sketcher User's Guide contains images that correspond to the Sketcher
workbench and therefore illustrate geometry in an environment that is different from the Interactive
Drafting environment (symbols, background color, for example).
Create constraints via SmartPick: Learn how to detect, create and visualize constraints using
SmartPick.
Use SmartPick: Learn how to be more productive by using SmartPick.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 379
Note that when you use SmartPick, you do NOT necessarily create constraints.
1. Click the Create Detected Constraints icon from the Tools toolbar.
To visualize detected and created constraints, make sure the Show Constraints command is on, or that the
Create detected and feature-based constraints setting is active in Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -
> Drafting -> Geometry tab.
When a constraint is detected by smartpicking, you can temporarily deactivate this constraint by maintaining the
Shift key pressed.
When a constraint is detected by smartpicking, you can temporarily lock this constraint by maintaining the Ctrl key
pressed.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 381
Properties
This section discusses how to quickly access and edit information on 2D geometry, dress-up elements,
annotations and dimensions in a single dialog box. This dialog box is available via the Edit -> Properties
contextual command.
The data you can access (tabs) depends on the element you select. Note that clicking the More button gives
you access to more tabs.
Edit 2D geometry feature properties: Access and edit information on 2D geometry features (name and
stamp).
Edit annotation font properties: Access and edit annotation font properties.
Edit text properties: Access and modify text color, position and/or orientation.
Edit dimension text properties: Access and edit dimension text properties.
Edit dimension value properties: Access and edit dimension value properties.
Edit dimension tolerance properties: Access and edit dimension tolerance properties.
Edit dimension extension line properties: Access and edit dimension extension line properties.
Edit dimension line properties: Access and edit information on dimension line properties.
Editing Dimension System Properties: Access and edit information on dimension system properties.
Edit 2D component instance properties: Access and edit 2D component instance properties.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 382
● General properties
● Format properties
● Projection Method
● Print Area
General properties
Name
Global scale
Specify the scale (i.e. the scaling factor) which applies to all views in the sheet.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 383
The scale does not determine the position of the views (or any other object) contained in the sheet.
When the grid is displayed, the position of the view in the sheet is not determined by the grid,
which only deals with what is drawn directly in the sheet. To see the real position of a given view in
a sheet, you need to use the ruler. It is the only way to see the real coordinates in a sheet
referential.
Format properties
Name
The combo list contains the format names defined by the administrator and those which are defined
locally by the user.
Indeed, you can create your own Format:
Display
Width
Height
Orientation
Orientation of the selected format. Available only if the selected format allows you to modify it, see
Sheet Format Definition.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 384
Projection Method
Note that properties in this section apply to all generative views available in the sheet (i.e. in a
Generative Drafting context).
Select this option if you want all views in the sheet to be created using the first angle standard.
The first angle standard is an orthographic representation comprising the arrangement, around the
principal view of an object, of some of all of the other five views of that object. With reference to
the principal view, the other views are arranged as follows:
- the view from above is placed underneath
- the view from below is placed above
- the view from the left is placed on the right
- the view from the rear is placed on the left or on the right, as convenient.
(Ref. No. ISO 10209-2:1993)
Select this option if you want all views in the sheet to be created using the third angle standard.
The third angle standard is an orthographic representation comprising the arrangement, around the
principal view of an object, of some of all of the other five views of that object. With reference to
the principal view, the other views are arranged as follows:
- the view from above is placed above
- the view from below is placed underneath
- the view from the left is placed on the left
- the view from the rear is placed on the left or on the right, as convenient.
(Ref. No. ISO 10209-2:1993)
Note that properties in this section apply to all generative views available in the sheet (i.e. in a
Generative Drafting context). The chosen property will be taken into account next time you update
the sheet. This property is also defined in the Sheet Styles.
Select this option if you want generative views to be positioned according to the center of gravity of
the 3D geometry. This mode ensures that the center of gravity of the 3D geometry remains at a
fixed position on the sheet, when views are updated.
Part 3D axis
Select this option if you want generative views to be positioned according to the 3D axis system.
This mode ensures that the projection of the 3D axis remains at a fixed position on the sheet, when
views are updated (even if the center of gravity of the 3D geometry has changed).
Example
Take this original view, for example:
Now, imagine you modify the 3D geometry in such a way that the center of gravity of the 3D
changes. You then update the view on the sheet.
● If Part center of gravity is selected: the center of gravity of the 3D geometry remains at a
fixed position on the sheet after the update.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 386
● If Part 3D axis is selected: the projection of the 3D axis remains at a fixed position on the
sheet after the update.
Print area
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 387
Activate
Check this box to specify that only a specific area of the sheet should be printed. Doing this will
activate the associated fields so that you can define the print area.
Note that on top of checking this box, you must select Document area option as the Print area in
the Print dialog box in order for the print area to be printed. If you don't select the Document area
option, the whole document will be printed. Refer to Printing Sheets for more information.
Specify the X coordinate of the lower left-hand corner of the print area.
Specify the Y coordinate of the lower left-hand corner of the print area.
Width
Height
A specific contextual command lets you visualize the print area (providing it is activated), so as to
re-position or re-dimension it for example. To do so, either right-click the sheet item in the
specification tree and select Sheet.X object -> Visualize Print Area, or activate the sheet and
select Edit -> Sheet.X object -> Visualize Print Area. This zooms onto the print area, which is
outlined as a purple dashed box, with an X cross at its center.
● Use the manipulators at the corners of the box to re-dimension the print area.
Drag the dashed box or the central cross to re-position the print area.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 388
You can then exit the print area visualization mode by pressing the Escape key or by clicking
elsewhere in the drawing. You can check the sheet properties to make sure that the coordinates,
width or height have been updated.
2. Click the View tab. You can notice that a number of options are disabled, as they apply to
● Angle: defines the angle between the view and the sheet,
● Scale: defines the scale of the view.
● =: displays the decimal value with respect to the fraction. This field is read-only.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 390
View Name
Allows you to modify the name of the view (or of the 2D component when pertinent), and to enter a
prefix, an ID or a suffix. Among other things, you can create a formula for the view name. For more
information, refer to the Knowledge Advisor User's Guide.
In the case of generative views (Generative Drafting workbench), a number of additional properties will
be available. The properties described below apply to generative views only, and will be active in a
Generative Drafting context.
Dress-up
The following 3D specifications may be defined for components in the Product Structure workbench:
❍ The component will, or will not, be cut when projected in section views (Do not cut in section
views).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 391
❍ The component will, or will not, be projected in views (Do not use when projecting).
❍ The component will, or will not, be represented with hidden lines (Represented with hidden
lines).
For more information, refer to Modifying Component Properties in the Product Structure User's
Guide.
● 3D Colors: specifies that the colors of a part should be automatically generated onto the views.
● Axis: generates axis lines.
● Thread: generates threads.
● Fillets: generates fillets. You can choose to view Boundaries, Symbolic, Original Edges, Projected
Original Edges:
Boundaries
Thin lines, representing the mathematical limits of the fillets.
Symbolic
Original edges, projected in a direction that is normal to each
corresponding surface.
The following restrictions apply to Symbolic, Approximated Original Edges and Projected Original
Edges:
● Dimensions on such fillets are not associative.
● Such fillets cannot inherit 3D colors. Likewise, when using generative view styles, such fillets cannot
inherit the 3DInheritance view dress-up parameters (defined in Tools -> Standard ->
generativeparameters -> *.XML file, Drafting -> ViewDressup -> 3DInheritance).
● Always have in mind that those fillets representations are only a symbolical preview of the 3D.
● 3D Points: projects points from 3D (no construction elements). You can choose from the following
options:
3D symbol inheritance: keeps the symbol from the 3D.
Symbol: displays the symbol you choose from the drop-down list.
● 3D Wireframe: displays both the wireframe and the geometry on generated views. You can choose
whether projected 3D wireframe can be hidden or is always visible:
Can be hidden: in some cases, depending on the projection angle, part or all of 3D
wireframe will possibly be hidden.
Is always visible: 3D wireframe will be visible in all cases, independently of the projection
angle.
Note that if you delete generated center lines, threads or axis lines, you will NOT be able to generate
them again (by updating the drawing), even if you select the appropriate dress-up options in the
Properties dialog box. It is impossible to restore generated center lines, threads or axis lines that have
been deleted.
Generation Mode
● Only generate parts larger than: specifies that you only want to generate parts which are larger
than the size indicated (in millimeters) in the appropriate field.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 393
● Enable occlusion culling: saves memory when generating exact views from an assembly (or a
part or product) which is loaded in Visualization mode (i.e. when the Work with the cache
system option is active). This will load only the parts which will be seen in the resulting view
(instead of loading all of them, which is the case by default), which optimizes memory consumption
and CPU usage.
● View generation mode: lets you change how the view is generated. For more information on the
various view generation modes, refer to View Generation Settings in the Customizing chapter.
❍ Exact view: turns the view into a exact view (the geometry becomes available).
❍ CGR: turns the view into a CGR view (only the external appearance of the component is used
and displayed; the geometry is not available).
❍ Approximate: turns the view into an approximate view. Although approximate views are not as
high in precision and quality as exact views, this generation mode dramatically reduces memory
consumption. Performances may also be improved, depending on how you fine-tune precision
(click the Options button). Therefore, the approximate mode is particularly well-adapted to
sophisticated products or assemblies involving large amounts of data.
❍ Raster: turns the view into an image view. You can configure a number of options such as the
level of detail or the type of image to generate (shading, shading with edges, etc.) .
If you select a mix of exact, CGR, approximate and/or raster views, the options will be disabled. To
activate these options, make sure you select views which use the same generation mode.
● The Generative view style area shows the generative view style which is applied to the view.
● If you have modified the values of the properties defined in the selected generative view style by
editing some dress-up properties, for example, you can use the Reset to style values button to
reset these values to the original style values. (To let you know when properties have been changed
compared to the original generative style, an asterisk is displayed in front of them.)
The Generative view style properties are only available on generative views, when generative view
style functionalities are activated (i.e. when the Prevent generative view style creation option is de-
selected in Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting -> Administration tab).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 394
You can also right click the 2D element and then select Properties from the displayed
contextual menu.
4. Enter a new name for the element in the field. The information displayed concerns the creation
of the elements.
5. Click the Graphic Tab. A number of properties are available. For more information, refer to
You can also right click the 2D element and then select Properties from the displayed
contextual menu.
4. If needed, modify the available properties. Depending on the element you selected, not all
● Fill:
❍ you can color the selected element and set the filling transparency.
● Edges:
❍ you can define the color, linetype (dotted, dashed, etc.) and thickness that will be used for
edges. See Graphic Properties Toolbar.
● Points:
❍ you can define the color and the symbol that will be used for points.
● Global Properties:
❍ you can choose if the element will be shown or not (check/uncheck Shown option)
❍ you can activate or deactivate Pickable mode. If you uncheck it, geometry will not be
selectable anymore. See Pick/No Pick mode.
❍ you can choose to display the selected element using a lower intensity.
❍ you can choose a layer for the selected geometry.
5. Click OK.
For more information on graphic properties, refer to the Infrastructure User's guide.
● If you want to make one or several elements pickable back again, perform as follows:
1. Select Edit -> Search from the menu bar and select the element(s) to be modified
2. Select Edit -> Properties from the menu bar and check the Pickable option from
● If you want to make all the elements on a sheet or in a view pickable back again, perform as
follows:
1. Click the sheet or the view(s) to be applied the Pick mode from the specification
tree.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 397
The Graphic Properties toolbar lets you modify the following graphical options:
● the line color
● the line thickness
● the linetype
● the symbol to be used for points
● the pattern (Pattern icon ). This option display the Pattern Chooser dialog box, from which
you can select a pattern.
Care when you assign graphic attributes to a line (for example, make it thick and red).
When you turn this red thick line into a construction line (from the contextual menu: Object.Line ->
Definition..., Construction line option in the Line Definition dialog box), the line will become a dotted
gray line. Even though you then decide to make it a standard line back again (by un-checking the
Construction line option), the line will have lost its "red" and "thickness" attributes and will be
assigned its original attributes.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 398
1. Select the pattern be modified. For the purpose of our scenario, select the hatching pattern in
2. Select Edit-> Properties. You can also right-click the pattern and then select Properties from
3. In the Properties dialog box that appears, click the Pattern tab.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 399
4. If you want to define your own pattern, choose a pattern type from the Type drop-down list.
The types of patterns available in this list depend on the standard used by the drawing.
Or if you want to choose from the various patterns available, click the [...] button. This will
display the pattern chooser, from which you can make your selection.
● The options available in the dialog box depend on the type of pattern you selected, as well as on
the standard used by the drawing.
● When editing the properties of a pattern associated with a part material, the software offers its own
selection of patterns, and not the patterns defined in the standard.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 400
Hatching
● Number of hatchings: Defines the number of different hatchings to use in this pattern.
A tab will be created for each hatching, to let you define each one individually.
This option is unavailable with the current drawing standard.
● Angle: For each hatching this pattern, specifies the angle value in degrees.
● Pitch: For each hatching in this pattern, specifies the pitch in millimeters.
● Offset: For each hatching in this pattern, specifies the offset in millimeters.
● Color: For each hatching in this pattern, specifies the color.
This option is unavailable with the current drawing standard.
● Linetype: For each hatching in this pattern, specifies the linetype.
This option is unavailable with the current drawing standard.
● Thickness: For each hatching in this pattern, specifies the linetype thickness.
This option is unavailable with the current drawing standard.
● Preview: Lets you preview the resulting hatching pattern.
The Color, Linetype and Thickness options can be modified, provided the Availability parameter is
set to Yes under the Pattern node in the Standards editor.
Dotting
Coloring
Image
● Browse button: Lets you select the image to use for this pattern.
This option is unavailable with the current drawing standard. You can only use the images
defined by the administrator. These images are available from the pattern chooser (click
the [...] button).
● Angle: Specifies the angle value in degrees.
● Scale: Specifies the scale.
● Preview: Lets you preview the original image (not the result after modifying the angle
and scale).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 401
You can also modify pattern properties using the Pattern icon on the Graphic Properties
toolbar.
This option display the Pattern Chooser dialog box, from which you can select a pattern.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 402
2. Select the whole text (you can also select only part of the text) and then select Edit ->
Properties.
You can also right-click the selected text and then choose Properties from the contextual
menu.
3. In the Properties dialog box that appears, click the Font tab. The associated panel is
displayed.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 403
● Font, Style, Size, Underline and Color: choose the font, size, style and color of the text, and
underline it.
● Attributes: draw a line through (Strikethrough) or above (Overline) the selected text, and make
it superscript or subscript.
You can either underline or overline a text, but you cannot do both.
When you are using a font stroke for annotations, the character's thickness is set to 1 for regular style
and 3 for bold style.
You can customize standard files in order to remove this parameter from the thickness' combo box so
that it cannot be applied to annotations' characters.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 404
● Character:
❍ Ratio: modify character width.
❍ Slant: modify character slant (for italic text, slant=15 deg).
❍ Spacing: change the spacing between characters.
❍ Pitch: set a fixed or a variable pitch. As an example, create the free text "Tools" and apply the
font ROM1.
The pitch of some stroke fonts cannot be modified. In that case, the Pitch combo list is disabled.
In case you use characters in some fonts that have no or very little spacing (i.e. i or l), you should not
set the spacing to 0 mm, otherwise they would look as if they are superimposed and only one character
would seem to be displayed in your annotation.
Clicking the More button displays extra options, if any are available.
For more information on font properties, refer to the Infrastructure User's Guide.
3. Click Properties in the menu that appears. The Properties dialog box appears.
5. In the Character area, increase or decrease the value in the Ratio field to change the character
ratio.
6. Modify the value in the Spacing field to change the character spacing.
2. Type a text, "subscript" for example, after the text you created previously.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 406
3. Select the piece of text you just typed and right-click it.
4. Click Properties in the menu that appears. The Properties dialog box appears.
8. Now type another text, "superscript" for example, after the existing text. For the moment, the
new text takes on the properties of the subscript text in front of it.
9. Select the piece of text you just typed and right-click it.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 407
11. In the Attributes area, select the Superscript check box (instead of Subscript) and click OK.
12. For the purpose of this exercise, you will now align the subscript and superscript texts and set
their offset and size. To do this, select the whole text and right-click it.
The offset defines the vertical position of the superscript or subscript text from the baseline of the text.
The size defines the height of the superscript or subscript text. Both values are expressed as a
percentage of the font size.
15. In the Options area, select the Back Field check box to align the texts.
16. Increase or decrease the values for the superscript and subscript texts in the Offset and Size
17. Click OK to validate. The subscript and superscript texts are now aligned and set as defined.
This functionality does not always work when the text is wrapped.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 408
1. Select the annotation you just created. (For the purpose of this exercise, you select a free text,
You can also right-click on this dimension and then choose Properties from the contextual
menu.
● Frame: you can choose a frame type for the selected text that is to say rectangle, triangle, circle,
etc. You can specify the color, line thickness and line type for the frame in the associated fields.
● Position:
❍ Anchor Point: you can change the text position in relation to the anchor point.
❍ Justification: you can specify a justification for the text: left, center or right.
❍ X, Y: you can modify anchor point coordinates.
❍ Anchor Mode: it allows you to position the anchor line to the character Top and Bottom or to
the character Cap or Base.
● Line Spacing Mode: you can choose the spacing mode between to line of characters. As an
example, create the following free text:
Now, select base to cap option in the combo box. The spacing between the two lines will be between
the base of first line characters and cap of second line characters:
● Line spacing: you can increase or decrease the spacing between two lines of characters.
● Word wrap: allows you to wrap the text in a width you specify.
When you create a free text, the anchor point is the point you click in the free space to define a
location for the free text.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 410
● Options:
❍ Display Units: in a text containing parameters with units, displays these units.
❍ Apply scale: applies the scale of the view or of the 2D reference component to the display of
the text or to the value of a dimension.
If you want to use as symbols 2D components with text, activate both the Apply Scale
property and the Create with a constant size setting (in Tools -> Options -> Mechanical
Design -> Drafting -> Annotation and Dress-up tab): the size of both the 2D component
and its text will then be independent from the view scale.
❍ Back Field: aligns superscript and subscript texts above one another.
❍ Blank Background: specifies that the text background should be blanked when the text is
displayed over a pattern or over a picture.
❍ Superscript: increase or decrease the values for the superscript texts.
The Offset parameter specifies the distance of the superscript text from the base line according
to the font size of the text.
The Size parameter specifies the size of the superscript text according to the font size of the
text.
❍ Subscript: increase or decrease the values for the subscript texts.
The Offset parameter specifies the distance of the subscript text from the base line according
to the font size of the text.
The Size parameter specifies the size of the subscript text according to the font size of the text.
❍ Display: specifies a display mode for the text: Show Value, Show Box or Hide Value. Refer
to Specifying the Text Display Mode below for more details.
2. Click Properties in the menu that appears. The Properties dialog box appears.
4. In the Options area, choose the display mode you want for your text from the Display list.
● Show Value: displays the text, and (when applicable) its leader and its frame. This option is
selected by default.
● Show Box: replaces the text and (when applicable) its frame by a rectangular box and displays its
leader.
● Hide Value: hides the text and (when applicable) its frame but (when applicable) displays its
leader.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 412
5. Click OK to validate. The text is now displayed using the mode you set.
If you select Hide Value as the display mode for a text with no leader, the text will not be visible at all
on your drawing. You can find all hidden texts in a drawing using advanced Search options. To do this,
choose Edit -> Search, click the Advanced tab. Select Drafting from the Workbench list, Text from
the Type list, Display from the Attributes list. In the dialog box that appears, select = and Hide
Value and then click OK. Click the Search icon. All hidden texts are listed.
● Show Box: replaces the dimension by a rectangular box and displays its leader.
2. Select Edit -> Properties and click the Dimension Texts tab.
You can also right click the current element and then select the Properties command from the
displayed contextual menu.
● Prefix - Suffix: you can insert either a symbol or a text before the dimension text or a text after the
dimension text.
If you want to remove the symbol before the dimension text, click the Insert Symbol icon and, from
● Associated Texts: you can insert texts before, after, below and above the main and the dual value.
Dimension texts positioning:
● Dimension score options: you can choose to score only the value, all dimension texts or not to score
(for Main Value and/or Dual Value).
● Dimension frame options: you can choose to include in the frame Value+tolerance+texts or
Value+tolerance or Value for Main Value, Dual Value or both.
You can also right-click the dimension and then select Properties from the displayed
contextual menu.
3. In the Properties dialog box that appears, click the Font tab. The associated panel is
displayed.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 416
You can either underline or overline a text, but you cannot do both.
For more information on font properties, refer to the Infrastructure User's Guide.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 418
You can also right-click the dimension and then select Properties from the displayed
contextual menu.
Dimension Type: check Driving if you want projected dimensions to drive geometry.
If you want to key in a value for the driving dimension, you must close Properties dialog box, double-
click the dimension in the drawing, check Drive geometry and key in a value.
Dual Value: you can show dual value by checking Show dual value and choosing its location: Below,
Fractional or Side-by-Side.
Format: you can set Main value and Dual value format.
Fake Dimension: check this option to display fake dimensions, you can choose to display numerical or
alphanumerical fake dimensions.
Texts for numerical fake dimensions are restricted to six characters.
If you need to insert a text containing more than six characters, simply use the alphanumerical fake
dimension.
● Numerical tolerances
● Alphanumerical tolerances
You can also right-click the dimension and then select Properties from the displayed
contextual menu.
3. You can associate a tolerance to the selected dimension. In this example, choose ISOALPH1 in
The First value field is enabled and displays an alphanumerical value. The corresponding
numerical equivalents are displayed in the Upper value and Lower value fields. (These
equivalents are defined by standards.)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 421
4. Assign the desired tolerance to this dimension by selecting another alphanumerical value. In
this example, select H9 in the First value field. The corresponding numerical equivalents are
automatically displayed.
5. In some cases, you may wish to display another tolerance. In this case, select a tolerance type
● If you choose the same tolerance type for main and for dual value, then the values for this
tolerance will also be the same.
● For a full description of the tolerance type selected in the Main Value and Dual Value fields, click
the information (i) icon in front of each field.
● For dimensions with alphanumerical tolerances, you can display the corresponding numerical
equivalents in the drawing, simply by selecting the dimension and placing the cursor over the
tolerance in the drawing. The numerical equivalents are displayed in a tooltip.
● For dimensions with tolerance js and JS, there is no correspondence between the numerical and
alpha numerical value. The numerical value displayed is +-0 or the previous numerical value
applied to the dimension.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 422
You can also right-click on this dimension and then choose Properties from the contextual menu.
3. In the Properties dialog box that appears, click the Extension Line tab.
below.
● Extremities: it allows you to increase or decrease extension line Overrun and Blanking.
Overrun is the overrun minimum value. As an example, for a cumulated dimension (for ISO Standard):
● the Funnel side allows you to apply a funnel only on one extension line (Left or Bottom, Right or Top)
or both of them (Both Sides).
You can also right-click on this dimension and then choose Properties from the contextual
menu.
3. In the Properties dialog box that appears, click the Dimension Line tab. The associated panel
is displayed. Not all fields are active: their activation depends on your choice of options.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 426
Representation
Specify how you want the dimension line represented: Regular, Two Parts, Leader one Part,
Leader two Parts.
Color
Thickness
Second part
If you chose Two parts or Leader two Parts for the representation, you need to provide information
about the second leader part:
● the Reference for positioning the second part of the dimension line,
● the Orientation for the secondary part of the dimension line in relation to its reference,
● the Angle for the secondary part of the dimension line in relation to its reference (if you selected
Dimension Line in the Orientation field and Fixed Angle in the Reference field).
Extension
Leader Angle
Symbols
Choose the properties you want to apply to Symbol 1, Symbol 2 (you may need to check this box to
specify you want to the dimension to display two symbols), and Leader Symbol (if you chose to
represent the dimension line with a leader).
● Shape: you can choose the dimension line shape (arrow, circle, plus, etc.).
● Color: you can choose the symbols color.
● Thickness: you can define the symbol thickness.
● Reversal: you can set the position of the symbols (inside or outside) in relation to the extension
line.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 427
In the case of two-symbols dimensions, you can specify a different position for each symbol
(i.e. symbol 1 inside and symbol 2 outside, or vice-versa).
You can apply different kinds of modifications between arrow symbol 1 and symbol 2 on the condition
the drawing was created from version 5 release 5 on.
Foreshortened
It allows you to transform a radius dimension line into a foreshortened radius dimension line. You can
then choose from the following options:
● Text position: specify whether the text should be positioned on the long segment or on the short
segment of the dimension.
● Orientation: define the orientation of the text associated to the dimension line (parallel or
convergent).
● Angle: specify the angle value.
● Ratio: specify the ratio for the short segment and the long segment of the foreshortened
dimension.
● Point scale: specify the point scale value.
● Unfix extremity position: check this box to unfix the extremity point of the foreshortened
dimension line. You will then be able to move the extremity point using a yellow manipulator.
For foreshortened radius dimensions, you can define the appearance of the extremity point by making
sure the Symbol 2 box in the Symbols area is checked, and then choosing the appropriate options.
Clicking the More button displays extra options, if any are available.
For example, from the Representation drop-down list, choose Leader two Parts.
5. In the Leader Angle field, specify the angle you want between the two parts of the leader.
You can also drive the second segment from the options in the Second Part area: it can be
horizontal, vertical, parallel, perpendicular, fixed angle with screen, view, or dimension
horizontal and vertical.
7. Transform this two parts leader into a one part leader: from the Representation drop-down
Three dimension values alignment modes are available for cumulated/stacked dimensions systems:
● Reference line
● Center
● Opposite.
Funnels can be automatically added to cumulated/stacked systems whenever a dimension values line-up is performed.
If automatic funnels are not required then they can also be added manually via Edit->Properties or when creating the
dimension system.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 432
2. Select Properties and click the 2D Component Instance tab. You can modify the 2D
You can also select the instance, go to Edit -> Properties and click the 2D Component Instance
tab.
● Location:
It allows you to access the instance location and the origin of the 2D component it was
instantiated from.
● Position and orientation:
you can modify detail instantiated 2D component coordinates, angle with horizontal reference axis
and scale.
Images
The Interactive Drafting workbench lets you add images to Drafting sheets as well as edit them.
In this task, we will see how to insert raster (*.bmp, *.jpg, *.tif, etc.) or vector images (*.cgm. *.gl, *.gl2)
as native V5 Drafting elements. The scenario below provides an example using a raster image, but the
procedure is the same for vector images.
● Save the logo.tif document on your computer (to do this, right-click on "logo.tif" and choose Save
Target As in the contextual menu).
2. Select the file "logo.gif" you have previously imported. The image is imported in your drawing.
3. Click on the image to select it. Scaling manipulators appear. Drag one of the manipulators to decrease
the picture size.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 435
The image is a native V5 Drafting element, it is positioned by default at the origin of the view.
The anchor point of the picture corresponds to its lower left-hand corner.
● In the Properties dialog box available from the image's contextual menu, on the Picture tab, check the
Lock aspect ratio option to make sure images will keep their ratio aspect.
● If the previous option is unchecked, use the Ctrl key to keep the picture ratio aspect.
● Use the Shift key to snap to the grid.
Save the logo.tif document on your computer (to do this, right-click on "logo.tif" and choose Save Target As in the
contextual menu) and insert it in your drawing.
1. Double-click on the raster image. The Image Editor dialog box is displayed.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 437
2. Edit the image as wanted. For more information on how to edit images, refer to Editing Images in the Album in
the Infrastructure User's Guide.
3. When you are done, click OK. The image is updated in the drawing.
You cannot edit vector images (*.cgm. *.gl, *.gl2) inserted in a drawing, but you can, however, view information
about them. To do this, simply double-click on a vector image in a drawing. This will display the Image information
dialog box. To exit the dialog box when you are done reviewing the image-related information, click OK.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 438
Data Exchange
The Interactive Drafting workbench lets you export and import different types of files.
Note that these tasks, which deal with data exchange, are actually documented in the Data Exchange
Interfaces User's Guide.
DXF/DWG import: Import or insert the 2D geometric data contained in a DXF or DWG file into a CATDrawing
document.
DXF/DWG export: Export the data contained in a CATDrawing document into a DXF file.
DXF/DWG report file: Learn more about the report file.
DXF/DWG troubleshooting: Learn how to troubleshoot DXF/DWG import and export.
DXF/DWG best practices: Learn best practices for DXF/DWG import and export.
DXF/DWG FAQ: Get answers to Frequently Asked Questions about DXF/DWG import and export.
DXF/DWG VBScript macros: Learn about DXF/DWG import and export macros.
CGM insertion: Insert a CGM file into a CATDrawing document.
CGM export: Export the data contained in a CATDrawing document into a CGM file.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 439
Print
The Interactive Drafting workbench provides a simple method to print one or more sheets inserted in your
document.
See the Printing Documents chapter in the Infrastructure User's Guide for detailed information about printing.
Printing a Sheet
This task will show you how to print a given sheet.
Note that you may also print several sheets if a drawing contains several of them.
When printing a sheet, the current filter and layers (those used for screen display) are taken into account. For more details on layers and filters,
see the Using Layers and Layer Filters chapter in the Infrastructure User's Guide.
● The Printers area lets you choose the printer you want to use or specify whether you want to print to a file.
● The Layout tab lets you define the sheet orientation, position and size.
● The MultiDocuments tab lets you specify additional choices if the current document contains several sheets.
● The Print Area area lets you define whether you want to print:
❍ the area selected using the button: Selection. Refer to Printing using a Clipping Operator for more information.
❍ the print area previously defined for the sheet: Document area. This print area is defined (and activated) in the sheet
properties. Refer to Editing Sheet Properties for more information.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 441
Note that the Document area option appears only if you activated the print area in the sheet properties prior to accessing
● The Copies field lets you specify the number of copies to print.
● The Tiling option lets you tile the sheet and print it on several pages.
● The Page Setup... button lets you define the page setup.
For detailed information, refer to the the Printing Documents chapter in the Infrastructure User's Guide. The Customizing Print
Settings Before Printing Your Documents and Printing Multi-Documents tasks should prove particularly helpful.
3. Click OK to print the sheet and close the Print dialog box.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 442
This activates the selection mode button and allows you to select the area to print.
3. Click the selection mode button and drag the cursor on the drawing to define the print area.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 443
Advanced Tasks
Advanced tasks deal with using Knowledgeware tools in the Interactive Drafting workbench. The information
you will find in this section is listed below:
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 445
Deactivating Annotations
This task explains how to deactivate/activate annotations using Knowledgeware tools. This feature enables you to specify
whether an annotation should be active or not, using what is known as an Activity parameter. Deactivated annotations are
not taken into account anymore.
Deactivating dimensions, for example, enables you to avoid problems when some dimensions cannot be computed
anymore (e.g. when geometry has been deleted).
In this scenario, you will see how to deactivate dimensions, but you can also deactivate texts, balloons, welding symbols
and geometrical tolerances.
For more information on using Knowledgeware capabilities, refer to the Knowledge Advisor User's Guide.
Open the Deactivating_annotations.CATDrawing document. It contains three views, each of which shows a number of
dimensions.
1. Click the Design Table icon in the Knowledge toolbar. The Creation of a Design Table dialog box is displayed.
2. If needed, replace the default name and comment for the design table.
3. Check the Create a design table with current parameter values option.
6. In the Parameters to insert list, you can notice that there are Activity parameters for a number of annotations
(dimensions and texts, in this specific case).
For the purpose of this scenario, select all of the Activity parameters for dimensions: the Sheet.1\Front
view\DrwDressUp.1\Dimension.#\Activity, Sheet.1\Top view\DrwDressUp.1\Dimension.#\Activity and
Sheet.1\Left view\DrwDressUp.1\Dimension.#\Activity items. Then, click the right arrow to add these items to the
Inserted parameters list.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 447
7. Click OK. A Save As dialog box is displayed.
8. Specify a path and filename for the design table to be created. Click OK in the file selection dialog box.
The design table feature is added to the specification tree and a dialog box displays the newly created design table. This
design table contains only one configuration, on line 1. By default, all dimensions are active (their Activity parameters are
set to "true").
9. Click the Edit table... button to start an Excel application (under Windows) or open the text editor (under Unix).
12. Save your Excel or .txt file and close your application. An information message is displayed to let you know that the
design table was updated; click Close. The design table now contains 3 configurations.
13. You can now select another configuration in the Design table dialog box. Select line 3, for instance, and click Apply.
You can notice that the dimensions in the front view are deactivated, while the dimensions in the other views remain
active.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 448
14. Click OK to exit the dialog box and add the design table to the document.
● The only way you can display deactivated annotations is by reactivating them through Knowledgeware (i.e. by setting
their Activity parameter to "true").
● You can also deactivate/activate annotations using formulas. For more information about formulas, refer to the
Knowledge Advisor User's Guide. You can also see Deactivating Table Rows in this User's Guide for a scenario on
using formulas to deactivate rows in a table.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 449
For more information on using Knowledgeware capabilities, refer to the Knowledge Advisor User's Guide.
Open the Gear-Reducer-with-BOM.CATDrawing document. It contains three tables (actually, three bills of material).
2. Click the Formula icon in the Knowledge toolbar. The Formulas:Table.1 dialog box is displayed. It displays the
formula parameters and the Activity parameters corresponding to the selected table (Table.1).
3. In the parameters list, select the first Activity parameter, i.e. the Sheet.1\Isometric
view\DrwDressUp.1\Table.1\Text.1\Activity item.
4. In the Edit name or value of the current parameter field, change the parameter value to "false".
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 450
5. Repeat this operation for the second Activity parameter in the list, i.e. the Sheet.1\Isometric
view\DrwDressUp.1\Table.1\Text.6\Activity item.
6. Click Apply. The table is updated: its title row and header row are hidden.
7. Using the same method, reset the Activity parameters you just modified to their original value "true", in order to
display the table title row and header row again.
● The only way you can display deactivated rows is by reactivating them through Knowledgeware (i.e. by setting their
Activity parameters to "true").
● You can also deactivate/activate rows using design tables. For more information about design tables, refer to the
Knowledge Advisor User's Guide. You can also see Deactivating Annotations in this User's Guide for a scenario on
using design tables to deactivate annotations.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 451
In a first example, we will create an attribute link between a hole on the 3D part and the corresponding
text in a CATDrawing view.
2. Right-click on the text in the drawing and select the Attribute Link option from the contextual menu.
3. Select the object which you want the text to be linked to, from the specification tree (either from the
3D or from the CATDrawing document).
For example, select Hole 2 from the CATPart specification tree.
The 8.5mm attribute automatically appears both in the Text Editor dialog box and on the CATDrawing.
5. Modify the diameter of Hole 2 on the CATPart. For example, modify the hole diameter into 13.5mm.
This modification is automatically updated on both the views generated on the CATDrawing and the linked
text attribute inserted inside the text, on the condition you select automatic update mode in the Options
dialog box (Tools->Options->Infrastructure -> Part Infrastructure options, General tab).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 453
At this step, you can perform a query on the link (s) you just created. For this, click the view and select
the Query Objects Links option from the contextual menu.
The Query Link Panel appears which displays a list with the existing links.
Of course, you can only modify the text that is not text attribute type. To modify the text attribute, you
need to isolate this text.
For this:
6. Right-click the text attribute.
3. Click the Text icon from the Annotations toolbar and click in the free space.
4. Right-click the empty text and select the Attribute Link option from the contextual menu.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 455
5. Select the object which you want the text to be linked to, from the specification tree. For example,
select the CATDrawing document (very top of the specification tree).
6. Modify the parameter by clicking the Formula icon from the Standard toolbar, double-clicking the
parameter and editing it.
7. Enter the new value for the username attribute. For example, NewNameOfUser.
8. Click OK.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 456
You will now select, one after the other, the dimensions to be constrained and then enter in the dialog box the formulas to be used.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 458
2. Select a first dimension (1).
4. Select a second dimension (3) and add "/4". Then, click OK (Formula Editor dialog box).
7. Select a second dimension (3) and add "*3 /4". Then, click OK (Formula Editor dialog box).
10. Select a second dimension (1) and then, click OK (Formula Editor dialog box).
12. Press the Add Formula switch in the Formulas dialog box.
13. Select a second dimension (2) and then, click OK (Formula Editor dialog box).
All the dimensions which you previously constrained using formulas are automatically updated.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 461
Text Templates
The Interactive Drafting workbench lets you define and store text templates to be used when creating texts
associated to features. Text templates rely on attributes defined in the 3D for these features.
Create text templates: Define text templates associated to feature attributes defined in the 3D.
Annotate drawings using text templates: Use text templates stored in a catalog to annotate drawings.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 462
Before you begin, you need to make sure that the package corresponding to the type of object for
which you want to create a template is correctly loaded. For the purpose of this scenario, you will
load the Product package. Go to Tools -> Options -> General -> Parameters and Measure and
click on the Language tab. Check Load extended language libraries and uncheck All packages.
From the Available Packages list, select ProductPackage and click on the right arrow to add it to
the Packages to load list. Click OK, and then exit and re-start the software.
2. Click anywhere in the drawing. A green frame appears, as well as the Text Editor dialog box.
4. Without closing the Text Editor dialog box, right-click the frame and select Insert link
5. In the Insert Link Template dialog box which is displayed, select the ProductPackage
dictionary, the Product type and the PartNumber attribute, and click Insert.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 463
6. Back in the Text Editor dialog box, press the Enter key and type Revision:.
7. Back in the Insert Link Template dialog box, select the Revision attribute (leave the other
8. Click OK in the Text Editor dialog box. The text template is now created.
9. Make sure the text template is selected and click the Frame icon in the Text Properties
toolbar.
10. From the Frames sub-menu, choose the Scored Rectangle frame .
11. Right-click the text template, and select Add Leader from the contextual menu.
12. Click in the drawing to end the leader creation. The text template is now set.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 464
13. Right-click the text template, and select Properties from the contextual menu.
14. Click the Feature Properties tab in the Properties dialog box which is displayed.
15. In the Feature Name field, type Part number & Revision and click OK. You will use this
16. Create another text by repeating steps 1 to 3, this time typing Part name: in the Text Editor
dialog box.
17. Repeat steps 4 and 5, this time selecting the Name attribute in the Insert Link Template
dialog box.
18. Click Close in the Insert Link Template dialog box and then OK in the Text Editor dialog box.
19. Make sure the text template is selected and in the Graphic Properties toolbar, choose green
20. Repeat steps 13 to 15, this time typing Part name in the Feature Name field. You will use
21. Select File -> Save As and save the drawing as a .CATDrawing document.
Now that your text templates are defined, you need to store them in a catalog.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 465
For more information on catalogs, refer to the Using Catalogs chapter in the Infrastructure User's Guide.
2. In the New dialog box, select CatalogDocument from the list of types and click OK. The Catalog
4. Select Insert -> Add Family.... The Component Family Definition dialog box is displayed.
6. Make sure Standard is selected in the Type field, and click OK. The family is created.
7. For more convenience, select Window -> Tile Horizontally to display your Catalog Editor and
8. In the Drafting window, select one of the text templates, e.g. Part number & Revision.
9. In the left-hand pane of the Catalog Editor window, double-click Text templates to activate it.
10. Select Insert -> Add Component.... The Description Definition dialog box is displayed.
11. On the Reference tab, click the Select external feature button. The dialog box is updated with
information about the selected text template, i.e. Part number & Revision.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 466
12. Click OK. The selected text template is listed on the Reference tab, in the right-hand pane of the
13. Go back to the Drafting window and select the other text templates, e.g. Part name.
14. Return to the Catalog Editor window and repeat steps 10 and 11. The dialog box is now updated
15. Click OK. Both selected text templates are now listed on the Reference tab, in the right-hand pane
16. Select File -> Save As and save the catalog as a .catalog document.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 468
Before you begin, you need to make sure that the package corresponding to the type of object for which you want
to create a template is correctly loaded. For the purpose of this scenario, you will load the Product package. Go to
Tools -> Options -> General -> Parameters and Measure and click on the Language tab. Check Load
extended language libraries and uncheck All packages. From the Available Packages list, select
ProductPackage and click on the right arrow to add it to the Packages to load list. Click OK, and then exit and
re-start the software.
1. Click the Text Template Placement icon from the Annotations toolbar.
2. In the Place Text Template dialog box, browse to select the TextTemplates.catalog document. This
document is located in your documentation installation folder (by default, this folder is C:\Program
3. On any view, select the part that you want to annotate, making sure that you click where you want the
anchor point of the annotation to be located. Note that the name of a part is displayed as a help as you fly
The Place Text Template dialog box now lists all the templates available in the selected catalog and
4. In the Place Text Template dialog box, select the text template that you want to apply, Part number &
Revision for example. The annotation is created at the point you clicked when selecting the part to
annotate, and contains information retrieved from the 3D part. Note that this annotation is associative to
the 3D part.
5. If you want, select the other text template (Part name). Note that this annotation will also be created at
the point you clicked, so it will overlap the first annotation. For better results, you will have to move it
afterwards.
Note that the last template you selected in the Place Text Template dialog box remains active when
annotating other parts. You can de-activate it by clicking the Clear selection button.
7. When you're done, click Close to close the Place Text Template dialog box.
You can also multi-select the parts that you want to annotate (using the Ctrl key) prior to clicking the Text
Template Placement icon.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 471
Administration Tasks
In the Interactive Drafting workbench, administration tasks deals with the administration of standards.
These tasks must be performed by an administrator.
Administrators can manage and customize standards such as ISO, JIS, ANSI, ASME, etc. or company
standards. The Standards Editor let administrators set the standards used for dress-up, dimensions,
annotations, etc. as well as set the styles that will be used as defaults for element properties in the
Interactive Drafting workbench.
The format of the standard file has been changed from V5 R9 onwards . If you were using a customized
CATDrwStandard file on a release up to V5 R8, you need to upgrade the standard file to the new XML
format.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 472
A standard file is an XML file which makes it possible to customize globally, for a CATDrawing, the
appearance and behavior of drafting elements.
● set standard styles that will be used as default values when creating new elements, i.e.:
❍ define sheet styles
❍ define geometry styles
❍ define annotation styles
❍ define dimension styles
❍ define dress-up and dress-up symbols styles
❍ define callout styles
❍ customize annotations
❍ customize patterns
The format of the standard file has been changed from V5 R9 onwards. If you were using a
customized CATDrwStandard file on a previous release (up to V5 R8), you need to upgrade the
standard file to the new XML format.
When users create a CATDrawing document (File -> New), they specify the standard that will be
associated with this document. The values of the parameters in the specified standard file are then
copied into the CATDrawing document. Each drawing contains a copy of the standard and is therefore
standalone. This makes it possible for users, projects, or companies to exchange CATDrawing
documents without needing to send the standard file along.
The administrator defines and controls the location of the standard files as well as the ability to define
new standards, or to modify existing standards. For example, the administrator can define a single
standard, and prevent users from modifying it.
By default, 4 standard files are delivered, one for each of the international standards available when
creating a new CATDrawing file. These files are located in
install_root/resources/standard/drafting.
● ISO.xml
● ANSI.xml
● JIS.xml
● ASME.xml
Administrators can add as many standard files as needed. Refer to Administering Standards for more
information.
The standard files can be edited using an interactive editor. This editor provides an easy-to-use
graphic interface to let administrators customize the parameters included in the standard files. For
information on how to customize these parameters, refer to Setting Standard Parameters.
The interactive editor is available in Tools -> Standards. (It is the same editor with which you can
customize generative view styles). For more information on how to use this editor, refer to the
Customizing Standards chapter in the Infrastructure User's Guide.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 474
Make sure you use the Standards editor available in Tools -> Standards when modifying and
customizing the XML standard files. Using other editors (such as text editors) may alter the
consistency of the standard file, and may make the standards XML files unusable.
When several standards are defined, users can switch a drawing to another standard. Refer to
Switching to Another Standard.
When a standard file is modified, users need to explicitly update the drawings which use this
standard. Note that only standard parameters are affected by this update, not styles. Refer to
Updating the Standard of a Drawing.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 475
For more information on customizing and administering generative view styles, refer to the
Administration Tasks chapter in the Generative Drafting User's Guide.
CATCollectionStandard Path and name of the directory (or directories) which contains:
● the drafting sub-directories (which themselves contain the
customized drafting standards). It is in these drafting sub-
directories that you should add the drafting standards
customized for a company, project or user.
● the generativeparameters sub-directories (which themselves
contain the customized generative view styles). It is in these
generativeparameters sub-directories that you should
add the generative view styles customized for a company,
project or user.
CATDefaultCollectionStandard Path and name of the directory (or directories) which contains:
● the drafting sub-directories (which themselves contain the
predefined drafting standards delivered by Dassault Systemes).
● the generativeparameters sub-directories (which themselves
contain the predefined generative view styles delivered by
Dassault Systemes).
The default location for this directory (set during the installation
process) is the installation directory
install_root\resources\standard.
Refer to the Administration Tasks chapter in the Generative Drafting User's Guide for specific
information on how to set the location of generative view style files.
mydirectory\drafting.
● If you have not yet customized your XML standard files, then proceed as follows:
the XML standard files, the standard editor will then save them in
mydirectory\drafting.
The recommended method for customizing standard files or generative view style files is the
following:
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 477
For more information, refer to the Managing Environments chapter in the Infrastructure
Installation Guide.
If none of the conditions are respected, a warning message will appear to let you know that
you will neither be able to modify nor save the XML files.
Once the standard files or the generative view style files have been customized and saved, they can
be used in a V5 session in normal mode.
Using the settings available in Tools -> Options -> Mechanical Design -> Drafting ->
Administration, administrators can forbid or allow users to:
Moreover, administrators can lock these settings so that other users running a session with the same
environment inherit those settings and cannot change them. This feature is described in the Locking
Settings section, in the Infrastructure Installation User's Guide.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 478
● Upgrade XML standard files from previous releases (i.e. XML standard files customized in releases
starting from V5R9) to the current level for XML standard files
In V5R9, the format of the standard file was changed to XML. The standard file defining standard XXX is
now a file named XXX.xml, located in install_root/resources/standard/drafting.
If you have customized or defined a CATDrwStandard file, and wish to re-use this customization in the
current release, you need to convert your CATDrwStandard file into a XML file. There are 2 ways of
doing this:
Manual upgrade
If the degree of customization of the standard file is small, you can start from one of the 4 pre-defined
standard files (ISO, ANSI, JIS or ASME), and modify it using the standards editor (Tools ->
Standards). You will need to modify the parameter values, and add the styles that you had defined in
the CATDrwStandard file.
Automatic upgrade
A batch utility is provided in order to automatically generate the XXX.xml file starting from a
XXX.CATDrwStandard file. All the customization done on the CATDrwStandard file will be reproduced in
the XML file, and all styles defined in CATDrwStandard file will be added.
The utility will also add to the XML file the new standard parameters (with default values), as well as
the new pre-defined styles.
● If you want to convert a single CATDrwStandard to the current XML format, use:
CATAnnStandardTools MIGRATE XXX [dir]
● If you want to convert all CATDrwStandard files to the current XML format, use:
CATAnnStandardTools MIGRATE_ALL [dir]
For more information on using these commands on Windows and on Unix, see below.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 479
The tasks below will show you how to use the standard automatic upgrade tool on Windows and on
Unix.
Using the standard automatic upgrade tool on Windows
● To generate XML files for all the CATDrwStandard files located in reffiles\Drafting, enter
this command:
where [dir] is an optional directory in which to write the resulting XML files. Local
● To generate the XML file corresponding to one single standard, enter this command:
where XXX is the name of the standard you want to convert (ISO, ANSI...) and
[dir] is an optional directory in which to write the resulting XML file. Local directory
is the default.
● aix_a
● hpux_a
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 480
● irix_a
● solaris_a
● To generate XML files for all the CATDrwStandard files located in reffiles\Drafting, enter
this command:
where [dir] is an optional directory in which to write the resulting XML files. Local
● To generate the XML file corresponding to one single standard, enter this command:
where XXX is the name of the standard you want to convert (ISO, ANSI...) and
[dir] is an optional directory in which to write the resulting XML files. Local
directory is the default.
If you have customized or defined an XML standard file in a previous release (i.e. a release starting
from V5R9), and wish to re-use this customization in the current level, you need to upgrade your XML
file. There are 2 ways of doing this:
Manual upgrade
If the degree of customization of the standard file is small, you can start from one of the 4 pre-defined
standard files (ISO, ANSI, JIS or ASME), and modify it using the standards editor (Tools ->
Standards). You will need to modify the parameter values and customize new parameters and/or
styles.
Automatic upgrade
A batch utility is provided in order to automatically generate the current XML file starting from an XML
file from a previous release. All the customization done on the starting file will be reproduced in the
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 481
The utility will also add the new parameters and styles introduced in the current release (with default
values) in the XML file.
● If you want to upgrade a single XML file to the current version, use:
CATAnnStandardTools UPGRADE XXX [dir]
● If you want to upgrade all XML files to the current version, use:
CATAnnStandardTools UPGRADE_ALL [dir]
For more information on using these commands on Windows and on Unix, see below.
The tasks below will show you how to use the standard automatic upgrade tool on Windows and on
Unix.
Using the standard automatic upgrade tool on Windows
where [dir] is an optional directory in which to write the resulting XML files. Local
● To upgrade the XML file corresponding to one single standard, enter this command:
where XXX is the name of the standard you want to convert (ISO, ANSI,
MY_ISO...) and [dir] is an optional directory in which to write the resulting XML
file. Local directory is the default.
The batch will first search the standard file in the directory defined by the exported variable
CATCollectionStandard (e.g. set CATCollectionStandard=e:\tmp), and then, if not found, in
the following directory: install_root\resources\standard\drafting.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 482
● aix_a
● hpux_a
● irix_a
● solaris_a
where [dir] is an optional directory in which to write the resulting XML files. Local
● To upgrade the XML file corresponding to one single standard, enter this command:
where XXX is the name of the standard you want to convert (ISO, ANSI...) and
[dir] is an optional directory in which to write the resulting XML files. Local
directory is the default.
The batch will first search the standard file in the directory defined by the exported variable
CATCollectionStandard (e.g. export CATCollectionStandard=d/tmp), and then, if not found, in
the following directory: install_root\resources\standard\drafting.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 483
Before you begin: You should be familiar with important concepts: structure of the standards, how to
customize standard parameters and styles, how to define new standard formats and styles, general syntax
for the standard editor values.
Setting Standard Parameters: Set standard parameters and create standard formats.
Setting Standard Styles: Set standard styles that will be used as default values when creating new elements.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 484
A drafting standard file is structured as a tree, as it appears in the Standards Editor (available via
Tools -> Standards). It contains several main sections, each dealing with a specific aspect of drafting
customization:
● Styles
● General parameters
● Dress-up parameters
● Dimension parameters
❍ Company-defined dimension tolerance formats
● Annotation parameters
● Company-defined patterns
● Company-defined linetypes
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 485
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 486
About Standard parameters: Learn more about the management of standard parameters.
General parameters: Customize the parameters that let you control and restrict the values that are available
Dress-up parameters: Customize the parameters that deal with the appearance of dress-up elements, such
as markup arrows.
Dimension parameters: Customize the parameters that deal with the appearance of annotation and
dimension elements.
Dimension Tolerance Formats: Customize the dimension tolerance formats, which are user-defined formats to
Dimension Value Formats: Customize the dimension value formats, which are user-defined formats to be
Pre-defined Formats for Tolerance and Dimension Values: Customize the pre-defined formats for tolerance
Pre-defined Styles Definitions: Customize the pre-defined non-modifiable styles and their definition, which
Annotation Parameters: Customize the parameters that deal with the position of text leaders.
Frame Definition Parameters: Define customizable fixed-size frames. A frame is a property which can be
View Generation Definition: Define view generation, i.e. customize settings that should be applied when
generating views.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 487
Line Thickness Definition: Define line thickness. Line thickness is a property which can be applied to, and
drives the representation of, almost all elements in a drawing, such as lines, curves, dimension lines, etc.
Linetype Definition: Define linetypes. Linetypes can be applied to, and drive the representation of, almost all
Pattern Definition: Define patterns. Patterns are used for area fills or when generating section views/cuts or
breakout views.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 488
This scenario provides an example of dimension customization, but the procedure is the same when
customizing other standard parameters (dimensions, annotations, dress-up elements, etc.) The
procedure differs when customizing styles. For more information, refer to About Styles.
With the pre-defined ISO standard, a radius dimension extension lines reaches the center of the circle.
You will modify the extension line so that it does not reach the center of the circle.
Select Tools -> Standards to launch the standards editor. Choose the Drafting category, and then
open the ISO.xml file from the drop-down list.
6. Create a circle, and add a radius dimension to it. The dimension extension line does not reach
This scenario shows how to create a dimension tolerance format as an example, but the procedure is
the same for other formats (dimensions values, line thicknesses, etc.). Specific differences are
indicated in the course of this scenario.
You want to create this new dimension tolerance format, with superimposed tolerance values and
parenthesis as separators.
Select Tools -> Standards to launch the standards editor. Choose the Drafting category, and then
open the ISO.xml file from the drop-down list.
5. Click OK to save the ISO.xml file and exit the standards editor.
6. Create a new ISO drawing. The new tolerance style will appear in the tolerance combo box.
The standards editor can handle basic numerical operations to help you enter the values for the
parameters. You can enter your value as a set of operations, and let the program compute the result
when you validate the field.
For example, for each parameter of the "real" type, you can specify the value using a fraction:
NDFact_1 = 1/60.
Special characters
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 493
For each parameter of the "string" type, you can enter special characters using the following keywords:
A special character can be used alone or combined with other characters (the special character only
counts as 1 character):
NDSepar_1 , [DEGREE]
or
General Parameters
This section deals with general parameters. These let you control and restrict the values that are available for some
element properties, by controlling the values in the Properties toolbar or in the element properties.
Changing these values will not have an impact on already existing elements, since they control the user interface and not
directly the drafting elements.
Lists tolerance styles allowed on dimensions. Only the listed styles will
be displayed and available to users through the Dimension
Properties toolbar or via Edit -> Properties.
List of
strings
empty list
AllowedToleranceFormats = all
defined
tolerance
styles are
available
Deprecated
DefaultToleranceFormat -
Now managed in Dimension Styles
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 495
Lists value display styles allowed on dimensions. Only the listed styles
will be available to users through the Dimension Properties toolbar
or via Edit -> Properties.
Strings:
list of Value
Display
styles,
spelled
exactly as
they
appear in
the
Dimension
AllowedNumericalFormats Properties
toolbar or
in Edit ->
Properties
empty list
= all Value
Display
styles are
available
Deprecated
DefaultNumericalFormatLength -
Now managed in Dimension Styles
Deprecated
DefaultNumericalFormatAngle -
Now managed in Dimension Styles
Lists allowed text fonts. Only the listed fonts will be available to users
in the text Text Properties toolbar or via Edit -> Properties.
AllowedTextFonts
Strings:
list of font
names,
spelled
exactly as
they
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 496
appear in
the Text
Properties
toolbar or
in Edit ->
Properties
blank = all
installed
fonts will
be
available
Deprecated
DefaultTextFont -
Now managed in Annotation Styles
Lists allowed text font sizes (in mm). Only the listed sizes will be
available to users in the Text Properties toolbar or via Edit ->
Properties.
List of
AllowedTextFontSizes values in
mm
Deprecated
DefaultTextFontSize -
Now managed in Annotation Styles
Sheet Colors
Tolerance Values
Dress-Up parameters
This section deals with dress-up parameters. These let you define the appearance of dress-up
elements, such as markup arrows and threads.
● Thread
● Symbols
Thread
Circle
Symbols
Parameter Name Description Value
Dimension Parameters
The dimension parameters are located in the Dimension node of the standard file. They deal with the
appearance of annotation and dimension elements.
These parameters are global, which means that changing their value will have an impact on all
elements in the drawing.
Note that Dimension and Leader Symbols do not apply to arrows. If you want to modify parameters for
arrows, refer to the Symbols section.
This section lists all the parameters which were contained in CATDrwStandard files up to V5 R9.
Extension of
dimension [Yes/No]
line on
radius DIMLRadiusIntReachCenter
dimensions Yes = till center
(value inside No = till value
circle)
Extension of [Yes/No]
dimension
line on DIMLRadiusExtReachCenter
radius Yes = till center
dimensions No = constant
(value overrun
outside
circle)
DIMLRadiusExtLength (mm)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 506
Extension of
[Yes/No]
dimension
line on one- DIMLDiameterIntReachCenter
symbol Yes = till center
diameter No = till value
dimensions
(value inside
circle)
DIMLDiameterIntOverrun (mm)
Extension of
dimension [Yes/No]
line on one-
symbol DIMLDiameterExtReachCenter Yes = till center
diameter No = constant
dimensions overrun
(value
outside
circle)
DIMLDiameterExtLength (mm)
DIMLNoFlippedOverrun (mm)
Dimension
line display
and extent
(for non-
flipped
symbols)
[Yes/No]
DIMLFlippedOverrun (mm)
Dimension
line display
and extent
(for flipped
symbols)
[Yes/No]
DEPRECATED DIMTYPos - -
[2/3]
Vertical
DIMTxtJustif 2 = center
value
3 = bottom
[2/1]
The dimension line may either have a
given length, or automatically adjust
2 = Length
DIMLUnderLine to reach the dimension value.
relative to
value
1 = Constant
length
Dimension NOT IMPLEMENTED
line if DIMLUnderLine=2
(mm)
length for DIMLtail
one-symbol
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 508
dimensions
(distance
and angle)
if DIMLUnderLine=1
(mm)
DIMLConstantLength
Dimension
line gap
around DIMLTextGap (mm)
unframed
value
Dimension (mm)
line gap
DIMLFrameGap
around
framed value
Symbol
SYMBReverselimit (mm)
reversal limit
SCORLeftTail
Size of
dimension
SCORRightTail (mm)
value
underlining
SCORVertSpace
Arrow size
SYMBArrowSide (mm)
(symbol type #1)
Arrow angle
SYMBArrowAngle (degrees)
(symbol type #1)
Symmetric arrow
angle SYMBSymetricArrowAngle (degrees)
(symbol type #4)
Slash size
SYMBSlashLength (mm)
(aymbol type #5)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 511
Circle size
SYMBCircleDiameter (mm)
(symbol type #6)
Triangle size
SYMBTriangleSide (mm)
(symbol type #10)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 512
Plus size
SYMBPlusHeight (mm)
(symbol type #12)
Cross size
SYMBCrossSide (mm)
(symbol type #13)
if CHFMeasureMode=1
Chamfer dimension CHFRepModeDist [1/2/3]
representation 1 =1
if CHFMeasureMode=2 symbol - 1
NOT IMPLEMENTED
CHFRepModeDistDist part
(separate 2=1
parameter (It is managed for each dimension via Edit
if CHFMeasureMode=3 symbol - 2
depending on the - > Properties)
CHFRepModeDistAngle parts
CHFMeasureMode 3=2
parameter value) if CHFMeasureMode=4 symbols
CHFRepModeAngleDist
Chamfer separator
CHFSepHeight (mm)
font height
[1/2]
1=
Chamfer Value
CHFFrameGroup separately
Framing
2 = as a
whole
Half Dimensions
Parameter Parameter Name Value Description
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 514
[1/2/3]
HLFIntOverrunMode
1 = till Axis
2 = under value
3 = over axis
Half dimension
dimension line
extent (if the value
is inside)
if HLFIntOverrunMode=3
(mm)
HLFIntOverrun
[1/2]
Half-dimension
HLFExtOverrunMode 1 = till axis NOT IMPLEMENTED
dimension line
extent (if the value 2 = constant
is outside) overrun
if HLFextOverrunMode=2
(mm) NOT IMPLEMENTED
HLFExtOverrun
1 = top
ASTAfterPosReference 2 = center
3 = bottom
3 = left
ASTLowerPosReference 6 = center
9 = right
ASTBeforeXDist
ASTBeforeYDist for Upper/Lower texts
ASTAfterXDist
Horizontal and vertical ASTAfterYDist
offsets for positioning ASTInsertXDist
(mm)
ASTInsertYDist
ASTUpperXDist
ASTUpperYDist
ASTLowerXDist
ASTLowerYDist
Annotations
Parameter Parameter Name Value Description
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 516
[ No / Yes
]
No = 0 to
Text angle TXTAngleAllowed 360
degrees
Yes = -90
to 90
degrees
TXTLeaderLeftTail (side of
leader)
TXTLeaderRightTail (side (mm)
opposite to leader)
TXTLeaderVertSpace
Text leaders size
(roughness symbols
only)
Warning: parameters
used only for
roughness created
before V5R12.
TXTLeaderGap (mm)
Text thickness
(for compatibility
with V4)
Warning: does not
TXTThickness (mm)
work on bold text (set
at 0,7 mm), on
complex text and
roughness annotations.
Datum feature
[1/2]
leader
representation mode
TXTDatumMode 1=
Normal
(ANSI parent
2 = Flag
standard only)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 517
Fake dimensions
Parameter Parameter Name Value Description
[1/2/4]
NOT IMPLEMENTED
FAKIdentifyMode 1 = underline
2= (It is managed for each dimension via Edit - >
parenthesis Properties)
4 = none
Fake
dimension
value display
If FAKIdentifyMode=1
FAKUnderlineTail (mm)
FAKVerticalOffset
Dual Dimensions
Parameter Parameter Name Value Description
DUAAboveOffset
(mm)
DUAAboveSpace
[1/2/3]
DUAPosReference 1 = top
2 = center
3 = bottom
Dual dimension display, for
values above-one-another
display mode
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 518
[1/2/3]
DUAJustification 1 = left
2 = center
3 = right
[1/3]
Cumulate
1 = no sign
dimensions sign CUMLSignDisplay
3 = positive sign on
display
all values
[ 0 / ... / 13 ]
0 = none
CUMLOriginSymbol 1-13 = refer to
"dimension line
symbols" table
CUMLSymbolScale (real)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 519
[ Yes / No ]
Display of origin
CUMLZeroDisplay Yes = display
zero
No = no display
[ Yes / No ]
Extension line
CUMLExtLDisplay Yes = display
display
No = no display
[1/2]
Value orientation
CUMLTxtReference 1 = dimension line
reference
2 = extension line
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 520
[1/2/3]
1 = Parallel to
Reference (specified
by
CUMLTxtReference)
Value orientation CUMLTxtOrient 2 = Perpendicular to
Reference (specified
by
CUMLTxtReference))
3 = Angle to
reference
Value orientation
Angle
CUMLTxtAngle (degrees)
(if
CUMLTxtOrient=3)
Table 2
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 521
[ 2/3/
4 ]
2=
Dimension
Line to
origin
3=
Dimension line length mode CUMLDimLinMode Length is
relative to
value text
4=
Length is
constant
[1/2]
1 = Edge
CUMLTxtVJusti
2=
Center
Value vertical positioning
Deprecated
[1/2]
1 = Edge
CUMLTxtVJusti1
2=
Center
If Dimension Line
goes to origin Value
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 522
horizontal [1/2/3
(CUMLDimLinMode
positioning ]
= 2)
1=
Extension
line
CUMLExtLTxtRef 2 = Dim
line center
3 = Origin
CUMLDimLTxtVPos (mm)
Dimension
Line Over- CUMLDimLinTail - Deprecated
run
[1/2]
1 = Edge
2=
CUMLTxtVJusti1 Center
If Dimension Line
is relative to value
(CUMLDimLinMode
Value
= 3)
horizontal
positioning
CUMLDimLTxtVPos (mm)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 523
Dimension
Line CUMLExtLLength (mm)
Length
[1/2]
1 = Edge
CUMLTxtVJusti1
2=
Center
If Dimension Line
has a constant
length
[1/2/3
(CUMLDimLDisplay ]
= 4) 1=
Extension
Value line
horizontal CUMLExtLTxtRef 2 = Dim
positioning line center
3 = Origin
CUMLDimLTxtVPos (mm)
Table 3
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 524
[1/2/4
]
1 = no
Dimension line display
CUMLDimLDisplay
representation 2 = full
display
4 = partial
length
(CUMLDimLDisplay=4)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 525
[3/4]
3=
relative to
Extension line length mode CUMLExtLMode
text box
4=
constant
Extension
line over- CUMLExtLOver (mm)
run
[1/2]
CUMLTxtVJusti2 1 = Edge
2 = Center
Value
If extension line vertical
is relative to positioning
value text
(CUMLExtLMode
= 3) CUMLExtLTxtVPos (mm)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 526
[1/2]
CUMLTxtHJusti 1 = Edge
2 = Center
Value
horizontal
positioning
Deprecated
Extension
CUMLExtLLength (mm)
line length
[1/2]
CUMLTxtVJusti2 1 = Edge
2 = Center
[1/2/3
]
1=
Dimension
line
2 = Middle
of
extension
Value line
vertical CUMLExtLTxtRef 3 =
If extension line positioning Extension
is constant line end
point
(opposite
(CUMLExtLMode
to
= 4)
dimension
line)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 527
CUMLExtLTxtVPos (mm)
[1/2]
CUMLTxtHJusti 1 = Edge
2 = Center
Value
horizontal
positioning
Deprecated
Curvilinear Length
Symbol
Option Description
Display Symbol Specifies whether the curvilinear length symbol should be displayed.
Height Indicates the height (in mm) of the curvilinear length symbol.
Indicates the spacing (in mm) between the curvilinear length symbol
Spacing
and the dimension value.
Underline value Specifies whether the dimension value should be underlined.
Length Indicates the length (in mm) of the curvilinear length symbol.
Minimum Length Indicates the minimum length (in mm) of the curvilinear length symbol.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 528
Intersection Point
Option Description
Specifies whether the intersection point should be printed. If you leave
this option unchecked, then the intersection point will be a construction
point and its style will be the default construction point style as defined in
Print intersection points the Styles > Point > Default section of the standard. If you check this
option, then the intersection point will not be a construction point and its
style can be chosen among the various point styles defined in the Styles >
Point section of the standard.
Indicates the style that should be used to represent the point (as defined
Point style
in the Styles > Point section of the standard).
Show construction lines Specifies whether construction lines should be displayed.
Specifies whether construction lines should be printed. This option is
Print construction lines
available when the Show construction lines option is checked.
Specifies the style that should be used to represent the construction line
Line style
(as defined in the LineTypes section of the standard).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 529
Format Definitions
This section deals with dimension tolerance descriptions, which are user-defined formats to be applied
to dimension tolerances.
To create a new tolerance format, you must use the Standards editor. Select the Tolerance Format
type in the standards editor, and then click the Add Instance button to add a new instance of a
format. This will create a sample format definition that you will then customize to suit your needs, by
modifying one or several values of the parameters defining the format.
Once defined, a format can be applied to dimensions just as any dimension attribute, either via Edit -
> Properties, or using the Dimension Properties toolbar.
These parameters are located in the Tolerance formats node of the standard file.
The tolerance format parameters drive the representation of a dimension tolerance, and include
parameters such as:
● Type of tolerance (numerical/alphanumerical)
● Separator between values
● position relatively to dimension value
● font size for tolerance
● trailing zeros display for numerical type
● and so forth.
[1/2/3/4/5/6/
7]
1 = Numerical side by
side
2 = Numerical super-
imposed
3 = Resolved
Tolerance Toltype Numerical side by side
Format 4 = Resolved
Type numerical super-
imposed
5 =Alphanumerical
Single Value
6 = Alphanumerical
side by side
7 = Alphanumerical
super-imposed
Before
[0...18 ]
Separators TolSepar_1
separator number as
for super- described in the
imposed Separator Character
tolerances
After Table
TolSepar_2
Before
[0...18 ]
TolSepTo_1 separator number as
Separators Between described in the
for side-by- Separator Character
side Table
tolerances TolSepTo_2
After
TolSepTo_3
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 531
Fraction line
[2/1]
on super-
TolFractLine 2= Fraction line
imposed
1= No fraction line
tolerances
Separator
Character
Size
(Ratio (real)
between = separator height /
TolSymbolH
Separator value height
Character (=B/A)
and Value
Text font
sizes)
Tolerance
Size
(Ratio (real)
between = tolerance height /
TolScale
Tolerance value height
Text and (=C/A)
Value Text
font sizes)
[7/8/9]
7 =Top
Tolerance TolPtOnValue
8 = Middle
Position 9 = Bottom
Anchor
Point (for
offset [1/2/3]
computing) 1 =Top
TolAnchorPt
2 = Middle
3 = Bottom
TolExtX
Offset
between
dimension (mm)
value and
tolerance
TolExtY
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 532
TolIntX
Offset
between the
(mm)
2 tolerance
values
TolIntY
[0/1/2]
0 = Display (number of
Display of digits specified in the
tolerance value precision)
TolTrailing
trailing 1 = No Display
zeros 2 = Same "display"
mode as the dimension
value
Display of
identical
[1/2]
Tolerance
1 = Display common
Values
TolMergeSame value
( for
2 = Display separate
numerical
values
tolerances
only)
[1/2/3]
Display of 1 = Display null value
null with sign
Tolerance 2 = Display null value
Values without sign
TolShowNull
( for 3 = No Display of null
numerical value
tolerances
only)
This table lists the characters that can be used as separators before, between or after the tolerance
values.
Separators
Symbol # Character
00 (none)
01 /
02 :
03 (
04 )
05 "
06 ,
07 <
08 >
09 X
10 *
11 .
12 ;
13 +
14 [
15 ]
16 -
17 _
18 (space)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 534
Format Definitions
This section deals with dimension value descriptions, which are user-defined formats to be applied to
dimension values.
To create a new dimension value display format, you must use the Standards editor. Select the Value
Formats type in the standards editor, and then click the Add Instance button to add a new instance
of a format. This will create a sample format definition that you will then customize to suit your needs,
by modifying one or several values of the parameters defining the format.
Once defined, a format can be applied to dimensions just as any dimension attribute, either via Edit -
> Properties, or using the Dimension Properties toolbar.
These parameters are located in the Value Formats node of the standard file.
The dimension value display style parameters drive the representation of a dimension value, and
include parameters such as:
● multiplying factor
● separators for thousands
● position relatively to dimension line
● display of fractional values
● trailing zeros display
● and so forth.
Parameter
Parameter Value Description
Name
Value Format User-defined name that will be used
NDName (8 char string)
Name as the description identifier
[1/2]
Value 1 = length (for
Magnitude NDType length/distance/radius/diameter
(type) dimensions)
2 = Angle (angle dimensions)
[1/2/3/4/5]
1 = mm
2 = inch Unit used to display the dimension
Value Units NDUnit
3 = radian value
4 = degree
5 = grade
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 535
NDGlobFact = 0.000001
Display of
[1 / 2]
separator for
1 = No display of separator
Thousands
2 = Display of separator
NDExise
Separator
Characters for Decimal
Decimal and Separator
NDSepNum [0...18 ]
Thousands
separator number as described
in the Separator Character
Thousands Table
Separator
NDSep1000
[1 / 2]
1 = No display of trailing zeros
Display of
NDFinZer 2 = Display of trailing zeros
Trailing Zeros
(number of digits specified in
the value precision)
Fractional
Rest NDAlignFrac Not yet implemented
Justification
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 536
[1 / 2]
Fractional
1 = Side by side
Rest Display NDTypFrac
2 = Super-imposed
Mode
Fractional (real)
Rest Height NDResScl = Unit height / value height
Ratio (=B/A)
Fractional
Rest
NDRestX
Positioning
(real)
Offsets
This value is a ratio to the
(the
character height
horizontal
offset also
NDRestY
applies to
decimal rests)
Offset
between
Fractional (real)
Rest NDOperY This value is a ratio to the
Numerator character height
and
Denominator
Position of [1 / 2]
Last Term NDSepDen 1 = Before fractional rest
Unit 2 = After fractional rest
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 537
Number of
Terms in the NDFact [ 1...3 ]
Value
A value can be made of up to three terms plus a rest. All of the following parameters, suffixed by the
term number, apply to each of the possible 3 terms.
The numbering of the terms goes from right to left, #1 being the right-most term.
[1 / 2]
1 = No display of
Display of Null
NDNulFac_1 zeros
Terms
2 = Display of
zeros
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 538
[1 / 2]
1 = No display of
Display of Leading
NDNulFac_2 zeros
Zeros in Last Factor
2 = Display of
zeros
DEPRECATED NDNulFac_3 - -
[1 / 2]
1 = No display of
Display of Null
NDNulOther zeros
Terms
2 = Display of
zeros
NDFact_1 = 1
NDFact_2 = 10
NDSepar_1
Term Unit Suffix NDSepar_2 (16 char string)
NDSepar_3
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 539
(real)
NDSepScl_1
Term Unit Height = Unit height /
NDSepScl_2
Ratio value height
NDSepScl_3
(=B/A)
Term Vertical
NDValPos_1
Positioning Offset
NDValPos_2 (mm)
(relatively to the left-
NDValPos_3
most term)
Pre-defined Formats
for Tolerance and Dimension Values
Some basic formats are provided by default for dimension tolerance and value display. Some of these
pre-defined formats can be modified while others cannot. All pre-defined formats can be de-activated
(i.e. taken out of the list of available styles).
Modifiable formats
They appear in the default standard files provided by Dassault Systemes, just as any company defined
style would appear. They can be modified or deleted using the Standards Editor, or de-activated (i.e.
taken out of the list of available styles) using the Allowed* parameters described in the General
Parameters section.
Non-modifiable formats
They are not defined in the standard file, but in the code itself. They cannot be modified, but can be de-
activated (i.e. taken out of the list of available styles) using the Allowed* parameters described in the
General Parameters section. All styles provided up to V5R8 are of this type.
CPL_75A3
The following tables list these non-modifiable styles, along with an example of the result when applied
on a dimension. The right-most column contains a link to the style definition, from which you can
derive new formats, simply by copying all or part of their definition.
Tolerance Formats
Link to the
Name Display Description style
definition
Numerical
TOL_NUM2 Click here
superimposed (small)
Numerical
ANS_NUM2 superimposed with Click here
trailing zeros (large)
Numerical
DIN_NUM2 Click here
superimposed (small)
Numerical
superimposed with
SGL_NUM2 Click here
trailing zeros and
parentheses (small)
Numerical
INC_NUM2 Click here
superimposed (large)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 542
Alphanumerical single
TOL_ALP1 Click here
value (large)
Alphanumerical double
TOL_ALP2 value side-by-side Click here
(large)
Alphanumerical double
TOL_ALP3 value superimposed Click here
(small)
Numerical
TOL_0.7 Click here
superimposed (small)
Numerical
TOL_1.0 Click here
superimposed (small)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 543
Numerical
superimposed with
ISONUM Click here
trailing zeros and
parentheses (large)
Alphanumerical single
ISOALPH1 Click here
value (large)
Alphanumerical double
ISOALPH2 value superimposed Click here
(small)
Alphanumerical single
CPL_FLA1 Click here
value (large)
Alphanumerical double
CPL_FLA3 value superimposed Click here
(large)
Alphanumerical single
CPL_50A1 Click here
value (small)
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 544
Alphanumerical double
CPL_50A3 value superimposed Click here
(small)
Alphanumerical single
CPL_75A1 Click here
value (medium)
Alphanumerical double
CPL_75A3 value superimposed Click here
(medium)
Degrees/minutes/seconds
NUM.ADMS Click here
with dot
Degrees/minutes/seconds
NUM,ADMS Click here
with comma
Degrees/minutes/seconds
INC.ADMS Click here
with dot and trailing zeros
Degrees/minutes/seconds
ANGLEDMS Click here
with dot
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 547
TolName= TOL_NUM2
TolType= 2
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 2
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 8
TolAnchorPt= 2
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.6
TolExtX= 0.6
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 1
TolShowNull= 2
TolScale= 0.7
TolName= ANS_NUM2
TolType= 2
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 8
TolAnchorPt= 2
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.6
TolExtX= 0.6
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 1
TolShowNull= 2
TolScale= 1.0
TolName= DIN_NUM2
TolType= 2
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 548
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 2
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 8
TolAnchorPt= 2
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.6
TolExtX= 0.6
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 1
TolShowNull= 3
TolScale= 0.7
TolName= SGL_NUM2
TolType= 2
TolSepar_1= 3
TolSepar_2= 4
TolSymbolH= 2.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 8
TolAnchorPt= 2
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.6
TolExtX= 0.6
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 1
TolShowNull= 2
TolScale= 0.7
TolName= INC_NUM2
TolType= 2
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 2
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 8
TolAnchorPt= 2
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.6
TolExtX= 0.6
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 1
TolShowNull= 1
TolScale= 1.0
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 549
TolName= TOL_RES2
TolType= 4
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 2
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 9
TolAnchorPt= 3
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.6
TolExtX= 0.0
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 1
TolShowNull= 2
TolScale= 1.0
TolName= TOL_ALP1
TolType= 5
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 0
TolPtOnValue= 9
TolAnchorPt= 3
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.0
TolExtX= 0.6
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 0
TolShowNull= 0
TolScale= 1.0
TolName= TOL_ALP2
TolType= 6
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 1
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 0
TolPtOnValue= 9
TolAnchorPt= 3
TolIntX= 0.6
TolIntY= 0.0
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 550
TolExtX= 0.6
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 0
TolShowNull= 0
TolScale= 1.0
TolName= TOL_ALP3
TolType= 7
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 8
TolAnchorPt= 2
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.6
TolExtX= 0.6
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 0
TolShowNull= 0
TolScale= 0.7
TolName= TOL_0.7
TolType= 2
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 2
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 9
TolAnchorPt= 3
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.250000
TolExtX= 0.5
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 1
TolShowNull= 3
TolScale= 0.715000
TolName= TOL_1.0
TolType= 2
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 551
TolTrailing= 2
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 9
TolAnchorPt= 3
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.5
TolExtX= 0.5
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 1
TolShowNull= 2
TolScale= 1.0
TolName= ISONUM
TolType= 2
TolSepar_1= 3
TolSepar_2= 4
TolSymbolH= 2.5
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 9
TolAnchorPt= 3
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.5
TolExtX= -0.5
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 2
TolShowNull= 2
TolScale= 1.0
TolName= ISOALPH1
TolType= 5
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 0
TolPtOnValue= 9
TolAnchorPt= 3
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.5
TolExtX= 0.5
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 0
TolShowNull= 0
TolScale= 1.0
TolName= ISOALPH2
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 552
TolType= 7
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 9
TolAnchorPt= 3
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.250000
TolExtX= 0.5
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 0
TolShowNull= 0
TolScale= 0.715000
TolName= CPL_FLA1
TolType= 5
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 25.4
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 0
TolPtOnValue= 9
TolAnchorPt= 3
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.0
TolExtX= 0.285714
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 0
TolShowNull= 0
TolScale= 1.0
TolName= CPL_FLA3
TolType= 7
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 8
TolAnchorPt= 2
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.5
TolExtX= 0.285714
TolExtY= 0.0
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 553
TolMergeSame= 0
TolShowNull= 0
TolScale= 1.0
TolName= CPL_50A1
TolType= 5
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 25.4
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 0
TolPtOnValue= 9
TolAnchorPt= 3
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.0
TolExtX= 0.214286
TolExtY= 0.250000
TolMergeSame= 0
TolShowNull= 0
TolScale= 0.5
TolName= CPL_50A3
TolType= 7
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 1.0
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 8
TolAnchorPt= 2
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.250000
TolExtX= 0.214286
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 0
TolShowNull= 0
TolScale= 0.5
TolName= CPL_75A1
TolType= 5
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 25.4
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 0
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 554
TolPtOnValue= 9
TolAnchorPt= 3
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.0
TolExtX= 0.250000
TolExtY= 0.125000
TolMergeSame= 0
TolShowNull= 0
TolScale= 0.750000
TolName= CPL_75A3
TolType= 7
TolSepar_1= 0
TolSepar_2= 0
TolSymbolH= 25.4
TolSepTo_1= 0
TolSepTo_2= 0
TolSepTo_3= 0
TolTrailing= 0
TolFractLine= 1
TolPtOnValue= 8
TolAnchorPt= 2
TolIntX= 0.0
TolIntY= 0.375000
TolExtX= 0.250000
TolExtY= 0.0
TolMergeSame= 0
TolShowNull= 0
TolScale= 0.750000
NDName= NUM.DIMM
NDType= 1
NDUnit= 1
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 1
NDNulFac_2= 2
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1.0
NDFact_2= 0.0
NDFact_3= 0.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1=
NDSepar_2=
NDSepar_3=
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 0.0
NDSepScl_3= 0.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.0
NDSepPos_2= 0.0
NDSepPos_3= 0.0
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 1
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 555
NDSepNum= 11
NDTypFrac= 2
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
NDNulOther= 1
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 1
NDRestX= 0.5
NDName= NUM,DIMM
NDType= 1
NDUnit= 1
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 1
NDNulFac_2= 2
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1.0
NDFact_2= 0.0
NDFact_3= 0.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1=
NDSepar_2=
NDSepar_3=
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 0.0
NDSepScl_3= 0.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.0
NDSepPos_2= 0.0
NDSepPos_3= 0.0
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 1
NDSepNum= 6
NDTypFrac= 2
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
NDNulOther= 1
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 1
NDRestX= 0.5
NDName= NUM.DINC
NDType= 1
NDUnit= 2
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 1
NDNulFac_2= 1
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1.0
NDFact_2= 0.0
NDFact_3= 0.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 556
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1=
NDSepar_2=
NDSepar_3=
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 0.0
NDSepScl_3= 0.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.0
NDSepPos_2= 0.0
NDSepPos_3= 0.0
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 2
NDSepNum= 11
NDTypFrac= 2
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
NDNulOther= 2
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 1
NDRestX= 0.5
NDName= NUM.DIMP
NDType= 1
NDUnit= 2
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 1
NDNulFac_2= 2
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1.0
NDFact_2= 12.0
NDFact_3= 0.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1= "
NDSepar_2= '
NDSepar_3=
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 1.0
NDSepScl_3= 0.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.2
NDSepPos_2= 0.2
NDSepPos_3= 0.0
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 1
NDSepNum= 11
NDTypFrac= 2
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
NDNulOther= 2
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 2
NDRestX= 0.5
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 557
NDName= ANS.DIMM
NDType= 1
NDUnit= 1
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 1
NDNulFac_2= 2
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1.0
NDFact_2= 0.0
NDFact_3= 0.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1=
NDSepar_2=
NDSepar_3=
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 0.0
NDSepScl_3= 0.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.0
NDSepPos_2= 0.0
NDSepPos_3= 0.0
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 2
NDSepNum= 11
NDTypFrac= 2
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
NDNulOther= 2
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 1
NDRestX= 0.5
NDName= DISTMM
NDType= 1
NDUnit= 1
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 2
NDNulFac_2= 2
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1.0
NDFact_2= 0.0
NDFact_3= 0.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1=
NDSepar_2=
NDSepar_3=
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 0.0
NDSepScl_3= 0.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.0
NDSepPos_2= 0.0
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 558
NDSepPos_3= 0.0
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 1
NDSepNum= 11
NDTypFrac= 2
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
NDNulOther= 1
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 1
NDRestX= 0.5
NDName= DISTINC
NDType= 1
NDUnit= 2
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 1
NDNulFac_2= 2
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1.0
NDFact_2= 0.0
NDFact_3= 0.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1= "
NDSepar_2=
NDSepar_3=
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 0.0
NDSepScl_3= 0.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.0
NDSepPos_2= 0.0
NDSepPos_3= 0.0
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 1
NDSepNum= 11
NDTypFrac= 2
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
NDNulOther= 1
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 1
NDRestX= 0.5
NDName= FEET-INC
NDType= 1
NDUnit= 2
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 1
NDNulFac_2= 1
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1.0
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 559
NDFact_2= 12.0
NDFact_3= 0.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1= "
NDSepar_2= '
NDSepar_3=
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 1.0
NDSepScl_3= 0.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.0
NDSepPos_2= 0.0
NDSepPos_3= 0.0
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 1
NDSepNum= 11
NDTypFrac= 1
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
NDNulOther= 1
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 2
NDRestX= 0.5
NDName= NUM.ADMS
NDType= 2
NDUnit= 4
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 2
NDNulFac_2= 2
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1/3600
NDFact_2= 1/60
NDFact_3= 1.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1= "
NDSepar_2= '
NDSepar_3= deg
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 1.0
NDSepScl_3= 1.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.2
NDSepPos_2= 0.2
NDSepPos_3= 0.2
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 1
NDSepNum= 11
NDTypFrac= 2
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
NDNulOther= 1
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 3
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 560
NDRestX= 0.5
NDName= NUM,ADMS
NDType= 2
NDUnit= 4
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 1
NDNulFac_2= 2
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1/3600
NDFact_2= 1/60
NDFact_3= 1.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1= "
NDSepar_2= '
NDSepar_3= deg
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 1.0
NDSepScl_3= 1.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.2
NDSepPos_2= 0.2
NDSepPos_3= 0.2
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 1
NDSepNum= 6
NDTypFrac= 2
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
NDNulOther= 1
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 3
NDRestX= 0.5
NDName= INC.ADMS
NDType= 2
NDUnit= 4
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 1
NDNulFac_2= 1
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1/3600
NDFact_2= 1/60
NDFact_3= 1.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1= "
NDSepar_2= '
NDSepar_3= deg
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 1.0
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 561
NDSepScl_3= 1.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.2
NDSepPos_2= 0.2
NDSepPos_3= 0.2
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 2
NDSepNum= 11
NDTypFrac= 2
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
NDNulOther= 2
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 3
NDRestX= 0.5
NDName= NUM.ARAD
NDType= 2
NDUnit= 3
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 2
NDNulFac_2= 2
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1.0
NDFact_2= 0.0
NDFact_3= 0.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1=
NDSepar_2=
NDSepar_3=
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 0.0
NDSepScl_3= 0.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.0
NDSepPos_2= 0.0
NDSepPos_3= 0.0
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 1
NDSepNum= 11
NDTypFrac= 2
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
NDNulOther= 1
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 1
NDRestX= 0.5
NDName= ANGLEDEC
NDType= 2
NDUnit= 4
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 2
NDNulFac_2= 2
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 562
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1.0
NDFact_2= 0.0
NDFact_3= 0.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1= deg
NDSepar_2=
NDSepar_3=
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 0.0
NDSepScl_3= 0.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.0
NDSepPos_2= 0.0
NDSepPos_3= 0.0
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 1
NDSepNum= 11
NDTypFrac= 2
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
NDNulOther= 1
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 1
NDRestX= 0.5
NDName= ANGLEDMS
NDType= 2
NDUnit= 4
NDGlobFact= 1.0
NDNulFac_1= 2
NDNulFac_2= 2
NDExise= 1
NDSep1000= 0
NDFact_1= 1/3600
NDFact_2= 1/60
NDFact_3= 1.0
NDValPos_1= 0.0
NDValPos_2= 0.0
NDValPos_3= 0.0
NDSepar_1= "
NDSepar_2= '
NDSepar_3= deg
NDSepScl_1= 1.0
NDSepScl_2= 1.0
NDSepScl_3= 1.0
NDSepPos_1= 0.0
NDSepPos_2= 0.0
NDSepPos_3= 0.0
NDRestY= 0.0
NDFinZer= 1
NDSepNum= 11
NDTypFrac= 2
NDSepDen= 2
NDOperY= 0.5
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 563
NDNulOther= 1
NDResScl= 1.0
NDFact= 3
NDRestX= 0.5
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 564
Annotation Parameters
The annotation parameters are located in the Annotation node of the standard editor. They deal with
the position of text leaders.
Note: The parameters which allow you to customize annotation leader symbols are located in the
Dimension node of the standard editor. The parameters located in the DressUp node let you
customize the appearance of dress-up elements, such as markup arrows and threads.
Annotation Texts
Parameter Parent standard Parameter Name Value Description
Horizontal offset
between the
text and the ANSI only Text > LeaderGap (mm)
leader
extremity
Vertical offset
between the
bottom of the Text >
ISO and JIS only (mm)
text and the LeaderVertSpace
horizontal part
of the leader
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 565
Roughness Symbols
Parent Parameter
Parameter Value Description
standard Name
Specifies whether a given field should be
displayed (Authorized) or hidden (Not
authorized) in the Roughness Symbol
dialog box
Layout of
the All Roughness > Authorized /
roughness standards Layout Not authorized
symbol
Horizontal
offset
between
the Roughness >
ANSI only (mm)
roughness LeaderGap
and the
leader
extremity
Vertical
offset
between
the bottom
of the ISO and Roughness >
(mm)
roughness JIS only LeaderVertSpace
and the
horizontal
part of the
leader
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 566
Frame Definition
This section deals with fixed-size frame definition. A frame is a property which can be applied to texts
as well as certain types of annotations and dress up elements.
Defining Frames
Fixed-size frame definitions are located in the Frame node of the Standards editor, available via Tools
-> Standards. They specify the geometrical definition of fixed-size frames (as opposed to variable-
size frame).
Frame definitions available in the Standards editor are pre-defined, and their number is fixed. You
cannot add additional instances of frame definitions.
You can customize these definitions to suit your needs, by modifying one or several values of the
parameters defining the style. Once defined, a fixed-size frame can be applied to any element which
supports it, either via Edit -> Properties, or using the Text Properties toolbar.
● The Name, Type and Behavior parameters MUST NOT BE EDITED, and are listed for information
and compliance purposes only.
● The Vertical Margin and Horizontal Margin parameters are not implemented yet, and are listed for
compliance purposes only.
● For each frame definition, all parameters are listed. However, depending on the frame type, not all
parameters are used to define the frame, but only some of them.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 567
The view generation definition parameters are located in the View -> Generation node of the Standards editor,
available via Tools -> Standards.
● ThicknessIndex: this parameter lets you customize the line thickness for geometry which is automatically
generated in views (this includes all geometry except fillet edges).
Specify the number of the line thickness definition parameter, as specified in the Line Thickness node of the
Standards editor. For more information, refer to Line Thickness Definition.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 573
● MaterialCutPattern: this parameter is used when generating views from parts which use a material to which
a specific pattern is associated.
❍ Select Material to use the pattern associated to a given material (instead of the patterns defined in the
standards), even if this pattern is not defined in the standards.
❍ Select Standard to use standard patterns only, instead of the pattern associated to a given material.
Refer to Pattern Definition for more information on defining standard patterns.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 574
● In releases up to V5 R9 SP2, line thickness used to be defined in Tools -> Options -> General ->
Display -> Thickness & Font for the Drafting workbench as well as for other workbenches. For
Drafting, line thickness is now defined in standards. Therefore, line thickness in drawings does not
depend on the options defined in Tools -> Options, but on what is defined in the standards.
● When opening a drawing created with releases up to V5 R9 SP2 (i.e. a drawing which does not
contain its own line thickness parameters), the line thickness options defined in Tools -> Options
will be used. You can upgrade a CATDrawing document to this new standard format at any time, by
performing the following operations in File -> Page Setup:
- changing the standard to another standard (ISO -> ANSI for instance)
- updating the current standard to the new format.
Line thickness definitions are located in the Line Thickness node of the Standards editor, available via
Tools -> Standards.
There are 55 line thickness definitions in the Standards editor. You cannot add additional instances of
line thickness definitions. Out of these 55 definitions,
● line thickness definitions ranging from 1 to 8 are pre-defined with different parameters for each,
and available.
● line thickness definitions ranging from 9 to 55 are pre-defined with the same parameters for all,
and unavailable.
You can customize these definitions to suit your needs, by modifying one or several values of the
parameters defining the style. Once defined, a thickness can be applied to any element which supports
it, either via Edit -> Properties, or using the Graphic Properties toolbar.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 575
Parameter Description
Specifies the size in pixels, with a maximum of 16; reflects the result displayed on
Pixels
screen.
The Availability parameter specifies whether or not a given line thickness should be available in the
thickness list for users to choose from, when creating or editing elements. Users will only be able to
assign "available" line thickness definitions to these elements. However, existing element properties in
drawings will not be affected: if an existing element is assigned a line thickness which is flagged as
"unavailable" in the Standards editor, then this line thickness will be used for this element but it will not
be available in the thickness list, so that users cannot apply it to other elements.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 576
Pattern Definition
This section deals with pattern definition. Patterns are used for area fills or in a Generative Drafting
context when cutting through material in section views/cuts or breakout views, for example.
Defining Patterns
Pattern definitions are located in the Patterns node of the Standards editor, available via Tools ->
Standards.
There are a number of pre-defined pattern definitions available in the Standards editor. You can
customize these definitions to suit your needs, by modifying one or several values of the parameters
defining the pattern.
You can also add additional instances of pattern definitions. To create a new pattern definition, you
must use the Standards editor. Select the Patterns type in the standards editor, and then click the
Add Instance button to add a new pattern instance. This will create a sample pattern definition that
you will then customize to suit your needs, by modifying one or several values of the parameters
defining the pattern.
Once defined or customized, a pattern can be applied to area fills (either via Edit -> Properties, or
using the Graphic Properties toolbar), or it can be used when cutting through material in generative
section views/cuts or breakout views, for example.
● When editing the properties of a pattern associated with a part material (via Edit -> Properties or
the Graphic Properties toolbar), the software offers its own selection of patterns, and not the
patterns defined in the standard XML file.
● With hatching or dotting patterns, the spacing between each hatch or dot is sometimes larger than
the area to fill. This makes it impossible to display the pattern properly. In such a case, the area fill
contour is made bold and is turned into the same color as the pattern color. This enables you to
identify items with area fills even if the pattern is not visible. The figures below illustrate what the
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 577
● In releases before V5 R11, line types used to be defined in Tools -> Options -> General -> Display -> Line Types for
the Drafting workbench as well as for other workbenches. For Drafting, line types are now defined in standards. Therefore,
line types in drawings do not depend on the options defined in Tools -> Options, but on what is defined in the standards.
● When opening a drawing created with releases before V5 R11 (i.e. a drawing which does not contain its own line type
parameters), the line type options defined in Tools -> Options will be used. You can upgrade a CATDrawing document to
this new standard format at any time, by performing the following operations in File -> Page Setup:
- changing the standard to another standard (ISO -> ANSI for instance)
- updating the current standard to the new format.
Line type definitions are located in the Line Types node of the Standards editor, available via Tools -> Standards. Line types
can either be mono-dimensional, i.e. defined by a sequence of non-continuous segments, or bi-dimensional, i.e. defined by a
polyline. Once defined, a line type can be applied to any element which supports it, either via Edit -> Properties, or using the
Graphic Properties toolbar.
There are 63 line type definitions in the Standards editor. You cannot add additional instances of line type definitions. Out of
these 63 definitions,
● line type definitions ranging from 1 to 8 are pre-defined with different parameters for each and cannot be customized.
● line type definitions ranging from 9 to 19 are pre-defined with different parameters for each and can be customized.
● line type definitions ranging from 20 to 63 are not pre-defined and can be customized.
You can customize the definitions of line types ranging from 9 to 63. To do this, proceed as follows:
2. In the right-hand panel, double-click on the line type you want to define. The line type editor appears for you to set the line
type properties. For more information on using the line type Editor, refer to Line Type in the Infrastructure User's Guide.
3. For each line type definition, you can also specify whether or not a given line type should be available in the line types list for
users to choose from. In the right-hand panel, double-click on the number of the line type you want to make unavailable.
Perform the same operation to make an unavailable line type available.
Users will only be able to assign "available" line type definitions when creating or editing elements. However, existing element
properties in drawings will not be affected: if an existing element is assigned a line type which is flagged as "unavailable" in the
Standards editor, then this line type will be used for this element but it will not be available in the line types list, so that users
cannot apply it to other elements.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 581
The list of available sheet formats can be extended, reduced or modified by the administrator.
1. Click on the Sheet Formats node of the Standards editor. You can create or delete a sheet format from this node only.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 582
Sheet styles: Define the styles that will be used by default when creating sheets.
Geometry styles: Define the styles that will be used by default when creating geometry.
Annotation styles: Define the styles that will be used by default when creating annotations.
Dimension styles: Define the styles that will be used by default when creating dimensions.
Dimension System Styles: Define the styles that will be used by default when creating dimension systems.
Dress-up and dress-up symbols styles: Define the styles that will be used by default when using dress-up
View callout styles: Define the styles that will be used by default when using callouts.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 585
About Styles
The default values are defined and stored in the standard XML file, where a set of new parameters
are defined, one parameter for each element property whose default value can be set.
Default values are applied to elements as they are created. After creation, the user can modify
element values as required.
If you modify styles in the standard itself and then update the standard file used by the drawing, the
elements which have already been created will NOT be modified (i.e. their default values will remain
as previously). Updating the standard will only have an impact on the next elements to be created.
Styles replace the former management of default values (which was performed using the Set as
Default / Use Default functionalities), for drawings:
● created with version V5 R11 and later
● created with versions up to V5 R10, whose standard has been updated in V5 R11
For drawings created with versions up to V5 R10 and NOT updated, default values still use the Set
as Default / Use Default functionalities. For more information, refer to Setting Properties As Default
and Using Properties Set as Default.
The toolbar reflects the value of the style, but users can
always modify the value of specific elements.
Re-applying a style to an
object
When a Drafting element is selected, the Style toolbar
displays the list of the styles that can be applied to it. If
the user selects one of these, this style is re-applied to
the element. This enables users to reset to its default
values an element whose properties have been
modified.
Customizing Styles
In this scenario, administrators will learn how to customize styles.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 587
This scenario provides an example of style customization. The procedure differs when customizing
standard parameters (dimensions, annotations, dress-up elements, etc.). For more information,
refer to About Standard Parameters.
You want to create a new text style that you will use for adding notes. You want to use the Verdana
font, and you want a frame around the text. You then want to delete the Default style.
Select Tools -> Standards to launch the standards editor. Choose the Drafting category, and then
open the ISO.xml file from the drop-down list.
3. Click on the Create style button in the right-hand pane. The Create style dialog box is
displayed.
The Duplicated from list is used when several styles exist for a given type of element to
specify which existing style the new style should be based on. In our example, only the
Default style exists. Therefore, the new style will be created based on this Default style.
You cannot create styles containing characters such as < > . / : ; " ' \ | as well as spaces at the
beginning and/or at the end of the style's name.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 588
5. Click OK. A new style called Note is added under the Text node in the editor.
6. Expand the Note node in the editor, and then select the Name node.
8. Expand the Text node in the editor, and then select the Frame node.
9. Choose Rectangle from the Frame drop-down list in the right-hand pane.
10. Click OK to save your modifications and exit the standards editor.
11. Now, start creating a new text in a sheet. In the Style toolbar, you can notice that two styles
11. Choose the Note style, click on the sheet to indicate where you want to position the note,
type your note in the text editor and then click OK. The note is creating using the values you
specified.
12. You will now delete the Default style. To do this, launch the standards editor again.
13. Expand the Styles node and then select the Text node.
14. Click on the Delete style button in the right-hand pane. The Delete style dialog box is
displayed.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 590
15. Select Default as the style that you want to delete, and click OK. The Default style is deleted
Sheet Styles
This section deals with sheet styles. These let you define the default values that will be used when
creating sheets.
All the parameters associated to a given sheet style are listed in the table below. The Description
column provides a description of each parameter.
Real number that specifies the global scale that should be applied to the sheet.
GlobalScale For example, if you want a global scale of 1:2, you should enter 0.5 and if you
want a global scale of 1:1, you should enter 1.
Specifies whether projection views should be created using the first angle
ProjectionMethod standard, or the third angle standard. Choose a projection method from the
list.
DisplayFormat Specifies whether the frame representing the format of the sheet is displayed.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 592
Geometry Styles
This section deals with geometry styles. These let you define the default values that will be used when
creating geometry.
All the parameters associated to a given geometry style are listed in a dedicated table. The Description
column provides a description of each parameter.
All parameters are taken into account both at creation time (i.e. when creating a geometrical
element), and at modification time (i.e. when reapplying a style to a geometrical element).
ConstructionPoint Style
Parameter Name Description
Color Specifies the color that should be used to represent construction points.
Specifies the type (e.g., cross, dot, etc.) that should be used to represent
PointType
construction points.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 593
ConstructionCurve Style
Parameter Name Description
Color Specifies the color that should be used to represent construction curves.
Specifies the number of the linetype (as defined in the LineTypes node
LineType of the current standard) that should be used to represent construction
curves.
Specifies the line thickness index (as defined in the LineThickness node
Thickness of the current standard) that should be used to represent construction
curves.
Specifies the type (e.g., cross, dot, etc.) that should be used to
ControlPoints > PointType
represent control points in construction curves.
Point Style
Parameter Name Description
Specifies the type (e.g., cross, dot, etc.) that should be used to represent
PointType
points.
Curve Style
Parameter Name Description
Specifies the number of the linetype (as defined in the LineTypes node
LineType
of the current standard) that should be used to represent curves.
Specifies the line thickness index (as defined in the LineThickness node
Thickness
of the current standard) that should be used to represent curves.
Specifies the type (e.g., cross, dot, etc.) that should be used to
ControlPoints > PointType
represent control points in curves.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 594
Annotation Styles
This section deals with annotation styles. These let you define the default values that will be used when
creating annotations.
All the parameters associated to a given annotation style are listed in a dedicated table.
The Description column provides a description of each parameter.
Certain parameters are only taken into account at creation time (i.e. when creating the annotation),
and not at modification time (i.e. when reapplying a style to an annotation): the Applies at modification
column indicates whether this parameter is taken into account at modification time.
Text Styles
Applies at
Parameter Name Description
modification
Leader > AnchorPoint When the Leader > StandardBehavior parameter Yes
is set to No:
- 0 positions the leader automatically on the
closest anchor point.
- 1 to 8 position the leader on a specific anchor
point.
Table Styles
Parameter Name Description Applies at modification
DatumFeature Styles
Parameter Name Description Applies at modification
DatumTarget Styles
Parameter Name Description Applies at modification
Tolerance Styles
Parameter Name Description Applies at modification
Balloon Styles
Parameter Name Description Applies at modification
RoughnessSymbol Styles
Parameter Name Description Applies at modification
WeldingSymbol Styles
Parameter Name Description Applies at modification
Dimension Styles
This section deals with dimension styles. These let you define the default values that will be used when
creating different types of dimensions.
Dimension styles are located in the following nodes of the Standards editor, available via Tools ->
Standards:
All parameters are taken into account both at creation time (i.e. when creating a dimension), and at
modification time (i.e. when reapplying a style to a dimension).
DistanceLengthDimension Styles
Parameter Name Description
ValueDisplayFormat > MainValue > Specifies whether the precision mode for the main
PrecisionMode value will be decimal or fractional.
ValueDisplayFormat > DualValue > Name Make sure that the display format specified here
belongs to the list of Value Display styles allowed on
dimensions, as defined in the General >
AllowedNumericalFormats node of the Standards
editor.
ValueDisplayFormat > DualValue > Specifies whether the precision mode for the dual
PrecisionMode value (if any) will be decimal or fractional.
Tolerance > MainValue > Specifies the first alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue1 tolerance main value.
Tolerance > MainValue > Specifies the second alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue2 tolerance main value.
Tolerance > DualValue > Specifies the first alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue1 tolerance dual value.
Tolerance > DualValue > Specifies the second alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue2 tolerance dual value.
DimensionLine > LeaderAngle Specifies the angle for the dimension line leader.
Symbols > Symbol1 > Color Specifies the color of the first symbol.
Symbols > Symbol2 > Color Specifies the color of the second symbol.
Symbols > SymbolMode Specifies the symbol mode (e.g. inside, outside, etc.).
ExtensionLine > Left > Overrun Specifies the overrun for the left extension line.
ExtensionLine > Left > Blanking Specifies the blanking for the left extension line.
ExtensionLine > Right > Overrun Specifies the overrun for the right extension line.
ExtensionLine > Right > Blanking Specifies the blanking for the right extension line.
ExtensionLine > Funnel > Mode Specifies the funnel mode (external or internal).
AngleDimension Styles
Parameter Name Description
ValueDisplayFormat > MainValue > Specifies whether the precision mode for the main
PrecisionMode value will be decimal or fractional.
ValueDisplayFormat > DualValue > Name Make sure that the display format specified here
belongs to the list of Value Display styles allowed on
dimensions, as defined in the General >
AllowedNumericalFormats node of the Standards
editor.
ValueDisplayFormat > DualValue > Specifies whether the precision mode for the dual
PrecisionMode value (if any) will be decimal or fractional.
Fake > MainValue Specifies the fake main value for angle dimensions.
Fake > DualValue Specifies the fake dual value for angle dimensions.
Tolerance > MainValue > Specifies the first alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue1 tolerance main value.
Tolerance > MainValue > Specifies the second alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue2 tolerance main value.
Tolerance > DualValue > Specifies the first alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue1 tolerance dual value.
Tolerance > DualValue > Specifies the second alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue2 tolerance dual value.
DimensionLine > LeaderAngle Specifies the angle for the dimension line leader.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 620
Symbols > Symbol1 > Color Specifies the color of the first symbol.
Symbols > Symbol2 > Color Specifies the color of the second symbol.
Symbols > SymbolMode Specifies the symbol mode (e.g. inside, outside, etc.).
ExtensionLine > Left > Overrun Specifies the overrun for the left extension line.
ExtensionLine > Left > Blanking Specifies the blanking for the left extension line.
ExtensionLine > Right > Overrun Specifies the overrun for the right extension line.
ExtensionLine > Right > Blanking Specifies the blanking for the right extension line.
ExtensionLine > Funnel > Mode Specifies the funnel mode (external or internal).
RadiusDimension Styles
Parameter Name Description
ValueDisplayFormat > MainValue > Name Make sure that the display format specified here
belongs to the list of Value Display styles allowed
on dimensions, as defined in the General >
AllowedNumericalFormats node of the
Standards editor.
ValueDisplayFormat > MainValue > Specifies whether the precision mode for the main
PrecisionMode value will be decimal or fractional.
ValueDisplayFormat > MainValue > Precision Specifies the precision for the main value.
ValueDisplayFormat > DualValue > Name Make sure that the display format specified here
belongs to the list of Value Display styles allowed
on dimensions, as defined in the General >
AllowedNumericalFormats node of the
Standards editor.
ValueDisplayFormat > DualValue > Specifies whether the precision mode for the dual
PrecisionMode value (if any) will be decimal or fractional.
ValueDisplayFormat > DualValue > Precision Specifies the precision for the dual value, if any.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 624
Tolerance > MainValue > Specifies the first alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue1 tolerance main value.
Tolerance > MainValue > Specifies the second alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue2 tolerance main value.
Tolerance > DualValue > Specifies the first alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue1 tolerance dual value.
Tolerance > DualValue > Specifies the second alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue2 tolerance dual value.
DimensionLine > LeaderAngle Specifies the angle for the dimension line leader.
Symbols > Symbol1 > Color Specifies the color of the first symbol.
Symbols > Symbol2 > Color Specifies the color of the second symbol.
ExtensionLine > Left > Overrun Specifies the overrun for the left extension line.
ExtensionLine > Left > Blanking Specifies the blanking for the left extension line.
ExtensionLine > Right > Overrun Specifies the overrun for the right extension line.
ExtensionLine > Right > Blanking Specifies the blanking for the right extension line.
ExtensionLine > Funnel > Mode Specifies the funnel mode (external or internal).
DiameterDimension Styles
Parameter Name Description
ValueDisplayFormat > MainValue > Specifies whether the precision mode for the main
PrecisionMode value will be decimal or fractional.
ValueDisplayFormat > DualValue > Name Make sure that the display format specified here
belongs to the list of Value Display styles allowed on
dimensions, as defined in the General >
AllowedNumericalFormats node of the Standards
editor.
ValueDisplayFormat > DualValue > Specifies whether the precision mode for the dual
PrecisionMode value (if any) will be decimal or fractional.
Tolerance > MainValue > Specifies the first alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue1 tolerance main value.
Tolerance > MainValue > Specifies the second alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue2 tolerance main value.
Tolerance > DualValue > Specifies the first alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue1 tolerance dual value.
Tolerance > DualValue > Specifies the second alphanumerical value for the
AlphanumericalValue2 tolerance dual value.
DimensionLine > LeaderAngle Specifies the angle for the dimension line leader.
Symbols > Symbol1 > Color Specifies the color of the first symbol.
Symbols > Symbol2 > Color Specifies the color of the second symbol.
ExtensionLine > Left > Overrun Specifies the overrun for the left extension line.
ExtensionLine > Left > Blanking Specifies the blanking for the left extension line.
ExtensionLine > Right > Overrun Specifies the overrun for the right extension line.
ExtensionLine > Right > Blanking Specifies the blanking for the right extension line.
ExtensionLine > Funnel > Mode Specifies the funnel mode (external or internal).
ChamferDimension Styles
Parameter Name Description
ValueDisplayFormat > MainValue > Name Make sure that the display format specified here
belongs to the list of Value Display styles
allowed on dimensions, as defined in the
General > AllowedNumericalFormats node
of the Standards editor.
ValueDisplayFormat > MainValue > Specifies whether the precision mode for the
PrecisionMode main value will be decimal or fractional.
ValueDisplayFormat > MainValue > Precision Specifies the precision for the main value.
ValueDisplayFormat > DualValue > Name Make sure that the display format specified here
belongs to the list of Value Display styles
allowed on dimensions, as defined in the
General > AllowedNumericalFormats node
of the Standards editor.
ValueDisplayFormat > DualValue > Specifies whether the precision mode for the
PrecisionMode dual value (if any) will be decimal or fractional.
ValueDisplayFormat > DualValue > Precision Specifies the precision for the dual value, if any.
Symbols > Symbol1 > Color Specifies the color of the first symbol.
Symbols > Symbol2 > Color Specifies the color of the second symbol.
ExtensionLine > Left > Overrun Specifies the overrun for the left extension line.
ExtensionLine > Left > Blanking Specifies the blanking for the left extension line.
ExtensionLine > Funnel > Mode Specifies the funnel mode (external or internal).
Chamfer > SecondaryValueDisplayFormat > Specifies the name of the secondary value
MainValue > Name display format for the main value.
Chamfer > SecondaryValueDisplayFormat > Specifies the name of the secondary value
DualValue > Name display format for the dual value.
CoordinateDimension Styles
Parameter Name Description
Choose the display mode you want for the coordinate dimension:
- Show value: displays the dimension, its leader and its frame.
Display - Show box: replaces the dimension and its frame by a rectangular box and
displays its leader.
- Hide value: hides the dimension and its frame but displays its leader.
Specifies the name of the font that should be used for coordinate dimension
Font > Name
texts. If no font name is specified, the system's default font will be used.
Font > Size Indicates the font size that should be used for coordinate dimension texts.
Specifies the type of the symbol (e.g. arrow, filled circle, etc.) that should be
used for coordinate dimension leaders. If you choose the Automatic option, a
default symbol will be used, depending on the standard type:
Leader > Symbol
● Symmetric arrow for ANSI / ASME
● Simple arrow for ISO / JIS
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 640
Dimension system styles are located in the following nodes of the Standards editor, available via Tools
-> Standards:
All parameters are taken into account both at creation time (i.e. when creating a dimension system),
and at modification time (i.e. when reapplying a style to a dimension system).
lines.
● Free
Dress-up and dress-up symbols styles are located in the following nodes of the Standards editor,
available via Tools -> Standards:
By default, a style called Default is available for each dress-up/dress-up symbol style.
All the parameters associated to a given dress-up or dress-up symbol style are listed in a dedicated
table.
The Description column provides a description of each parameter.
All parameters are taken into account both at creation time (i.e. when creating the dress-up element
or dress-up symbol), and at modification time (i.e. when reapplying a style to a dress-up element or
dress-up symbol).
Specifies the name of the pattern (as defined in the Patterns node of the
Pattern
current standard) that should be used for area fills.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 643
Graphic > Color Specifies the color that should be used to represent axis lines.
Specifies the number of the linetype (as defined in the LineTypes node of the
Graphic > LineType
current standard) that should be used to represent axis lines.
Specifies the line thickness index (as defined in the LineThickness node of the
Graphic > Thickness
current standard) that should be used to represent axis lines.
Indicates whether or not the overrun between the element and its axis line is
OverRunAuto computed automatically. When set to Yes, this parameter overrides any value
set for OverRunLength, and the overrun makes up 10% of the axis length.
When OverRunAuto is set to No, specifies the length of the overrun between
OverRunLength
the element and its axis line.
Graphic > Color Specifies the color that should be used to represent center lines.
Specifies the number of the linetype (as defined in the LineTypes node of the
Graphic > LineType
current standard) that should be used to represent center lines.
Specifies the line thickness index (as defined in the LineThickness node of the
Graphic > Thickness
current standard) that should be used to represent center lines.
Indicates whether or not the overrun between the element and its center line
OverRunAuto is computed automatically. When set to Yes, this parameter overrides any
value set for OverRunLength, and the overrun makes up 30% of the radius.
When OverRunAuto is set to No, specifies the length of the overrun between
OverRunLength
the element and its center line.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 644
Thread Style
Graphic > Color Specifies the color that should be used to represent threads.
Specifies the number of the linetype (as defined in the LineTypes node of the
Graphic > LineType
current standard) that should be used to represent threads.
Specifies the line thickness index (as defined in the LineThickness node of the
Graphic > Thickness
current standard) that should be used to represent threads.
Indicates whether or not the overrun between the element and its thread is
OverRunAuto computed automatically. When set to Yes, this parameter overrides any value
set for OverRunLength, and the overrun makes up 30% of the radius.
When OverRunAuto is set to No, specifies the length of the overrun between
OverRunLength
the element and its thread.
Thread styles only apply to threads viewed along their axis, whether in Interactive or Generative
views. As a result, thread styles do not apply to such views as section views for example.
Arrow Style
Parameter Name Description
Graphic > Color Specifies the color that should be used to represent arrows.
Specifies the number of the linetype (as defined in the LineTypes node of the
Graphic > LineType
current standard) that should be used to represent arrows.
Specifies the line thickness index (as defined in the LineThickness node of the
Graphic > Thickness
current standard) that should be used to represent arrows.
Specifies the symbol (e.g., simple arrow, circle, etc.) that should be used for
arrow heads.
If you choose the Automatic option, a default symbol will be used, depending
HeadSymbol on the standard type:
Specifies the symbol (e.g., simple arrow, circle, etc.) that should be used for
TailSymbol arrow tails. If you choose the Automatic option, by default, no symbol will be
used.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 645
By default, a style called Default is available for each view callout style.
ProjectionCallout Styles
Parameter Name Description
Indicates the type of callout (e.g., lines and arrows, lines, corners
Type and arrows, etc.) that should be used to represent section view
callouts.
Indicates whether callout arrows are attached by the head or the tail
Attachment
of projection view callout arrows.
Specifies the angle used for projection view callout arrow heads.
Arrows > Head > Angle Available values range from 1 to 7. Available values range from 5deg
to 175deg.
Specifies the type used for projection view callout arrow heads (e.g.
Arrows > Head > Type
filled arrow, blanked arrow, closed arrow or simple arrow).
Specifies the name of the font that should be used for projection view
Text > Font > Name
callouts.
Indicates the font size that should be used for projection view
Text > Font > Size
callouts texts.
SectionCallout Styles
Parameter Name Description
Indicates the type of callout (e.g., lines and arrows, lines, corners
Type and arrows, etc.) that should be used to represent section view
callouts.
Indicates whether callout arrows are attached by the head or the tail
Attachment
of section view callout arrows.
Specifies the angle used for section view callout arrow heads.
Arrows > Head > Angle
Available values range from 5deg to 175deg.
Specifies the type used for section view callout arrow heads (e.g.
Arrows > Head > Type
filled arrow, blanked arrow, closed arrow or simple arrow).
Specifies the name of the font that should be used for section view
Text > Font > Name
callouts.
Indicates the font size that should be used for section view callouts
Text > Font > Size
texts.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 648
Specifies the ratio that should be used to display section view callouts
Text > Font > Ratio
texts.
DetailCallout Styles
Parameter Name Description
Indicates the type of callout (e.g., leader text, circle, etc.) that
Type
should be used to represent detail view callouts.
Specifies the name of the font that should be used for detail
Text > Font > Name
view callouts.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 649
Indicates the font size that should be used for detail view
Text > Font > Size
callouts texts.
Workbench Description
This section contains the list of the icons and menus which are specific to Interactive Drafting workbench.
You may read these pages whenever you need to know greater details on these commands documented in other
parts of the guide.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 651
File
Save the document to the required format, customize the sheet and print it after modifying the settings if needed.
Refer to the Infrastructure User's Guide.
For... See...
Print Printing
Edit
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 652
Manipulate selected objects. Also refer to the Infrastructure User's Guide.
For... See...
Insert
Insert various types of elements.
For... See...
Views... Views
Drawing Sheets
Dimensioning... Dimensions
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 653
Annotations... Annotations
Picture Images
Tools
Set user preferences. Also refer to the Infrastructure User's Guide.
For... See...
Options Customization
Toolbar Purpose
Geometry Creation Create geometry
Transform existing 2D elements and add constraints to elements on
Geometry Modification
the drawing
Drawing Create sheets, views, 2D components and frame title blocks
Annotations Add annotations to existing views by creating them
Dress-Up Add dress-up elements on the drawing
Dimensioning Create all types of dimensions needed for your drawing
Tools Activate display and positioning tools
Tools Palette Use specific options or value fields available for a given command
Properties
Text Properties Modify the text properties
Graphic Properties Modify the graphic properties of all kind of features
Dimension Properties Modify the dimensions properties
Style Set the style that will be used to create a new object
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 655
Geometry Creation
Note that the Geometry Creation commands listed below are documented in the Sketcher User's Guide.
See Points
See Lines
See Circles
See Arcs
See Ellipses
See Profiles
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 656
See Rectangles
See Parallelograms
See Hexagons
See Splines
See Connect
See Conic
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 657
Geometry Modification
Note that the Geometry Modification commands listed below are documented in the Sketcher User's Guide.
Annotations
Dress-Up
Dimensioning
Text Properties
Graphic Properties
Dimension Properties
Tools
See Constraints
See Constraints
Style
This toolbar varies depending on whether the drawing was created with versions up to V5 R10 or was
created/updated with version V5 R11 and later.
This toolbar is available with drawings created with version V5 R11 and later, or with drawings created with
older versions and whose standard has been updated or changed in V5 R11 and later. These drawings use the
styles which are defined in the standard used by the drawing. Standards are managed by the administrator.
This toolbar is only available with drawings created with versions up to V5 R10.
Drawing
Tools Palette
The options or fields available in the Tools Palette depend on the selected command. Only a few
examples are provided here.
Current drawing
Design sheet
Detail sheet
2D component
View. Applies to interactive views only (whatever the view type is).
Front view. Applies to generative views only.
Projection view. Applies to generative views only.
Auxiliary view. Applies to generative views only.
Isometric view. Applies to generative views only.
Section view. Applies to generative views only.
Section cut. Applies to generative views only.
Detail view. Applies to generative views only.
Unfolded view. Applies to generative views only.
Customizing
This section explains how to customize settings and toolbars for Drafting workbenches.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 672
Customizing Settings
Before you start your first working session, you can customize the way you work to suit your habits.
This type of customization is stored in permanent setting files: these settings will not be lost if you end your session.
Note that some settings apply to Generative Drafting only, while others apply to Interactive Drafting only. Such cases are specified.
❍ General lets you set general settings to be used in the Generative Drafting workbench.
❍ Layout lets you customize options that will be used when creating views or when adding sheets.
❍ View lets you customize geometry, dress-up and view generation options that will be used when generating views
❍ Generation lets you customize options for controlling dimension and annotation generation (Generative Drafting workbench
only).
❍ Geometry lets you customize options that will be used when creating 2D geometry, whether using autodetection (or
❍ Dimension lets you customize options that will be used when creating or re-positioning dimensions.
❍ Manipulators lets you visualize options that will be used for manipulators whenever creating or modifying dimensions
❍ Annotation and Dress-Up lets you customize options that will be used when creating annotations.
4. Two other tabs, located in the General category, Display sub-category, also interfere with Drafting:
General
This page deals with the following categories of options in the General tab:
● Ruler
● Grid
● Rotation
● Colors
● Tree
● View Axis
Ruler
Show ruler
Select this option to display the ruler in your sheet. It means you visualize the cursor
coordinates as you are drawing.
Grid
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 674
Display
Select this option to display the grid in your session. You will note that this capability is also
available via the Drafting Options toolbar.
Snap to point
Select this option if you want the geometry to begin or end on the various intersection points of
the grid.
Allow Distortions
Select this option to apply different graduations and spacing between H and V.
The Primary spacing field lets you define the spacing between the major lines of the grid. To
define your grid, enter the values of your choice in the H and/or V fields.
Graduations / H & V
The Graduations field lets you set the number of graduations between the major lines of the
grid, which actually consists in defining a secondary grid. To define your grid, enter the values
of your choice in the H and/or V fields.
Rotation
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 675
Specify the angle that should be used when rotating text elements (text, frame, or leader) using
snapping. In other words, this option defines the snapping value used when rotating an element
using the Select or Rotate commands.
Automatic Snapping
From V5R14 drawings, sheet and detail backgrounds colors are defined in the standard file, under the
node Sheet colors of General node.
Sheet background
Choose the color that will be used for the sheet background.
Detail background
Choose the color that will be used for the background of 2D components.
Graduated color
If you want the sheet background and/or the detail (i.e. 2D component) background to be
graduated, select the associated box.
Tree
Display parameters
Select this option to display in the specification tree the formula parameters used in the
drawing.
Display relations
Select this option to display in the specification tree the relation parameters used in the
drawing.
View axis
Select this option if you want the view axis to be displayed when you activate a view.
Zoomable
Select this option if you want to be able to zoom view axes (as you can do with geometry).
Reference size
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 677
Enter the size that you want to use as a reference to display view axes size.
Layout
This page deals with the following categories of options in the Layout tab:
● View Creation
● New Sheet
● Background View
View Creation
View name
Select this option if you want the view name to be created automatically when creating views.
Scaling factor
Select this option if you want the scaling factor to be created automatically when creating views.
View frame
Select this option if you want the view frame to be created automatically when creating views.
Select this option if you want broken and breakout specifications to be reproduced.
You can decide if auxiliary and section views will be oriented according to the profile. In this
case, the X axis will be parallel to the profile.
Select this option if you want the axis system of the generated view to be based on the axis
system of the 3D part. This enables you to create views with the same orientation if, when
creating two views in the same projection plane by selecting two different faces, the axis
systems which are specific to these faces are different.
With the View axis system based on 3D axis system option not checked, the view
orientation will be different depending on the element selected in the 3D when creating the
view:
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 680
View orientation when a face of View orientation when a View orientation when the absolute
the rectangular pad is selected face of the elliptic pad XY plane is selected
is selected
With the View axis system based on 3D axis system option checked, the view orientation
will always be the same, no matter what element is selected in the 3D when creating the view:
New sheet
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 681
Select this option if you want a background view to be copied into newly created sheets.
Source sheet
Specify whether you want the source sheet for the background view to be the first sheet of the
current drawing, or a sheet from another drawing by selecting the appropriate option.
Background view
You can specify the path to the directory containing the frame and title block macros.
Section/Projection Callout
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 682
Select this option if you do not want the size of projection and section callout elements to be
dependent on the view scale. This option will apply to newly created callouts, i.e. selecting this
option will not have any impact on existing callouts.
Note that this option only applies to drawings created with versions prior to V5 R11 (i.e.
versions up to V5 R10).
View
This page deals with the following categories of options in the Layout tab:
● View generation
These options are also available as view properties, in the Properties dialog box for each view: from the
contextual menu, click Properties, click the View tab and then select the desired options.
Once you apply these options to a newly created view, you can only modify the view settings from the
Properties dialog box. For more information, refer to Editing View Properties section in the Interactive Drafting
User's Guide.
Generate axis
Generate threads
Generate fillets
Additionally, click the Configure button to configure fillet generation. You can choose to generate
either of the types of fillets described below.
Boundaries
Symbolic
Original edges, at the intersection of the two surfaces joined by the fillet.
The following restrictions apply to Symbolic, Approximated Original Edges and Projected Original Edges:
● Dimensions on such fillets are not associative.
● Such fillets cannot inherit 3D colors (see below). Likewise, when using generative view styles, such fillets
cannot inherit the 3DInheritance view dress-up parameters (defined in Tools -> Standard ->
generativeparameters -> *.XML file, Drafting -> ViewDressup -> 3DInheritance).
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 686
Inherit 3D colors
Select this option if you want the colors of a part to be automatically generated onto the views.
In the case of white parts, the views generated with this option selected will be white, and will
therefore not be displayed properly.
Project 3D Wireframe
Select this option to visualize both the wireframe and the geometry on generated views.
Additionally, click the Configure button to configure the 3D wireframe projection mode. You can
choose whether projected 3D wireframe can be hidden (in some cases, depending on the projection
angle, part or all of 3D wireframe will possibly be hidden) or is always visible (3D wireframe will be
visible in all cases, independently of the projection angle).
Project 3D Points
Additionally, click the Configure button to select the type of points visualized in the projected
drawing. In the 3D Point Projection dialog box, you can choose between keeping the symbols that are
used in the 3D or using a new symbol.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 687
Apply 3D specification
Select this option to specify whether, in an assembly, the properties assigned to given parts (also
called components) will be applied in the view.
The following 3D specifications may be defined for components in the Product Structure workbench:
● The component will, or will not, be cut when projected in section views (Do not cut in section
views).
● The component will, or will not, be projected in views (Do not use when projecting).
● The component will, or will not, be represented with hidden lines (Represented with hidden lines).
For more information, refer to Modifying Component Properties in the Product Structure User's Guide.
View Linetype
Click the Configure button to configure linetypes and thicknesses for specific types of views: section
view, detail view, broken view, breakout view, skin section view (in the case of wireframes and
surfaces). In the Linetype and thickness dialog box, select the line type and the thickness you want
for each type of view, from the associated fields. Click Close when you are done.
If you choose the zigzag linetype (linetype #8), note that this linetype is
just a graphical dress-up of the view. This means that if one line is
relimited on the breakout line, then it will be relimited on the theoretical
line as shown here, and not on the visualized zigzag line.
View generation
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 689
Exact view
Generates exact views from the Design mode, i.e. views for which the geometry is available. The
exact generation mode will be the best option in most cases:
However, there are a few cases in which choosing the exact generation mode will not be appropriate:
● In the case of sophisticated products or assemblies involving large amounts of data, generating
exact views may consume too much memory.
● Polyhedral elements (such as dittos, surfaces, etc.) from V4 .model documents are not supported.
CGR
Generates views using the CGR format (CATIA Graphical Representation). CGR corresponds to a data
format containing a graphical representation of the geometry only, which is available with the
Visualization mode (as opposed to the exact geometry, which is available with the Design mode).
With CGR, only the external appearance of the component is used and displayed; the geometry is not
available. The corresponding .cgr file, if it exists, is inserted from the cache system.
CGR views are not as high in quality as exact views, but they consume much less memory during the
generation. This may be useful when dealing with sophisticated products or assemblies involving
large amounts of data. However, this generation mode is rather slow.
For more information about the advantages and restrictions associated with the CGR generation
mode, see Advantages and restrictions common to CGR and Approximate modes below.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 690
Approximate
You can now generate views in Approximate mode. Although Approximate views are not as high in
precision and quality as exact views, this generation mode dramatically reduces memory
consumption. Performances may also be improved, depending on how you fine-tune precision.
Therefore, the Approximate mode is particularly well-adapted to sophisticated products or assemblies
involving large amounts of data.
The Approximate mode offers about the same advantages and restrictions than the CGR generation
mode (see above). However, there are some differences:
You can fine-tune the generation options according to your needs. Click the Configure button. In the
dialog box, move the cursor to set the precision (i.e. the level of detail - LOD) with respect to the
performances (i.e. generation time - Time). The level of detail corresponds to the precision with
which the application determines which edges are hidden and which are not. As a result, decreasing
this precision may lead to smaller geometry being visible whenever it should not be, and vice-versa.
The higher the precision, the lower the performances. In any case, memory consumption will not be
impacted. Click Close when you are done.
For more information about the advantages and restrictions associated with the Approximate
generation mode, see Advantages and restrictions common to CGR and Approximate modes just
below.
● Optimize memory consumption when generating and handling projection views for large products or
assemblies.
● Generate views from third-party data (such as MultiCAD), as well as from polyhedral elements (such as
dittos, surfaces, etc.) in V4 .model documents.
● You cannot generate section views, section cuts, detail views, detail view profile, breakout views, unfolded
views and views from 3D.
● You cannot project 3D elements such as wireframe, points, etc. on CGR or Approximate views.
● CGR or Approximate views cannot contain dress-up elements (axis, center lines, threads).
● Auxiliary view profiles, annotations, dimensions, etc. are not associative on CGR or Approximate views.
● CGR or Approximate views being only a graphical representation of the geometry, only line segments are
generated in such views. As dimensions are not associative, the only elements that can be dimensioned are
these line segments.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 691
As a result, it is impossible to create certain types of radius or diameter dimensions in such views; to put it
simply, you cannot create radius and diameter dimensions on elements other than these line segments.
As a consequence of these restrictions, selecting either the CGR or the Approximate option disables a number
of other options on the View and on the Generation tab.
Raster
Generates views as images. This enables you to quickly generate overall views for large products or
assemblies, regardless of drawing quality. Such views are associative to the 3D geometry and can be
updated when the part or product changes.
● You cannot generate the following types of views using this option: view from 3D, section views,
section cuts, detail views, breakout views, unfolded views.
● Raster views cannot contain dress-up elements (axis, center lines, threads).
● Creating dimensions is impossible.
● Generally speaking, all commands requiring the selection of geometry are not available.
● Raster views cannot be edited (you can work around this by isolating the view: double-clicking
the image will then launch an image editor).
As a consequence of these restrictions, selecting this option disables a number of other options on
the View and on the Generation tab.
To optimize disk space and memory consumption, it is recommended that you do not select the
Inherit 3D colors option when generating views as images.
From the Mode list, select the mode that you want to use: Dynamic Hidden Line Removal, Shading,
Shading with edges. These modes are equivalent to the 3D rendering styles. For more information,
refer to Using Rendering Styles in the Infrastructure User's Guide.
Now, set the level of detail (i.e. the definition, in dpi) that will respectively be used to visualize and to
print the drawing. You can choose between three pre-defined modes (Low quality, Normal quality and
High quality) and a custom mode (Customize). If you choose to customize the definition yourself, set
the dpi for visualization and for print in the appropriate fields.
The level of detail applies to the scale of the view. In some cases (when the view would print with a
considerable height or width), there may be too many pixels to generate the view. In this case, the
view will be displayed as a red cross-mark. If this happens, try to reduce the scale of the view and/or
the level of detail.
If you want the colors of a part to be used when generating Raster views using the Shading or
Shading with edges mode, remember to select the Inherit 3D Colors option. Otherwise, the view
will be generated using shades of grey.
To further improve performance when generating Raster or CGR views, we recommend you work in
Visualization mode: to do this, in the Options dialog box, go to Infrastructure -> Product
Structure -> Cache Management tab and select Work with the cache system. (For more
information, see Customizing Cache Settings in the Infrastructure User's Guide and Visualization
mode in the Product Structure User's Guide.)
Make sure this option is selected if you want an exact preview when generating views. As a result,
the part or product will be loaded in Design mode when previewing the view to generate, even if you
are working in Visualization mode. Deselect this option to get a quick preview of the 3D document
when generating views. In this case, a part or product open in Visualization mode will not be loaded
in Design mode for the preview, which optimizes memory consumption.
To specify that you only want to generate parts which are larger than a certain size, select this option
and indicate the appropriate size by providing a value in millimeters in the appropriate field.
Select this option if you want to save memory when generating exact views from an assembly which
is loaded in Visualization mode (i.e. when the Work with the cache system option is active). This
will load only the parts which will be seen in the resulting view (instead of loading all of them, which
is the case by default), which optimizes memory consumption and CPU usage.
To ensure the efficiency of this option, make sure that the Exact preview for view generation
option is not selected.
In the case of an assembly which is loaded in Design mode, or in the case of a part, the Enable
occlusion culling option will help increase performance by reducing CPU usage.
Keep the following restrictions in mind when selecting the Enable occlusion culling option:
● If you choose to project 3D wireframe, you will need to make sure that your wireframe elements
have been taken into account when the CGR data was created: this is the case if you activated
the Save lineic elements in cache option from Tools -> Options -> General -> Display ->
Performances before the creation of CGR data (i.e. before you launched the part or product in
Visualization mode). If not, you need to activate the Save lineic elements in cache option and
then re-create the CGR data. To do this:
1. Close all open parts and products and exit the application.
2. Delete your CGR data from the cache. (The cache location is specified in Tools -> Options -
> Infrastructure -> Product Structure -> Cache Management tab, Path to the local
cache field.)
3. Re-open the product in Visualization mode.
Select this option if you want to be allowed to create a view selecting one or several bodies in an assembly.
By default, the box is not checked and the following error message is displayed if you try to generate a view
from a body.
Once Select body in assembly is checked, a warning is displayed when creating the view as you are strongly
advised not to use this option.
Actually, generating a view on a body from a CATProduct prevents many features from working properly:
● Positioning of the different parts in the assembly is not taken into account in the resulting view and parts
might be superimposed,
● Changes such as rotation or translation in the assembly are not taken into account,
● Modification of an instance properties such as visibility or colors are not taken into account,
● Overload properties is disabled as it is linked to the assembly's properties,
● Creation of balloons is not possible,
● Edit/ Links option references only two parts.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 695
Moreover, multi-selecting a body in two different parts modifies the behavior of the Modify links and Modify
Projection Plane according to the order of selection, since the CATPArt of the first selected body will be used
as reference document and not the CATProduct.
Clipping view
Select this option if you want dimensions to be put automatically in no show mode for non-visible geometry in
clipping view.
Dimensions are put in no show mode only if both parent elements of the dimension are in the non-visible
geometry. If only one parent element is impacted, the dimension turns to light blue. For more information,
refer to the Dimension on geometry without 2D representation section.
View From 3D
Select this option if you want to keep 2D layout and dress-up modifications after an update.
● 2D dress-up modifications are kept when updating design changes from 3D.
● Associativity of the annotations or their leader with the 3D geometry is taken into account.
● Associativity between annotations is taken into account.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 696
Generation
This page deals with the following categories of options in the Generation tab:
● Dimension generation
● Balloon generation
Dimension generation
Generated dimensions are positioned according to the most representative views. In other words, a
dimension will appear on a view so that it does not need to be created on another view.
The dimensions are generated on the views on the condition the settings were previously switched to
the dimension generation option.
Select this option to generate dimensions automatically each time you update the sheet.
Select this option to display the Dimension Generation Filters dialog box before generation.
This enables you to specify what type of dimensions you want to generate. Also, in assembly
or product views, this lets you indicate what parts you want to generate dimensions for.
Select this option if you want the dimensions to be automatically positioned after
generation.
Select this option if you want dimensions to be automatically transferred to the most
appropriate view when regenerating dimensions.
Select this option to display the Generated Dimension Analysis dialog box after generation.
Select this option to extract 3D part constraints (on top of assembly constraints) when
generating product dimensions.
This option is particularly useful if you want to generate dimensions for all parts included in
assembly or product views, without displaying the Dimension Generation Filters dialog box
before dimension generation. Note that if you display the Dimension Generation Filters dialog
box before generating dimensions, you will need to indicate what parts you want to generate
dimensions for (whether this option is selected or not).
Specify the delay between each dimension generation when generating dimensions step by
step.
Balloon generation
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 698
If you select this option, a balloon will be generated for each instance of a component:
therefore, if a component is used two times within a product, then the balloon will be
generated twice.
If you leave this box unselected, a single balloon will be generated for all instances of the
same component, when a component is used several times within a part or product.
Geometry
This page deals with the following categories of options in the Geometry tab:
● Geometry
● Constraints creation
● Constraints Display
● Colors
Geometry
You can decide whether or not you want to create centers when creating circles or ellipses.
Click to clear this option if you do not need to create circle and ellipse centers.
Select this option to be able to move geometry using the mouse. When moving geometry,
you can move either the minimum number of elements, the maximum number of
elements, or still the minimum number by modifying the shape of elements, if needed.
The dialog box that appears offers the following options as regards the solving mode:
Standard mode
You move as many elements as possible and also respect existing constraints.
Minimum move
You move as few elements as possible and also respect existing constraints.
Relaxation
You move elements by re-distributing them over the sketch, globally speaking. This
method solves element moving by minimizing energy cost.
Furthermore, you can choose to drag elements along with their end points by selecting
Drag elements end points included.
By default, Standard mode and Drag elements end points included are selected.
You can show the H and V fields in the Tools Palette when creating 2D geometry or when
offsetting elements. Leaving the option unselected enables you to directly enter the value
corresponding to the type of element you are creating: for example, the length when
creating a line, the radius when creating a circle or the offset value when offsetting
elements.
When a command (such as the Point creation command) does not have any parameters
other than H and V, then these two fields will remain in the Tools Palette, whether you
select this option or not.
When duplicating geometry that was generated from the 3D, you can choose to create end
points for these geometrical elements.
Constraints creation
Select this option if you want to create the geometrical or dimensional constraints detected
by the SmartPick tool. If all of the detection options are unselected, this option is not
available.
If this detection option is unselected, the Create detected constraints option will be
inactive by default in the Tools toolbar. You will be able to activate it at any time.
SmartPick... (button)
As you create more and more elements, SmartPick detects multiple directions and
positions, and more and more relationships with existing elements. This may lead to
confusion due to the rapid highlighting of several different detection possibilities as you
point the cursor at different elements in rapid succession. Consequently, you can decide to
filter out undesired detections by clicking the SmartPick... button.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 702
Click to clear the elements you do not wish to detect when sketching.
Disabling SmartPick completely (i.e. clearing all options in the SmartPick dialog box) is
particularly useful when your screen is full of elements: in this case, it may be a good idea
to disable SmartPick to concentrate only on the geometry.
Constraints Display
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 703
Display constraints
Select this option to visualize the logical constraints specific to the elements. Note that if
the Display constraints option is cleared, the other options in this category are not
available.
Reference size
Specify the size that will be used as a reference to display constraints symbols. Changing
this reference size will modify the size of all constraints representations.
Constraints color
Click this button to define which types of constraints you will visualize as you create the
geometry.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 704
● Horizontal
● Vertical
● Parallelism
● Perpendicularity
● Concentricity
● Coincidence
● Tangency
● Symmetry
Click to clear the types of constraints you do not want to visualize as you create the
geometry.
Colors
Two types of colors may be applied to sketched elements. These two types of colors correspond to
colors illustrating:
● Graphical properties
Colors that can be modified. These colors can therefore be modified using the Tools->Options
dialog box.
OR
● Constraint diagnosis
Colors that represent constraint diagnoses are colors that are imposed to elements whatever the
graphical properties previously assigned to these elements and in accordance with given
diagnoses. As a result, as soon as the diagnosis is solved, the element is assigned the color as
defined in the Tools -> Options dialog box.
Visualization of diagnosis
In the dialog box that appears, you can configure colors for the following types of
elements:
Over-constrained elements
The dimensioning scheme is over-constrained: too many dimensions were applied to the
geometry.
Inconsistent elements
At least one dimension value needs to be changed. This is also the case when elements are
under-constrained and the system proposes defaults that do not lead to a solution.
Not-changed elements
Some geometrical elements are over-defined or not-consistent. As a result, geometry that
depend(s) on the problematic area will not be recalculated.
Iso-constrained elements
All the relevant dimensions are satisfied. The geometry is fixed and cannot be moved from
its geometrical support.
In the dialog box that appears, you can configure colors for the following types of
elements:
Protected elements
Non-modifiable elements.
Construction elements
A construction element is an element that is internal to, and only visualized by, the sketch.
This element is used as positioning reference. It is not used for creating solid primitives.
SmartPick
Colors used for SmartPick assistant elements and symbols.
When opening a drawing, colors are not recomputed. Colors will not be displayed until you create
another element or move the geometry.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 707
Dimension
This page deals with the following categories of options in the Dimension tab:
● Dimension Creation
● Move
● Line-Up
Dimension Creation
Select this option to specify that the dimension line should be positioned according to the
cursor, following it dynamically during the creation process.
Select this option to specify that the distance between the created dimension and the
geometry should remain the same when moving the geometry.
If you position the dimension according to the cursor, you can define the value at which
the dimension is created. If you create associativity between the dimension and the
geometry, you can define the value at which the dimension will remain positioned.
If you click the button, the Dimensions associativity on 3D dialog box appears.
A link can be applied between a dimension and the 3D part. As a result, when you update
the drawing, the dimension is automatically re-computed. If you do not check this option,
when you perform the update, you need to re-create the dimension afterwards.
Select this option if you want newly created dimensions to drive the geometry.
A new field will appear in the Tools Palette during the creation process, allowing you to
enter the driving dimension value.
Detect chamfer
Select this option to activate chamfer detection: this will lets you create chamfer
dimensions in a single click.
As chamfer detection may slow performance down, you may want to deactivate this option
for large products or assemblies.
Specify whether the dimension you will create between a circle and another element
should be on the circle center or on the circle edge.
Move
Additionally click the Configure button. In the dialog box, specify whether the dimension
should be snapped on the grid, or whether the dimension value should be located at its
default position between symbols (it will work only if the cursor is between the symbols),
or both.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 710
Pressing the Shift key allows you to temporarily deactivate or activate snapping.
Select this option if you want to move only a dimension sub-part (text, line, etc.).
Line-Up
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 711
You can organize dimensions into a system with a linear offset. The offset will align the dimensions to
each other as well as the smallest dimension to the reference element.
This allows you to set the offset between the smallest dimension and the reference
element.
Lets you align all the values of a group of stacked dimensions on the value of the smallest
dimension of the group.
Lets you align all the values of a group of cumulated dimensions on the value of the
smallest dimension of the group.
Select this option to display dimensions using different colors according to their status (not-
up-to-date, isolated, fake, etc.).
Additionally, click the Types and colors button to customize the colors that will be used.
The Types and colors of dimensions dialog box lets you assign the desired color(s) to the
selected dimension types. You will then be able to visualize the different types of
dimensions using their assigned colors.
Manipulators
This page deals with the following categories of options in the Layout tab:
● Manipulators
● Dimension Manipulators
Manipulators
These settings can be used for any type of manipulator (texts, leaders, center lines, dimensions and so
forth).
Reference size
Specify the reference size that should be used for manipulators. In the case of texts, for
example, this reference size corresponds to the diameter of the rotation manipulators.
Zoomable
Dimension Manipulators
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 714
These options let you define which manipulators you will visualize and therefore use when creating
and/or modifying dimensions:
Modify overrun
If you drag select one overrun manipulator, both overrun extension lines are modified. To
modify only the selected overrun extension line, use the Ctrl key. You can also double-click
on the manipulator and enter the new value in the dialog box that appears.
Modify blanking
If you drag select one blanking manipulator, both blanking are modified. To modify only the
selected blanking, use the Ctrl key. You can also double-click on the manipulator and enter
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 715
By default, the Creation option is not selected, and the Modification option is.
Allow inserting a text before, without using the Properties dialog box. For this, you will click
on the manipulator and enter the new text in the dialog box that appears.
Allows inserting a text after, without using the Properties dialog box. For this, you will click
on the manipulator and enter the new text in the dialog box that appears.
Move value
Lets you move only the dimension line by dragging it to the new location.
Lets you move only the dimension line secondary part by dragging it to the new location.
This page deals with the following categories of options in the Layout tab:
● Annotation Creation
● Move
● 2D Component Creation
● Balloon Creation
Annotation Creation
In order for these options to be taken into account, the Activate Snapping (SHIFT toggles) box
must be selected. Note that the option selected in the Activate snapping dialog box will be taken into
account. See the Move section.
These options are taken into account only when creating annotations, therefore, they are not when
adding a reference line.
Select this option if you want to create annotation texts along a reference direction. For
example, if you select a line when creating a text, the text will be oriented parallel to the
line.
Text
Select this option if you want to create the extremity of text leaders normal to a reference
direction. For example, if you select a line when creating a text with leader, the leader will
be normal to the line.
Geometrical tolerance
Select this option if you want to create the extremity of geometrical tolerance leaders
normal to a reference direction. For example, if you select a line when creating a
geometrical tolerance, the leader will be normal to the line.
Move
Additionally, click the Configure button. In the dialog box that appears, specify whether
you want the annotation to be snapped on the grid, according to the leader orientation, or
both. This will apply to the annotations selected in the Annotation Creation area.
Pressing the Shift key allows you to temporarily deactivate or activate snapping.
2D Component Creation
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 718
Select this option if you want all 2D component instances to have the same size when you
create them, no matter what the view scale is.
This lets you create 2D component instances whose size is independent from the view
scale so that they always look the same. You can use them as symbols, for example.
If you want to use as symbols 2D components with text, activate both the Create with a
constant size setting and the Apply Scale property for the text (in Edit -> Properties):
the size of both the 2D component and its text will then be independent from the view
scale.
Balloon Creation
You can specify what kind of balloons you want to create (using the Balloon command from the
Annotation toolbar) or to generate (using the Generate Balloons command from the Generation
toolbar).
3D associativity
Select this option to indicate that you want to associate balloons with information from the
3D.
Additionally, select from the list the kind of balloons you want to create or generate: the
numbering of parts within an assembly (default option), the instance name or the part
number.
Administration
This page deals with the following categories of options in the Administration tab:
● Drawing management
● Style
● Dress-up
Drawing management
Prevent File>New
Select this option to make it impossible to create drawings using the File -> New command. All
drawings will be created using the File -> New From... command instead.
Select this option to make it impossible to change standards, i.e. to use a standard other than
the one currently defined in the Page Setup dialog box.
Select this option to make it impossible to update standards for the current document in the
Page Setup dialog box.
Style
Select this option if you want dialog boxes, Properties toolbars and the Tools Palette to be pre-
filled with custom style values (as defined in the Standards Editor) when creating new
annotations. In this case, Properties toolbars and the Tools Palette will be disabled during the
creation of the annotation.
If you leave this box unchecked, annotation dialog boxes, Properties toolbars and the Tools
Palette will be pre-filled with the last entered values (except for Texts, Texts with leader,
Balloons and Datum features). In this case, Properties toolbars and the Tools Palette will be
active during the creation of the annotation.
If you select this option, you will be able to reset the current style values in dialog boxes at any
time using the Reset button unless it is disabled.
This option lets you specify if the properties used for creating new sheets should be those
defined in the standards or those defined in the first sheet in a drawing. These properties are
the scale and the projection method (first or third angle).
Select Style if you want the sheet to use the style defined in the standards (in Tools ->
Standards -> Drafting -> [StandardName] -> Styles -> Sheet).
Select First sheet if you want the sheet to use the properties defined in the first sheet in a
drawing. For example, you can use this option if you use an existing drawing to create a new
one (i.e. when you want the new drawing to have the same properties as the existing drawing).
Select this option to make it compulsory to use User Defaults (i.e., user-defined values set as
default). The Styles drop-down list will be set to Only User Defaults and will be inactive so
that Original Defaults or User Defaults cannot be selected.
This option applies only to drawings created with versions up to V5 R10 whose standard
has NOT been updated or changed in V5 R11 and later.
Select this option to use the current defaults and to make it impossible to create, change and
reset user defaults (i.e. user-defined values). This disables the Set as Default and the Reset
All Defaults commands.
This option applies only to drawings created with versions up to V5 R10 whose standard
has NOT been updated or changed in V5 R11 and later.
Select this option to hide the Reset button in dialog boxes. This disables the Reset
functionality.
Select this option if you do not want to use generative view styles when creating views. In this
case, you will not be able to select a generative view style after having selected a view creation
command, which means that the Generative View Style toolbar will not be displayed. (In the
case of advanced front views, it is the Generative view style list in the View Parameters dialog
box which will not be displayed).
Dress-up
Select this option to make it impossible to modify a 3D constraint via a 2D dimension that was
generated from it.
Customizing Toolbars
You can customize the appearance of some fields in the following properties toolbars: Styles, Graphic
Properties, Text Properties, Dimension Properties.
1. Right-click the toolbar field you want to customize. A contextual menu is displayed.
2. If necessary, scroll down this contextual menu to display the toolbar customization options.
The customization options that you can apply to the selected field are displayed.
The options available depend on the selected field. For more information on what options will be
available for each field, see the table below.
3. Click the option you want. Depending on the option you selected, the corresponding dialog box
appears.
● Set text width: sets the width used to display the field in the toolbar, in number of characters to
be displayed (based on 'W').
● Set list width: sets the width used to display the drop-down list, in number of characters to be
displayed (based on 'W').
● Set list height: sets the height used to display the list, in number of lines to be displayed (up
and down arrows will make it possible to scroll within the list).
● Icons display: defines whether icons should be displayed in this field, or only in the list, when
the list is collapsed.
● Precision: sets the precision used to display a numerical value in this field, in number of digits
after the separator.
5. Click OK to validate.
The table below indicates which fields you can customize in each toolbar, along with what you can
customize for each field.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 724
Style toolbar
Tolerance
Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Description
Numerical Display
Yes Yes Yes No No
Description
Color Yes No No No No
Glossary
Numerics
2D component An instance of a 2D element that is stored on a detail sheet. Also called ditto.
A
absolute position A sheet coordinates.
A view in which all the modifications will be performed. For instance, all the 2D
active view
geometry and dressup elements that will be added to the draft views to be created.
angle dimension A dimension applied to one or two linear elements or to circular elements.
A closed area on which you will then apply graphical dressup element called hatching
area fill
pattern.
B
background sheet A sheet dedicated to frames and title blocks.
A blank added between the dimensioned element on the view and one extremity on the
blanking
extension line.
C
chained dimension A dimension presentation mode made of a system.
chamfer A bevelled corner between any types of curves: lines, splines, arcs and so forth.
chamfer dimension A dimension applied to a chamfer.
An arc tangent between lines, arcs, circles and any types of curves (consecutive or that
corner
intersect).
D
datum feature An element defining a contacting surface on a part.
An element defining a contacting surface on a part and represented by spherical or
datum target
pointed locating pins.
detail sheet A sheet that is used as an intermediate catalog for positioning 2D geometry elements
that will be instantiated afterwards.
diameter dimensionA dimension representing either a radius or a diameter.
distance dimension A dimension representing the dimension between two elements be they linear or
circular type.
ditto An instance of a 2D element that is stored on a detail sheet. Also called 2D component.
document A common unit of data (typically a file) used in user tasks and exchanged between
users. When saved on disk, a document is given a unique filename by which it can be
retrieved.
The root feature. Sheets are aggregated in the drawing. Views are aggregated in the
drawing
sheets.
drawing repository A drawing document containing 2D re-usable components.
dress-up A graphical attribute of a 2D element.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 726
F
A representation of the dimensions which allows inserting the dimension value between
funnel
the dimension symbols.
O
object In the Drafting workbench, there are two kinds of object: activated and selected. The
view frame of an activated object is displayed in red.
overrun A part of a dimension corresponding to the extended extension line.
P
part A 3D entity obtained by combining different features in the Part Design workbench.
R
radius dimension A dimension applied to a circle, semi-circle or arc of a circle.
roughness symbol A symbol that is used for defining a surface.
S
sheet A set of views. Several sheets may be created in the Drafting workbench.
standard An international convention that is supported in the Drafting workbench: ANSI, ISO and
JIS.
T
template In the Drafting workbench, an object that is included in the document (for example, the
title block).
Text templates rely on attributes defined in the 3D for technological features. They can
text template
be used when creating texts associated to such features.
A projection method that allows projecting views from a part according to ISO/ANSI
third angle
international standards.
title block A frame which contains the title.
V
view frame A square or rectangular frame that contains the geometry and dimensions of the view.
W
welding symbol A symbol that is used for representing welds.
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 727
Index
Numerics
2D component creation (annotation and dress-up settings)
2D components
creating
creating catalogs
exploding
re-using
A
adding leaders to annotations
administering
standard parameters
styles
administration settings
advanced search
annotation settings
annotations
activating/deactivating
adding leaders
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 728
editing properties
handling leaders
modifying positioning
overview
querying links
standard parameters
styles
Annotations toolbar
Approximate views
area fills
arrows
autodetection
axis lines
creating
B
background view (view and sheet layout settings)
creating
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 729
modifying
C
catalogs
creating
CATAnnDefaultStyleMigration
CATAnnStandardTools
modifying
CGR views
detecting
dimensions, creating
1 Symbol
Add an Interruption
Area Fill
Arrow
Attribute link
Axis Line
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 730
Balloon
Center Line
Chained Dimensions
Chamfer Dimensions
Coordinate Dimension
Copy
Create Constraints
Create Interruption(s)
Cumulated Dimensions
Datum Feature
Datum Target
Delete
Dimension
Explode 2D Component
Expose 2D Component
Extend to Center
Frame
Frame Creation
Geometrical Constraint
Geometrical Tolerance
Grid
Half Dimension
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 731
Isolate Text
Line-Up
New
New View
Page Setup
Paste
Projected Dimension
Radius Center
Remove Interruption(s)
Re-route Dimension
Roughness Symbol
Search
Set as Default
Show Constraints
Snap to Point
Stacked Dimensions
Swap to Radius
Symbol Shape
Table
Text
Text Properties
Thread
Thread Dimension
Update
Weld
constraints
creating quickly
Constraints toolbar
elements
geometrical tolerances
graphic properties
creating
2D components
angle dimensions
area fills
arrows
associated text
axis lines
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 733
balloons
chamfer dimensions
component catalogs
coordinate dimensions
datum features
datum targets
dimensions
drawings
driving dimensions
explicit dimensions
free text
geometrical tolerances
half dimensions
quick constraints
roughness symbols
styles
tables
text frames
text templates
views
welding symbols
welds
administration settings
dimension settings
general settings
generation settings
geometry settings
layout settings
manipulators settings
standard parameters
styles
toolbars
view settings
customizing settings
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 735
D
data exchange
datum features
creating
modifying
datum targets
creating
modifying
deactivating
annotations
table rows
dimension
dress-up
geometry
sheet
view callout
defining
sheets
standard formats
deleting
sheets
styles
Design mode
using
detecting chamfer
dimension settings
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 736
Dimensioning toolbar
dimensions
angle dimensions
chamfer dimensions
coordinate dimensions
creating
explicit dimensions
half dimensions
lining up (reference)
modifying blanking
modifying overrun
re-routing
standard parameters
styles
Drawing toolbar
drawings
creating
settings
standard parameters
styles
Dress-Up toolbar
E
editing
annotation leaders
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 738
images
exact views
exploding 2D components
F
file, export and import
finding text
folding lines
frames
standard parameters
frames and title blocks
creating
free text
G
general parameters
standards
general settings
generation
settings
copying
creating
modifying
geometry settings
geometry styles
copying
editing
grid
H
half dimension, creating
I
images
editing
inserting
overview
importing tables
inserting
images
views in tables
K
Knowledgeware
activating/deactivating annotations
L
layout settings
leaders
adding to annotations
handling
positioning breakpoints
free space
reference
M
managing standards
manipulators settings
menu bar
annotation positioning
balloons
center lines
coordinate dimensions
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 741
datum features
datum targets
dimension type
geometrical tolerances
sheets
tables
creating
N
new sheet (view and sheet layout settings)
O
objects, querying links
occlusion culling
orientation of text
P
partial curvilinear length dimensions, creating
patterns
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 742
editing properties
standard parameters
leader breakpoints
printing
overview
sheets
pattern properties
sheet properties
text properties
view properties
Q
querying object links
quick constraints
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 743
R
radius curvature dimensions, creating
raster views
reframing views
Relimitations toolbar
replacing text
re-routing dimensions
re-using
2D components
S
search (advanced)
administration
customizing
dimension
general
generation
geometry
layout
manipulators
view
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 744
sheet styles
sheets
defining
deleting
editing properties
modifying
printing
smartpick
splitting tables
annotation parameters
annotation styles
concepts
customizing parameters
defining formats
dimension parameters
dimension styles
dress-up parameters
dress-up styles
frame parameters
general parameters
geometry styles
linetypes parameters
overview
pattern parameters
pre-defined styles
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 745
sheet styles
structure
switching standards
updating in drawings
upgrading
view generation
Style toolbar
styles
annotations
creating
deleting
dimension
dress-up
geometry
overview
sheet
using
view callout
T
tables
activating/deactivating rows
creating
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 746
importing
inserting views in
modifying
splitting
technological feature dimensions
inter
intra
text
associated text
creating frames
editing properties
specifying orientation
creating
storing in a catalog
threads
Annotations
Constraints
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 747
customizing
Dimension Properties
Dimensioning
Drawing
Dress-Up
Geometry Creation
Geometry Modification
Graphic Properties
Relimitations
Style
Text Properties
Tools
Tools Palette
Transformations
Tools toolbar
tools, using
Transformations toolbar
U
updating standards
upgrading standards
using
styles
utility
CATAnnDefaultStyleMigration
CATAnnStandardTools
V
Interactive Drafting Version 5 Release 14 Page 748
standards
defining
view settings
views
creating
editing properties
inserting in tables
reframing
Visual clipping
Visualization mode
improving performance
saving memory
W
welding symbols, creating
welds, creating