Generative Drafting

Preface
What's New
Getting Started
Basic Tasks
Workbench
Description
Customizing
Glossary
Index

Dassault Systmes 1994-99. All rights reserved.

About This Product

This User's guide is intended for draftsmen who need to generate drawings from 3D
parts and assembly definitions. Draftsmen will also learn how to apply dimensions,
annotations and dressup elements to the drawing.

About This Product

The user should be familiar with basic concepts such as document windows, standards
and view toolbars.

Where to Find More Information

Prior to reading this book, we recommend that you read the Infrastructure User's guide
as well as the Part Design User's guide.

What's New
Creating Views
Enhanced: Creating Views
New: Creating an Exploded View
Modifying Views
New: Setting View Relative Positioning
Manipulating Dimensions
Enhanced: Manipulating Dimensions
Enhanced: Creating a Dimension
Enhanced: Semi-Automatic Dimension Generation

Getting Started
Before getting into the detailed instructions for using Generative Drafting, 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. The
main tasks proposed in this section are:

Tasks

This step-by-step scenario introduces the basic capabilities of CATIA Generative Drafting. 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.

Defining the Drawing Sheet

This task shows you how to define the drawing sheet to be used for creating the views described
in further tasks.
Open the Drafting workbench and define the sheet parameters.

1. Click
or
select File ->
New...
2. Select
Drawing
workbench
and click OK.

3. Click AOISO and

click OK.

4.
The
drawing
sheet
appears.
In this particular
case and all along
the guide we use
the ISO standard.

From now on, you will work on the created sheet unless you define a new sheet.

Opening a Part
This task will show you how to open the part to be used in the Drafting workbench for creating
views. You may use either a 3D part or an assembly.
1. Click
or select File -> Open.
2. Select the GenDraftingt_part.CATPart to be opened.

The part is opened and will remain displayed in the window whatever the views you will create
from this part.

Creating a Front View

This task will show you how to create a front view on the sheet previously
defined.
1. Click the Drawing window,
.
and click
2. Select the desired planar
surface of the 3D part you
opened.

Blues arrows and a green frame including a preview of the view to-be-created
appear on the sheet. These frame and arrows allow defining the view
to-be-created location and orientation. In other words, as long as you see the
green frame, you can define the frame position and click the view position inside
the sheet.

3. Click in the drawing sheet

to generate the view.

Note that in the Generative Drafting workbench, the grid is set by default. See
the following image:

The grid is not necessarily displayed throughout this documentation. If you need
to display the grid, select the Tools->Options command to display the Options
dialog box . Select Drafting and the General tab. All you need to do is check
the Grid Display button. For more information, please refer to Setting a Grid.

4.The front view is

created and appears
as shown opposite:

By default, CATIA visualizes axis and center lines on generated views. For more
information please refer to Creating a Front View
From now on, you will work on the created sheet unless you define a new sheet.

Creating Projection Views

This task will show you how to create projection views on the sheet.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the Samples/GenDrafting
directory. Create a front view.
1. Click the
Drawing window
and click the
Projection View
.
icon
A preview of the
view
to-be-created
appears.
2. Define the
projection view
position, for
example the right
view position.
3. Click to
generate the
view.
Note that the left view above was created and therefore positioned according to
ISO standards and the First Angle Projection method. For more information,
please refer to Creating Views via the Wizard.

4. Click the
Drawing window,
and click the
Projection View
.
5. Define the top
view position.
6. Click inside
the green frame
to generate the
view.

Creating a Section View

This task will show you how to create a section view on the sheet.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click the Drawing window, and click the Offset
Section View icon

2. Select the holes and points required for sketching

the cutting profile on the view.
The section plane moves dynamically on the 3D
part as shown opposite:

3. Double-click to end the cutting profile

creation.
4. Click to generate the view.

Positioning the view amounts to defining the section view direction.

You may modify the hatching pattern by pressing the right mouse button on the section
view and selecting the Properties option from the contextual menu. You will then display a
Properties dialog box in which you will either select a new hatching pattern or modify the
graphical attributes of the existing hatching pattern.

Creating a Section Cut

This task will show you how to create a section cut on the sheet.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
Samples/GenDrafting directory.

1. Click the Drawing

window, and click the
Offset Section Cut icon
.
The section plane
moves dynamically on
the 3D part as shown
opposite:

2. Select the holes

and points
required for
sketching the
cutting profile.

3. Double
click to end
the cutting
profile
creation.

4. Click to
generate the
view.
You section
cut looks like
this:

Positioning the section cut amounts to defining the section cut direction.
You may modify the hatching pattern by pressing the right mouse button on
the section view and selecting the Properties option from the contextual
menu. You will then display a Properties dialog box in which you will either
select a new hatching pattern or modify the graphical attributes of the existing
hatching pattern.
You can select an existing edge within the view and define automatically the
direction of the cutting profile. You can also select a reference plane in 3D or
a 3D wireframe plane. For more information please refer to Creating an
Offset Section Cut/Section View

Creating a Detail View

This task will show you how to create a detail view on the sheet.

Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the Samples/GenDrafting directory.

1. Click the Drawing window, and click the Detail
.
View icon
2. Click the callout center.

3. Drag select the callout radius.

4. Click inside the blue circle to generate the view.

Basic Tasks
The Generative Drafting workbench provides a simple method to create and
modify views on a predefined sheet. You may also add, modify and/or delete
dressup and 2D elements to these views. All this is performed on a sheet which
may include a frame and a title block.
Note that you may work on DXF imported files. These files will then be exported.

Theme

Starting Creating a New Drawing

This task will show you how to create a new drawing with pre-defined views generated from a part.

1. Select the Start ->

Mechanical Design
commands.
2. Select the Drafting
workbench.

The New Drawing Creation dialog box displays with information on views that can possibly be
created as well as information on the drawing standards.

3. Select the views you want to be automatically created on your drawing.

4. Click OK.

You can modify the drawing standards. For this, click the Modify switch.
Care that the New Drawing Creation dialog box only displays on the condition you previously opened
a CATPart document.

These are
the
resulting
views
generated
as you
start
creating
the
catdrawing,
from the
opened
catpart.

The resulting view position will depend on the CATPart you loaded before starting the Drafting
workbench. In other words, the views will be positioned according to:
a plane you possibly selected in the part.
a planar surface you possibly selected in the part.
xy coordinates, in case you did not open a CATPart beforehand. In this case, you will only be
able to define the drawing standards via the New Drawing dialog box.

Opening a CATDrawing Document

This task will show you how to open a CATDrawing Document.

1. Click
or select the File -> Open commands.
2. Select the GenDrafting_part.CATDrawing to be opened.

The GenDrafting_part.CATDrawing opens as shown below:

Exporting and Importing a File

This section mentions the different methods for exporting and importing files.:
Exporting a CATDrawing Document Data into a DXF/DWG File
Importing a DXF/DWG File into a CATSrawing
Exporting a CGM File
For details on these tasks see CATIA.Base Infrastructure user's guide.

Manipulating the Drafting Sheet

The Generative Drafting workbench provides a simple method for managing the
Drafting sheet.
Now, you are going to create and manage the elements associated with a view.

Tasks

Defining the Sheet

This task will show you how to define the sheet.

1. Click
or select the File -> New
commands.
2. Select the Drawing workbench, and click OK.

3. Select the Landscape option from the New

Drawing dialog box.
4. Click OK.

You can modify at any time the sheet orientation and/or scale. For this, you select the
File->Page Setup items from the toolbar.

The sheet size depends on the standard type. For example, if you choose the ISO
standard, the sheet will automatically be assigned the A0 formatting type.

For adding a new sheet, you need to click

follows:

. The new sheet automatically appears as

Once you have created more than one sheet, for activating one of the sheets you
simply need to select this sheet from the dialog window.

Modifying a Sheet
This task will show you how to modify the sheet orientation.
Create a sheet using the Landscape orientation in the New Drawing dialog box.
1. Select the File -> Page Setup items
from the menu bar.
2. Select the Portrait orientation from the
displayed Page Setup dialog box.
3. Click OK.

Using this dialog and window, you may also modify the sheet format and set it to
the printer format. For more information, please refer to Printing a Document.

Creating a Frame Title Block

This task shows you how to create a background sheet and insert a frame and a
title block into it.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
/online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Select the Edit/Background items from the menu bar.
2. Click The Frame Creation icon

displayed

3. Select the Insert/Frame and Title Block items from the menu bar.
4. The Insert Frame and Title Block dialog box is displayed:

5. The frame and title Block results as shown below:

When the Frame and Titleblock Creation icon

is activated you cannot edit the
views. Use the Edit -> Working Views when you need to work on views.

Modifying a Frame Title Block

This task will show you how to insert a .gif image into a title block.
You created a title block. You need to open or create a 3D part, and create front
view.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the Samples/GenDrafting
directory.
1. Select the
Insert/Object
items from
the menu
bar.
2. The Insert
Object
dialog box
appears.
3. Select the
required .gif
image from
the dialog
box
This is what
you obtain :

For creating front views, go to Edit/Working views menu bar before clicking the Front
View icon.

Creating Views
The Generative Drafting workbench provides a simple method to create
views on a predefined sheet.
Note that threads are also generated on the condition they are defined on
3D holes.
The views can also be generated either from a 3D part or from an assembly
(exploded or not).
Now, you are going to create views first one after the other and then by
using a wizard.

Tasks

What is the Active View ?

The active view is the view in which all the modifications will be performed. For instance, all the 2D
geometry and dressup elements that will be added to the draft views to-be-created.

The active view is squared in red. The non-active views are squared in blue.
When you create a view, until you click at the desired view location, the view to-be-created is squared
in green. If you click this view, it becomes the active view and is squared in red.
Note that the active view is also underlined in the tree structure.

To make a view active:

1. Right-click the view to be set active.
The contextual menu appears.
2. Select Activate view from the displayed contextual menu.

You may also double-click the frame of the view.

Creating a Front View

This task will show you how to create a front view and then redefine the view
position.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
\online\samples\GenDrafting directory.

1. Click
and
select one plane of
the 3D part or a plane
surface.
You obtain the
following:

If you select a plane surface, the reference orientation will be the external
normal of the planar surface.
You can redefine the reference plane orientation using the arrows. For this:

a. Click the
right arrow
to visualize
the right or
leftt side,
respectively.

b. Click the
bottom
arrow to
visualize the
bottom side.

c. Click the
counterclock-wise
arrow to
rotate the
reference
plane.

d. Drag the
green knob
to redefine
the rotating
angle.
The default
increment
value is 30
degrees.

You can modify the increment value using the knob contextual menu. For this:
e. Select Set
increment
from the
contextual
menu.
The
Increment
Setting
dialog box
displays.
f. Enter the
value
you need.
For
example, 5

degrees
e. Modify
the
increment
value using
the knob
contextual
menu.
Select Set
increment
from the
contextual
menu.
The
Increment
Setting
dialog box
displays.
Enter the
value
you need.
For example
5 degrees.
Note that at anytime before the view generation you can select the free hand
rotation mode via the contextual menu.
You can also redefine the rotation angle. For this:

4. Use the
right mouse
button.

Note that you can redefine the projection plane with the arrows at any time
before the view generation.

5. Click inside
the sheet to
generate the
view.

By default, the axis and center lines are generated. You can also
visualize hidden lines and boundary fillets. To do so, right-click the
frame of the view, select the Properties option from the contextual
menu and then select the View tab. Check the required options in
the Properties dialog box:

This is what you obtain:

By default, the axis and

center lines are
generated. You can also
visualize hidden lines ans
boundary fillets. For this,
right-click the view frame
and select the View tab.

Check the required

options from the
Properties dialog box.

Creating a Projection View

This task will show you how to create projection views on the sheet.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
/online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click the Drawing window, and click the
.
Projection View icon
2. Define the projection view position, for
example the right view position.
3. Click inside the green frame to generate
the view.

4. Click the Drawing window, and click the

.
Projection View icon
5. Define the bottom view position.
6. Click inside the sheet to generate the
view.

Note that the left view above was created and therefore positioned according to
the first projection method. Projection methods are described in Creating Views
via the Wizard

Creating an Auxiliary View

This task will show you how to create an auxiliary view.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
/online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click the Auxiliary View icon
2. Sketch the plane. To do so:

Click a first point and select a draw edge.

The reference plane positions automatically according to the draw edge.

As you move the cursor within a zone perpendicular to the plane, a preview of
the auxiliary view to be created simultaneously appears. This view will be
automatically positioned accordingly.
This is also true when creating a section view or a section cut.
In the case below, you move the cursor outside the zone and position the view
where you want.

For positioning the cursor outside the zone perpendicular to the created plane,
perform the following:
1. Right-click the frame of the view not to be aligned.
2. Select the Do not align view option from the displayed contextual menu.

Creating an Offset Section View/Offset

section Cut
This task will show you how to create an offset section view and/or an offset section cut.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the \online\samples\GenDrafting
directory.
1. Click the Drawing window, and click the offset section view icon
cut icon

2. Select the holes and points required for sketching the cutting profile.
3. Double click to end the cutting profile creation.
OFFSET SECTION VIEW

OFFSET SECTION CUT

or the offset section

The section plane also appears on the 3D part and moves dynamically on the part.
4. Click to generate the offset section view and/or the offset section cut.

Now, you can select a planar surface or a wireframe plane in the 3D.
5. Select a planar surface in the 3D.
6. The callout is automatically displayed in the view.

Tile your window vertically to see your part and the related drawing.
Reversing the position arrows amounts to defining the section view direction. The cutting
profile is hole associative.
You may modify the hatching pattern by right-clicking the section view and selecting
Properties from the contextual menu. You will then display a Properties dialog box in which
you will either select a new hatching pattern or modify the graphical attributes of the
existing hatching pattern. Please refer to Modifying a Pattern.

Creating an Aligned Section View and/or an Aligned

Section Cut
This task will show you how to create aligned section views and/or aligned section cuts.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the \online\samples\GenDrafting directory.

1. Click the Drawing window, and click the Aligned Section View
ALIGNED SECTION VIEW

2. Select
the
points
and
circles
required
for
sketching
the
cutting
profile.

3. Double click to end the cutting profile creation.

4. Click to generate the view.

This is what you obtain:

or Aligned Section Cut

icon.

ALIGNED SECTION CUT

Positioning the section view amounts to defining the section view direction. The cutting profile is hole associative.
You may modify the hatching pattern by right-clicking the section view and selecting Properties from the contextual
menu. You will then display a Properties dialog box in which you will either select a new hatching pattern or modify the
graphical attributes of the existing hatching pattern.
The section plane also appears on the 3D part and moves dynamically on the part.

Creating a Detail View and/or a Detail

View Profile
The Generative Drafting workbench provides two commands to create detail
views.This task describes the Detail View command which allows creating a
detail view from the 3D.
You can either create a detail view with a circle as callout or with a roughly
sketched profile.
This task will show you how to create a detail view using either a circle as
callout or a sketched profile.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
\online\samples\GenDrafting directory. Create a front view.
1. Click the Drawing window, and click the Detail View icon
Detail View Profile icon

or the

2. Click to position
DETAIL VIEW
the center of the
callout circle or
select the points
required for
sketching a polygon
if using a profile as
callout.

DETAIL VIEW
PROFILE

3. Double click to
end the cutting
profile creation.

CATIA identifies the material and represents it in the generated detail view
whereas it does not represent material in a generated Quick Detail View .

4.Click to generate
the detail view.

Creating a Quick Detail View and/or a

Quick Detail View Profile
This task will show you how to quickly create a detail view using either a circle
as callout or a sketched profile. The Quick Detail view command which
computes the view directly from 2D projection whereas the Detail view
command uses a boolean operator from the 3D. The representation is therefore
different.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
\online\samples\GenDrafting directory. Create a front view.
1. Click the Drawing window, and click the Quick Detail View icon
the Detail View Profile icon

2. Click to position the center of the callout circle or select the points
required for sketching a polygon if using a profile as callout.
3. Double click to end the cutting profile creation.
DETAIL VIEW

4.Click to generate the quick detail view.

DETAIL VIEW PROFILE

or

Creating a Clipping View and/or a

Clipping View Profile
The Generative Drafting workbench provides now two commands to create
clipping views.
You can either create a clipping view with a circle as callout or with a sketched
profile as callout.
This task will show you how to create both a clipping view using a circle as
callout and another using a roughly sketched profile.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
\online\samples\GenDrafting directory.
CLIPPING VIEW
CLIPPING VIEW
CREATION
CREATION USING A
USING A CIRCLE
PROFILE

1. Click the Drawing

window, and click the
or
Clipping View icon
the Clipping Profile View
icon

2. Select the center of the

circle (see on the left
column) or select the
required points for sketching
a polygon, for example (see
on the right column).
3. Double click to end the
cutting profile creation.

Creating an Isometric View

This task will show you how to create an isometric view.
You need to open or create a 3D part and generate a front view.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
/online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.
Tile your window vertically to visualize the 3D part and the sheet at the same
time.
1. Click the Drawing window, and click
.
2. Click the 3D part.

3. Reposition the view, if necessary.

Creating an Exploded View

This task will show you how to create an isometric view, and then, projected views from an assembly
previously exploded via Digital Mock-up workbench (DMU Navigator).
Open the Gun_Body.CATProduct document from the /online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.

1. Define the Scene with

the adequate orientation
and with the instances
properly positioned.

2. Go to Drafting workbench and click the Isometric icon

.
3. Select the Digital Mockup Product (from under Scene 1) from the tree structure.
4. Select one planar surface of the above mentioned assembly.
Non exploded product:

6. Click to locate the

resulting exploded view.

Exploded product:

Creating Views via the Wizard

This task will show you how to create views using a wizard.
1. Click the Drawing
window, and click
.
2. Select the
required standard
type from the View
Wizard dialog box

The projection views are

not necessarily linked to a
front view.

3. Click the NEXT

button from the
Predefined
Configurations
dialog box.

Note that the left view above was created and therefore positioned according to ISO
standards.
4. Click the
Isometric View
button
5. Position the
isometric view on
the preview by
clicking it as
desired.
6. Click the FINISH
button from the
Arranging the
Configuration dialog
box.

7. Click the 3D part.

The views now appear.

The front view is actually the main view and the isometric view is added to the
predefined configuration.
CATIA provides the first angle and third angle projection methods.
Make sure you select the one you need. What you need to do is:
1.Right-click the sheet,
2. Select Properties Option from the contextual menu.
The Properties dialog box displays as shown opposite.

3.Check the third angle projection method button.

4.Click OK to confirm your operation. CATIA automatically updates the

View Wizard dialog box.

The ISO and ANSI standards are independent from the angle projection method you
select.

Modifying Views
The Generative Drafting workbench provides a simple method to modify previously
created views.

Tasks

Moving a View
This task will show you how to move any view.
You need to open a 3D part and generate projection views and an isometric
view from this part.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
/online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click the view to be moved.

2. Drag the clicked view to the

new location.

The view is newly

positioned.

Setting View Relative Positioning

The purpose of this task is to re-position a Generative view relatively to
Generative or Interactive elements (a line/callout, a point or the frame of a view).
You need to open a 3D Part and generate projection views as well as an
isometric view.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
/online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Right-click view to be
re-positioned, for example an
isometric view.
2. Select the Set relative
position option from the
displayed contextual menu.

A direction positioning line

appears that is related to the
isometric view. This isometric
view can be positioned as
desired and relatively to the
front view.
Note that the isometric view is
assigned anchor points.
3. Select the direction
positioning line end black
square point.
Once you have clicked the
end square point, this point
becomes a blinking red end
point and remains so until you
select a line.
You can also click the
direction positioning line. In
this case, the positioning line
becomes a blinking line and
remains so until you select a
line (callout line).

4. Click the edge according to

which you want the isometric
view to be aligned.
5. Click one anchor point, for
example, the bottom left one.
The view anchor point aligns
to the green point and thereby
to the direction positioning
line.

Note that you may also select

the front view frame and align
the isometric view to the front
view according to the
barycenter.

6. Using the green point, you

can rotate the isometric view
around the front view.

7. Using the direction

positioning line, translate the
isometric view along the
direction line and locate it at
the desired distance.
If you happen to modify the
length of the direction
positioning line, this new
length will be kept whatever
positioning modifications you
may apply to the isometric
view.
Note that if you had previously
positioned this isometric view
according to a point, not only
the line length but also the
line angle will be kept.

For leaving view relative positioning, click in the free space.

Each time the cursor comes near the direction positioning line, the position and
length coordinates of this line appear.
As you use relative positioning, do not try to move the view outside of the anchor
point frame. If you do so, you will leave view relative positioning.

Additional Positioning:
You can also perform the following:
Align a view relatively to one edge of this view.

Locking a View
CATIA provides the capability to lock views via the Edit->Properties commands. It might
be interesting for you modify the part without modifying the generated views. For example,
when you need to modify a constraint in the 3D without impacting the generated views.
This task will show you how to lock views.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
/online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Right-click
the view to
be modified
(either its
frame or the
view itself)
2. Select the
Properties
option from
the
contextual
menu.
The
Properties
Dialog box
displays.
Select The
View tab.

3.
Check
the
Lock
View
button

The
fields
appear
in gray
indicating
that
you
can no
longer
edit
them.

4. The
view is
automatically
locked.
CATIA
indicates
it in the
specification
tree:

The options OK, Apply and Cancel do not impact the Lock view command. CATIA
locks the view as soon as you check the Lock view button.
Locking a view means you are not allowed to:
create views from a locked view,
create either annotations or dimensions,
update, delete or cut views.
The move command is still available when views are locked.

Not Aligning a View

This task will show you how not to align a right projection view to the parent front
view. You will then reposition the parent view as well as the still-aligned child
views.
You need to create a 3D Part and generate projection views as well as an
isometric view.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Right-click the frame of the view
not to be aligned.
2. Select the Do not align views
option from the displayed contextual
menu.

3. Drag select the left projection view to the required location.

4. Click to position the left view.

Note that the Do not align views

option can be performed on one particular view at a time as multi selection is not
allowed.
At creation, views are by default linked to the parent view.
If you need to align views, repeat the above scenario selecting the Align view
option from the displayed contextual menu.

Scaling a View
This task will show you how to modify the scale of an existing view.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Right-click the frame of the view to be modified.
2. Select the Properties option from the displayed
contextual menu.

3. Enter the new scale value in the Properties dialog box. For example 2.

Renaming a View
This task will show you how to rename an existing view.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Right-click the frame of the view to be modified.
2. Select the Properties option from the displayed
contextual menu.

3. Enter the new view name in the Properties dialog box. For example, B as Ident.
4. Click OK.

You can also access the Properties dialog box selecting the Edit->Properties commands.

Dressup of the View

The Generative Drafting workbench provides a simple method for manipulating the
view dressup. This dressup is associative to the elements created from a part or an
assembly.
Now, you are going to create the elements associated with a view.

Tasks

Modifying a Pattern
CATIA provides the capability of recovering a material applied to a part on the section view
pattern.
This task will show you how to modify the pattern of a view and apply a material to
this pattern.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the Samples/GenDrafting
directory.
1. Right-click the pattern to be modified.
2. Select Properties from the displayed contextual menu.
The properties dialog box displays.
3.Click the Reset from material pattern On Part
button.

The Dialog box changes and appears as follows:

4. Click OK to confirm your operation.

Each part is assigned a pattern. Therefore, each time you modify a pattern using
the Properties dialog box, all the patterns of the views generated from this part will
be modified. These modifications will be applied to all the existing sheets.

For more information about associating materials to a pattern, please refer to the
CATIA.Real Time Rendering user's guide.

Creating a Complex Text

This task will show you how to add a simple text to a view on a sheet.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the Samples/GenDrafting
directory.
1. Click
and click a point as
the position of the simple text.
2. Enter the text in the dialog
box edition field.
3. Select the required options
from the dialog box.
4. Click OK.

Note that using the dialog box you

may define the anchor point, text size
and justification.

Modifying a Complex Text

This task will show you how to modify the text location, character string and/or
properties.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
/online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.

Modify the Text Location

1. Select the text of the
created view.
2. Drag the text to the new
position.

Modify the Text Character String

1. Double click the text to be
modified.

2. The EditText dialog box is

displayed.

3. Modify the character string in

the EditText dialog box.
4. Click OK.

5. The resulting text appears as

follows:

You may also delete part of a text via the EditText dialog box.

Modify the Text Properties

1. Right-click the text to
be modified and select
Properties from the
displayed contextual
menu.
2. The Properties dialog
box is displayed.
3. Select the required
options from the
Properties dialog box.
4. Click OK.

Creating an Arrow
This task will show you how to create an arrow from an element to another
element.
You need to open a 3D part and create a detail view to perform this task.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the Samples/GenDrafting
directory.
1. Click the Arrow icon
.
2. Click the element on which the arrow is to
be associated.
3. Click the arrow leader attachment point.
The element above mentioned may be geometry
in the view or added 2D geometry.

Creating a Datum Feature

This task will show you how to create a datum feature on a detail view.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
/online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click
and select the attachment
point of the datum feature leader or an
element.
2. Select the datum feature anchor point.

3. The Datum Feature Editor dialog box

displays with the datum feature character
string.

4. Click OK to end the datum feature

creation

You can edit easily edit the following datum

feature characteristics:
location: Click the datum feature
character string: double-click the datum
feature and enter the required character
in the Datum feature dialog box
properties: right-click the datum feature
and select the properties option from the
contextual menu. Enter the required
parameters using the dialog box
displayed.
It is possible to associate a datum feature with
a Geometrical Tolerance CATIA keeps the
associativity. For more information please refer
to Creating a Geometrical tolerance

Creating a Geometrical Tolerance

This task will show you how to create a geometrical tolerance on a detail view.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
/online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click
and click the attachment
point of the geometrical tolerance
arrow leader.
2. Select the geometrical tolerance
anchor point.

3. The Geometrical Tolerance dialog

box appears: enter the required
options.
4. Click OK.

Creating a Datum Target

This task will show you how to create a datum target on a right projection view.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
/online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.
Constraints may be of three kinds: created manually (i) via the sketcher or (ii) via
the 3D part, or (iii) automatically created via internal parameters.
1. Click
and select the attachment point of the datum target leader.
2. Select the datum target anchor point.
3. The Datum Target dialog box appears: enter the required field.
4. The datum target preview is displayed.
5. Click OK.

Creating a Balloon
This task will show you how to create a balloon on a right projection view.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
/online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click
and select
the
attachment
point of the
balloon
leader.
2. Select
the balloon
anchor
point.

3. The
Balloon
Creation
dialog box
appears:
enter the
required
text.
4. Click OK.

Editing Annotations
The Generative workbench lets you edit annotations. You can modify the
following annotations characteristics:
location and length
character string
properties
This task will show you how to modify a balloon
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
/online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.

Modifying the Balloon Location

1. Select the balloon of the created

view.
The balloon is highlighted and a geen
manipulator displays

2. Drag the balloon to the new

position.

Modifying the Balloon Character String

1. Double
click the
balloon to
be modified.
The Modify
Text dialog
box
appears.

2.
Enter
the
desired
character
string,.
For
example:
3.
3.
Click
OK to
confirm
you
operation.
CATIA keeps associativity between annotations and the elements.
As you key in the new character string, CATIA simultaneously displays it in the
balloon

Modifying the Balloon Properties

1. Right-click the balloon to be modified.

2. The Properties dialog box is displayed.
3. Select the required options from the Properties dialog box.
4. Click OK.

Manipulating Dimensions
The Generative Drafting workbench provides a simple method for
manipulating Dimensions. This dressup is associative to the elements
created from a part or an assembly.
Now, you are going to create the elements associated with a view.
Note that for views that are generated from surfaces, only sketched
constaints are generated.

Tasks

About Dimensions Generation

This section provides the relevant information you need when performing dimensions
generation, whichever the command you activate to do so. In other words, the rules
described in the following section are valid either when performing a Dimension
Generation in one Shot or a Semi-Automatic Dimension Generation.
Now make sure, you customized the Dimension Generation settings via the
Tools/options/Drafting/Generation.

The generated dimensions are positioned according to the views most

representative. In other words, a dimension will appear on a view so that this
dimension needs not be also created on another view. The generated
dimensions will be positioned according to the following criteria:
1. on the view on which the dimension may be generated.
2. on the view on which the dimension is better visualized. For example, a
view on which elements are visualized in non-hidden lines instead of
hidden lines.
3. on external views. For example on projection views instead of detail or
section views.
4. on the view with a bigger scale.
5. on views including more dimensions.
1. If needed, modify the 3D part, for example, modify a constraint.
2. Click icon.
The dimensions are generated on the views on the condition the settings were
previously switched to the dimension generation option. For this, go to
Tools/Options/Drafting (refer to Customizing the Dimension Generation

What About the Dimensions that may be Generated from

Constrained 3D Elements ?
To make sure the dimensions you need to handle in your session are those expected,
here is a list presenting the constrained 3D elements and the resulting associated
dimensions after generation.
Constrained 3D Elements
Generated Dimension Types
Sketcher
All dimensions: angle, distance, radius, diameter
3D part
Angle, distance
Features:
The dimensions below:

Pad
Pocket
Shaft/Groove

distance
distance
angle
Constraints and associated dimensions:

Hole:
- Simple

- Tapered

- Counterbored

- Countersunk

- Counterdrilled

Fillet constraint /variable

Shell
Thickness
Stiffener
Assembly constraints

Radius/Radii
Distance
Distance
Distance
All assembly dimensions

Filtering Dimension Generation

This task will show you how to set filters before or after (Tools/Dimension Generation)
dimension generation using the Filter dialog box.
Open the GenDraftingDimGeneration.CATPart document from the online/Samples/GenDrafting
directory. You will then create views from this part.
The default filter dialog box displayed means the generated dimensions refer to at least one
generated element.

If you checked the Generate all dimensions button, you obtain the maximum number of
dimensions even if they are not associated with generated elements.
The highlighted dimension represents a sketcher constraint, for example an Offset between two
points, even if the points are not visible in the drawing.

Let's describe the dialog box more precisely:

Generate all dimensions: generates dimensions even if they are not associated with
generated elements.
Sketcher wireframe constraints: generates dimensions from Sketcher wireframe
constraints even if they are not associated with generated elements.
3D wireframe constraints: generates dimensions from 3D wireframe constraints (for
instance an Offset between two planes) even if they are not associated with generated
elements.
Measured Dimensions: generates dimensions from measured constraints.
Design Tolerances: applies the constraint tolerances to the corresponding generated
dimension.
: This icon allows to recover the excluded constraints. You need to select the
constraints in the 3D
Tile your window horizontally to visualize at the same time your drawing and the related part(s).
In the default settings, this dialog box is not displayed at the end of dimension generation unless
you specify it using the Tools->Options menu items. For more information please refer to
Customizing Dimension Generation.

Note that you can perform dimension generation within the views of your choice. What you need
to do is just select them. CATIA automatically highlight the selected views.

Analyzing Dimensions
This task will show you how to perform an analysis via the Analysis dialog box.
You can either perform the analysis before or after the dimension generation.
The Generated Dimensions Analysis dialog box is used to highlight the
dimensions in the drafting sheet as well as the associated 3D constraints you
can visualize in your Part or Product Document.

The Dialog box displays information about:

Constraints
Contraints associated with generated dimensions: note that if you
select a dimension, the corresponding constraint is highlighted in the 3D
and conversly.
Other constraints: constraints not associated to generated dimensions.
Excluded constraints: constraints not taken into account during the
dimension generation. You previously excluded them using the icon

Dimensions
New Generated Dimensions: allows to identify new generated
dimensions since your last dimension generation.
Generated Dimensions: displays all generated dimensions.
Other Dimensions: displays dimensions created via the Interactive
Drafting workbench.
In the default mode, this dialog box is displayed at the end of dimension
generation unless you specify this via the Tools->Options menu items. For more
information please refer to Customizing Dimension Generation.

Dimension Generation in One Shot

This task will show you how to generate dimensions in one shot from the constraints of
a 3D part. Only the following constraints can be generated: distance, length, angle,
radius and diameter.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the /online/Samples/GenDrafting
directory. You will then create views from this part.
Constraints may be of three kinds: created manually (i) via the sketcher or (ii) via the
3D part, or (iii) automatically created via internal parameters.
1. Click
theGenerating
dimension
icon.

The
dimensions
are
automatically
generated
on all
the
views.
The
dimensions
appear
as
shown,
for
example,
on the
front
view
documented
in this
particular
case.

The
Generated
dimension
analysis
dialog
box with
the
corresponding
constraints
is
automatically
displayed.

The generated dimensions are positioned according to the views most representative.
In other words, a dimension will appear on a view so that this dimension needs not be
also created on another view.

Semi-Automatic Dimension Generation

This task will show you how to generate dimensions step by step from the constraints of a 3D
part. Only the following constraints can be generated: distance, length, angle, radius and
diameter.
You need to open the Carter_Document.CATPart and, in this particular case, to manually create
constraints from this part. You will then create views from this part. Note that in this task you will
only use the Front View.
Constraints may be of three kinds: created manually (i) via the sketcher or (ii) via the 3D part, or
(iii) automatically created via internal parameters.
1. Make sure the
Dimension Generation
settings are in the
default mode as shown
opposite:

Select Tools->Options->Drafting->Generation/Dimension Generation (please refer to

Customizing the Dimension Generation )
2. Click the Generating dimensions step by step icon
.
The Step-by-step generation dialog box displays and will remain displayed until the
end of the generation.
3. Check the Visualization in 3D button to see the constraints corresponding to the
dimensions to be created on the views.
4. Check the Timeout button. The default timeout is set to 2 seconds.
Enter the timeout value you need for example, 3 seconds.
5. Click to start the dimension generation.

Now, you might need to pause the generation for modifying the dimension position for example.

6. Click

. The generation is paused.

7. Select the dimension to be modified.

8. Drag
the
dimension
to its
new
position.

Note that, at this step (pause), you can perform all kinds of modifications before the dimension
generation.
You want one particular dimension not to be generated on the view: click

The constraint is automatically excluded and the dimension will not generated.
You want one particular dimension to be transferred (via a cut/paste).
1. Click the Transfer icon from the Step-by-Step Generation dialog box.
2. Select the view in which the current dimension, or the dimension last created, is to be
pasted.

You want to modify the graphical attributes of the current dimension. You simply need
to apply the desired attributes from the toolbar.

9. Click again
and continue
the process.
The dimensions
are automatically
generated on all
the views.
The dimensions
appear as
shown, for
example, on the
front view
documented in
this particular
case.

The Generated Dimensions

Analysis dialog box is
automatically displayed with
the pre-defined settings).
This Analysis dialog box
shows the corresponding
constraints. It is described in
detail in Dimension
Generation Analysis.

Note that you can stop at anytime the generation by clicking

the process by clicking

or on the contrary accelerate

Creating a Dimension
This task will show you how to create a dimension on an existing view.
You need to create a front view.
Open the Front_view.CATDrawing document from the online/Samples/GenDrafting directory.
The view to be dimensioned does not necessarily need to be the active view.

1. Click
and a first
element in the view.
2. If needed, click a second
element in the view.
The dimension type is
automatically defined according
to the selected elements.
3. Click the dimension
position.
In the case of an isometric view, before clicking the dimension position, you may decide the
dimension to be created either according to a reference element (TRUE LENGTH mode) or
according to a views reference (PROJECTED mode).
PROJECTED mode:

TRUE LENGTH mode:

The dimension type will depend on the selected elements as explained herebelow:

Modifying the Dimension Line

Location
This task will show you how to modify the location of a dimension line.

You need either to generate dimensions from the constraints of a 3D part or to

create dimensions on a view.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the Samples/GenDrafting
directory.
1. Click
.
2. Select the dimension line.
3. Drag the line to the new position.

The text remains associated with the dimension line, whatever the location of the
latter.

Modifying the Value Text Position

This task will show you how to modify the position of a dimension value text.
You need either to generate dimensions from the constraints of a 3D part or to
create dimensions on a view. Open the Front_view.CATDrawing document from
the Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click
.
2. Select the value text of the dimension.
3. Drag the value text to the new position.

Adding an Associated Text to a

Dimension
This task will show you how to add a prefix text to a dimension.
You need either to generate dimensions from the constraints of a 3D part or to create
dimensions on a view. Open the Front_view.CATDrawing document from the
Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click
.
2. Right-click the dimension to be modified and select Properties from the displayed
contextual menu.
3. Select the required options from the Properties dialog box that automatically
appears.
4. Click OK.

You may press the Apply button to previsualize the dimension modifications. Of course, to
have these modifications actually applied to the dimension, you will click OK.

Modifying the Dimension Value Display

Format
This task will show you how to modify the dimension value display format into the side by
side dual mode.
You need either to generate dimensions from the constraints of a 3D part or to create
dimensions on a view. Open the Front_view.CATDrawing document from the
Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click
.
2. Right-click the dimension to be modified and select Properties from the displayed
contextual menu.
3. Select the required options from the Properties dialog box that automatically
appears.
4. Click OK.

You may press the Apply button to previsualize the dimension modifications. Of course, to
actually apply these modifications, you must click OK.

Adding Tolerances to a Dimension

This task will show you how to add alphanumerical and numerical tolerances to a
dimension.
You need either to generate dimensions from the constraints of a 3D part or to create
dimensions on a view. Open the Front_view.CATDrawing document from the
Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click
.
2. Right-click the dimension to be modified and select Properties from the displayed
contextual menu.
3. Select the required options from the Properties dialog box that automatically
appears.
4. Click OK.

You may press the Apply button to previsualize the dimension modifications. Of course, to
actually apply these modifications, you must click OK.

Modifying the Extension Line Overrun

This task will show you how to modify the overrun of the extension line.
You need either to generate dimensions from the constraints of a 3D part or to create
dimensions on a view. Open the Front_view.CATDrawing document from the
Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click
.
2. Right-click the dimension to be modified and select
Properties from the displayed contextual menu.
3. Select the required options from the Properties dialog
box that automatically appears.
4. Click OK.

You may press the Apply button to previsualize the dimension modifications. Of course, to
actually apply these modifications, you must click OK.

Modifying the Dimension Text Graphic

Parameters
This task will show you how to modify the graphic parameters of the dimension texts into
the Frame type.
You need either to generate dimensions from the constraints of a 3D part or to create
dimensions on a view. Open the Front_view.CATDrawing document from the
Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click
.
2. Right-click the dimension to be modified and select Properties from the displayed
contextual menu.
3. Select the required options from the Properties dialog box that automatically
appears.
4. Click OK.

You may press the Apply button to previsualize the dimension modifications. Of course, to
actually apply these modifications, you must click OK.

Modifying the Dimension Font

This task will show you how to modify the graphic parameters of the dimension
texts into the italic font type.
You need either to generate dimensions from the constraints of a 3D part or to
create dimensions on a view.
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the
\online\samples\GenDrafting directory.
1. Click
.
2. Right-click the dimension to be modified and select Properties from the
displayed contextual menu.
3. Select the required options from the Properties dialog box that
automatically appears.
4. Click OK.

You may press the Apply button to previsualize the dimension modifications. Of
course, to actually apply these modifications, you must click OK.

Modifying the Dimension Line

Representation
This task will show you how to modify the dimension line representation.
You need either to generate dimensions from the constraints of a 3D part or to create
dimensions on a view. Open the Front_view.CATDrawing document from the
Samples/GenDrafting directory.
1. Click
.
2. Right-click the dimension to be modified and select Properties from the displayed
contextual menu.
3. Select the required options from the Properties dialog box that automatically
appears.
4. Click OK.

You may press the Apply button to previsualize the dimension modifications. Of course, to
actually apply these modifications, you must click OK.

2D Elements
The Generative Drafting workbench provides a simple method to manage 2D
elements either on the background view (frame and title block) or on the
generated views.
Now, you are going to create and manipulate 2D elements. Refer to Helpful Tools
to create geometry more easily.

Tasks

Helpful Tools
Modifying the Element Coordinates
Modifying coordinates will impact the feature defined on this sketch: CATIA
maintains associativity. The instructions described below are valid for editing all
elements. Note however, that profiles are not considered as entities when it
comes to editing them. To edit a profile, you will need to edit the sub-elements
composing it.
This task shows how to edit the coordinates of a line.
1. Double-click the line you wish to edit.
The corresponding dialog box appears indicating the line coordinates.
2. Enter new coordinates for changing your end points.
3. Press OK.
CATIA takes the modification into account.

The Edit -> Properties command will not display geometrical properties of the
Sketcher elements, contrary to features.
Multiselection is not allowed before editing Sketcher elements.

Deleting Elements
Deleting 2D elements will impact associated features.
1. Select the element you wish to delete.
2. Click the Edit -> Delete command.
The sketch is deleted.

To delete a set of elements, proceed as follows:

1. Multiselect the elements you wish to delete.

2. Click the Edit -> Delete command.

The sketch is deleted.
To multiselect your elements, you can also use the Ctrl key.

Points
This task shows you how to quickly create points.
1. Click the point icon
from the Geometry
Creation toolbar.
2. Click once for each point to be created.
A point is created where you clicked.
The logical constraints detected during the creation
of a point are memorized.

Lines
This task shows how to create a line from two points.

1. Click the Line icon

from the Geometry creation toolbar.

2. Click to create the first point, and point

elsewhere.
A rubberbanding line follows the cursor,
showing the shape of the line which will be
created.

3. Click to create the second point.

The logical constraints detected during the
creation of a line are memorized.

Circles
The Generative workbench provides three commands for creating circles. Either you
create your circle with no precision, or by indicating the center point coordinates and
the radius value.
By default, centers are created but if you do not need them, you can specify this in
the Options dialog box
This task shows how to create a basic circle.
1. Click the circle icon
from the Goemetry creation toolbar (Circles and
Ellipse subtoolbar)..
2. Click the intended center of the
circle.

3. Move the cursor to see the circle being

created.
A rubberbanding circle follows the cursor
as you drag it.

4. Click once you are satisfied with the size

of the circle.
The logical constraints detected during the
creation of a circle are memorized.

Three Point Circles

This task shows how to create a circle clicking three points.
1. Click the circle icon
and Ellipse subtoolbar).
2. Click two points.

from the Geometry creation toolbar (Circles

The application previews a circle.

3. Click the third point.

The circle is created.

Arcs
This task shows how to create an arc from a center point.
1. Click the arc icon
from
the Geometry creation
toolbar (Circles and Ellipse
subtoolbar).
2. Click on the center of the
arc you wish to create and
drag the cursor.
A circle appears.
3. Click when you are
satisfied with the radius of
your circle.
This sets the first limit of the
arc.

4. Now,moving the cursor

clockwise and clicking, you
would obtain this arc:

5. Moving the cursor counterclockwise

and clicking, you would obtain this arc:

Three point Arcs

This task shows how to create an arc using three reference points that will
define the required size and angle.
1. Click the three point arc icon
from the Geometry creation toolbar
(Circles and Ellipse subtoolbar).
2. Point and click where you wish the arc to begin.
This point is the first point through which the arc
will go.
3. Click to the second point of the arc.
An arc appears.
4. Point elsewhere and click again to create the
last point of the arc.
The logical constraints detected during the creation
of an arc are memorized.

Ellipses
An ellipse has two axes. The midpoint of each axis is the center point of the
ellipse.
This task shows you how to create an ellipse
1. Click the ellipse icon
from the Geometry creation toolbar (Circles
and Ellipse subtoolbar).
2. Click to create the first point.

3. Click to create the second

point.
The first major semi-axis of the
ellipse is created.

4. Click to create the third point.

The second semi-axis is created and CATIA displays the ellipse.

Profiles
The Profile command lets you create open or closed profiles. Profiles may be
composed of lines, arcs or even curves.
This task shows how to create a profile using the options of the profile command.
1. Click the Profile icon

from the Geometry creation toolbar.

The creation options appear in the Tools toolbar. You can choose
between the creation of lines, tangent arcs or three point arcs. The
is activated by default.
Line option
2. Click two points to
create a line.
A rubberbanding line
follows the cursor,
showing the next line
to be created.

3. Click the Tangent arc

that is now
option
available as you have
created a line.
4. Drag the cursor and click
where you wish to end the
tangent arc.

5. Now, click the Three

.
point arc option
6. Click two points as
indicated.
An arc is created as well as
the three points you
clicked.

7. Click the Line option

and drag the cursor
vertically to create the line
as shown.

Now you are going to

create another line
then a tangent arc but
this time without
using the option
.
8. To create an arc as part
of a profile drag and
release at the point where
you want to begin your arc
rather than simply click for
a line.
A rubberbanding arc
follows the mouse, showing
the arc which will be
created. The arc is
automatically tangent to the
previous element.

9. Double-click to end the

profile creation.

Curves
This task shows how to create curves.

1. Click the Curve icon

from the Geometry creation
toolbar.
2. Click to indicate two points
through which the curve
passes.

3. Click as many times as

needed to create the whole
curve.
4. Double-click to end the
curve.

Clicking the Select icon

ends the curve too.

Editing Elements
Editing elements means modifying the coordinates but also modifying the shape of the
elements using commands such as relimit and break.

Modifying the Element Coordinates

Modifying coordinates of your sketch will impact the feature defined on this
sketch: CATIA maintains associativity. See also "Modifying Features".The
instructions described below are valid for editing all elements. Note however, that
profiles are not considered as entities when it comes to editing them. To edit a
profile, you will need to edit the sub-elements composing it.
This task shows how to edit the coordinates of a line.
1. Double-click the line you wish to edit.
The corresponding dialog box appears indicating the line coordinates.
2. Enter new coordinates for changing your end points.
3. Press OK.
CATIA takes the modification into account.

The Edit -> Properties command will not display geometrical properties of the
Sketcher elements, contrary to features.
Multiselection is not allowed before editing Sketcher elements.

Deleting Elements
Deleting 2D elements will impact associated features.
1. Select the element you wish to delete.

2. Click the Edit -> Delete command.

The sketch is deleted.
To delete a set of elements, proceed as follows:
1. Multiselect the elements you wish to delete.

2. Click the Edit -> Delete command.

The sketch is deleted.
To multiselect your elements, you can also use the Ctrl key.

Interoperability
The Generative Drafting workbench provides a simple method to create and
modify views from a .model
.

Tasks

Creating and Modifying Views from a

.Model
This task will show you how to create and modify views from a .model on the
condition this .model is a master model exact solid.
Open a .model.
1. Create projection views from this .model.

The only modifications you can perform on a CATDrawing are dressup

modifications.
The dressup modifications applied to any .model are not associative.

Printing a Document
The Generative Drafting workbench provides a simple method to print one or
more sheets inserted in your document.

Tasks

Printing a Document Quickly

This task will show you how to quickly print a given sheet.
Open a CATDrawing document. Create a circle, a line and a profile on this document.

1. Select File -> Print Preview from the menu bar.

The Print Preview dialog box is displayed.
2. Press OK.

3. Select File -> Print from the menu bar.

The Print dialog box displays.
4. Click the required options from the box.
5. Press OK.
You may print either all or given sheets (the sheet selected or a given number of existing
sheets).
You may also print the views currently displayed on your screen (Current display option).

You may also choose the number of copies you need to print.
For details on Options, see CATIA - Infrastructure User's guide Version 5.
By default the sheet to be printed will Fit to Printer Format. The printer default format will be
used whatever the sheet format. Let's say the printer format is Portrait. If you check the options
as described below, the sheet will be previewed and printed as follows.
Best Orientation/Fit to printer format/Clip to the sheet format

Fit to printer format/Clip to the sheet format

Clip to the sheet format

Best orientation/Clip to the sheet format

Let's start from a new drawing:

Best Orientation/Fit to printer format/Clip to the sheet format

Best Orientation/Fit to printer format

Printing a Document After Modifying

Current Display Settings
This task shows how to modify the settings of a document you will then print.
Create views on different sheets with the Landscape orientation.
1. Select File -> Print from the menu bar.
The Print dialog box is displayed.
2. Click
the
required
Printer
options
from the
dialog
box.
3. Activate
the
Current
display
option.
4. Click
the
Options
option
from the
box.

5. If
needed,
select the
Color tab.

6. If
needed,
select the
Banner
tab.

7. If
needed,
select the
Various
tab.
8. Click
OK.

9. Click
the
Settings
option
from the
Print
dialog
box.
The
Layout
dialog box
is
displayed.
10.
Activate
the Fit in
Page
option.
11. For
example,
click the
center
switch for
positioning

the sheet
at the
center of
the
previewed
layout.
12. Press
OK.
13. Select
the Print
Preview
option
from the
Print
dialog
box.
The Print
Preview
dialog box
is
displayed.
14. Press
OK.
The Print
dialog box
is
displayed.
15. Press
OK to
launch the
printing
operation.

Saving and Loading a CATDrawing

Document
The Generative Drafting Workbench lets you save and load a CATDrawing from a CATPart, a
CATProduct a sheet metal Part or a . model V4/V5.
You can now modify your CATPart choosing not to update the related CATDrawing document. It
is now possible to customize the setting
This task will show you how to save and load a CATDrawing document from a CATPart
Open the GenDrafting_part.CATPart document from the Samples/GenDrafting directory.
Create a front view.
1. Select the Tools ->
Options... command.
2. Click General in the list of objects to the left of the Options dialog box.
3. Uncheck the load referenced option. For more information , please refer to The
Infrastructure User's guide-version 5.

4. Open a
CATDrawing
Document.

The 3D is not loaded nor vizualised Catia shows it in the specification tree.
This means the following commands are no longer available:
projection view creation
dimensions
dressup
But you can still modify the graphic properties of the elements.
5. Select the Edit->Links command.
It shows the existing links between the CATDrawing and its related CATPart in our
example.
6. Save your CATDrawing Document.

If you try to create a dimension, for instance the following error message
displays
7. Activate the
Load referenced
documents
option.

The Load referenced

documents option is set by
default.

8. Catia
displays the
update icon in
the specification
tree:
9. You can
update your
sheet using the
Update icon
.

10. Now if you select the Edit->Links command,

The Link dialog box displays:
The CATPart is found and loaded.

Workbench Description
This section contains the list of the icons and menus specific to Generative
Drafting workbench.
You may read these pages whenever you require more detailed information on
these commands which have been documented in other parts of the guide.

Theme

Purpose
Describe access to view and dimension generation,
Generative Drafting Menu Bar annotation and geometry creation as well as sheet
management
Describe how to manage a document and how to edit or
Generative Drafting Toolbar insert views, dimensions, annotations, sheets and
sketcher or 2D elements.

Generative Drafting Menu Bar

In this chapter we will describe the various menus, submenus and items specific
to the Generative Drafting workbench.

Menu

Purpose
File Save the document to the required format, customize the sheet, and print it after
modifying the settings, if needed.
Edit Edit the view, dimensions and annotations, as well as the sheet.
Insert Insert views, dimensions, sheets and/or 2D or sketcher type elements.

File
For...

See...

Save As...

Page Setup... Defining the Drafting Sheet

Print...

Printing a Document Quickly

Printer Setup... Printing a Document After

Modifying Current Display
Settings

Edit
For...

See...

update

See Saving and Loading

links

See Saving and Loading

See Not Aligning a View

Properties
Modifying the Dimension Line Location
Modifying the Value Text Position
Adding an Associated Text to a Dimension
Modifying the Dimension Value Display Format
Adding Tolerances to a Dimension
Modifying the Extension Line Overrun
Modifying the Dimension Text Graphic Parameters
Modifying the Dimension Line Representation
Background

See Creating a Frame Ttitle Block

Insert
For...

See...

Front View
Projection
Auxiliary
Section

Creating a Front View

Creating Projection Views
Creating an Auxiliary View
Creating an Offset Section
View/Offset Section Cut

Section Cut
Creating a Detail View
Detail
Creating an Isometric View
Isometric
Creating Views via the Wizard
Wizard
Dim Generation Generating Dimensions in One Shot
Generating Dimensions Step by
Step
Creating a New Sheet
New Sheet
Dressup of the View
Dress Up
2D Elements
Sketcher

Generative Drafting Toolbar

In this chapter we will describe the toolbar icons specific to the Generative
Drafting workbench.

Menu

Purpose
Views and Dimensions Generation Generate different kinds of views, either one after
the others or via a wizard
Add annotations to existing views, either by
Annotations Creation
generating these annotations from the 3D or by
creating these annotations.
Geometry Creation
Add geometry onto existing views
Sheet
Manage the sheet(s)

Views and Dimensions Generation

See Creating a Front View

See Creating a Quick Detail

View/Quick Detail View Profile

See Creating an Unfolded View

See Creating a Quick Detail

View/Quick Detail View Profile

See Creating Projection Views

See Creating a Detail

View/Detail View Profile

See Creating an Auxiliary View

See Creating a Detail

View/Detail View Profile

See Creating an Offset

SectionView/Offset Section Cut

See Creating a Clipping View

See Creating an Offset

SectionView/Offset Section Cut

See Creating a Clipping View

See Creating an Aligned Section

View/Aligned Section Cut

See Creating an Isometric

View

See Creating an Aligned Section

View/Aligned Section Cut

See Creating Views via the

Wizard
See Creating Views via the
Wizard
See Creating Views via the
Wizard

Annotations Creation

See Creating Text

See Creating an Arrow
See Creating Geometrical Tolerances
See Creating a Datum Feature
See Creating a Datum Target
See Creating a Balloon
See Dimensions Generation in One Shot
See Semi-automatic Dimension Generation

Geometry Creation

See Points
See Lines
See Circles
See Three Point Circles
See Arcs
See Three Point Arcs
See Ellipses
See Profiles
See Curves

Sheet

See Manipulating the Drafting Sheet

Customizing
You can perform different types of setting customization.

Tasks
General Settings
Drawing Background Color
Default Parameters
Setting the Grid
View Creation
Geometry Creation
Autodetection
Constraints
Dimension Generation
DXF Import/Export Format

Glossary
.

A
absolute position
active view
aligned section view
anchor point
associative detail
view
associativity
attribute
auxiliary view

A sheet coordinates
A view from which you create any element: another view, 2D
dressup.
A section view created from a cutting profile defined from non
parallel planes.
The dimension or annotation connection with the associated
element.
A detail view associated with a 3D element.
In the Drafting workbench, the ability of child view(s) to follow
the behavior of the parent view: moving, scaling.
In the Drafting workbench, the graphical and/or geometrical
properties inherited from 3D element.
A view in a direction not necessarily vertical or horizontal.

B
background view
back-clipping

breakout

The background plane of the front view.

A back-clipping removes all the elements behind a
pre-defined plane. It can only be applied on an extracted
view. Aback-clipping plane is a plane used for generating a
back-clipping.
A breakout is a partially removed section which allows
visualizing a particular element in the view.

C
callout
child view
clipped view
clipping profile
cross hatching
cut area
cutting profile

A graphical representation of a cutting profile.

A view generated from a parent view.
A view modified via a clipping profile.
A zone to be kept and visualized in a view.
A symbolic representation in the form of a pattern used to
display a cut area.
The cut surfaces on a section view or section cut.
A set of planes used to define a section view or section cut.

D
datum feature
datum target
design tree

detail view

dress-up

An element defining a contacting surface on a part.

An element defining a contacting surface on a part and
represented by spherical or pointed locating pins.
Area of the document window reserved for viewing the
design specifications of a part, presented in the form of a tree
structure.
A view corresponding to a particular area to be visualized.
This area to be visualized is defined by a circle or a given
polygon.
A graphical attribute of a 2D element.

F
filter
front view

A restriction on elements to be cut in a section view or

section cut, or elements to be seen in a projection view.
A view created from a projection plane. This view is generally
used as reference to create a projection view.

I
isometric view

A 3D view that represents a part according to a given

projection plane. This view allows a perspective visualization.

L
lock

A locked view is a view in which any graphical modification of

the generated 2D elements is forbidden.

M
main view

The view from which section views, section cuts and detail
views will be created. This view generally corresponds to
either the front view or the isometric view.

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.
offset section view /cut A section view created from a cutting profile defined with
several parallel planes.
overlay
In a multi-model context, all passive elements are called
overlayed elements.

P
parent view

part
projection view

A reference view from which another view is generated. The

view frame of the parent view is displayed in red. Typically
the front view is a parent view. See also child view.
A 3D entity obtained by combining different features in the
Part Design workbench.
A view created from an other view.

S
section cut
section profile
section view

simple breakout

sheet
standard

A view representing the intersection between the 3D

geometry and the cutting profile.
See cutting profile.
In the Drafting workbench, a view representing the
intersection between the 3D geometry and the cutting profile,
and all the 3D geometry located behind the cutting profile.
A simple breakout removes locally a sectioned part
perpendicularly to the current view plane. You will then be
able to visualize the remaining visible inside part.
A set of views. Several sheets may be created in the Drafting
workbench.
The international conventions that are supported in the
Drafting workbench: ANSI, ISO and JIS.

T
template
title block

In the Drafting workbench, an object that is included in the

document (for example, the title block).
A frame which contains the title block.

U
unspec breakout

An unspec breakout operation removes locally a 3D part. It

allows visualizing the inside of a 3D part. It can only be
applied to an extracted view.

V
view frame

A square or rectangular frame that contains the geometry

and dimensions of the view.

Index
A
aligned section cut
creating
aligned section view
creating
arc of circle through three points
creating
arcs ,
arrow
creating
autodetection
auxiliary view
creating

B
background
creating
balloon
creating

C
circle from the center
creating
creating
coincidence
commands
circle
concentricity

creating
aligned section cut
aligned section view
arc of circle through three points
arrow
auxiliary view
background
balloon
circle from the center
circle through three points
contours from poly lines
datum target
detail view
dimension
front view
geometrical tolerance
isometric view
line
offset section cut
offset section view
point
profiles containing arcs
section cut ,
section view ,
sheet
simple text
wizard

D
datum feature
creating
datum target
creating
defining
sheet

creating
dimension
creating
generating

F
feature
front view
creating

G
generating
dimension ,
geometrical tolerance
creating
grid

H
horizontality

I
interoperability
isometric view
creating

L
line
creating
moving
view

N
not aligning

O
offset section cut
creating
offset section view
creating

P
parallelism
perpendicularity
point
creating

R
renaming
view

S
scaling factor
section cut
creating
section view
creating
sheet
creating
defining

,
,

modifying
simple text
creating
deleting
modifying

T
Tree View

V
view
not aligning
creating
moving
renaming
scaling
view name

W
wizard
creating views via