Tự học NX 1 - Sketching

2011
NX8 DOCUMENTATION
SKETCHING
drive24ward
MESLAB
11/5/2011
[NX8 HELP] - SKETCHING 1
Sketching
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Sketch tutorials Creating and editing geometry
Sketch basics Creating dimensions
Creating and managing sketches Creating constraints
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What are you looking for in Sketching?
Sketch menus quick reference
Sketch overview
Sketch video examples
Customizing the Sketch task environment
1. What are you looking for in Sketching?

How do I?
 > **Unsatisfied xref title**
 > Quickly create a model with Direct Sketch
 > Sketch on a plane
 > Sketch on a path
 > Reattach a sketch
 > Fully constrain an ellipse
 > Exit a sketch without saving changes
Learn more about

 > Direct sketching
 > Direct Sketch and the Sketch task environment
 > Continuous Auto Dimensioning
 > Sketching in an assembly context
 > Constraint tips
2. Sketch overview
A Sketch is a named set of 2D curves and points located on a specified plane or path. You can apply rules,
in the form of geometric and dimensional constraints, to establish the criteria your design needs. Features
created from a sketch are associated with it; if the sketch changes so do the features.
You can use sketches to create:
 The profile or typical sections of your design.

 Detailed part features by sweeping, extruding, or revolving a sketch into a solid or a sheet body.
 Large-scale 2D concept layouts with hundreds, or even thousands, of sketch curves.
drive24ward NX-PLM 2011 年 11 月 5 日

 Construction geometry, such as a path of motion, or a clearance arc, that is not meant to define a
part feature.
Sketch Constraints
In a sketch you can fully capture your design intent through geometric and dimensional relationships as
constraints. Use constraints to create parameter-driven designs that you can update easily and predictably.
NX evaluates constraints as you work to ensure that they are complete and do not conflict. While it is not
required, Siemens PLM Software recommends that you fully constrain sketches that define feature
profiles.
A sketch also offers you the flexibility to create as many, or as few, constraints as your design requires.
That means you can use a sketch to create wireframe drawings that can serve a wide variety of up-front
design purposes, and are not meant for down-stream processing. For example you might create 2D layout
sketches for products such as digital cameras, printers, or other devices in which you focus on:
 Product structure
 Component layout
 Basic component shape
Or you might create construction geometry including:
 Area/volume restrictions in a part

 Range/arc of free motion
 Part labels or logos
 Layout of grille holes
Sketches like these typically require few, if any, constraints.
Sketch in Place/Sketch on Path
When you create a sketch, you can define its plane and orientation using one of two methods:
Sketch in Place
Sketch on an existing planar face, or on a new or existing sketch plane. Key considerations that will guide
your selection are:
 Does the sketch define the base feature for the part? If so, create the sketch on an appropriate
datum plane or datum coordinate system.
 Is the sketch adding to an existing base feature? If so, select an existing datum plane or part face,
or create a new datum plane with an appropriate relationship to existing datum planes or part
geometry.
Sketch on Path
This is a specialized type of constrained sketch that you use to create a profile for a Variational Sweep
feature. You can also use Sketch on Path to position a sketch for features like Extrude and Revolve. For
all commands, you select the target path and define a sketch plane location on that path.
Note that you can use the Reattach command to easily switch a sketch from the Sketch in Place method
to Sketch on Path.

3. Sketch tutorials
View a topic
Create a sketch and solid model
quickly
Create a dome-shaped part
Sketch on a planar face
Create a base support
Create tongue and groove type parts
a) Create a sketch and solid model quickly
This tutorial shows you how to:
 Create and extrude a sketch profile.

 Fully constrain the sketch.
 Edit the sketch directly.
1.
Click New
2. Create a new Millimeters part based on the

Model template. Enter profile as the part name.
When you click OK, NX automatically starts
the Modeling application.
3.
Click Profile .

4.
Select the Point of the Datum Coordinate

System.
5.
Move your mouse to the right.
When you see a dashed help line with an

arrow, click a screen position where the line is
approximately 40mm long.
A horizontal line is created.
6.
Move your mouse above the line.
When you see a dashed help line with an

arrow, click a screen position where the line is
A vertical line is created.
7.
Click a screen position where the line is


8.
Move your mouse to the left above the
coordinate system.
When you see a dotted help line, click a screen

position.
The line end point is normal to the dotted help

line.
9.
Select the Point of the Datum Coordinate

System.
10. While the Direct Sketch toolbar is still active,
click Extrude
The sketch is fully constrained with automatic

dimensions.
11. Choose another command or click the middle

mouse button to create the extrusion and finish
the sketch.

12.
Double–click the sketch to edit it.
13.
Click Inferred Dimensions .
14.
Select the vertical line.
15.
Click to place the dimension.
16.
Type 50 and press Enter.

Note:
 The 30mm automatic dimensional

constraint was replaced by the driving
dimensional constraint.
 The model updated as soon as you
changed the sketch because you are
editing the sketch directly.
 The sketch is still fully constrained.
17.
Click Finish Sketch .
b) Sketch on a planar face
This tutorial shows you how to create a sketch on a planar face and
how to dynamically:
 Select the Sketch:

o Plane
o Orientation
o Origin
 Switch between Profile line mode and arc mode.
1.
Click Profile .
2.
Click the face to define the sketch plane,

orientation, and origin.
As you move the cursor over the planar face, the

sketch origin point is previewed at the nearest
end point to which it will be constrained.
3.
Make sure Create Inferred Constraints is
selected.

4.
Move your mouse to the right. When you see a

dashed help line with an arrow, click a position
on the face to create a horizontal line.
5.
Drag to the right of the line to switch from line to

arc creation mode.
6.
Move your mouse above the line. When you see

a dotted help line to the center point of the arc,
click. This will create a 180 degree arc that is
tangent to the horizontal line.
7.
Move your mouse to the left parallel to the first

line. When you see a dotted help line, click to
create a horizontal line.

8.
Drag to the left of the line to switch from line to

arc creation mode.
9.
Select the end point of the first line to complete

the profile.
click Extrude .
11.
In the End on-screen input box, type 5.
You may need to click Reverse Direction to

extrude the sketch into the solid.
12. Choose another command or click the middle

mouse button to create the extrusion and finish
the sketch.

c) Create tongue and groove type parts
This tutorial shows you how to sketch on a

path and use the Variational Sweep
command to create a part with a tongue.
You could use the same principles to create
the mating part with a groove. The mold for
the tongue would be cut by a fixed-axis ball
nose end mill with 2 degree draft.
1. Click here to download the part.
Click Open .
Open on_path.prt.

2.
Choose Insert→Sketch in Task Environment
3.
From the Type list, select On Path .
4. From the Curve Rule list, select Tangent

Curves.
5.
Select one of the edges to define the path.
All the top edges highlight because you chose the

Tangent Curves Curve Rule. This allows the
sketch profile to follow the entire edge.
6.
Double-click the X axis to reverse its direction.

This orients the sketch plane to match the normal

front view of this part.
7. In the Plane Orientation group, from the

Orientation list, select Parallel to Vector .
In the Sketch Orientation group, from the

Method list, select Automatic.
The plane orientation vector matches the machine
tool axis that would mill the shape created by the
variational sweep at the end of this tutorial.
8.
Select the Datum Axis.
9. Click the middle mouse button to accept the path.

10. Make sure Continuous Auto Dimensioning
is turned off.
Click Inferred Constraints and Dimensions
.
11.
Clear all the constraint check boxes except
Coincident and Midpoint, and click OK.

12.
Use the Profile and the Line commands

to create the curves.
Make sure the centerline is created between the

midpoints of the two horizontal lines.
13.
Choose Insert→Curve from
Curves→Intersection Point .
14. On the Selection toolbar, from the Curve Rule

list, select Tangent Curves.
15.
Select one of the bottom edges.
All the bottom edges highlight because you chose

the Tangent Curves Curve Rule. This allows
the point to follow the entire edge.

16.
Click Line .
17.
Select the bottom Intersection Point.
18.
Select the Vertex of Datum On Path.
Press Esc to exit the Line command.
This line will always be parallel to the outside

face of the solid. It is also parallel to the tool axis.
All constraints will reference this line so that the
tongue is a machinable feature.
19.
Right-click the line and choose Convert to

Reference.
20.
Click Make Symmetric .

21.
Select the two lines shown.
One for the Primary Object and the other for the
Secondary Object.
22.
Make sure the Make Reference check box is
selected.
23.
Select the middle line for the Symmetry

Centerline.
24.
Make sure Show All Constraints is
selected.
25.
Click Constraints .
26.
Select the centerline.

27.
Select Datum Axis (5).
28.
Right-click the datum axis and choose Parallel
29.
Select the centerline and the base line.
Right-click one of the lines and choose
Perpendicular .
30.
Select the centerline and the top line.
Right-click one of the lines and choose
Perpendicular .

31.
Choose Insert→Datum/Point→Point .
32.
Click a screen position inside the profile to create

a point on the sketch plane.
This point is used to keep the sketch centerline

positioned at the desired vertical distance from
the top face of the part.
33.
Click Constraints .
34.
Select the point and the sketch datum axis.
Right-click the sketch datum axis and choose
Point On Curve .
35.
Select the point and the centerline.
Right-click the centerline and choose Point On
Curve .
36.

37.
Select the two lines.
38.
Type 2 in the on-screen input box.
Press Enter.
39.
From the Dimensions Drop-down list ,
select Perpendicular Dimension .

40.
Select the base line.
Hold the cursor over the point until it changes to
the QuickPick cursor, then click.
In the OuickPick dialog box, select Point.

41.
Press Enter.
42.
Select the top line.
Hold the cursor over the point until it changes to
the QuickPick 1 cursor, then click.
In the OuickPick dialog box, select Point.
43.
Type 1.5 in the on-screen input box.
Press Enter.
44.
Select the center line.
Select the reference line along the face of the

solid.

45.
Press Enter.
46.
From the Dimensions Drop-down list ,
select Parallel Dimension .

47.
48.
Press Enter.
The status line says: Sketch is fully constrained.
49. Click Inferred Constraints and Dimensions
.
50.
Select the Tangent check box, and click OK.

51.
Click Fillet. .
52.
Click Trim.
Make sure Delete Third Curve is not selected.
53.
Select the first curve to fillet.
54.
Select the second curve to fillet.
55.
This line defines the tangency as well as the fillet

radius.
Press Esc to exit the Fillet command.

56.
Right-click the top line and choose Convert to

Reference.
57. Right-click in the background of the graphics
window and choose Finish Sketch .

58.
Choose Insert→Sweep→Variational Sweep
59.
Select the sketch.

The sweep path was defined when you selected

the sketch path.
60.
From the Boolean list, select Unite .
61. Click the middle mouse button to create the

sweep.
d) Create a dome-shaped part
This tutorial shows you how to create a

dome-shaped part with a notch. You can use
a Sketch on Path and the Variational
Sweep command to construct the part.

Click Open .
Open dome.prt.
2.
Click Insert→Sweep→Variational Sweep.
3.
In the Section group, click Sketch Section .
4. Define the sketch plane:
 Click anywhere on the lower spline.

 In the Plane Orientation group, from the
Orientation list, choose Through Axis .

 In the Plane Orientation group, click
Specify Vector .
 Select the Z-axis of the Datum CSYS.
 In the Sketch Orientation group, from the
Method list, select Use Curve Parameters.
 To create the sketch, click the middle mouse
button.
5.
Make sure Continuous Auto Dimensioning is
disabled.
6.
Create an intersection point on the upper spline:
 From the Offset Curve drop-down list,
choose Intersection Point .

 Select the upper spline.
NX creates a point where the spline intersects the

sketch plane.

7.
Create the line:
 On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Line
.
 Select the upper Intersection Point.
 Select the Vertex of Datum On Path.
8.
Create the arc:
 Click Arc .
 Click the Arc by Center and Endpoints
method.
 Click as shown to create the arc center point
and end points.
9. Constrain the arc center to the Z-axis:
 Click Constraints .
 Select the arc center and the Z-axis of the
Datum CSYS.
 Right-click the datum axis and choose Point
on Curve .

10.
Constrain the right end of the arc to the Z-axis:
 Select the right end of the arc.

 Select the datum axis.
 Right-click the datum axis and choose Point
on Curve .
11.
Create the notch:
 On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Profile
 Select the Point on Curve Snap Point

option.
 Construct a vertical line and horizontal line
similar to the lines shown.
12.
Create the dimensions that will control the sweep:
 Click Inferred Dimensions .

 Select the two line ends as shown and place
the dimension.
 Type 4.1 in the on-screen input box and press
Enter.

13.
 Select the two line ends as shown and place

the dimension.
 Type 8.0 in the on-screen input box and press
Enter.
14.
 Select the Normal datum axis of the sketch

CSYS and the end of the arc and place the
dimension.
 Type 33.1 in the on-screen input box and
press Enter.
15. Right-click in the graphics window and choose

Finish Sketch.
16. From the Curve Rule list, choose Connected

Curves.
From the Selection bar, choose Stop at Intersection

17.
Select the sketch geometry that you want to sweep,

being sure to define the notch correctly.
e) Create a base support
This tutorial shows you how to create a base

support using fully-constrained loops.
1.
Click New
2. Create a new Millimeters part based on the

Model template.
Enter base support as the part name.
When you click OK, NX starts the Modeling

application.
3.
Click Profile .
4.
Click a screen position to the left and below the

CSYS to define the first point of the profile and
the sketch:
 Plane
 Orientation
 Origin
5.
Click Show All Constraints and ensure that
Create Inferred Constraints.
Click Show All Constraints
Ensure that Create Inferred Constraints is

active.
Click Inferred Constraints and Dimensions
, select all the Constraints to Infer and

Apply check boxes, and click OK.
6.
Draw a 100 mm horizontal line from left to right

below the XC axis.

7.
Drag to the right of the line to switch from line to

arc creation mode.
8.
Move your mouse above the line.
When you see a dotted help line to the center

point of the arc, click.
This will create a 180 degree arc that is tangent to

the horizontal line.
9.
Continue drawing the sketch until it looks like a

closed loop with two arcs at either end.
10.
Click Constraints .

11.
Select the two arcs.
12.
Right-click on an arc and choose Equal Radius
13.
Select the two lines.

14.
Right-click on a line and choose Equal Length
15.
If the lines are not horizontal select them, right-
click on a line and choose Horizontal .
16.
Select the bottom line near its middle, and then

select the Point of the Datum Coordinate
System.

17.
Right-click on the point and choose Midpoint
18.
Select either arc near its center, and then select

the Datum Axis.
19.
Right-click in the datum axis and choose Point
On Curve .
20.

21.
Select the top and bottom lines.
Place the dimension to the left of the part.
In the on-screen input box, type 125 and press

Enter.
22.
Select both arcs.
Place the dimension below the part.
In the on-screen input box, type, type 225 and

press Enter.
The status line says: Sketch is fully constrained.
23.
Click Offset Curve .
24.
From the Curve Rule list, select Connected
Curves.
25.
In the Offset group, select Create Dimension
check box, and clear the Symmetric Offset
check box.
26.
Select any curve in the profile.
In the Distance on-screen input box, type 14 and

press Enter.
If necessary, double–click the direction vector to

reverse the offset direction toward the inside of
the original profile.

27.
Click Apply to create the loop.
28.
Use the same steps to create two additional inner

loops at offsets 30 mm and 40 mm.
29.
The first offset loop provides reference geometry

to position counterbored holes.
Select all the curves in the loop.
Right–click the loop, and choose Convert To

Reference.
30. To position counterbored holes, add points at

each end of the reference arcs .
Choose Insert→Sketch Curve→Point .

31.
Select the ends of each reference arc to create 4

Points.
32.
You need to create two more points to position

two more counterbored holes.
Place a point on the midpoint of each arc.
33.
Right-click in the background of the graphics
window and choose Finish Sketch .
34.
Click Extrude
From the Curve Rule list, select Connected

Curves.

35.
Select the outermost loop.
In the End on-screen input box, type 20 and

press Enter.

reverse the extrude direction downward.
Click Apply.
36.
Select the first loop inside of the reference loop.
In the End on-screen input box, type 60 and

press Enter.

reverse the extrude direction upward.
37. In the Boolean group, from the Boolean list,

Inferred should be the default selection.
The status line says: Boolean will be Unite,

because you are extruding away from the existing
solid.
Click Apply.
38.
If necessary, switch to wireframe display.
Select inner most loop.
Click the sphere that represent the Start Distance
In the Start on-screen input box, type 36 and

press Enter.
39.
In the Boolean group, from the Boolean list,
select Subtract.

40.
Click Hole
41. In the Form and Dimensions group, from the

Form list, choose Counterbored.
In the Dimensions sub-group type:
 C-Bore Diameter = 15
 C-Bore Depth = 3
 Diameter = 10
 Depth Limit list→Through Body
42.
Select one of sketch reference curves.
NX places a counterbored hole at each sketch

point.
43.
Click the middle mouse button to create the

holes.

4. Sketch basics
View a topic
Direct Sketch and the Sketch task environment
Sketch on-screen input boxes
The sketch process
Copy, move, and edit sketch objects
Sketch On Plane and Sketch On Path
Types of constraints
Sketching in an assembly context
Controlling the display of constraints
Internal and External sketches
Lock inferred constraints
Open a sketch for edit
Constraint tips
Make a sketch internal or external
Degree-of-freedom arrows
Sketches and Layers
Short List
Sketch curve dynamic preview
Viewing and editing multiple sketch expressions
Sketch help lines
a) Direct Sketch and the Sketch task environment
The Direct Sketch toolbar and the Sketch task environment offer two modes you can use to create and
edit sketches. Siemens PLM Software recommends that you:
Use the Direct Sketch toolbar when you want to:
 Create or edit a sketch in the Modeling, Shape Studio, or Sheet Metal applications.
 See the effect of sketch changes on the model in real-time.
Use the Sketch task environment when you want to:

 Edit an internal sketch.

 Experiment with sketch changes, but retain the option to discard all the changes.
 Create a sketch in other applications.
b) The sketch process
Typical steps involved in creating sketches:
1. Select a sketch plane or path.

2. Choose your constraint recognition and creation options.
3. Create the sketch geometry. Depending on your settings, the sketch creates many constraints
automatically.
4. Add, modify, or delete constraints.
5. Modify dimension parameters to meet your design intent.
6. Finish the sketch.
c) Sketch On Plane and Sketch On Path
 Sketch On Plane
Create a Sketch On Plane when you want to associate the sketch feature to a planar object such as a
datum plane or a face.
1. Sketch on the plane of a Datum CSYS

2. Sketch on a face of the extruded sketch.
 Sketch On Path
Create a Sketch On Path when you are building an input profile for features like Variational Sweep.
This example shows a fully constrained Sketch On Path and the resulting variational sweep.

1. Path
2. Sketch
3. Variational Sweep
d) Sketching in an assembly context
You can create and edit sketches while working in the context of an assembly.
The Selection Scope (1) and Create Interpart Link (2) options on the Selection bar help you work with
sketches in the context of an assembly.

Use the Selection Scope option to indicate the selection range you want. You can select objects from the
Entire Assembly, from Within Work Part Only, or from Within Work Part and Components if it is a
subassembly.
When you want to create a permanent associative link for the selection, turn on the Create Interpart
Link option before you make a selection.
These options are only available for commands that support these functions.
 Selecting the sketch placement face
You can select the placement face for the sketch from any part in the assembly using the Selection Scope
option Entire Assembly. You can also optionally create an associative interpart link to the selected
sketch face using the Create Interpart Link option.
When selecting the horizontal or vertical reference for the sketch orientation, the Entire Assembly option
is not available. You can select this reference only from within the work part. You can however, select
this reference from any edge of the placement face even if it is from another part in the assembly, because
a copy of this face is created in the work part.
 Using geometry from other parts
Some sketch commands allow you to select geometry from any component in the assembly, and some
allow you to create associative interpart links.
For example, when using the Profile, Line, Arc, Circle, or Derived Lines sketch commands, use the
Selection Scope option Entire Assembly when you want the sketch to snap to existing geometry on other
parts in the assembly. With these commands, the Create Interpart Link option is not available and
permanent constraints are not created.
 Constraining sketches to other parts
If you want to create permanent associative constraints between sketch curves and other geometry in the
assembly, first project the desired edges or points into the sketch using one of the commands Project
Curve, Intersection Point, or Intersection Curve. The Create Interpart Link option is available in
these commands to create associative links. You can create normal sketch constraints between the
projected objects and other sketch curves.
For example, to constrain a circle in your sketch to align with an edge from another part in the assembly,
first project the edge into the sketch using the Create Interpart Link option, then constrain the circle to
the projected curve.
 Editing sketches in an assembly context
Sketches are created as a feature in the work part of the assembly. This can be the top-level assembly or
any component (part or subassembly).
You can only edit existing sketches when the part that contains it is the work part. If you are in a sketch,
and want to edit a different sketch in your assembly, exit the sketch, and make the part that contains the
sketch you want to edit the work part. You cannot change the current work part in the sketch.
When you change work parts in the assembly, a sketch may be hidden. This depends on the reference set
for each component being displayed in the assembly. For a sketch to be displayed in the assembly context,
make sure that the desired sketch is included in the reference set used in the assembly and that it is on a
visible layer.
e) Internal and External sketches
Sketches that you create from within commands like Variational Sweep, Extrude, or Revolve are
internal sketches. Use an internal sketch when you want to associate the sketch with only one feature.
Sketches you create independently using the Sketch command are external sketches, and are visible and
accessible from anywhere within a part. Use an external sketch to keep the sketch visible and make it
available for use in more than one feature.
 Differences between Internal and External sketches
 Internal sketches are accessible only from the owning feature.

 External sketches are accessible from the Part Navigator and the graphics window.
 You cannot use an internal sketch with any feature other than its owner unless you externalize the
sketch. Once you make a sketch external, the former owner has no control over the sketch.
f) Open a sketch for edit
Only one sketch can be active at a time. While a sketch is active, NX adds any geometry you create to
that sketch. How you activate a sketch depends on whether the sketch is internal or external.
 Internal Sketches
 In the Part Navigator, right-click the owning feature and choose Edit Sketch.
 In the Part Navigator or the graphics window, double-click the owning feature. On the feature
dialog box, click the Sketch Section step to activate the Sketch task environment.
 External Sketches
From Modeling you can open external sketches in a number of ways, depending on your work preference:
 Double-click a sketch curve in the graphics window.

 From the Part Navigator:
o Double-click a sketch feature.
o Right-click a sketch and choose Edit.
 Choose Edit→Sketch.
 Edit Multiple Sketches
You can edit multiple sketches when you require just one model update. To edit multiple sketches you
must:
 Choose Insert →Sketch task environment .

 Select a sketch name from the Sketch toolbar.
To edit subsequent sketches, you can double-click a sketch in the Part Navigator or select another sketch
name from the Sketch toolbar.

g) Make a sketch internal or external
Consider this example of a Variational Sweep that is based on an internal sketch.
i) To externalize the internal sketch, right–click the Variational Sweep in the Part Navigator and
choose Make Sketch External.
NX places the sketch before its former owner in Timestamp order.
Datum Coordinate
System (0)
SKETCH_000 now appears before the Spline (1)
Variational Sweep. Spline (2)
Spline (3)
Sketch
(4) ‖SKETCH_000‖
Variational Sweep (5)
ii) To reverse this operation, right–click the former owner and choose Make Sketch Internal.
Datum
Coordinate System (0)
When you internalize SKETCH_000, it no longer appears
Spline (1)
in the Part Navigator.
Spline (2)
Spline (3)
Variational
Sweep (4)
iii) To edit the internal sketch, do one of the following:

o Right-click Variational Sweep in the Part Navigator and choose Edit Sketch.
o Double-click Variational Sweep and, in the Variational Sweep dialog box, click Sketch
Section.
h) Sketches and Layers
 You can Hide and Show sketches from the Part Navigator. You do not need to put each sketch
on a different layer to control its visibility.
 When you open a sketch, the layer that the sketch resides on becomes the work layer.
 When you exit a sketch, the layer settings depend on whether you selected the Maintain Layer
Status check box in the Preferences→Sketch→Session Settings dialog box.
o If you select the check box, the sketch layer and work layer are returned to the status they
had before you activated the sketch.
o If you clear the check box, the sketch layer continues to be the work layer.

i) Sketch curve dynamic preview
As you create curves, a dynamic preview of the curve displays with related possible constraints and
alignment indicators. This display shows what the object looks like if you click at the current cursor
position.
Preview of an Arc
Until you click the point that completely defines the curve, values in the on-screen input boxes update as
you move the cursor.
j) Sketch help lines
Help lines indicate alignment to control points of curves, including line endpoints and midpoints, arc
endpoints, and arc and circle centerpoints. Two types of help lines can display during curve creation:
 A dotted help line indicates alignment with other objects.

 A dashed help line indicates an inferred constraint with other objects, such as horizontal, vertical,
perpendicular and tangent.
1. Dotted help line aligned with midpoint.

2. Dashed help line with vertical constraint.
k) Sketch on-screen input boxes
On-screen input boxes accept XC/YC values or object parameter values. Depending on the type of curve
you create, one or more on-screen input boxes display in the graphics window and move with the cursor.
Two sets of boxes can display for the Profile, Line, Arc, and Circle commands:
 XC and YC coordinate values: This is the default for the first point.

XC 23.85
YC 48.65
 Object Parameter values that are specific to the type of curve. Here is an example of the Line input
parameters.
Length 0.05
Angle 12.09
The first column displays the name of a parameter and the second column contains parameter values. To
move between on-screen input boxes, press Tab or Enter. To specify a value, type it in the appropriate
box and press Enter.
Clearing Input Box Values
To clear a value, double-click the box and press Backspace.
Locking and Unlocking Values
You can lock the parameter value of an on-screen input box. For example, to lock the XC-coordinate
value, enter a value and press Tab. The XC value updates with the locked value. As you move the cursor,
the YC value continuously updates to reflect the cursor position.
To unlock a value, clear the on-screen input box.
Smart Rounding
For a description of smart rounding and its dependency on the view scale, click here.
l) Copy, move, and edit sketch objects
To Do This
Move curves, points, or dimensions Drag the curves, points, or dimensions
Move curves or points vertically or horizontally with

Hold Shift and drag the curves or points
snapping
Move curves or points vertically or horizontally without

Hold Shift+Alt and drag the curves or points
snapping
Copy curves or points Hold Ctrl and drag the curves or points
Copy curves or points vertically or horizontally with Hold Ctrl+Shift and drag the curves or
snapping points
Copy curves or points vertically or horizontally without Hold Ctrl+Shift+Alt and drag the curves or
snapping points

Edit objects Double–click the objects
Choose a command Right–click the objects

Note If you are in another command that requires a selection, you must exit the command before you
perform these actions. To exit a command, press Esc.
m) Types of constraints
Use constraints to precisely control the objects in a sketch and to express the design intent for a feature.
There are two types of constraints: geometric constraints and dimensional constraints.
Geometric Constraints
A geometric constraint establishes a relationship between two or more sketch objects, for example,
requiring that two lines be perpendicular or parallel, or that several arcs have the same radius.
1. Tangent
2. Vertical
3. Horizontal
4. Offset
5. Perpendicular
6. Coincident
Dimensional Constraints
Dimensional constraints, also called driving dimensions, establish
 The size of a sketch object such as the radius of an arc or length of a curve.
 A relationship between two objects, such as the distance between two points.

Dimensional constraints display like drafting dimensions in that they have dimension text, extension lines,
and arrows. However, dimensional constraints dictate the size of sketch objects.
n) Controlling the display of constraints
Unless Show No Constraints is enabled, the software always displays these constraints:
Coincident
Point on Curve
Midpoint
Tangent
Concentric
You can control the display of other constraints with the Show All Constraints and Show No
Constraints commands.
By default, constraints do not display if the associated geometry is very small. To see all constraints, clear
the Dynamic Constraint Display option under Preferences→Sketch→Session Settings.
o) Lock inferred constraints
You can lock inferred constraints when you see a preview of a curve direction. This option is particularly
useful when complex sketch geometry makes it difficult to pick the location you want AND retain the
desired constraints.

Constraint symbols display in the graphics window as you move the cursor. When you see an inferred
constraint, you can lock that constraint by clicking the middle mouse button. For example, if you lock in a
perpendicular constraint, the curve previews only in a perpendicular direction as you move the cursor.
To unlock the constraint, click the middle mouse button again.
Use the Inferred Constraints and Dimensions command to control the types of constraints that NX
infers.
p) Constraint tips
Although you do not need to fully constrain a sketch to use it for downstream feature creation, the best
practice is to fully constrain sketches. A fully constrained sketch ensures that a solution can be
consistently found during design change. Note the following tips on how to constrain a sketch and what to
do when a sketch is over constrained:
 You can use a combination of Automatic and Driving Dimensions, and Constraints to fully
constrain a sketch.
 Whenever you encounter an overconstrained or a conflicting constraint status, you should resolve
the situation immediately by deleting some dimensions or constraints.
 Perpendicular, Horizontal, and Vertical dimensions maintain their direction when the expression
value is set to zero. You can also enter negative values for these three dimension types to achieve
the same results as using the Alternate Solution command. Avoid zero dimensions for other
dimension types. Using zero dimensions leads to problems with ambiguous relative positioning to
other curves. This can cause unexpected results when changing the dimension back to a nonzero
value.
 Use lines rather than linear splines to model linear sketch segments. Although they appear to be
the same geometrically, lines and linear splines behave differently during sketch evaluation.
 You can also use reference curves to assist in constraining objects. You create reference curves
from sketch curves with the Convert To/From Reference command.
q) Degree-of-freedom arrows
Degree-of-freedom (DOF) arrows mark points on a sketch that are free to move. There are three types
of degree-of-freedom: positional, rotational, and radial. This example shows positional constraints:

1. This point is free to move in the X direction

only.
2. This point is free to move in the Y direction
only.
3. This point is free to move in both the X and Y
directions.
When you constrain a point from moving in a given direction, NX removes the DOF arrow. Applying one
constraint can remove several DOF arrows. When all the arrows are gone, the sketch is fully constrained.
Fully constrain a sketch when you need complete control of the design. Note that constraining a sketch is
optional. You can use an under-constrained sketch to define a feature.
r) Short List
NX maintains a memory of five objects called the short list to check for inferred constraints. NX uses the
short list to avoid testing against every curve in the current sketch when inferring constraints. Curves are
added to the list as you create them or when you pass your cursor over a curve.
When NX infers a constraint between an object on the short list and the curve being created, the short list
object highlights and you see a preview of the constraint.
Tip  The short list is structured from top to bottom. When curves are created or passed over with
the cursor, they are placed on top of the short list. When the list is full, the curve at the bottom
is removed before adding a new curve at the top.

 NX clears the short list when you leave a curve command.
s) Viewing and editing multiple sketch expressions
You can view and edit multiple sketch expressions in either of the following ways:
 Use the Sketch Parameters command to edit or delete expressions for driving dimensions in the
current sketch.
 Use the Expression tool to create and edit expressions anywhere in the current part. NX updates
the entire model whenever you change an expression. Expression changes you make while
Sketching will cause downstream features to update according to the current configuration of the
sketch.
Where do I find it?

Menu (Modeling, Drafting, and Sketch task environment) Edit→Sketch Parameters
(Modeling, Drafting, and Sketch task environment) Tools→Expression
5. Creating and managing sketches

View a topic
Direct sketching
Evaluate Sketch
Create and Reattach Sketch
Update Model
Sketch groups
Replace with Independent Sketch
Orient View to Sketch
Rename a sketch
Orient View to Model
Finish Sketch
Delaying Sketch updates
Exit Sketch
Delay Evaluation
a) Direct sketching
A Direct Sketch toolbar is available in Modeling. Use the commands on this toolbar to create a sketch on
a plane without entering the Sketch task environment.
When you create a point or curve using the commands on this toolbar, a sketch is created and is active.
The new sketch is listed in the model history in the Part Navigator. The first point you specify defines
the sketch plane, orientation, and origin.
You can define the first point on the following:
 Screen position
 Point
 Curve
 Face
 Plane
 Edge
 Specified Plane
 Specified Datum CSYS
Why should I use it?
Direct sketching requires fewer mouse clicks, which makes creating and editing sketches faster and easier.
Where do I find it?

Application Modeling, Shape Studio, Sheet Metal
Toolbar Direct Sketch
 Create a sketch directly in Modeling
This example shows how to create a sketch using the Direct Sketch toolbar with a part containing a
Datum CSYS. You create two rectangles, trim them to each other, and finally extrude the sketch.
1.
Click Rectangle .
2.
Click above the X-Axis and to the right of the Y-Axis.
3.
For the second rectangle point, select the Datum CSYS

point.

The sketch is dimensioned and fully constrained.
4. Optional step:
If the sketch was not automatically dimensioned,

Continuous Auto Dimensioning is turned off by the
customer default setting. Turn on Continuous Auto
Dimension .
5.
While Rectangle is still selected, click the first point

for the next rectangle inside the first rectangle.
6.
Click the second rectangle point.
The sketch is fully constrained with auto dimensions.

7.
Select Quick Trim.
8.
Drag your mouse over the curves to trim them.
The first curve is trimmed.
The second curve is trimmed.
The third curve is trimmed.

The fourth curve is deleted.
select Extrude.
Note
If Finish Sketch is available, the sketch is
active.
The active sketch is selected.
10.
Enter the limit values. For this example, 140 is entered for
the End Distance.
11. Click the middle mouse button to create the extrusion.
The sketch is not active.

 Direct sketch and feature edit preferences
Set the following in the Modeling Preferences dialog box for the actions available when you double-
click sketches and features.
Edit tab
Direct Edit
Lets you edit the sketch directly in Modeling.
Caution Direct Edit updates the model immediately. Select Task

Edit Sketch
Environment if you have sketches with many dependent
Action
features.
Task Environment
Enters the Sketch task environment.

Edit with Rollback
Makes the selected sketch the current feature and enters the
Double-click Sketch task environment.
Action (Sketches)
Edit
Enters the sketch without changing the current feature.

Edit with Rollback
Makes the selected feature the current feature and enters the edit
Double-click mode.
Action (Features)
Edit
Enters the feature edit mode without changing the current feature.
To edit sketches directly in Modeling, you should:
 Set Double-click Action (Sketches) to Edit with Rollback.

 Set Edit Sketch Action to Direct Edit.
 Right click the sketch and choose Edit.
Where do I find it?

Application Modeling
Menu Preferences→Modeling
Location in dialog box Edit tab

b) Create and Reattach Sketch
Use the Sketch command when you need to define the sketch plane, orientation, or origin, in a manner
not available using the inferred plane method.
The commands to create and reattach a sketch use the same dialog box and options. These Help topics
will discuss both commands.
Use the Sketch command to create sketches on the following:
 On Path
 On Plane using the following methods:
o Inferred Plane
o Existing Plane
o Create Plane
o Create Datum CSYS
Use the Reattach command to:
 Move a sketch to a different plane, face, or path.

 Switch a Sketch in Place to a Sketch on Path and vice versa.
 Change the location of a sketch on path along the path to which it is attached.
Where do I find it?
Create a sketch
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Sketch
(NX Sheet Metal and Shape Studio) Insert→Sketch in Task Environment
Menu Insert→Sketch
Reattach a sketch
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Reattach
(Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Reattach
Menu (Modeling and Sketch task environment) Tools→Reattach
 Reattach a Sketch in Place
This example shows you how to reattach the rib at the upper left to the interior face on the lower right.

1.
Double-click any curve in the sketch to open it for

edit.
2.
Click Reattach .
3.
Select the target face.

4.
In the Sketch Orientation group, click Select
Reference .
5.
Select the new reference object.
6.
In the Sketch Origin group, click Specify Point .
7.
Select the new origin.

8.
To reattach the sketch, click the middle mouse button.
 Reattach a Sketch on Path
1. If the target sketch is internal to a Variational Sweep, Extrude, or Revolve feature, you must
externalize the sketch before you can reattach it. Right–click the parent feature in the Part
Navigator and choose Make Sketch External.
2. Ensure that the target face, plane, or path appears before the sketch in Timestamp Order. If
necessary, right–click the target entity in the Part Navigator and use Reorder Before or Reorder
After to change the Timestamp sequence.
3. Open the sketch and, on the Sketch toolbar, choose Reattach .

4. Keep the On Path option if you are moving the sketch to another path, or choose On Plane if you
are moving the sketch to a planar face or a datum plane.
5. If you are moving the sketch to another path, shift–click the current sketch curve to deselect it.
6. Select the target path, face, or datum plane.
7. Redefine the sketch location as necessary for your part.
Note Use Reattach to change the location of a Sketch on Path along the path to which it is attached.
 Copy a sketch to a new location
This example shows you how to copy a sketch and all its dependent features to a new location.

Click Open .
Open copy_sketch.prt.
2. In the Part Navigator, select the features

to copy:
Select Sketch (11) “SKETCH_001”.
Hold the Shift key and select Edge Blend

(15).
Press Ctrl+C, to copy the highlighted

features.
Press Ctrl+V, to start the Paste Feature

command.
The Paste Feature dialog box displays a
List of the references required to complete
the Paste operation.
The two references in the List display (-)

to indicate that they have not been
satisfied. As you select new references, the
list will display (+).
The edge that the original sketch Datum

Coordinate System is attached to now
highlights.
3.
Select a new sketch reference:
Place your cursor over the edge so that the

preview arrow displays in the same
direction as shown.
Select the edge.

The next edge that the original Sketch

External Reference is attached to now
highlights.
The first reference in the List displays (+)

to indicate that it has been satisfied.
4.
Select a new sketch reference:
Place your cursor over the edge so that the

preview arrow displays in the same
direction as shown.
Select the edge.
The edge highlights and displays a

direction vector. If the direction is wrong,
double-click the direction vector to reverse
it.
Both references in the List display (+) to

indicate that they have been satisfied.
5. Associate the feature parameters of the

copy to the original feature parameters:
In the Settings group, from the

Expressions list, choose Link to
Original.
Click OK to copy the features.

6.
Double-click the sketch to edit the Sketch

Origin.
7.
Click Reattach Sketch .
8.
In the Sketch Origin group, click Specify
Point .
9.
Select the End Point of the edge as shown.
Right-click in the graphics window and
choose Finish Sketch .
 Create and Reattach sketch dialog box

Type

On Plane
Lets you sketch in place, either on an existing plane or face, or on a new plane or CSYS.
On Path
Lets you sketch on a path, constructing input for commands like Variational Sweep.
On Plane options
Sketch Plane
Plane Method Inferred
Lets you select a plane or planar face that appears before the sketch in
Timestamp order. This options infers the sketch orientation, and origin.
Existing Plane
Lets you select a plane or planar face that appears before the sketch in
Timestamp order. This options requires you to select the sketch orientation,
and origin.
Create Plane
Lets you specify a plane using either the Plane Dialog or the Inferred list.
Create Datum CSYS
Lets you create a new Datum CSYS.

Sketch Orientation
Reference Sets the reference direction for the sketch to either horizontal or vertical.
Select Reference Specifies the horizontal or vertical reference for the sketch. Any horizontal or
vertical constraints you add to the sketch are relative to this reference direction.
Whenever possible, NX infers a reference direction from your face or plane

selection. To change the inferred direction, select an appropriate edge, datum axis,
datum plane, or face.
Note A reference direction is required for a Sketch in Place. NX uses the reference
direction to orient a sketch when you copy or reattach it, or use it in a UDF.
Sketch Origin
Specify Point Specifies where to locate the origin of a new sketch.
If you do not specify a point, NX infers the sketch origin point from the nearest
control end point of the plane or planar face you select.
Settings
Create Automatically creates an intermediate Datum CSYS when you create or reattach a
Intermediate sketch. Select this option to associate the intermediate Datum CSYS to the base
Datum CSYS feature used to create the sketch. This option also gives the sketch independence so
that if you delete the base feature the sketch remains.
Associative Available only when Create Intermediate Datum CSYS is selected. Associates the
Origin sketch origin to the selected object.
Project Work Infers the sketch origin point from the origin point of the work part. Use this option
Part Origin to sketch in absolute world coordinates.
Note  The current sketch plane must be parallel to one of the three principle
planes.
 The Sketch Origin setting does not apply to a Sketch on Path.
On Path options
Path
Select Path Selects the target path. A path can contain multiple, tangent-continuous segments. Valid
input types are:
 Curves.
 Edges of sheets or solid bodies.
Plane Location
Location Specifies how you want to define the location of the sketch plane along the path.
% Arc Length
Lets you specify the plane location as a percentage from the path's start point.
Arc Length
Lets you specify the plane location as a number of units from the path's start
point.
Through Point
Lets you pick the plane location using the cursor (with or without snap point
options) or by specifying X and Y coordinates.
Alternate When you set the plane location to Through Point and select an external point, this
option lets you cycle through alternate solutions.
Solution
Plane Orientation
Orientation Specifies the direction of the sketch plane:
Normal to the Path
Sets the sketch plane normal to the path on which you are sketching.
Normal to Vector
Sets the sketch plane normal to a specified vector using the Vector dialog.
Parallel to Vector
Sets the sketch plane parallel to a specified vector using the Vector dialog.
Through Axis
Aligns the sketch plane to a specified axis using the Vector dialog.
Sketch Orientation
Method Relative to Face
Ensures that NX orients the sketch to a face, either inferred or explicitly selected.
The path location you select determines the direction of the sketch plane normal.
Use Curve Parameters
Ensures that NX orients the sketch using curve parameters, even if the path is an
edge, or is part of a feature that lies on a face.
Automatic
Preserves the default Sketch on Path orientation behavior from NX 5. If you

select a curve, NX orients sketch axes using curve parameters. If you select an
edge, NX orients the sketch axes relative to the face, or one of the faces, that
owns the edge.
Sketch Specifies the horizontal reference for the sketch. Select a face, edge, datum axis, or
Horizontal datum plane. When you select an edge, NX points the reference axis toward the closest
Reference end point. Any horizontal or vertical constraints you add to the sketch are relative to this
reference direction. Also note that NX uses the reference direction to orient a sketch
when you copy or reattach it.
 Intermediate Datum CSYS
NX can automatically create an Intermediate Datum CSYS when you create or reattach a sketch. By
default, the Intermediate Datum CSYS is internal to the sketch. It is not visible outside the sketch or in
the model history in the Part Navigator.
Select this option to associate theIntermediate Datum CSYS to the base feature used to create the sketch.
This option also gives the sketch independence so that if you delete the base feature the sketch remains.
You can make this Datum CSYS:
 External from the sketch when you right-click the sketch in the Part Navigator and choose Make
Datums External.
 Internal to the sketch when you right-click the sketch in the Part Navigator and choose Make
Datums Internal.
Where do I find it?
Direct Sketch→Sketch
Toolbar Feature→Sketch
Insert→Sketch
Menu Insert→Sketch task environment
Location in dialog box Settings group→Create Intermediate Datum CSYS
c) Sketch groups
You can create groups in a sketch to organize geometry and dimensions. Groups an be especially useful
in large or complex sketches. For example, you can:
 Set a group to actively collect new geometry and dimensions as you create them.
 Assign an Object Color to all the group members in one step.
 Turn the visibility of the group on/off.
Active and inactive groups
Create an Active group when you want to add new objects to a group. NX continues adding objects to
an active group until you turn its active status off. Create an inactive ( ) group when you want to add a
set of existing objects to a group and then stop collecting in that group.
Here is a view of one active group and one inactive group as they appear in the Part Navigator:
Groups
Group ‖OUTER_PROFILE‖
Arc ―Arc3‖
Line ―Line1‖
Line ―Line2‖
Group ―INNER_PROFILE‖
Arc ―Arc1‖
Arc ―Arc2‖

Model History
Datum Coordinate System (0)
Sketch (1) ―SKETCH_000‖
Group ―OUTER_PROFILE‖
Group ―INNER_PROFILE‖
Where do I find it?
Menu Format→Group→New Sketch Group (creates a sketch group)
Format→Group→New Active Sketch Group (creates a new empty active sketch group)
 Add sketch geometry and dimensions to a group
This example shows how to add geometry and dimensions from the following sketch to a sketch group.
1. Double-click a sketch curve.

2. Choose Format→Group→New Active Sketch Group.
3. Select the curves and dimensions you want to add.
4. (Optional) Enter a name for the new group that you want to create.
5. If you do not want to continue adding curves and dimensions to this group, clear the Active check
box.
6. Click OK.
In the Part Navigator, NX updates the Sketch and Groups nodes.
Groups
Group ‖OUTER_PROFILE‖
Automatic Parallel Dimension
Line ―Line1‖
Line ―Line2‖
Line ―Line3‖
Line ―Line4‖
Model History
Datum Coordinate System (0)
Sketch (1) ―SKETCH_000‖
Group ―OUTER_PROFILE‖
 Manage sketch groups with the Part Navigator
Part Navigator displays groups under the respective Sketch node and in the Groups node.
 Right–click on a group and select Active to make the group active. New geometry that you add to
the sketch will belong to the active group.
 Drag and drop objects to move them from one group to another group, or from a group to the
Curves and Dimensions node.
 Drag and drop a group icon to nest the group in another group.
 Select/clear the group box to turn the visibility of all curves/points in the group on or off.
 Add and manage sketch dimensions within Groups.
 Right–click on a group and select Edit Display to set the Object Color for all the group members.
 Right–click on a group and select Ungroup to delete the group. The sketch removes the group,
but not the group members.
 Right–click and choose Delete to remove both a group and all its members.
d) Orient View to Sketch
Use Orient View to Sketch to orient the view so that you are looking directly down the Z axis on the
sketch plane.
Where do I find it?
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Orient View to Sketch
Toolbar (Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Orient View to Sketch
Menu (Modeling and Sketch task environment) View→Orient View to Sketch
e) Orient View to Model
Use the Orient View to Model command to orient the sketch to the view of the part that applied when
you started Sketch task environment.
Where do I find it?

Task environment Sketch
Toolbar Sketch→Orient View to Model
Menu View→Orient View to Model
f) Delaying Sketch updates
Use the Delay Update During Edit of Sketch to delay updating the model from the sketch while
sketching directly in Modeling, Shape Studio, or Sheet Metal.
You can then use the Update Model from Sketch command to update the model to reflect all the
changes you made to the sketch.
Video
This video demonstrates how Delay Update During Edit of Sketch and Update Model
from Sketch work with each other.
When you edit a sketch directly in an application, the dependent features are updated for every sketch
modification you make. You can use these commands to streamline the editing of a sketch that has many
dependant features.
You can first implement a series of sketch edits and then see the results of the edits. This creates a
streamlined workflow because you update the model when you are ready.
Where do I find it?

Application Modeling, Shape Studio, Sheet Metal
Direct Sketch→Delay Update During Edit of Sketch
Toolbar Direct Sketch→Update Model from Sketch
Tools→Update→Delay Update During Edit of Sketch
Menu Tools→Update→Update Model from Sketch
g) Delay Evaluation
Use the Delay Evaluation option to delay the update of sketch constraints until the Evaluate Sketch
option is chosen.
 When you create curves, NX does not show constraints.

 When you assign constraints, NX does not update the geometry until you select the Evaluate
Sketch option.
Note This command does not delay evaluation when you drag curves, or when you use the Quick Trim
or Quick Extend commands.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Sketch→Delay Evaluation
Menu Tools→Update→Delay Sketch Evaluation
h) Evaluate Sketch
Use the Evaluate Sketch option to update the current sketch with the constraints applied, modified, or
deleted while the Delay Evaluation option was selected. This option is only active when Delay
Evaluation is selected.

Where do I find it?

Toolbar Sketch→Evaluate Sketch
Menu Tools→Update→Evaluate Sketch
i) Update Model
Use the Update Model command to update the model with changes you have made to your sketch. The
model updates automatically when you exit the Sketch task environment. When you edit a sketch with
Rollback, there are no later features to update so this command is not available.
Update Model is useful in the Sketch task environment because it lets you see the effect sketch changes
have on later features.
Prerequisites
Set the following in the Modeling Preferences dialog box to make the Update Model command
available.
Edit tab
Edit
Double-click Action
(Sketches) Enters the sketch without changing the current
feature.
Task Environment
Edit Sketch Action
Enters the Sketch task environment.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Sketch→Update Model
j) Replace with Independent Sketch
Use the Replace with Independent Sketch command to replace a linked curve feature with an
independent sketch.
This command will replace a WAVE linked sketch or a two-dimensional linked composite curve with an
identical sketch that is completely independent of the parent.
Use this command when you no longer want a design to be controlled by its master layout.
Example During the design and development of a product, you may have a master layout to control the
design of many component parts. When the designs are released for manufacturing, you do not
want the components to change if the master layout is changed. To do this, you can break the
link and replace the linked sketch with an independent sketch. An additional advantage is that
the replaced independent sketch has its own constraints that you can modify.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Edit Feature→Replace with Independent Sketch
Menu Edit→Feature→Replace with Independent Sketch
Part Navigator Right-click a Linked feature→Replace with Independent Sketch
k) Rename a sketch
From the Sketch task environment
1. On the Sketch toolbar, from the Sketch Name list, select the sketch.
2. Type a new name and press Enter.
From the Part Navigator
1. Right–click a sketch feature and choose Properties.

2. Click the General tab.
3. Type a new name in the Name box.
4. Click OK.
l) Finish Sketch
Use the Finish Sketch command to exit a sketch and return to the application or command you started
sketching from.
Where do I find it?
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Finish Sketch
Toolbar (Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Finish Sketch
Menu (Modeling) File→Finish Sketch
(Sketch task environment) Task→Finish Sketch
Keyboard Ctrl+Q
m) Exit Sketch
Use the Exit Sketch command to exit the Sketch task environment without doing the following:
 Saving the modified sketch.

 Updating the model.

The Exit Sketch command restores the part to the state it was prior to entering the Sketch task
environment while avoiding the unnecessary step of updating all features downstream of the sketch.
Use this command when you want to do the following:
 Explore and edit sketch curves and constraints without changing sketches and the model
permanently.
 Discard sketch edits made since you entered the Sketch task environment.
Where do I find it?

Menu Task→Exit Sketch
6. Creating and editing geometry

View a topic
Profile Sketch Point
Line Offset Curve
Derived Lines Pattern Curve
Arc Mirror Curve
Circle Intersection Point
Fillet Add Existing Curves
Chamfer Intersection Curve
Rectangle Project Curve
Polygon Quick Trim
Studio Spline Quick Extend
Fit Spline Make Corner
Ellipse Trim Recipe Curve
Conic Edit Defining Section
a) Profile
Use the Profile command to create a series of connected lines and/or arcs in string mode.
In string mode, the end of the last curve becomes the beginning of the next curve.
For example, you can create this pipe vise profile in one series of mouse clicks:
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Profile
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Profile
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Profile
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve→Profile
 Create a profile
This example shows you how to create a pipe vise profile like this.
1.
On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Profile .

2.
Move the cursor over the Datum CSYS origin and, when you
see the Snap to Point icon, click to start the first line.
3. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, turn off Continuous Auto
Dimensioning .
4.
Move the cursor up so that you see the vertical constraint

help line and click to complete the first line.
5.
Move the cursor to the right and click to complete the second
line.

6.
Click twice more to complete the angled and vertical lines.
7.
To switch to arc mode, press and hold the left mouse button,
and move the cursor in the direction of the arc.
8.
When you see the horizontal help line indicating that the arc
ends are collinear, click to complete the arc.
When the arc is complete, Profile switches back to line

mode.
9.
Click in three locations to create the following lines.

10.
Before completing the vertical line, move the cursor over the
first line in the profile.
NX adds that line to the Short List, making it available for

constraint inferencing.
11.
Move the cursor down until you see the horizontal help line,
and click to complete the line.
12.
Click the start of the first line to close the profile.
13. Esc
Press Esc to stop the Profile string mode.
 The arc quadrant with Profile
When you transition from a line to an arc or from one arc to another arc, the quadrant zone symbol
displays:
The quadrant that contains the curve and its opposite vertex are tangent quadrants (quadrants 1 and 2).
Quadrants 3 and 4 are perpendicular quadrants.
To control the direction of the arc, place the cursor inside of one of the quadrants and then move the
cursor out of the quadrant in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
Tangent Quadrant
Perpendicular Quadrant
 Profile dialog box
Object Type
Line Creates a line.
This is the default mode when you choose Profile.
Points selected off of the sketch plane are projected onto the sketch plane.
Arc Creates an arc.
While stringing from line to arc, you create a two point arc. You can create a three
point arc if the first object drawn in string mode is an arc.
By default, Profile switches to line mode after you create an arc. To create a series of
chained arcs, double-click the Arc option.
Input Mode
Coordinate Creates curve points using X and Y coordinate values.

Mode
Parameter Creates curve points using parameters that are appropriate to a line or arc curve type.
Mode
Lines Length and Angle parameters.
Arcs Radius and Sweep Angle parameters.
b) Line
Use the Line command to create lines with constraint inferencing. This example shows the first line point
at XC-YC 90 and 70 , and the second line point at length 45 and angle 300 degrees .
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Line
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Line
Sketch Tools→
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Line
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve→Line

 Create a line at a relative angle
You can create a line at a relative angle to another line by first locking a parallel, perpendicular, or
collinear constraint. This example shows how to create lines relative to the reference curve below in
clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.
1.
Click Line .
2.
Click the end of the upper curve.
3.
Move the mouse until you see the parallel constraint

indicator.

4.
Click the middle mouse button.
NX locks the parallel constraint and switches the

input box to Relative Angle.
5.
Create a line at an angle that is counter-clockwise
from parallel.
 Press Tab to move to the Relative Angle input

box.
 Type 2 and press Enter.
NX previews the relative line.
 To finish the line, click an end point.

6.
Create a line at an angle that is clockwise from

parallel.
 Click the lower end of the original curve.

 Move the mouse until you see the parallel
constraint indicator.
 Click the middle mouse button.
 In the Relative Angle input box, type –2 and
press Enter.
 To finish the line, click an end point.
 Line dialog box

Input Mode
Coordinate Mode Creates a line start or end point using XC and YC coordinates.
This is the default mode for a line's start point.
Parameter Mode Creates a line start or end point using Length and Angle parameters.
NX switches to this mode for the line's end point.
c) Derived Lines
Use the Derived Lines command to create new lines from existing lines. You can create any of the
following:
 Any number of offset lines from a base line.

 A line midway between parallel lines.
 A bisector line between non-parallel lines.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Derived Lines
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Derived Lines
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Derived Lines
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve→Derived Lines
 Create Derived Lines
To offset a line from a base line, click the base, and click again to place the new line.
To offset multiple lines from the same base line, hold Ctrl and click the base line. Then click again to
place each new line.
To create a line at the intervening midpoint, select two parallel lines. You can set the line length by
dragging the mouse or by entering a value in the Length input box.

To construct a bisector line, select two nonparallel lines. You can place the line end graphically or enter a
value in the Length input box. You can also place the bisector in any quadrant of the angled lines.
 Constraints with Derived Lines
The sketch automatically creates appropriate constraints and dimensions for derived lines if the Parallel,
Coincident, and Create Dimensions for Typed Values check boxes are selected in the Inferred
Constraints and Dimensions dialog box.
Derived Constraint Dimension

Line
Parallel at a Parallel Distance between parallel lines,
Distance if you type the Offset value and
press Enter.
Midway line Parallel Length of line created, if you
type the Length value and press
Enter.
Bisector Point on Curve constraint at the Length of line created, if you
intersection point of the lines and type the Length value and press
the bisector line Enter.
d) Arc
Use the Arc command to create an arc with either of two methods:
 Specify the arc start and end points, and the radius.
 Specify the arc center and the start and end points.
This example shows the arc start/end points and radius method.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Arc
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Arc
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Arc
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve→Arc
 Create sketch arcs
This example shows how to create arcs at the top and bottom of this profile using the Arc by 3 Points
method and the Arc by Center and Endpoints method.
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Arc .

2. Click the left end point of the top line.

3. Click the right end point of the top line.

4. Select a point on the arc.
You can optionally enter a Radius value in the on-screen input box.
When you select the third point, NX completes the arc.
5. Under Arc Method, click Arc by Center and Endpoints .

6. Select the center point of the circle.

7. Select a point on the line at the bottom of the profile.
8. Select a second point on the line at the bottom of the profile.

When you select the third point, NX completes the arc.
9. On the Feature toolbar, click Extrude .

10. Type a start and end Distance, and choose another command or click Apply.

 Arc dialog box

Arc Method
Arc by Three Lets you create an arc that passes through three points: the start point, the end point,
Points and a point on the arc. The third point can snap tangent to all types of curves.
You can change the third point to an endpoint instead of a point on the arc if you move
the cursor through one of the circular markers.
Arc by Center Lets you create an arc by defining the center, and then the start and end points.
and Endpoints
Input Mode

Coordinate Lets you use coordinate values to specify points for the arc.
Mode
Parameters Lets you specify the Radius parameter for an Arc by Three Points. For an Arc by
Center and Endpoints, you specify the Radius and Sweep Angle parameters.
e) Circle
Use the Circle command to create circles with one of two methods:
 A center point and a diameter

 Two points on the circle, and a diameter
This example shows the center point and diameter method.
You can use either coordinate values or parameters for both methods.
While you are rubberbanding a circle, you can snap tangent to all types of curves or edges, if the Tangent
constraint is on in Inferred Constraints and Dimensions.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Circle
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Circle
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Circle
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve→Circle
 Circle stamping
You can copy multiple circles with the same diameter. Making multiple copies of circles is also called
stamping. To make multiple circles:
1. Choose the Circle by Center and Diameter method.

2. Place the center of the circle by screen pick or enter coordinate values.
3. Enter a diameter value and press Tab or Enter. NX remembers the diameter.
4. Place as many copies as you need.
5. Click the middle mouse button to exit copy mode.
You can enter the diameter before you select the center point by selecting Parameter Mode .
 Constraints for multiple copies of circles
The Create Dimensions for Typed Values and Equal Radius check boxes on the Inferred Constraints
and Dimensions dialog box affect circle stamping as follows:
Equal Dimensional Description

Radius Constraints
On Off Creates an Equal Radius constraint for each circle.
Creates a Diameter constraint for the first circle and
On On
an Equal Radius constraint for each circle.
Off On Creates a diameter constraint for each circle.
Does not create Equal Radius or Dimension
Off Off
constraints.
 Circle dialog box

Circle Method
Circle by Center and Creates a circle by specifying its center and diameter.
Diameter
Circle by 3 Points Creates a circle by specifying three points.
Input Mode
Coordinate Mode Lets you use coordinate values to specify points for the circle.
Parameter Mode Lets you specify the circle's diameter.
When this option is selected, you can enter the diameter before you select
the circle center point.
f) Fillet
Use the Fillet command to create a fillet between two or three curves. You can:
 Trim all input curves or leave them untrimmed.

 Delete the third curve of a three-curve fillet.

 Specify a value for the fillet radius, or preview the fillet and determine its size and location by
moving the cursor.
 Hold the left mouse button and drag over curves to create a fillet.
Fillet preview and final output

Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Fillet
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Fillet
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Fillet
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve→Fillet
 Fillet two curves
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Fillet .

2. Select the Trim or Untrim method as appropriate for your part.
3. Select the curves to fillet.
NX previews the fillet when you select the second curve.
4. You can:
o Move the cursor to adjust the fillet size and location.
o Change the value in the Radius input box.
o Press Page Up or Page Down to preview the complementary fillet.
5. To complete the fillet, left-click.
Additional Notes
A complementary fillet solution also switches the trim direction.
If you enter a value in the Radius input box, NX creates a fillet after you select the second input curve.
Note If there is a possible complement to the fillet, NX previews the fillet. Use the Page Up key to cycle
the preview between the complementary fillets, and click the mouse to create the one you want.
You can fillet using the crayon tool by pressing the left mouse button and dragging the cursor over two
curves. NX fillets the curves when you release the mouse button. If you select more than two curves, only
the first two are inputs for the fillet option. If you enter a valid radius, the fillet is created with that radius.
If you leave the radius field blank, NX approximates the radius by using the points at which the crayon
passed over the first curve.
Filleting with the crayon tool

 Fillet three curves
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Fillet .

2. Select the Trim or Untrim method as appropriate for your part. This example trims the input
curves.

3. Select or clear Delete Third Curve as appropriate for your part.

4. Select curves one and two.
5. To preview the fillet, move the cursor over the third curve.
6. To create the fillet, left-click.

o If you delete the third curve, NX creates tangent constraints between the curves.
o If you do not delete the third curve, NX also constrains the curve to be tangent to the fillet.

 Constraints with Fillets
Note these constraint behaviors when you create a fillet:
 If you create a fillet that trims dimensioned input curves, NX automatically adds a vertex point
and uses that point to retain the curve dimensions (1).
 Filleting extracted curves with the trim option causes them to lose their associativity.
 Filleting Defining Points Splines with the trim option converts them into End Point Splines. That
is, the constraint to the internal defining points is lost.
 Fillet dialog box

Method
Trim Trims the input curves.
The sketch infers Coincident and Tangent constraints when these constraints are on in
Inferred Constraints and Dimensions. If Trim Inputs is off, the sketch creates a Point
on Curve constraint.
Untrim Leaves the input curves untrimmed.
Options
Delete Third Deletes the third curve you select.
Curve
For example, use this option to fillet the three curves on the left, and delete the red curve:

Create Previews the complementary fillet. You can also preview the complement by pressing the
Alternate Page Up or Page Down key.
Fillet
g) Chamfer
Use the Chamfer command to bevel a sharp corner between two sketch lines.
You can create the following chamfer types:
 Symmetric
 Asymmetric
 Offset and Angle
You can also hold the left mouse button and drag over curves to create a chamfer.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Chamfer
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Chamfer
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Chamfer
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve→Chamfer

 Create a chamfer in a sketch
This example shows how to create a chamfer in a sketch.
1.
Double-click a sketch to edit it.
2. Click Chamfer
3.
Select the intersection to create the chamfer.
4.
Specify the Chamfer Location.
 Chamfer dialog box

Curves to Chamfer
Select Lets you select lines by dragging the cursor over the intersecting lines or by selecting the
Lines lines one at a time.
Offsets
Symmetric Specifies a chamfer that is perpendicular to the bisector of the

Chamfer intersection at a distance from the intersection.
Asymmetric Specifies both distance values measured along the selected lines.

Offset and Specifies the angle and the distance values of the chamfer.
Angle
Available when Chamfer is set to Symmetric, and Offset and Angle.
Distance The distance from the intersection to the chamfer of the first line.
The check box locks this value.

Available when Chamfer is set to Asymmetric.
Distance 1 Sets the distance from the intersection to the chamfer of the first line.

Sets the distance from the intersection to the chamfer of the second line.
Distance 2
Available when Chamfer is set to Offset and Angle.
Angle The angle measured from the first line to the chamfer.

Chamfer Location
Specify
Lets you specify the location for the chamfer.
Point
h) Rectangle
Use the Rectangle command to create a rectangle using one of three methods:
By 2 Points
Creates a rectangle from 2 points in diagonal corners. The rectangle is parallel to the XC and YC
sketch axes.
By 3 Points
Creates a rectangle from a start point and two points that determine width, height, and angle. The
rectangle can be at any angle to the XC and YC axes.
From Center
Creates a rectangle from a center point, a second point that determines angle and width, and a
third point that determines height. The rectangle can be at any angle to the XC and YC axes.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Rectangle

(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Rectangle
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Rectangle
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve→Rectangle
 Create a Rectangle By 2 Points
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click .

2. Under Rectangle Method, click By 2 Points.
3. To define first point of the rectangle, either:
o Click in the graphics window.
o Enter XC and YC values in the on-screen input boxes.
This example begins with a picked point.
4. Move the cursor to define point 2 for the rectangle.
A preview of a rectangle displays and dynamically updates as you move the cursor towards point
2.
5. To complete the rectangle, left-click.

Note Note that you can toggle between the By 2 Points and By 3 Points methods by dragging the left
mouse button after you select the first point, and before you select a second point.
 Create a Rectangle By 3 Points

3. To define the first point of the rectangle, either:
4. To define the second point of the rectangle, move the cursor and click.
5. To define the third point of the rectangle, move the cursor and click.

Note You can still change the parameter values in the width, height, and angle on-screen input
boxes.
6. To create the rectangle, left-click.
Note You can toggle between the By 2 Points and By 3 Points methods by dragging the left mouse
button after you select the first point, and before you select a second point.
 Create a Rectangle From Center

3. To define the center point of the rectangle, either:

4. To specify point 2, move the cursor to size the length of the width line. You can also change its
angle by rotating it around point 1.
When the width line length and angle are as desired, left-click.
Note The width line defines the midpoint position of the rectangle height line.
5. To specify point 3, move the cursor. A preview rectangle displays and sizes along the height line
in opposite directions from the midpoint.
6. To complete the rectangle, left-click.

 Rectangle dialog box

Rectangle Method
By 2 Points Creates a rectangle from 2 points in diagonal corners. The rectangle is parallel to the XC
and YC sketch axes.
Lets you create a rectangle at an angle to the XC and YC axes. The first two points you
By 3 Points
select indicate the width and angle of the rectangle. The third point indicates the height.
Note You can toggle between the By 2 Points and By 3 Points methods by dragging the left mouse
button after you select the first point, and before you select a second point.
From Center Lets you create a rectangle by first specifying a center point, a second point to indicate
the angle and width, and a third point to indicate the height.
Input Mode
Coordinate Lets you specify points for the rectangle as XC and YC coordinates. You can specify
Mode coordinates using the on-screen input boxes or by clicking the left mouse button in the
graphics window.
Clearing this option selects Parameter Mode.

Parameter Lets you specify points for the rectangle as relative parameter values.
Mode
Clearing this option selects Coordinate Mode.
i) Polygon
Use the Polygon command to create polygons by specifying:
 Center point
 Number of sides
 Radius
 Rotation angle
Polygons can be created using the following methods:
 Inscribed Radius
 Circumscribed Radius
 Side of Polygon
For this example, the following values are used:

 Number of Sides = 8
 Size = Inscribed Radius
 Radius = 10.0
 Rotation = 0°
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Polygon
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Polygon
(Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Polygon
Menu (Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve→Polygon
 Polygon dialog box

Size
Specify
Lets you select a point to define the radius of a polygon.
Point
Inscribed Radius Specifies the distance from the center point to the middle of
the sides of the polygon.
Size Circumscribed Specifies the distance from the center point to the corners of
Radius the polygon.
Side Length Specifies the length of the sides of the polygon.
Available when Size is set to Inscribed Radius or Circumscribed Radius.
Radius Sets the size for inscribed and circumscribed radius polygons.

Available when Size is set to Side Length.
Length Sets the length for side length of polygons.

Controls the rotation angle measured from the horizontal axis of the sketch.
Rotation
j) Studio Spline
Use the Studio Spline command to dynamically create splines using either points or poles. The
functionality is the same as the Modeling Studio Spline, with the following exceptions:
 There is no Associative option.

 The default number of degrees is 3.
Studio Splines Using Through Points and By Poles

Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Studio Spline
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Studio Spline
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Studio Spline
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve→Studio Spline
k) Fit Spline
Use the Fit Spline command to create a spline by fitting it to specified data points.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Fit Spline
Menu (Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve→Fit Spline
(Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Fit Spline

l) Ellipse
Use the Ellipse command to create a curve that represents the intersection of a plane and a cone by
specifying:
1. Major Radius
2. Center point
3. Minor Radius
4. Rotation Angle
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Ellipse
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Ellipse
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Ellipse
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve→Ellipse
 Fully constrain an ellipse

An unconstrained ellipse has five degrees-
of-freedom:
 Center point is free to rotate.

 Center point is free to move in the X
direction.
 Center point is free to move in the Y
direction.
 Semimajor axis is free to move in
the X direction.
 Semiminor axis is free to move in
the Y direction.
You can fully constrain an ellipse in a variety of ways depending on the geometry in your part and your
design intent. The following example shows you how to constrain an ellipse using a datum CSYS and
reference lines along the semimajor and semiminor axes.
1.
Choose Insert→Sketch Curve→Ellipse .

2.
Select the plane for the sketch.
3.
Select the Point of Datum Coordinate System for

the ellipse center point.
4.
Make sure Continuous Auto Dimensioning is
turned off.
5.
Click OK.
6.
Specify initial values for the Major Radius and
Minor Radius.
7. Click OK to create the ellipse.

8.
Create a line from the center to the edge of the

ellipse. Be sure the end of the line is coincident with
the ellipse.
9.
Create a second line perpendicular to the first line.
10.
Trim the second line to the ellipse.

11.
Dimension the lines with two parallel and an angular

dimension.
12.
Create a Parallel constraint between ellipse and the

first line.
13.
Convert the two lines to reference curves.
14.
You can now edit the semi major and semi minor
dimension to edit the ellipse.

m) Conic
Use the Conic command to create a curve that represents the intersection of a plane and a cone by
specifying:
1. Start point
2. Rho value less than 1.0 and greater than 0.0,
which is the sharpness of the curve. You can edit
the Rho value of an existing conic from within
an active sketch by double-clicking the conic.
3. End point
4. Control point
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Conic
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Conic
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Conic
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve→Conic

 Constraints with Conic
You can constrain a conic by constraining its:
1. Start point
2. End point
3. Control point, which is the vertex for the conic
Note When applying constraints to a conic, do not apply a combination of geometric or dimensional
constraints that would cause the start point, end point, and anchor point to lie on a straight line.
n) Sketch Point
Use the Sketch Point command to create points in a sketch.
Note If you create a point off of the sketch plane, NX projects the point onto the sketch plane.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Point
(Drafting and Sketch task environment)
Sketch Tools→Point
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Point
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Datum/Point→Point
 Create a circular hole pattern
This example shows you how to create and edit a hole pattern on the following part.

1.
On the Feature toolbar, click Hole .
2.
In the Position group, click Sketch Section .
Click Reset .
3.
Select the target face and click the middle mouse

button.
4.
To create a point, click on the face.
NX creates the point and two Automatic dimensions.
5.
Click Constraints .

6.
Select the point and the X-axis of the datum CSYS,
and click Point on Curve .
NX constrains the point to the X-axis and deletes an

Automatic dimension.
To exit Constraints, press Esc.
7.
Double-click the second Automatic dimension, type a

value in the on-screen box, and press Enter. This
example uses 50mm.
NX converts the dimension to a Driving dimension.

8.
From the Offset Curve list, choose Pattern Curve
9. Select the point and click the middle mouse button to

advance.
10.
From the Layout list, choose Circular.

11.
Click the arc center of the Revolve feature.
12.
In the Angular Direction group:
 From the Spacing list, choose Pitch and

Span.
 In the Pitch Angle input box, type 40.
 Ensure that the Span Angle is 360.
 Ensure that the Create Pitch Expressions
check box is selected.
To complete the pattern, click the middle mouse

button.
13. Right-click in the graphics window and click Finish

Sketch.
14.
In the Dimensions group, set an appropriate value for

the hole diameter. This example uses 15mm.
To create the pattern of holes, click OK.

15.
To modify the pattern:
 From the Tools menu, choose Expression.

 Click Pattern_pxxx, change its Formula to
6, and press Enter.
 Click Pattern_pxxx, change its Formula to
40, and press Enter.
 Click OK.
o) Offset Curve
Use the Offset Curve command to offset a chain of curves, projected curves, or curves/edges in the
current assembly, and constrain the geometry using an Offset constraint. The sketch identifies the base
and offset chains with graphics window symbols, and optionally creates an offset dimension between the
base and chain. You can leave the chain ends free, or fix them to the inputs with an End Constraint. You
can also break and combine base chains.
1. Input curves
2. Offset preview
3. Base chain graphics symbol
4. End Constraint symbol
5. Offset chain graphics symbol
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Offset Curve
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Offset Curve

Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Offset Curve
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve from Curves→Offset Curve
 Create Offset Curves
This example shows how to create and edit the following basic offset:
1. Double-click any sketch curve.
2. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Create Inferred Constraints .
3. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Offset Curve .

4. From the Curve Rule list, choose Connected Curves.
5. Type an appropriate value in the Distance box.
6. Click any curve in the base chain. NX previews the offset.
1. Offset direction
2. End Constraint symbol
7. Click OK.

3. Thickness Dimension
4. Base chain symbol
5. Offset chain symbol
8. To edit the offset, double-click any curve in the offset chain.

9. To remove an End Constraint, double-click the handle . Removing an End Constraint does
not delete the offset constraint, but it does allow you to move the corresponding end of the offset
chain independent of the base chain.
10. To recreate the constraint, double-click the handle again.
11. Adding a fillet to the base chain automatically updates the offset chain. From the Direct Sketch
toolbar, choose Fillet and select the curves at the upper right corner of the sketch. NX
automatically fillets the offset chain (6).
Note NX updates the offset chain when you edit the base chain by filleting, trimming or extending
a base curve, or by deleting a base curve. NX does not update the base chain when you edit
the offset chain by filleting, trimming or extending an offset curve, or by deleting an offset
curve. Trim or extending the end of an offset chain deletes an End Constraint.
12. Next, suppose you want to delete the Offset constraint. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click
Show/Remove Constraints.
13. Click All in Active Sketch. NX displays explicit constraints for the current sketch.
Show Constraints
Line2 Horizontal
Line3 Vertical
Offset
14. Select Offset, click Remove Highlighted, and click OK.
7. Unconstrained curves after deleting Offset constraint
 Multiple Offset Curves: considerations
You can create multiple offsets of a base chain in three ways:
1. Offset the chain using the Number of Copies option.

2. Create independent offsets from the same chain using different Distance values.
3. Create an original offset from the chain, and then create independent offsets from each offset.
Siemens PLM Software encourages you to use options 1 or 2 as appropriate for a given part. However,
you should avoid option 3 because:
 If you fillet a corner of the base chain, NX cannot propagate the fillet beyond the first offset chain.
 Selection Intent does not recognize zero-length curves. If you offset a chain by a distance that
produces a zero-length curve, NX may produce unpredictable results for subsequent offsets of the
offset chain that contains the zero length curve.
 Offset sketch curves: special cases

Selection Intent at creation time only
In general, Selection Intent rules apply only when you create an offset. For example, if you offset three
connected curves using the Connected Curves Curve Rule, NX does not update the offset if you later
add a fourth line coincident to the start or the end of the base chain. Note these common scenarios in
which Offset Curve does preserve your design intent when you edit a base chain:
If you fillet a corner in the base chain, NX creates a corresponding fillet in the offset chain (1).

If you delete a curve in the base chain, NX deletes the corresponding curve in the offset chain (2).
If you extend or trim a curve a curve in the base chain, NX extends or trims the corresponding curve in
the offset chain (3).
Note For the three examples above, changes you make to the offset chain do not affect the base chain.
Therefore, trimming or extending an end of an offset chain removes the end constraint.
Middle portion of an offset chain
You cannot trim the middle portion of an offset chain. For example, you cannot trim the portion of the
offset chain between the vertical curves below (4). However, you can trim the base chain between the
vertical curves (5).
Base curves and zero length

NX will not reduce the base curve of an offset to a length of zero.
For example, this sketch includes a chain offset by 10 mm.
Next, use the Fully Fixed constraint to fix the position of the offset chain.
Edit the offset and reverse the direction so that the base chain is to the inside of
the offset chain.
If you edit the offset distance, NX can move only the base chain since the
position of the offset chain is fixed. If you increase the distance so that the
middle curve in the base chain would go to a zero length, NX returns a
conflicting constraint condition.
 Offset Curve dialog box

Curves to Offset
Select Curve Selects the curve or chain of curves you want to offset. The curve chain can be open,
closed, or mixed, and can contain these geometry types:
 Lines
 Arcs
 Circles
 Conics
 Offset chains
 Ellipses
 Splines – note that you cannot offset G1 discontinuous curves. For example, if
you project a face of a block onto the sketch plane as a single spline, you cannot
offset this curve because the input spline has sharp corners.
Note Selection Intent rules apply only when you create an offset. For example, if you

offset three connected curves using the Connected Curves option, NX does not
update the offset if you later add a fourth line coincident to the start or the end of
the base chain.
Caution You cannot select more than 200 curves to offset.
Add new set Creates a new sub-chain within the current offset chain. NX displays sub-chains in the
List window.
Offset
Distance Specifies the offset distance. Only positive values are valid.
Reverse Reverses the direction of offset chains. Note that the dialog box button and graphics
Direction window direction handles behave differently under certain circumstances.
Clicking reverses the direction of all chains associated with the current operation. For
example, if you offset two independent rectangles in one operation, and then click ,
NX reverses both offset chains.
To flip only one chain, click the corresponding direction handle.
Create Creates a Thickness Dimension between the base and offset curve chains.
Dimension
 Deleting this dimension does not delete the offset constraint. To recreate a
Thickness Dimension, edit the offset and select the Create Dimension option.
You cannot create a Thickness Dimension from the dimension dialog box.
 Note that creating an offset with Create Dimension turned off is not the same as

creating a non-associative offset. Clearing this option creates an associative, but

dimensionless, offset.
Symmetric Creates offset chains on both sides of the base chain. For closed and partially-closed
Offset profiles, NX creates an internal chain only if the Distance value is small enough for the
chain to fit.
Number of Specifies how many copies of the offset chain to make. NX offsets each copy from its
Copies predecessor by the Distance parameter.
Note The Symmetric Offset and Number of Copies options apply only when you
create an offset. NX creates independent offsets tied together only by the
dimension expression. For example, creating a symmetric offset is the same as
creating two independent offsets from the same base chain in different directions
and setting the second expression value equal to the first. If you modify the offset
value, note that NX does not update the second offset chain until you click OK.
To make the offsets truly independent, you can break the expression link.
Cap Options Extension Cap – Closes the offset chain by extending curves in their natural direction to
a physical intersection point.
Arc Cap – Closes the offset chain by filleting the offset chain curves. The fillet radius is
equal to the offset Distance.
Chain Continuity and End Constraints
Show Corners Displays Show Corners handles at each corner in the chain. To open a closed corner,
double-click the handle. NX previews the open corner and changes the handle to Close
Corner.
 1. Open corner handle

 2. Close corner handle
 3. Output open corner

Show Ends Displays End Constraint handles at each end of the chain. Double-click the handle to
add or remove an End constraint. Note that you can add or remove constraints
independently for each copy of an offset chain. To delete the end constraint of an
existing offset, right-click the end constraint symbol and choose Delete. Note that this
does not delete the offset constraint. It allows you to move the offset end independently
of the base.
If the end of an offset has constraints to other curves, NX displays a message. Click OK
to remove the existing constraint(s) and add the end constraint.
Settings
Convert Input Converts the input curves to reference curves. The input curves must reside in the active
Curves to sketch.
Reference
Degree Specifies the degree when you offset a Studio Spline. The default is 3.
Tolerance Specifies the tolerance when you offset a Studio Spline, a conic, or an ellipse. By
default, this value matches the Modeling Distance preference in Customer Defaults.
p) Pattern Curve
Use the Pattern Curve command to pattern edges, curves, and points that are parallel to the sketch plane.
The available types are:
 Linear Pattern
 Circular Pattern
 General Pattern
This command also creates a pattern constraint that can be modified when you double-click one of
the patterned curves.
Circular Pattern with 5 Instances

Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Pattern Curve

(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Pattern Curve
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Pattern Curve
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve from Curves→Pattern Curve
 Create an associative pattern of curves
This example shows how to create a pattern of curves in both the X and Y directions.
1.
Double–click a sketch to edit it.
2.
Click Pattern Curve .
3.
Select a curve.
4. Click the middle mouse button to advance.
5.
From the Layout list, select Linear.

6.
Select the X datum axis to define Direction 1.
7. From the Spacing list, select Count and Pitch.
In the Count box, type 3.
In the Pitch Distance box, type 25.
8.
In the Direction 2 group, select the Use Direction 2
check box.

9.
Select the Y datum axis to define Direction 2.
10. From the Spacing list, select Count and Pitch.
In the Count box, type 2.
In the Pitch Distance box, type 28.
11.
Choose another command or click Apply to create the
pattern.

 Create a circular pattern of curves within a boundary
This example shows how to:
 Pattern the circle below within the boundaries of the face.

 Stagger the pattern.
1.
2.
Make sure that Create Inferred Constraints is
disabled.
3.
Click Pattern Curve .

4.
Select the circle.
5. Click the middle mouse button to advance.
6. From the Layout list, select Circular.
In the Pattern Definition group, under Boundary

Definition, from the Boundary list, select Face.
In the Margin Distance box, type –10.
7.
In the graphics window, select the boundary face.
NX selects the face edges as the boundary.

8. Click the middle mouse button to advance to Specify
Center Point.

9.
Select the point at the center of the face.
10. In the Angular Direction group:
 From the Spacing list, choose Pitch and

Span.
 From the Define Pitch As list, choose Angle.
 In the Pitch Angle box, type 45.
 In the Span Angle box, type 360.
11. In the Radial Direction group:
 Select the Create Concentric Members

check box.
 Select the Include First Circle check box.
 From the Spacing list, select Count and
Pitch.
 In the Count box, type 5.
 In the Pitch Distance box, type 12.
12.
In the Pattern Settings group, from the Stagger list,
select Angle.

NX creates only those pattern instances whose

control points lie more than 10 mm from the edge of
the face.
13.
To create the pattern, click Apply or choose another

command.
 Pattern Curve Linear and Circular options
These Pattern Curve options can be associative and edited if you enable Create Inferred
Constraints.
Pattern Definition
Selected curve for pattern.
Direction 1, Count = 3.
Linear
Sets the number of objects in the pattern in direction
1.
Pitch Distance

Sets the distance between each copy of the selected

curves.
Span Distance
Sets the distance from the selected curve to the last

curve in the pattern.
Direction 2, Count = 2.
Sets the number of objects in the pattern in direction

2.
Selected curve for pattern

Circular
Sets the angle from the selected curve to the last
curve in the pattern.
Pitch Angle
Sets the angle between each copy of the selected

curves.
Span Angle
Count = 5.
Sets the number of objects in the pattern.

Creates expressions for the pattern count and pitch. The
Create Pitch Expressions
expressions are named Pattern_p#.
 Pattern Curve General options
These Pattern Curve options can be associative and edited if you enable Create Inferred
Constraints.
Pattern Definition
General Pattern
Selected curve for pattern.
Selected From Coordinate System
From a point or CSYS.
Selected To Coordinate Systems
To a point or coordinate system or many

points or coordinate systems.

Orientation = Follow Pattern

Locks the rotational angle constraint to follow the
Lock Orientation original curves. If you do not select the option, you
can change the rotation angle of the entire pattern.
 Pattern Curve non-associative options
These additional Pattern Curve options only available if you disable Create Inferred Constraints.
These options are useful when you add sketch curves to a drawing.
Pattern Definition
Layout list
Polygon — Creates an equilateral polygon, defined by an origin, and the number of sides, and a
radial component defined by the object to pattern on the corner.
 Number of Sides = 6
 Spacing = Count per Side
 Count = 4
 Span = 360
Spiral — Creates an Along pattern where simplified control of the spiral is provided. The object to
pattern will always be at the origin of the spiral. You can specify the distance between the coils, left
or right handedness, the total number of turns, and a rotation angle.
 Direction = Left Hand

 Spiral Size By = Number of Turns
 Turns = 2
 Radial Pitch = 30
 Span = 30
Along – A pattern whose direction is defined by a continuous chain of curves or edges, with
instances distributed along the chain according to the spacing parameters.

 Count = 6
 Location = % Arc Length
 % Pitch Distance = 20
 Orientation = Normal to Path
Reference – A pattern based on another pattern. The pattern referenced must be an associative
Linear, Circular, or General pattern from the current sketch or another sketch on the same plane.
You can also reference a patterned feature which is two-dimensional and is in a plane parallel to
current sketch plane.
Symmetric
Creates symmetric instances of the pattern using
the Linear pattern type. This example shows the
pattern, in Direction 1 with the Symmetric
check box selected.
This example shows the pattern, in Direction 1

and Direction 2 with the Symmetric check box
selected.
Boundary Definition
Available for Linear, Circular, Polygon, and Spiral layouts.
Lets you specify a curve or face as a Boundary that will clip pattern instances whose control points
reach the boundary, or if they are inside the boundary. You can also specify a Margin Distance that
determines how close instances can get to the boundary. A positive margin is to the inside of the
boundary, and a negative margin is to the outside of the boundary.
 Layout = Linear
 Count = 5 and Pitch = 12 in two
directions
 Boundary = None

 Boundary = Face
 Margin Distance = 4
 All four face edges selected.
 Boundary Curve = None
 Boundary Curve = Exclude

 Circle selected as the boundary. NX clips
pattern instances inside the boundary.
Radiate
Available for Circular, and Polygon layouts.
Lets you add concentric members to a pattern, and set the spacing.
 Pitch Angle = 45
 Span Angle = 360
 Create Concentric Members = off

 Create Concentric Members = on

 Include First Circle = on
 Count = 3
 Pitch = 3
 Include First Circle = off
Orientation
Available for Circular, Polygon, Spiral, Along, General, and Reference layouts.
Controls whether instances maintain a constant orientation, or follow an orientation based on either
the pattern definition or the path.
 Layout = Circular
 Orientation = Same As Input
 Layout = Circular
 Orientation = Follow Pattern
 Layout = Along
 Orientation = Normal to Path
Pattern Increment
Increases or decreases the distance between each
pattern instance by the value specified.

Pattern Settings
These options are only available with a linear pattern that has two directions.
Frame Only
Available for Linear layouts. When Frame

Only is enabled, NX creates only the outermost
instances of a pattern.
Stagger
Available for Linear and Circular layouts. Lets

you vary the locations of adjacent rows or
columns for a Linear layout, and an angle for a
Circular layout. The distance is a preset 1/2
pitch. This example shows a row stagger.
Suppress
Lets you remove any instance(s) in a pattern.

This example shows one instance, on the right
side of the pattern, removed with the Suppress
option.
Clocking
Lets you offset any instance(s) in a pattern. This

example shows one instance, on the right side of
the pattern, moved in the X-direction with the
Clocking option.
q) Mirror Curve
Use the Mirror Curve command to make a mirrored copy of sketch geometry through a specified sketch
line. NX applies mirror geometric constraints to all the geometry.

Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Mirror Curve
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Mirror Curve
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Mirror Curve
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve from Curves→Mirror Curve
 Mirror sketch geometry
This example shows how to mirror the top four curves around the bottom line.
1. Double-click any sketch curve to edit the sketch.
2. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Mirror Curve .

3. Select the curves to mirror and click the middle mouse button.
4. Select the line to mirror around.

5. Click Apply or select another command.
NX applies mirror geometric constraints to all the geometry and converts the centerline to a
reference curve.
 Mirror Curve dialog box

Select Object
Select Curve Specifies one or more sketch curves to mirror. NX creates a mirror constraint.
Centerline
Select Centerline Specifies the mirror centerline. You can select a line, edge, or datum axis within, or
outside of, the current sketch.
Settings
Convert Centerline Converts an active centerline to reference. If the centerline is a datum axis, NX
to Reference creates a reference line along the axis.
Show Ends Displays End Constraints so that you can remove or add them. If you remove end
constraints and then edit the original curves, the unconstrained mirrored curves will
not update.

r) Intersection Point
Use Intersection Point to create an associative point and datum axes at the location where specified
geometry crosses the sketch plane. The example below shows a Sketch on Path and intersection point
where the lower surface edge intersects the sketch plane.
 Sketch on Path
 Intersection point
Intersection Point captures coincident constraints from existing 3D curves/edges as well as tangent and
normal directions of adjoining faces.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Intersection Point
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Intersection Point
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Intersection Point
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve from Curves→Intersection Point

 Create Intersection Points for a Variational Sweep

This example shows how to create intersection points for a
Variational Sweep. The sweep runs along a sheet body edge
and two rails.
1.
Create a Sketch on Path on the edge of the

uppermost sheet body.
2.
Click Intersection Point .
3.
Choose Tangent Curves.

4.
Select the first rail and click Apply.
5.
Select the second rail and click OK.
6.
Ensure that Existing Point and End of Line
are enabled.
7.
Select the appropriate curve commands to create your

profile, and ensure that you fully constrain the sketch.
This example shows a simple profile, constrained with

two angular dimensions.

8. To exit the sketch, right-click in the graphics window

and choose Finish Sketch.
9.
Choose Insert→Sweep→Variational Sweep.
10.
Select the profile and click OK.
 Intersection Point dialog box

Curve to Intersect
Select Curve Selects the rail (or path) on which you want to create an intersection point.
Cycle Cycles through alternate solutions if:

Solutions
 A path intersects the sketch plane at more than one point.
 A path is open and does not intersect the sketch plane.
The sketch identifies possible solutions from the beginning of the path. If a path is open,
you can extend one or both ends to intersect the sketch plane.
s) Add Existing Curves
Use the Add Existing Curves command to add existing curves and points, as well as conic curves such
as ellipses, parabolas and hyperbolas, to your active sketch. Note the following considerations:
 The curves and points must be coplanar with the sketch.

 NX does not apply constraints to the added curves or close gaps between geometry. To apply
geometric constraints, use the Auto Constrain command.
 You cannot add "developed," or "associative," curves to a sketch with this option. These include
curves created using the Law Subfunction (splines and helixes) and those created using Project
Points/Curves. Use the Project Curve command instead.
 You cannot add extruded curves to a sketch that was created after the extrusion.
Adding Ellipses, Parabolas and Hyperbolas

Note the following considerations:
 If you choose a parabola or hyperbola to add to a sketch, NX adds it as a general conic curve.
 If you choose a full ellipse, or one that is equal to or greater than 180 degrees, NX adds it as an
ellipse.
 If you choose a partial ellipse of less than 180 degrees, you must specify whether you want the
curve to be an ellipse or a general conic curve.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Add Existing Curves
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Add Existing Curves
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Add Existing Curves
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Curve from Curves→Add Existing Curves
t) Intersection Curve
Use the Intersection Curve command to create a smooth chain of curves where a set of tangent
continuous faces intersects the sketch plane. You can:
 Cycle through multiple intersection solutions.

 Suppress interior trimming holes in the input faces.
 Join multiple output curves into a single curve.
 Refit the output curve.
 Specify maximum deviation between the input faces and the swept faces.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Intersection Curve
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Intersection Curve
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Intersection Curve
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Recipe Curve→Intersection Curve
 Create an Intersection Curve through multiple faces
1. On the Feature toolbar, click Sketch .

2. Select a sketch plane that intersects the target faces.
NX automatically selects a horizontal reference.
3. Click OK to create the new sketch.
4. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Intersection Curve , or choose Insert→Recipe

Curve→Intersection Curve.
5. Under Settings, select or clear the Ignore Holes and Join Curves options as appropriate for your
part.
6. From the Curve Fit list, choose Cubic, Quintic, or Advanced as appropriate.
7. Select any face in the set of tangent faces.

8. In the dialog box, clear the Ignore Hole option.
NX limits the curve to one side of the hole.
9. To display alternate curves in relation to any holes in your part, click Cycle Solution .
10. Click OK.

Final part with the Ignore Hole option cleared.
 Intersection Curve dialog box

Faces to Intersect
Select Face Selects the face(s) on which to create an intersection curve. If you select multiple faces,
they must be tangent-continuous.
Cycle Displays alternate solutions when you select the Ignore Holes option. In this example, NX
Solution can create an intersection curve on either side of the hole. Use Cycle Solution to view your
options and make a selection.
Settings
Ignore Creates the intersection curve through any trimming holes in the face. If you clear this
Holes check box, NX stops the intersection curve at the first hole the curve encounters.
Join Curves Merges curves on multiple faces into a single spline curve. If you clear this option, NX
creates individual sketch curves on each face.
Curve Fit Cubic – creates a degree-3 curve. If you need to transfer your data to another system that
Method supports only degree-3 curves, you must use this option.

Quintic – creates a degree-5 curve. Curves created with the Quintic fit method have a
smaller number of segments than those created with the Cubic fit method, and are therefore
easier to edit. The curvature distributions are smoother, and better replicate the curvature
properties of the true curve.
Advanced – enables the Maximum Degree and Maximum Segments options in the dialog
box. Specify a maximum number of degrees and a maximum number of segments. NX tries
to build the curve without adding segments, up to the maximum degrees. If the curve is out
of tolerance at the degrees maximum, NX adds segments up to the maximum number you
specify. If the curve is still out of tolerance at the segments maximum, NX creates the curve
and displays an error message.
Maximum For Advanced only – specifies the maximum number of degrees for the new curve(s).
Degrees
Maximum For Advanced only – specifies the maximum number of segments for the new curve(s).
Segments
Distance All techniques using approximation require a Distance Tolerance. The distance tolerance
Tolerance is the maximum allowable distance between the true theoretical sheet and the resulting
body that the system creates to approximate it.
Angle Some techniques that approximate curves also require an Angle Tolerance to define the
Tolerance maximum allowable angle between the body normals at corresponding points. Curve
approximation can be adversely affected by the angle tolerance. Even when the distance
tolerance has been met, it is possible that more segments would have to be added to meet
the angle tolerance. If you find that a body has an excessive amount of data, or that body
creation is taking too long, you may want to increase the angle tolerance, or possibly make
the angle tolerance very large to, in effect, remove that tolerance from consideration.
u) Project Curve
Use the Project Curve command to project curves, edges, or points that are external to the sketch, onto
the sketch along the normal of the sketch plane.
You can:
 Project a curve associatively or non-associatively onto a sketch.

 Project curves or edges non-associatively from a different part in your assembly.
 Create constraints between projected curves and non-projected curves. The non-projected curves
can move based on sketch constraints but the projected curves are always fixed.
 Edit, remove, or replace curves projected onto a sketch

Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Project Curve
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Project Curve
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Curve→Project Curve
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Recipe Curve→Project Curve
 Project curves to a sketch
This example shows how to project curves from a solid body into a sketch and create a feature from the
new curves.
1. Choose Insert→Sketch in Task Environment.

2. Select the datum plane on the left and click OK.

3. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Project Curve .

4. From the Curve Rule list, select Tangent Curves.
5. Select any edge on the inner slot and click OK.
NX projects the curves onto the sketch plane.
6. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Arc and create an arc that closes the profile.
7. Constrain the arc center to be coincident with the Y-axis of the sketch.
a. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Constraints .

b. Select the arc center.
c. Select the Y-axis.

d. Click Point on Curve .

8. To exit the Sketch task environment, press Ctrl-Q.
9. Create an extrude feature between the two datum planes on the solid body.
a. On the Feature toolbar. click Extrude .

b. Select any curve in the sketch.
c. In the Limits group, from the Start list, choose Until Selected.
d. Click the first datum plane.
e. Set the End limit to Until Selected and choose the second datum plane.
f. To complete the extruded feature, click OK.
 Project Curve dialog box

Settings
Associative Links projected curves to the original geometry. If the original geometry changes, NX
updates the projected curves in the sketch.
When the Associative check box is selected;
 Changes in the number of edges are reflected in the projected string. If the number
of projected curves decreases, NX displays a warning in the Edit During Update
dialog box. The projected strings remain visible in the sketch, even if you suppress
the original geometry.
 The projected curves have a different color from normal sketch curves. You can
customize this color be changing the Recipe Curves sketch preferences.
Tip To find the preferences, choose Preferences→Sketch, and click the Part
Settings tab.
When the Associative check box is not selected, you can:
 Select objects from a different part in your assembly.

 Project non-associative curves onto a sketch with Positioning Dimensions.
 Select objects with an earlier time stamp than the sketch.
You can remove the associativity of a projected curve. After the curve becomes non-
associative, it is treated like any other curve in the sketch. You cannot add associativity to
any non-associative projected curve in a sketch.
Note If the Associative option is unavailable, the sketch contains positioning dimensions.

You cannot project associative curves onto a sketch that has positioning dimensions.
Output The following options are available only when you project curves, not when you edit
Curve Type them.
Original Creates the extracted curves using their original geometry types.
Spline Segment Represents the extracted curves using individual splines.
Single Spline Connects and represents extracted curves using a single spline.
v) Quick Trim
Use the Quick Trim command to trim a curve to the closest physical or virtual intersection in either
direction. You can:
 Preview the trim by passing the cursor over the curve.

 Select individual curves to trim.
 Hold the left mouse button and drag across multiple curves to trim them all at the same time.
Note Trimming a curve that has no intersection deletes the curve.

Where do I find it?
Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Quick Trim
Sketch Tools→Quick Trim
Menu (Modeling and Drafting)

Edit→Sketch Curve→Quick Trim

(Sketch task environment) Edit→Curve→Quick Trim
 Trim single or multiple objects
1. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Quick Trim , or select Edit→Quick Trim.
2. To preview the trim, move the cursor over a curve.
3. To complete the trim, click the left mouse button.
4. To trim multiple curves, drag the cursor over the target curves. NX trims each curve as the cursor
passes over it.
Note that each trim is a separate operation. For this example, you would need to press Ctrl+Z
twice to undo both trims.
 Trim to a virtual intersection
1. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Quick Trim , or select Edit→Quick Trim.
2. In the Settings group, ensure that the Trim to Extension option is enabled.
3. Under Boundary Curve, click Select Curve.

4. Select a boundary curve in the graphics window and click the middle mouse button.
5. Move the cursor over the curve you want to trim. NX previews the trim.
6. To complete the trim, click the curve region you want to delete.
7. To trim multiple curves, drag the cursor over the target curves. NX trims each curve as the cursor
passes over it.

Note that each trim is a separate operation. For this example, you would need to press Ctrl+Z
twice to undo both trims.
 Constraints with Quick Trim
When the Create Inferred Constraints option is on, the sketch infers appropriate constraints after a trim
operation.
Trim operation Constraint Inferred

Trim an arc in the middle. Concentric and Equal Radius
Trim intersecting lines to an intersection point. Coincident
Trim a curve to a boundary curve. Point on Curve
When you trim a line in the middle. Collinear
When you trim a curve at the tangent point of a Tangent
boundary curve.
 Quick Trim dialog box

Boundary Curve
Select Selects the boundary curve for the trim.
Curve
You can select any curve, edge, point, datum plane, or axis that is in the current sketch or
appears before this sketch in timestamp order.
Curve to Trim
Select Selects the curve or curves you want to trim.
Curve
Settings
Trim to Specifies whether to trim to the virtual extension of one or more boundary curves.
Extension
If this option is enabled and the curve you are trimming intersects multiple virtual
boundaries, the sketch honors all boundaries. In the following example, all sides of the
rectangle are boundary curves. When you trim the leftmost curve, the sketch honors the
vertical and horizontal boundaries, and keeps a portion of the diagonal line (1).

To completely trim the diagonal line, either clear the Trim to Extension option before
trimming, or continue trimming the extra piece.
w) Quick Extend
Use the Quick Extend command to extend a curve to a physical or virtual intersection with another curve.
You can:
 Preview the extension by passing the cursor over the curve.

 Select individual curves to extend.
 Hold the left mouse button and drag across multiple curves to extend them all at the same time.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Quick Extend
Sketch Tools→Quick Extend

Menu (Modeling and Drafting)

Edit→Sketch Curve→Quick Extend
(Sketch task environment) Edit→Curve→Quick Extend
 Extend single or multiple curves
1. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Quick Extend , or select Edit→Quick Extend.
2. To preview the extension, move the cursor over the curve toward the end you want to extend.
3. To complete the extension, click the left mouse button.
4. To extend multiple objects, drag the cursor over the objects you want to extend. NX extends each
curve as the cursor passes over it.
Note that each extension is a separate operation. For this example, you would need to press Ctrl+Z
twice to undo both extensions.
 Extend to a virtual intersection
1. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Quick Extend , or select Edit→Quick Extend.
2. Under Boundary Curve, click Select Curve.
3. Select a boundary curve in the graphics window and click the middle mouse button.

4. Move the cursor over the curve you want to extend. NX previews the extension.
5. To complete the extension, click the left mouse button.
 Constraints with Quick Extend

Extend operation Constraint
When you extend a curve to the endpoint of Coincident
another curve.
When you extend a curve to a boundary curve. Point on Curve
When you extend a curve to a tangent point of a Tangent
boundary curve.
 Quick Extend dialog box

Boundary Curve
Select Curve Selects the boundary curve for the extension. Note that NX finds and previews virtual
intersections.
You can select any curve, edge, point, datum plane, or axis that is in the current sketch or
appears before this sketch in timestamp order. To extend to a virtual intersection, you must
select the boundary curve before the curve to extend.
Curve to Extend
Select Curve Selects the curve you want to extend. Note that NX finds and previews virtual
intersections.
Note You cannot use Quick Extend to extend splines.

Settings

Extend to Specifies whether to extend to the virtual extensions of boundary curves. Use this option
Extension to prevent the software from stopping at virtual extensions when you select multiple
boundary curves.
In the example below, both green curves are boundary objects and you want to extend the
blue curves.
With the Extend to Extension option checked, the target curve (1) stops at the virtual
extension of the first boundary curve (2).
With the Extend to Extension option cleared, the target curve bypasses the virtual
extension and stops at the second boundary curve (3).

x) Make Corner
Use the Make Corner command to create a corner by extending and/or trimming two input curves to a
common intersection. If the Create Inferred Constraints option is on, a coincident constraint is created
at the intersection.
Make Corner works with:
 Lines
 Arcs
 Open conics
 Open splines (trimming only)
You can also hold the left mouse button and drag over curves create a corner.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Make Corner
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Make Corner
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Edit→Sketch Curve→Make Corner
(Sketch task environment) Edit→Curve→Make Corner
 Make typical corners
1. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click , or choose Edit→Make Corner.

2. Select two target curves.
In some cases, where you click determines how NX extends or trims the input curves. The examples
below show typical combinations of curves.
NX extends non-overlapping curves to a common intersection.

Extending two curves
In this case, NX trims the second curve, retaining the curve segment you click.
Extending one curve and trimming the other
When curves intersect, NX trims both curves, retaining the segments you click.
Trimming two curves

 Make Corner dialog box
Curve
Select Selects the input curves for the new corner. Note the following considerations:
Object
 If NX must extend the first curve to form a corner, you can click the curve at any
location.
 If NX must trim the second curve to form a corner, click the portion of the curve that
you want to retain.
 If NX must trim both curves to form a corner, click the portion of both curves that you
want to retain.
When you extend arcs or conics that can produce multiple intersection points with other curves,
be sure to select the target geometry carefully. For example, consider the following Make
Corner options, given a vertical line and an arc as input geometry:

Select line at top end.
Select arc at top end.
Select line at bottom end.
Select line at bottom end.
Select arc at bottom end.
Select line at top end.
y) Trim Recipe Curve
Use the Trim Recipe Curve command to associatively trim curves that you associatively project or
intersect into a sketch. The curves you project or intersect into a sketch are called the recipe chain. The
software
 Creates a Trim constraint on the set of trim curves and bounding objects.
 Displays Trim constraint symbols ( ) where the bounding objects intersect the trim curves.
 Updates the recipe chain when you edit the parent curves.
In the following example, the blue curves are projected to a sketch. The red arcs are sketch curves that
serve as boundary objects for the trim. Trimmed portions of the recipe chain become reference curves
( ).
Where do I find it?

Prerequisite You must create a recipe chain in a sketch using either the Project Curve or Intersection
Curve command.
Menu (Modeling and Drafting) Edit→Sketch Curve→Trim Recipe Curve
(Sketch task environment) Edit→Curve→Trim Recipe Curve
 Trim recipe curves associatively
This example shows how to associatively trim curves projected to a sketch.
 The blue curves are projected to a sketch.

 The red arcs are sketch curves that serve as boundary objects for the trim.

1. On the Sketch Tools toolbar, click Trim Recipe Curve , or choose Edit→Curve→Trim
Recipe Curve.
2. In the Trim Recipe Curve dialog box, in the Region group, ensure that the Select Region option
is set appropriately for your part.
This example uses the Keep option.
3. Select the recipe chain at a location you want to keep.
The software highlights the recipe chain.
4. Select each sketch arc in turn to define the boundary objects for the trim.
The software highlights the part of the recipe chain that remains ( ).

5. Click OK.
The software converts the trimmed portions of the recipe chain to reference curves ( ), and
displays Trim constraint symbols ( ) at the trim boundaries.
6. To edit a trim, double-click the trimmed curve or the constraint symbol, or right-click a trimmed
curve and choose Edit.
7. Edit the trim as appropriate.
For this example, in the Trim Recipe Curve dialog box, select Select Region.
8. Click Discard.
The software discards the selected portion of the recipe chain.
 Constraints with Trim Recipe Curve
You can apply constraints to a trimmed chain only if those constraints do not limit the length of the
trimmed curve (for example, Tangent, Parallel).
You cannot apply the following constraints to a trimmed chain:
 Equal Length
 Constant Length
 Mirror when Create Inferred Constraints is enabled
 Midpoint where a vertex is being made midpoint to a trimmed output curve
 Horizontal, Vertical, and Parallel dimensions between two trimmed curve vertices
 Slope of Curve where the curve is the spline
 Scale Uniform and Scale Non-Uniform
 Point on String
 Offset
 Perimeter
 Fixed and Fixed All
 Trim Recipe Curve dialog box

Curves to Trim
Specifies a single chain of recipe curves to trim. The chain
Select
 Can contain any number of curves associatively projected or intersected into the
Recipe
sketch.
Chain
 Must be continuous.
Boundary Objects
Specifies one or more sets of boundary curves that intersect the recipe chain. Valid boundary
objects are:
Select  Sketch curves

Curve  Curves projected or intersected into the sketch
 External curves
If you specify more than two boundary objects, NX alternately keeps and discards regions.
Creates a new set of boundary objects.
Add New
Set
You must use this option to specify a boundary object if that object intersects another

boundary object. In the example below, the blue curves are boundary objects that intersect
(1). To trim the red chain using both blue curves, you must add a New Set and use the set to
specify the second curve.
Region
Select
Specifies whether to keep or discard the region or regions in the current recipe chain.
Region
z) Edit Defining Section
Use the Edit Defining Section command, as necessary, to edit and map sections that affect downstream
features. The command is available in the Sketch task environment.
Workflow
When you exit the Sketch task environment, NX notifies you that an edited feature section may need to
be remapped, and lets you start Edit Defining Section. Alternatively, you can start Edit Defining
Section before exiting a sketch if you know that a section needs to be remapped.
From Edit Defining Section, use the Replacement Assistant to remap original curves to new curves.
The Replacement Assistant shows side-by-side views of the original sketch and the updated sketch, and
lets you remap by clicking corresponding curves.

Where do I find it?

Toolbar
Sketch Tools→Edit Defining Section
Menu Edit→Edit Defining Section
 Remap a sketch-based feature section
This example shows how to remap an extruded section that has a dependent edge blend. To satisfy a
design change, you need to replace the three sketch curves at the top of this model with a different profile.
1. In the Part Navigator, right-click the sketch and choose Edit with Rollback.
2. In the Sketch task environment, replace the three upper curves with an arc so that your sketch
looks like the following graphic:

3. To exit the Sketch task environment, press Ctrl-Q.
NX displays a message that asks if you want to remap the curves.
4. On the Edit Sketch dialog box, click Yes.
In the Edit Defining Section dialog box, NX marks the extruded section with a icon to show
that it may need to be remapped.
5. Click Replacement Assistant .

6. Remap the original and replacement curves.
a. In the Current Section pane on the left, click the uppermost line.
In the Replacement Assistant dialog box, NX adds the curve to the Correspondencies
list.
b. In the Replacement Section pane on the right, click the arc.

NX marks the curve with a icon to show that it is successfully remapped.
7. In the Replacement Assistant dialog box, click OK.

8. In the Edit Defining Section dialog box, click OK.
9. To exit the Sketch task environment, click Ctrl-Q.
 Edit Defining Section dialog box

Section
Specify Origin
Lets you respecify an origin curve for features like Through Curve Mesh.
Curve
Replacement
Opens the Replacement Assistant.
Assistant
Lists features that depend on the edited sketch and, based on the feature's selection
intent, displays one of the following statuses:
Good
List The section does not need to be remapped.
Questionable
The section may need to be remapped.

Questionable
The section refers to non-sketch objects with timestamps later than the
sketch, and may have a problem.
Problem
The section has a problem such as a self-intersection or a missing string.
 Edit Defining Section – Replacement Assistant

Options
Correspondencies Lists curves in the section as you select them, and shows the section status.
Replaces the split screen view with the view you were in before you entered the
Show Context
Replacement Assistant.
Synchronize Applies view changes like zoom and pan to both the Current Section and
Views Replacement Section views.
7. Creating dimensions
View a topic
Sketch dimensions
Dimensions: right mouse button options
Inferred Dimensions
Dimensions options
Create and edit inferred dimensions
Edit Dimension Associativity
Create a Horizontal dimension
Sketch Parameters
Create a Vertical dimension
Animate Dimension
Create a Parallel dimension
Auto Dimension
Create a Perpendicular dimension
Continuous Auto Dimensioning
Create a Diameter dimension
Inferred Constraints and Dimensions
Create a Radius dimension
Convert To/From Reference
Create an Angular dimension
Alternate Solution
Perimeter Dimension
Sketch positioning dimensions
Display as PMI overview

a) Sketch dimensions
Use sketch dimensions to establish the following:
 Size of a sketch object.

 Relationship between two objects in a sketch.
 Relationship between two sketches.
 Relationship between a sketch and another feature.
Sketch dimensions are displayed like drafting dimensions: they have dimension text, extension lines, and
arrows. However, sketch dimensions differ from drafting dimensions because you can change the
dimension value. This lets you control a feature derived from a sketch. Sketch dimensions also create an
expression you can edit in the Expressions dialog box.
Perpendicular, Horizontal, Vertical, and Angular dimensions maintain their direction when the expression
value is set to zero. You can also enter negative values for these dimension types to achieve the same
results as using the Alternate Solution command.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar (Modeling, Shape Studio, Sheet Metal)
Direct Sketch→Inferred Dimensions
( Sketch task environment)
Sketch Tools→Inferred Dimensions
Menu (Modeling, Shape Studio, Sheet Metal)

Insert→Sketch Constraint→Dimension→Inferred Dimensions
(Sketch task environment)

Insert→Dimensions→Inferred Dimensions

b) Inferred Dimensions
Use the Inferred Dimensions command to create a dimensional constraint. NX infers the dimension type
based on the objects you select and the location of the cursor.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch→Inferred Dimensions
( Sketch task environment)
Sketch Tools→Inferred Dimensions
Menu (Modeling) Insert→Sketch Constraint→Dimension→Inferred Dimensions
(Sketch task environment) Insert→Dimensions→Inferred Dimensions
c) Create and edit inferred dimensions
In many cases, you can easily add dimensions using the Inferred Dimensions command. NX infers
suitable constraints based on the geometry you select and where you select it. This example shows you
how to add dimensions to this pipe vise profile.
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Inferred Dimensions .

NX displays degree-of-freedom arrows, and the status line identifies the number of constraints
necessary to fully constrain the sketch.
2. Click the bottom line of the profile, move the cursor down, and click again to place the dimension.
3. Type 110 and press Enter.

4. Click the bottom line (1), the top line to the left (2), and place the dimension (3).
A vertical dimension is created.

5. Click the center reference line to create a vertical dimension.

6. Click either of the top horizontal lines and place the dimensions.
7. At the upper right of the part, click the horizontal line and the angled line, and place the dimension.
Be sure to click in the middle of each curve, away from the line end (1).
8. At the upper left of the part, click the horizontal line and the angled line, and place another angled
dimension.
9. For the angle value, type the expression name from the last angular dimension (p153, for example).
10. Click the arc and place the dimension.
The sketch is now fully constrained. NX switches sketch curves to the fully constrained color and
the Status bar notes that the sketch is fully constrained.
11. To change the value of a dimension, either double-click the dimension, or right-click and choose
Edit Value.
You can edit the constraint in the on-screen input box.
12. To change the number of nominal digits, add text to the dimension, or make other stylistic
changes, right-click the dimension and choose Style.
The Drafting Annotation Style dialog box opens.
Note You cannot create dimensional constraints to external geometry if the sketch contains positioning
dimensions.
d) Create a Horizontal dimension
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, from the Dimensions Drop-down list, choose Horizontal
Dimension .
2. Select the left vertical edge.
3. Select the arc center in the left, lower corner.
4. Drag the cursor down to position the dimension and left-click.
e) Create a Vertical dimension
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, from the Dimensions Drop-down list, choose Vertical Dimension
.
2. Select the upper, right line.
3. Drag the cursor to the right and click the left mouse button (on the left, below). To change the
placement, click and drag the dimension to a new location (on the right, below).
f) Create a Parallel dimension
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, from the Dimensions Drop-down list, select Parallel Dimension
.
2. Select the small arc at the upper left.

3. Select the small arc at the lower right.
4. Left-click to place the parallel dimension.
g) Create a Perpendicular dimension
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, from the Dimensions Drop-down list, select Perpendicular
Dimension .
2. Select the line at the upper right.

3. Select the arc at the lower left.
4. Left-click to place the Perpendicular dimension.

h) Create a Diameter dimension
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, from the Dimensions Drop-down list, select Diameter Dimension
.
2. Left-click the circle, and left-click to place the diameter dimension.
3. On the Dimensions dialog bar, click Sketch Dimensions Dialog .

4. From the Placement list, select Manual Placement, Arrows In.
5. Select the circle at the lower left. Left-click to place the diameter dimension.
6. On the Dimensions dialog box, from the Placement list, select Manual Placement,
Arrows Out.

7. Select the arc at the right. Left-click to place the diameter dimension.
i) Create a Radius dimension
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, from the Dimensions Drop-down list, select Radius Dimension
2. On the Dimensions dialog bar, click Sketch Dimensions Dialog .

3. From the Placement list, select Manual Placement, Arrows In .
4. Select the arc at the upper left and left-click to place the radius dimension.
5. Select the arc at the upper right and left-click to place the radius dimension.

j) Create an Angular dimension
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, from the Dimensions Drop-down list, select Angular Dimension
.
2. Select the line at the lower right.
3. Select the line at the lower left.
4. Drag the cursor upward and left-click to place the angle dimension.

k) Perimeter Dimension
Use the Perimeter command to constrain the total lengths of selected lines and arcs in an open or closed
profile. You can not select ellipses, conics or splines.
Note  Make sure that all curve end points are coincident and tangent so that changes to the
perimeter dimension can update the geometry predictably.
 The perimeter dimension creates an expression and is not displayed in the graphics window.
 You cannot convert a perimeter dimension to a reference object.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Dimensions Drop-down list →Perimeter Dimension
(Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Dimensions Drop-down list →Perimeter

Dimension
(Drafting) Dimension→Dimensions Drop-down list →Perimeter Dimension
Menu (Modeling) Insert→Sketch Constraint→Dimensions→Perimeter
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Insert→Dimensions→Perimeter
 Create a Perimeter dimension
This example uses a closed profile.

Make sure that all curve end points are coincident and tangent so that changes to the perimeter dimension
can update the geometry predictably.
1. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, from the Dimensions Drop-down list, select Perimeter
Dimension .
2. Select all the curves in the profile and click OK.
The perimeter expression is created in the format, Perimeter_pxx.
Note The perimeter dimension is not displayed in the graphics window.
3. To change the value for the perimeter dimension, choose Edit→Sketch Parameters.
4. In the list, select the perimeter dimension.
5. Move the slider to adjust the value.
6. To delete a perimeter dimension, highlight the expression in the Dimension list and click Remove
.
Note If you delete one or more of the curves used to define a perimeter dimension, the perimeter
dimension is also deleted.
 Perimeter Dimension dialog box

Curves
Select Object Selects lines or arcs for the perimeter dimension. Ellipses, conics and splines are not
selectable.
Expression
Expression Specifies the total length of the perimeter dimension as you select lines or arcs.
box

l) Display as PMI overview
Use the Display as PMI command in the Sketch task environment or in a Direct Sketch to select and
convert sketch dimensions to PMI dimensions.
Sketch dimensions converted to PMI dimensions:
 Remain visible after exiting the Sketch task environment and continue to display even when the
screen is refreshed.
 Allow viewing and editing of their dimension values in other commands and applications, such as
Feature Dimension and Drafting.
Where do I find it?

Application Sketch task environment and in a Direct Sketch.
Toolbar Sketch Tools→Display as PMI (Sketch task environment only)
Menu Tools→ Display as PMI (Sketch task environment only)
Graphics window Right-click a sketch dimension in the graphics window and choose Display as PMI.
 Convert dimensions to PMI using the context menu

1.
Double click a sketch.
The sketch opens as a Direct Sketch or in the Sketch

task environment, and sketch auto dimensions
appear.
2.
Select the dimensions you want to convert to PMI.

3.
Right-click and choose Display as PMI.
The dimensions are converted to PMI dimensions.
4.
Click Finish Sketch .
The PMI dimensions remain visible outside the

Direct Sketch.
 Convert dimensions to PMI using the Display as PMI dialog box
1.
Double click a sketch.

2. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, click Open in Sketch
task environment .
Note If the Sketch task environment is already open

by default, skip this step.
3.
Click Display as PMI .
4.
Select the sketch dimensions you want to display as

PMI.
5.
Click OK
6. Right-click in the graphics window and choose

Finish Sketch.
The dimensions remain visible.
 Display as PMI dialog box

Dimensions
Lets you select individual sketch dimensions to convert and display as PMI
Select dimensions.
Dimension
Select dimensions by clicking or by dragging a rectangle.
Dimensions that are already PMI dimensions are pre-selected when you open the
dialog box.
m) Dimensions: right mouse button options

Right mouse button options
Style Opens the Drafting Annotation Style dialog box, letting you add tolerance
information and text to a sketch dimension. Note that you can use Annotation Style
to edit multiple dimensions at one time. See Annotation Preferences in Drafting Help
for more information.
You can use the Drafting Feature Parameters command to inherit tolerances and
text notes, and any styling with the exception of text height, from the sketch onto a
drawing. See Feature Parameters in Drafting Help for more information.
Note Not all Drafting Annotation Style settings are available in Modeling. For
example, Character Size is unavailable because the Modeling and Drafting
scales can be different. NX dims unavailable options.
Edit Opens Drafting's dimension editing function, letting you add tolerance information
and text to a sketch dimension. See Edit Dimensions Overview in Drafting Help for
more information.
New Group Creates a new group in the current sketch and adds the dimension to it.
Edit Value Opens the on-screen input box and displays the options bar in the upper left corner of
the graphics window.
Convert to Switches the current dimension from Driving to Reference and vice versa.
Reference/to
Driving
Edit Associativity Detaches a dimension from the geometry it references and attaches it to other
geometry that you specify.
n) Dimensions options
Dialog bar options
Dimensions Opens the Dimensions dialog box.
Create Activate this option to create reference dimensions. NX remembers the setting during
Reference the current session and applies it to subsequent dimensions you create.
Dimension
Create Activate this option when you want NX to calculate the maximum dimension between

Alternate sketch curves. The figure below shows the same dimension with this option off (left)
Angle and on (right):
Dimensions options
Dimensions Lets you specify commands for creating inferred or explicit dimensions.
commands
Expressions List Lists the names and values of all dimensions in the current sketch.
Current Expression Lets you edit the name and value of a selected dimension.
Remove Highlighted Lets you delete the selected dimension.
Value Lets you change the value of the selected dimensional constraint by dragging the
slider.
Dimension Placement Lets you specify how NX places dimensions:
 Auto Placement
 Manual Placement, Arrows In
 Manual Placement, Arrows Out
Leader Direction Specifies the direction in which the leader extends from the dimension text.
Options are
 Leader From Left

 Leader From Right
Fixed Text Height Maintains the text of dimensions at a constant size when you zoom a sketch in or
out.
o) Edit Dimension Associativity
Use the Edit Dimension Associativity command to attach an existing dimension to different objects.
When you attach a dimension you can:
 Retain the expression value and resize the target geometry to match it.
 Change the expression value to match the target geometry.

Perpendicular, Horizontal, and Vertical dimensions will maintain their creation direction so that the
dimension will not flip to a different correct result.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch→Edit Dimension Associativity
Sketch Tools→Edit Dimension Associativity
Menu (Modeling)
Tools→Sketch Constraints→Edit Dimension Associativity

Tools→Constraints→Edit Dimension Associativity
Shortcut Menu Right-click a dimension and choose Edit Associativity
 Attach a Dimension to different geometry
This example shows you how to attach a dimension to a different curve.
Note that you can optionally measure the target geometry and assign its geometric value to the dimension
variable.

Right–click the dimension leader line you want

1.
to attach and choose Edit Associativity.
In the Settings group, set the Expression Mode

2.
to Remove Expression, Measure Geometry.
3. Left–click the new curve.
 Edit Dimension Associativity dialog box

Dimension to Edit

Select Specifies the dimension you want to reattach. The dimension must reside in the active
Dimension sketch.
Note You cannot reattach a Perimeter dimension or a dimension associated with an

Offset constraint. For more information, see Offset Curves.
Object 1
Select Specifies the first target when a dimension refers to either one or two objects. For example,
Object Object 1 might be the radius of a circle, or one end point of a horizontal or vertical
dimension. Valid targets are curves, edges, points, datum axes, or datum planes in the
current part or assembly.
Note Normally, pick order at the time a dimension is created determines which sketch
object is object 1 and which is object 2. However, if either of the selected objects is a
datum the software automatically makes it Object 1, regardless of the order in which
it was selected. There can be only one datum associated with a dimension, and it is
always Object 1.
Object 2
Select Specifies the second target when a dimension refers to two objects. For example, Object 2
Object might be the second end point of a horizontal or vertical dimension. Valid targets are
curves, edges, points, datum axes, or datum planes in the current part or assembly.
Settings
Expression Keep Expression, Adjust Geometry – keeps the value of the current expression and
Mode resizes the target geometry to match it.
Remove Expression, Measure Geometry – changes the expression value to match the
target geometry.
p) Sketch Parameters
Use the Sketch Parameters command to edit or delete expressions for driving dimensions in the current
sketch.
Where do I find it?

Menu Edit→Sketch Parameters
 Sketch Parameters dialog box

Dimension
Select Selects the driving dimension you want to edit or remove.
Dimension
Current Displays the value of the expression you select. Edit the expression using either the box
Expression or the slider. As you move the slider, the software dynamically updates the part.

Remove Deletes the selected expression from the part file.
q) Animate Dimension
Use the Animate Dimension command to dynamically display the effect of varying a given dimension
over a specified range. Any geometry affected by the selected dimension is also animated.
Note Unlike Drag, Animate does not change the sketch dimensions. When the animation is finished, the
sketch returns to its original state.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch→Animate Dimension
Sketch Tools→Animate Dimension
Menu (Modeling)
Tools→Sketch Constraints→Animate Dimension
Tools→Constraints→Animate Dimension
 Animate a dimension
1. Double-click a sketch curve.
2. On the Direct Sketch toolbar, choose Animate , or choose Tools→Constraints→Animate

Dimension.
3. To select the dimension you want to animate, either choose its name from the dialog box or click
the dimensional constraint in the graphics window.
4. Enter the Lower and Upper Limits. NX varies the dimension between these two values during
the animation.
5. Enter the number of steps in the cycle.
6. To display the original sketch dimensions during the animation, select the Display Dimensions
check box.
7. Click OK or Apply.
8. To end the animation, click Stop .
 Animate Dimension dialog box

Options
Dimensions list Lists the dimensions that you can animate.
box

Value The value of the currently selected dimension (it does not change during the
animation).
Lower Limit The smallest dimension value during the animation.
Upper Limit The largest value during the animation.
Steps/Cycle The number of times that the dimension value changes (equal size increments) when it
moves from the upper limit to the lower limit (or vice versa).
Display Lets you display the original sketch dimensions during the animation.
Dimensions
r) Auto Dimension
Use the Auto Dimension command to create dimensions on selected curves and points according to a set
of rules.
You can apply the following rules in any order.
 Create Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions on Lines

 Create Dimensions to Reference Axes
 Create Symmetric Dimensions
 Create Length Dimensions
 Create Adjacent Angles
Driving and Automatic Dimensions
You can create two types of dimensions.
Driving
Creates a dimension based on an expression. You can convert driving dimensions to reference
dimensions.
Automatic
This type of dimensional constraint can only be created by auto dimensioning. Automatic
dimensions remove degrees of freedom from the sketch, and act like a constant length or angle
constraint with a value.
 When you drag sketch curves, automatic dimensions are relaxed, allowing you to shape the
sketch. After the drag, the new shape will be constrained by the automatic dimensions
again.
 If you add a constraint that conflicts with an automatic dimension, the automatic
dimension is deleted.
 You can convert automatic dimensions into driving or reference dimensions.
All dimensions are displayed in the Part Navigator when Timestamp Order is turned off in the Unused
Items→Sketch→Curves and Dimensions→Dimensions folder.
In Modeling, use this command to assist in creating a fully constrained sketch by removing all degrees of
freedom from the selected curves.
In Drafting, use this command to fully dimension selected sketch curves in a drawing.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Auto Dimension
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Auto Dimension
Menu (Modeling) Tools→Sketch Constraints→Auto Dimension
(Drafting and Sketch task environment) Tools→Constraints→Auto Dimension
 Create Dimensions on curves automatically
This example shows how to automatically create dimensions on all the curves in a sketch by sorting the
auto dimension rules.
1.
2.
Click Auto Dimension .
3.
Select all the curves to create dimensions.
4. Sort the Auto Dimensioning Rules in the following

order:
Create Dimensions to Reference Axes
Create Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions on Lines
Create Length Dimensions
Create Adjacent Angles
Create Symmetric Dimensions

5.
In Dimension Type, select Automatic.
6. Click Show Result.
7. Click Undo Result.
8. Sort the Auto Dimensioning Rules into the following

order:
9. Click Show Result.
10.
Choose another command or click Apply to create the
dimensions.

 Auto Dimension dialog box

Curves to Dimension
Select Object Lets you select curves and points.
Auto
Specify the rules for fully constraining the curves selected in the sketch. You can apply
Dimensioning
the rules in any order.
Rules

Creates angular dimensions between adjacent objects.

Creates symmetric dimensions if there are any symmetric constraints or mirrored

curves. The dimensions are created between these objects across the symmetry
centerline
Dimension Type
Driving
Creates a dimension based on an expression. You can convert driving

dimensions to reference dimensions.
Automatic
This type of dimensional constraint that can only be created by auto

dimensioning.

Automatic dimensions fully constrain a sketch or selected curves. The

dimensions are updated as you drag the sketch curves. They remove degrees of
freedom from the sketch but do not lock the values permanently. The automatic
dimensions are not permanent. If you add a constraint that conflicts with an
automatic dimension, the automatic dimension is deleted. You can convert
automatic dimensions into driving dimensions.
Note See Common dialog box options for common options not discussed here.
s) Continuous Auto Dimensioning
Use the Continuous Auto Dimensioning command to automatically dimension sketch curves after each
operation.
This command uses auto dimensioning rules to fully constrain the active sketch, including positioning
dimensions to the parent Datum CSYS.
You can set auto dimensioning rules from the following:
 Inferred Constraints and Dimensions

 File→Utilities→Customer Defaults→Sketch→Inferred Constraints and
Dimensions→Dimensions
The Continuous Auto Dimensioning command creates the automatic dimension type of sketch
dimension.
Automatic dimensions fully constrain a sketch. The dimensions are updated as you drag the sketch curves.
They remove degrees of freedom from the sketch but do not lock the values permanently. If you add a
constraint that conflicts with an automatic dimension, the automatic dimension is deleted. You can
convert automatic dimensions into driving dimensions.
In Modeling, use this command to ensure you are always working with a fully constrained sketch which
will be updated predictably.
In Drafting, use this command to automatically create dimensions for all the curves that you create in a
drawing.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch→Continuous Auto Dimensioning /
Sketch Tools→Continuous Auto Dimensioning /

Menu (Modeling, Drafting, and Sketch task environment)
Tools→Sketch Constraints→Continuous Auto Dimensioning /

t) Inferred Constraints and Dimensions
Use the Inferred Constraints and Dimensions command to control which constraints or dimensions are
automatically inferred during curve construction.
You can set inferred constraints for geometric constraints, dimensional constraints, and constraints
recognized when using snap point options.
Note Inferred constraints behave like normally applied geometric constraints and can be seen and deleted
using the Show/Remove Constraints dialog or when you right-click an object and choose Remove
All Constraints.
Note You can temporarily disable all of the infer constraint settings during curve construction by pressing
and holding the Alt key on Windows or the Ctrl+Alt keys on non-Windows platforms.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Sketch Tools→Inferred Constraints
Menu Tools→Constraints→Inferred Constraints
 Inferred Constraints and Dimensions dialog box

Dimensions Inferred while Sketching
Create Dimensions for Typed Creates a driving dimension for any geometry created by typing a
Values value in an on-screen input box.
Auto Dimensioning Rules
The following are the rules for creating automatic dimensions. You can apply these rules in any order.


Creates angular dimensions between adjacent objects.
Creates symmetric dimensions if there are any symmetric constraints or mirrored curves. The
dimensions will be created between these objects across the symmetry line

u) Convert To/From Reference
Use the Convert To/From Reference command to convert sketch curves from active to reference, or
dimensions from driving to reference.
Downstream commands do not use reference curves and reference dimensions do not control sketch
geometry.
By default NX displays reference curves in Phantom line font:
1. Active curves
2. Reference curve
3. Reference dimension
4. Driving dimensions
Where do I find it?

Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch→Convert To/From Reference
Sketch Tools→Convert To/From Reference
Menu (Modeling) Tools→Sketch Constraints→Convert To/From Reference

(Sketch task environment) Tools→Constraints→Convert To/From Reference
Shortcut Menu Right-click a dimension →Convert to Reference or Convert to Driving
Right-click a curve →Convert to Reference or Convert to Active
 Convert curves and dimensions to reference
To convert sketch curves or sketch dimensions from active to reference, or vice versa:
 Right click an active curve and choose Convert to Reference .
 Right click an active dimension and choose Convert to Reference .
 Right click an reference curve and choose Convert to Active .
 Right click an active dimension and choose Convert to Driving .
 Convert To/From Reference dialog box

Object to Convert
Select Projected Converts all the output curves of a sketch curve projection. If the number of
Curve projected curves increases, NX adds the new curves to the sketch in the same
Active or Reference state.
Convert To
Reference Curve or Converts curves and dimensions to reference.
Dimension
Active Curve or Converts reference curves to active.
Driving Dimension
Converts reference and Automatic dimensions to Driving dimensions.
v) Alternate Solution
Use the Alternate Solution command to display alternate solutions for both dimensional and geometric
constraints, and select a result. The example below shows how the geometry changes when you choose
Alternate Solution and select a dimension.

Perpendicular, Horizontal, and Vertical dimensions maintain their direction when the expression value is
set to zero. You can also enter negative values for these three dimension types to achieve the same results
as using the Alternate Solution command.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Alternate Solution
(Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Alternate Solution
Menu (Modeling) Tools→Sketch Constraints→Alternate Solution
(Sketch task environment) Tools→Constraints→Alternate Solution
 Test alternate solutions for dimensions and constraints

Dimension Example
The figure below shows how you can use Alternate Solution with a dimensional constraint to select a
solution. In this sketch, p11 can be a valid constraint for two solutions.
Target Dimension Constraint (2)
Choose Alternate Solution and click the p11 dimension:

Alternate Solution with a Dimension Constraint
NX updates the sketch to reflect the alternate solution. You can reselect the dimension to review possible
solutions. Click OK to accept the dimension you want.
Tangent Constraint Example
The figure below shows how the same selections could produce two different solutions when two circles
are tangent constrained.
Tangent Constraint (1)
Choose Alternate Solution on the Sketch Tools toolbar and click each circle. When you select the
second circle, NX displays the alternate solution:
Alternate Solution
While the Alternate Solution dialog box is open, you can reselect the target geometry to review possible
solutions. Click OK to accept the tangent constraint you want.
 Alternate Solution dialog box

Object 1
Select Linear Selects the linear dimension or the geometry for which you want to see an alternate
Dimension or solution. If only one alternate solution is possible, NX displays the alternate
Geometry immediately. If more than one object is tangent to the target object, NX activates the
Select Tangent Geometry option.
Object 2
Select Tangent Selects geometry that is tangent to the target geometry. Use this option to make a
Geometry selection when multiple objects are tangent to Object 1.
w) Sketch positioning dimensions
Positioning dimensions let you position a sketch as a rigid body relative to existing external geometry.
Options
Create Lets you create positioning dimensions that locate your sketch as a rigid body relative
Positioning to existing geometry (edges, datum planes, and datum axes).
Dimensions
When you choose this icon, NX displays the Positioning Methods dialog. Refer to the
Modeling Positioning Methods online help for a description of dialog options.
Note You cannot create Positioning Dimensions:
 For a Sketch on a Path

 In a sketch that contains any dimensional or geometric constraints to
external objects or extracted objects (dimensional/geometric constraints
between sketch curves are okay).
Edit Positioning Lets you select and edit with the Edit Expression dialog.
Dimensions
Delete Lets you delete positioning dimensions with the Edit Positioning dialog.
Positioning
Dimensions
Redefine Lets you change the geometry used by a positioning dimension. The value of the
Positioning positioning dimension remains the same.
Dimensions
When you choose this option, any existing positioning dimensions are displayed and
selectable. Depending on which dimension you select, the appropriate dialog displays
and prompts you to re-select the positioning geometry.
Note For information on positioning methods see the Modeling Online Help.
Where do I find it?
Menu Tools→Positioning Dimensions

8. Creating constraints
View a topic
Constraints
Make Symmetric
Create constraints
Create Inferred Constraints
Constraints quick
reference Constraint conditions
Auto Constrain Delay Evaluation
Show / Remove Evaluate Sketch

Constraints
Convert To/From Reference
Show All Constraints
Alternate Solution
Show No Constraints
a) Constraints
Use the Constraints command to add geometric constraints to sketch geometry. These specify and
maintain conditions for or between sketch geometry.
Constraints can:
 Define a line as being horizontal or vertical.

 Ensure that multiple lines remain parallel to each other.
 Require that several arcs have the same radius.
 Position your sketch in space or relative to outside objects.
1. Tangent
2. Vertical
3. Horizontal
4. Offset
5. Perpendicular
6. Coincident
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Constraints
(Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Constraints
(Modeling) Insert→Sketch Constraint→Constraints
Menu (Sketch task environment) Insert→Constraints
b) Create constraints
This example shows you how to add constraints to a pipe vise profile.
Note  The profile already includes vertical, horizontal, and tangent constraints which the software
inferred during curve creation.
 A vertical constraint on one inner wall is missing.
1. Ensure that Show All Constraints is active.
2. Click Constraints .

The degree-of-freedom arrows are displayed

and a status message identifies the number of
constraints necessary to fully constrain the sketch.
3. Select the right inner wall of the profile.
4. Click Vertical from the list of suitable

constraints based on the geometry you selected.
A vertical constraint is added and the sketch

continues to operate in constraint mode.

Select the outer vertical walls and
click Equal Length .

5.
Note After you select the last curve to constrain,
you can right-click and choose a constraint
from the list.
Select the horizontal curves at the top of the

profile, right-click and choose Equal Length
6.
.
Select the arc center point and the bottom curve,

7.
right-click and choose Midpoint .

Select the bottom curve and the Y-axis of the

Datum CSYS, right-click and choose Collinear
8.
.
Select the vertical curve on the left and the Z-axis

of the Datum CSYS, right-click and choose
9.
Collinear .
The sketch now contains a set of geometric

constraints that capture the design intent.
To fully constrain this profile, you would add

dimensional constraints.
17. Click Finish Sketch .
Note You cannot create geometric constraints to external objects in a sketch that contains any positioning
dimensions.
c) Constraints quick reference
Constraint Command Icon in Description

Type icon graphics
window
Fixed Defines fixed characteristics for geometry,

depending on the type of geometry as follows:
Point
Fixes the location.
Line
Fixes the angle.
Line, Arc or elliptical arc endpoint
Fixes the location of the endpoint.
Arc center, elliptical arc center, circle center, or

ellipse center
Fixes the location of the center.
Arc or circle
Fixes the radius and the location of the

center.
Elliptical arc or Ellipse
Fixes the radii and the location of the

center.
Spline control point
Fixes the location of the control point.
Fully Fixed Creates sufficient fixed constraints to completely

define the position and orientation of sketch
geometry in one step.
Coincident Defines two or more points as having the same

location.
Concentric Defines two or more circular and elliptical arcs as

having the same center

Collinear Defines two or more lines as lying on or passing

through the same straight line.
Point On Defines the location of a point as lying on a curve.

Curve
Point on String Defines the location of a point as lying on a

projected curve. You must select the point first,
then select the curve.
Note This is the only valid constraint that should

be applied to a projected curve.
Midpoint Defines the location of a point as equidistant from

the two end points of a line or a circular arc.
Note For the Midpoint constraint, select the curve

anywhere other than at its endpoints.
Horizontal Defines a line as horizontal.
Vertical Defines a line as vertical.
Parallel Defines two or more lines or ellipses as being

parallel to each other.
Perpendicular Defines two lines or ellipses as being

perpendicular to each other.
Tangent Defines two objects as being tangent to each other.
Equal Length Defines two or more lines as having the same

length.
Equal Radius Defines two or more arcs as having the same

radius.
Constant Defines a line as having a constant length.

Length
Constant Angle Defines a line as having a constant angle.
Mirror Curve Defines two objects as being mirror images of

each other.
Make Defines two objects as being symmetric with each

Symmetric other.

Pattern Curve Defines a circular pattern of curves.
Pattern Curve Defines a linear pattern in one direction.
Pattern Curve Defines a linear pattern in two directions.
Pattern Curve Defines a general pattern of curves.
Offset Curve The Offset Curve command offsets a chain of

curves, projected curves, or curves/edges in the
current assembly, and constrains the geometry
using an Offset constraint.
Slope of Curve Defines a spline, selected at a defining point, and

another object as being tangent to each other at the
selected point.
Scale, Uniform A spline will scale proportionally to keep its

original shape when both of its endpoints are
moved (that is, when you change the value of a
horizontal constraint created between the
endpoints).
Scale, Non- When both of its endpoints are moved (that is,
Uniform when you change the value of a horizontal
constraint created between the endpoints), a spline
will scale in the horizontal direction, but keeps its
original dimensions in the vertical direction. The
spline appears to stretch.
Note You cannot apply a Scale constraint to a

spline if any of its interior defining points
are constrained.
Trim The Trim Recipe Curve command associatively

trims curves that you associatively project or
intersect into a sketch, and creates a Trim
constraint.
Associative - This is a constraint on a spline that has been

Trim trimmed using the associative output option from
the Edit Curve→Trim Curve dialog.
Associative - This is a constraint on an extracted curve that has

Offset (legacy) been offset using the legacy Offset Curves option.

d) Auto Constrain
Use the Auto Constrain command to select the types of geometric constraints that NX applies
automatically to a sketch. NX analyzes the geometry in the active sketch and applies the selected
constraints where possible.
Why would I use it?
Auto Constrain can be especially useful when you add geometry to the active sketch, particularly if that
geometry was imported from a different CAD system.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar (Modeling) Direct Sketch→Auto Constrain
(Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Auto Constrain
Menu (Modeling) Tools→Sketch Constraints→Auto Constrain
(Sketch task environment) Tools→Constraints→Auto Constrain
 Auto Constrain dialog box

Constraints to Apply
Constraint Types Specifies the type(s) of geometric constraints that NX should apply automatically,
where possible, to the target geometry.
Set All and Clear Turns all the constraint types on or off.
All
Settings
Apply Remote Specifies that NX automatically create constraints between two curves that do not
Constraints touch, but fall within the current Distance Tolerance.
Distance Tolerance Controls how close object endpoints must be in order to be coincident.
Angle Tolerance Controls how close lines must be for NX to apply Horizontal, Vertical, Parallel
or Perpendicular constraints.
e) Show / Remove Constraints
Use the Show / Remove Constraints command to display the geometric constraints that are associated
with sketch geometry. Use Show / Remove Constraints to:
 Remove specified constraints.

 List information about all geometric constraints.
 Interrogate and resolve over-constrained or conflicting conditions.
 Maintain design intent by checking for existing relationships to outside features or objects.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch→Show / Remove Constraints

Sketch Tools→Show / Remove Constraints
Menu (Modeling) Tools→Sketch Constraints→Show / Remove Constraints

Tools→Constraints→Show / Remove Constraints
 Show / Remove Constraints dialog box

Options
List Controls which constraints are listed in the Show Constraints list window.
Constraints
for Selected Object - Lets you display constraints for the object selected.
Selected Objects - Lets you display constraints for multiple objects.
All in Active Sketch - Shows all of the constraints in the active sketch. This is the
default setting.
Constraint Lets you filter constraints by type.
Type
Include or Determines whether the specified Constraint Type is the only type displayed in the list
Exclude box (Include, which is the default) or the only type not displayed (Exclude).
Show Lets you control the display of constraints in the list window. Options are:
Constraints
Explicit - Displays all constraints created explicitly or implicitly by the user, including
all non-inferred coincident constraints, but excluding all inferred coincident constraints
created by the system during curve creation.
Inferred - Displays all inferred coincident constraints that are automatically created by
the system during curve creation.
Both - Displays both Explicit and Inferred types of constraints.
Show Constraints list window - Lists the geometric constraints of the selected sketch
geometry. The list is subject to the Explicit, Inferred or Both setting.

(I) - Constraints that are inferred, coincident geometric constraints, (created

automatically by the system during curve creation) are appended with an "I" symbol in
parenthesis, as in (I).
(!) - Constraints that are preceded with an exclamation mark enclosed in parenthesis are
out of date. This can happen if an object referenced by the constraint has been changed or
removed since the constraint was created.
Resolving an out-of-date condition depends on its cause, but you usually have a number
of options. You could delete an out-of-date dimension or constraint and recreate it, or for
a dimension you could reassociate it to a different edge. If an out-of-date condition is due
to a feature, you could delete the feature or reorder it to a position after the sketch.
List Box Step Arrows - The Step arrows, located to the right of the list box, let you move
up or down the list from the highlighted constraint by one item at a time. The object(s)
associated with the currently selected constraint highlight in the graphics window.
Remove Lets you remove one or more constraints by selecting them in the constraints list window
Highlighted and then choosing this option.
Remove Removes all of the listed constraints displayed in the Show Constraints list window.
Listed
Information Displays information about all geometric constraints in the active sketch in the
Information window. This option is useful if you want to save or print out the constraint
information.
Note You can tell which of these three entries applies to the curve and which to its endpoints by selecting
each in the list window and then checking what is highlighted in the graphics window. Depending
on which constraint you select, the curve is highlighted, and if it is an end point or an arc center, an
asterisk ("*") also displays at the end point or arc center location.
f) Show All Constraints
Use the Show All Constraints command to show all geometric constraints applied to the sketch.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar (Modeling)

Direct Sketch→Show All Constraints
Sketch Tools→Show All Constraints
Menu (Modeling)
Tools→Sketch Constraints→Show All Constraints

Tools→Constraints→Show All Constraints
g) Show No Constraints
Use the Show No Constraints command to hide all geometric constraints applied to the sketch.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch→Show No Constraints
Sketch Tools→Show No Constraints
Menu (Modeling)
Tools→Sketch Constraints→Show No Constraints

Tools→Constraints→Show No Constraints
h) Make Symmetric
Use the Make Symmetric command to constrain two points or curves to be symmetric about a centerline
in a sketch.
You can apply the symmetry constraint between two objects of the same type:
 Lines
 Arcs
 Circles
You can also make different point types symmetric. For example, you make the end of a line and the
center of an arc symmetric about a line.
Use this command when you create or edit a sketch and you want to control the position of existing
sketch geometry to be symmetric to a centerline.
Note To create a Symmetric constraint with Make Symmetric, the Sketch Style command, Create
Inferred Constraints option must first be selected.
Where do I find it?
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Make Symmetric
Toolbar (Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Make Symmetric
(Modeling and Drafting) Insert→Sketch Constraint→Make Symmetric
Menu (Sketch task environment) Insert→Make Symmetric
 Constrain curves to be symmetric

1.
Double-click a sketch to edit.

2.
Click Make Symmetric .
3.
Select the primary sketch object.
4.
Select the secondary sketch object.
5.
Select the Symmetry Centerline.
The Symmetry Centerline remains selected so that more

symmetric constraints can be selected.
A symmetric constraint is added, and the Symmetry

Centerline remains selected.
6.
Select another primary sketch object.
7.
Select another secondary sketch object.

 Make Symmetric dialog box

Primary Object
Lets you select the first point or sketch curve to be constrained and made symmetric
Select Object
about a centerline.
Secondary Object
Lets you select the second point or sketch curve to be constrained and made symmetric
Select Object
about a centerline.
Symmetry Centerline
Select
Lets you select a line or plane to define the centerline of symmetry.
Centerline
Make
Converts the selected centerline to a reference curve.
Reference
i) Create Inferred Constraints
Use the Create Inferred Constraints command to enable inferred constraints during curve construction.
By default this option is turned on and creates the constraints defined in the Inferred Constraints dialog
box.
If you disable Inferred Constraints, you can take advantage of the constraints as you work, but the
actual constraints are not stored in your file.
This settings is saved for each sketch in the part file.
In the following example, the Create Inferred Constraints button is turned off. The tangent and
horizontal constraints are available during curve creation (1 and 2). But the constraints are deleted when
the profile is completed.
When you preview a constraint, click the middle mouse button to lock the constraint and prevent the
sketch curve from moving in any other direction.

Note To temporarily disable, Create Inferred Constraints when you create geometry, hold Alt key.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar (Modeling)
Direct Sketch→Create Inferred Constraints
Sketch Tools→Create Inferred Constraints
Menu (Modeling)
Tools→Sketch Constraints→Create Inferred Constraints

Tools→Constraints→Create Inferred Constraints
j) Constraint conditions
If you enable the Create Inferred Constraints option, NX evaluates the sketch whenever you apply a
constraint to identify:
Underconstrained During constraint creation, NX displays degree-of-freedom arrows for curves

geometry or points that are underconstrained. When you fully constrain a sketch:
 No degree-of-freedom arrows appear.

 A Status message tells you that the sketch is fully constrained.
 The geometry changes to light green by default.
Overconstrained A curve or vertex is overconstrained when you apply more constraints than
geometry are needed to control it. Geometry and any dimensions associated with it
change to red by default.
Conflicting Constraints can also conflict with each other. Conflicting constraints and the
constraints associated geometry in conflict change to magenta by default. NX displays
the sketch in the last solved condition.
In the Sketch task environment you can use the Delay Evaluation command to delay sketch evaluation
until you do one of the following:
 Turn off the Delay Evaluation option.

 Choose Evaluate Sketch on the Sketch toolbar.
 Exit the Sketch task environment.
k) Delay Evaluation
Use the Delay Evaluation option to delay the update of sketch constraints until the Evaluate Sketch
option is chosen.
 When you create curves, NX does not show constraints.

 When you assign constraints, NX does not update the geometry until you select the Evaluate
Sketch option.
Note This command does not delay evaluation when you drag curves, or when you use the Quick Trim
or Quick Extend commands.
Where do I find it?
Toolbar Sketch→Delay Evaluation
Menu Tools→Update→Delay Sketch Evaluation
l) Evaluate Sketch
Use the Evaluate Sketch option to update the current sketch with the constraints applied, modified, or
deleted while the Delay Evaluation option was selected. This option is only active when Delay
Evaluation is selected.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar Sketch→Evaluate Sketch
Menu Tools→Update→Evaluate Sketch
m) Convert To/From Reference
Use the Convert To/From Reference command to convert sketch curves from active to reference, or
dimensions from driving to reference.
Downstream commands do not use reference curves and reference dimensions do not control sketch
geometry.
By default NX displays reference curves in Phantom line font:
1. Active curves
2. Reference curve
3. Reference dimension
4. Driving dimensions
Where do I find it?

Toolbar (Modeling)

Direct Sketch→Convert To/From Reference
Sketch Tools→Convert To/From Reference
Menu (Modeling) Tools→Sketch Constraints→Convert To/From Reference
(Sketch task environment) Tools→Constraints→Convert To/From Reference
Shortcut Menu Right-click a dimension →Convert to Reference or Convert to Driving
Right-click a curve →Convert to Reference or Convert to Active
 Convert curves and dimensions to reference
To convert sketch curves or sketch dimensions from active to reference, or vice versa:
 Right click an active curve and choose Convert to Reference .
 Right click an active dimension and choose Convert to Reference .
 Right click an reference curve and choose Convert to Active .
 Right click an active dimension and choose Convert to Driving .
 Convert To/From Reference dialog box

Object to Convert
Select Projected Converts all the output curves of a sketch curve projection. If the number of
Curve projected curves increases, NX adds the new curves to the sketch in the same
Active or Reference state.
Convert To
Reference Curve or Converts curves and dimensions to reference.
Dimension
Active Curve or Converts reference curves to active.
Driving Dimension
Converts reference and Automatic dimensions to Driving dimensions.
n) Alternate Solution
Use the Alternate Solution command to display alternate solutions for both dimensional and geometric
constraints, and select a result. The example below shows how the geometry changes when you choose
Alternate Solution and select a dimension.

Perpendicular, Horizontal, and Vertical dimensions maintain their direction when the expression value is
set to zero. You can also enter negative values for these three dimension types to achieve the same results
as using the Alternate Solution command.
Where do I find it?

Toolbar
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Alternate Solution
(Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Alternate Solution
Menu (Modeling) Tools→Sketch Constraints→Alternate Solution
(Sketch task environment) Tools→Constraints→Alternate Solution
 Test alternate solutions for dimensions and constraints

Dimension Example
The figure below shows how you can use Alternate Solution with a dimensional constraint to select a
solution. In this sketch, p11 can be a valid constraint for two solutions.

Target Dimension Constraint (2)
Choose Alternate Solution and click the p11 dimension:
Alternate Solution with a Dimension Constraint
NX updates the sketch to reflect the alternate solution. You can reselect the dimension to review possible
solutions. Click OK to accept the dimension you want.
Tangent Constraint Example
The figure below shows how the same selections could produce two different solutions when two circles
are tangent constrained.
Tangent Constraint (1)
Choose Alternate Solution on the Sketch Tools toolbar and click each circle. When you select the
second circle, NX displays the alternate solution:

Alternate Solution
While the Alternate Solution dialog box is open, you can reselect the target geometry to review possible
solutions. Click OK to accept the tangent constraint you want.
 Alternate Solution dialog box

Object 1
Select Linear Selects the linear dimension or the geometry for which you want to see an alternate
Dimension or solution. If only one alternate solution is possible, NX displays the alternate
Geometry immediately. If more than one object is tangent to the target object, NX activates the
Select Tangent Geometry option.
Object 2
Select Tangent Selects geometry that is tangent to the target geometry. Use this option to make a
Geometry selection when multiple objects are tangent to Object 1.
9. Customizing the Sketch task environment

You can use the following commands and preferences to customize the Sketch task environment:
 Use the Sketch Style command to control settings for the active sketch, including the display of
sketch dimension labels, as well as settings for inferred constraints, fixed text height, and Object
Color display.
 Use Sketch Preferences to control style settings for future sketches, as well as settings for the
current NX session and the current part.
 Use grid and work plane commands on the Utility toolbar to control settings for all sketches in the
current part.
Where do I find it?
Toolbars
Utility→Show Grid

Utility→Select Work Plane Objects Only
Utility→Dim Objects Off Work Plane
Utility→Snap to Grid
Menus Sketch→Style
Preferences→Sketch→Sketch Style
Preferences→Sketch→Session Settings
Preferences→Sketch→Part Settings
a) Sketch Colors
Use the Colors sketch preference to customize the colors that are available in a sketch.
The color sets can help you:
 Differentiate objects in a sketch.

 Differentiate constraint conditions in a sketch.
Sketch Colors
A default set of Colors identifies:
Curves
Driving Dimensions
Automatic Dimensions
Overconstrained Objects
Conflicting Constraints
Reference Dimensions
Reference Curves
Partially Constrained Curves
Fully Constrained Curves
Out-of-date Objects
Degree-of-Freedom Arrows
Recipe Curves
Inactive Sketches
Customizing Sketch Colors
You can customize Colors using both the Customer Defaults utility and Sketch Preferences:
Customer 1. Choose File→ Utilities→ Customer Defaults.

Defaults 2. Expand the Sketch group, select Colors, and click on any swatch to change the
color.
Note Changes you make to Customer Defaults take effect the next time you start NX,
and apply to new part files only. NX retains the color settings in existing files
unless you explicitly change them.
Sketch 1. Choose Preferences→ Sketch.
Preferences 2. Click the Part Settings tab.
3. Click on any swatch to change the color.
4. Click OK.
Note NX immediately applies your Sketch Preferences color changes to all sketches in
the current part file.
b) Display Object Color
Use the Display Object Color command to switch the display of sketch objects between the colors
specified in Object Preferences and the sketch preference colors.
Object Colors
In this example, the object color for arcs is set to red, and the object color for lines is set to blue. The
sketch geometry initially appears in the default green. When you switch to Display Object Color, the
color of the geometry changes.
Where do I find it?

Application Modeling and Drafting
(Modeling) Direct Sketch→Display Object Color
Toolbar (Drafting and Sketch task environment) Sketch Tools→Display Object Color

c) Automatically make sketches internal
You can set a Modeling preference or a customer default that automatically make sketches internal to
their child features. Internal sketches do not appear in the Part Navigator, so you can use these settings
to shorten the Model history for a part.
 The software automatically internalizes sketches only when you create a child feature.
 You can still externalize sketches using the Make Sketch External command from the Part
Navigator.
 The settings will not cause sketches to be internalized again when you edit the feature.
Where do I find it?
Modeling preference
Menu Preferences→Modeling
Location in dialog Modeling Preferences→General tab→Automatically Make Sketch Internal to

box Child Feature
Customer Default
Menu File→Utilities→Customer Defaults
Location in dialog box Automatically Make Sketch Internal to Child Feature
d) Sketch Preferences: Sketch Style dialog box
Sketch Preferences→Sketch Style controls style settings for future sketches.
Settings
Dimension Label Controls how expressions in sketch dimensions are displayed.
 Expression – displays the expression name and value, such as p2=150.

Displays complex expressions entirely, such as p2=p5*4.
 Name displays only the name of the expression, such as p2.
 Value displays only the numeric value of the expression, such as 25.750.
Fixed Text Height Keeps the text of dimensions at a constant size when you zoom a sketch in or out.
on Screen If you clear this option and zoom, NX scales dimension text as well as sketch
geometry.
Text Height Specifies the size of text displayed in sketch dimensions.
Note The Text Height input field is not visible for sketches that you create on a drawing view. Drafting
sketches use the appropriate Drafting Preference when you create a dimension. To edit the
dimension style, right-click the dimension and choose Style.

Create Inferred Enables the Create Inferred Constraints option for all new sketches you create.
Constraints
Continuous Auto Enables auto dimensioning during curve construction.
Dimensioning
Display Object Displays sketch curves and dimensions using their Object Display colors.
Color
When this option is off, NX displays sketch objects using the colors in Part
Settings. Click the Display Object Color button on the Sketch toolbar to switch
between the two sets of colors.
e) Sketch Preferences: Session Settings
Sketch Preferences→Session Settings controls settings for the current NX session.
Settings
Snap Angle Lets you specify the snap angle tolerance for vertical, horizontal, parallel, and
perpendicular lines. For example, if the angle of a line in relationship to the horizontal
or vertical reference is less than or equal to Snap Angle, the line is automatically
snapped to the vertical or horizontal position.
The default Snap Angle is 3 degrees. The maximum value you can specify is 20
degrees.
If you do not want lines to automatically snap to the horizontal or vertical position, set
Snap Angle to zero degrees.
Note that if the Snap Angle is zero, horizontal and vertical constraints are still applied
if they are enabled in the Inferred Constraints and Dimensions dialog box.
Display Degree Controls the display of the degree-of-freedom arrows. When this option is off, NX hides
of Freedom the arrows.
Arrows
Dynamic When this option is selected, constraint symbols do not display if the associated
Constraint geometry is very small. To see constraints regardless of associated geometry size, clear
Display this check box.
Task Environment
Change View Controls whether the view orientation changes when you create or deactivate a sketch.
Orientation
When this option is on, the view orients to the sketch plane on activation and orients
back to the Model view orientation on deactivation. When you change from one sketch
to another, the view zooms out to the model view scale with no rotation, and then scales
and rotates to the sketch view orientation and scale.
Maintain Hide Use this preference, together with the Hide command, to control the display of sketch

Status objects:
 Enabled - any sketch curves or dimensions that you hide remain hidden the next
time you edit the sketch.
 Disabled - Sketch displays all curves and dimensions, regardless of their Hide
status, when you edit the sketch. When you exit the sketch, the objects return to
their original Hide status.
Maintain Controls whether the work layer remains the same or returns to its previous value when
Layer Status you deactivate a sketch.
When you open a sketch, the layer that the sketch resides on automatically becomes the
work layer.
When you exit a sketch, the layer settings depend on the whether you select the
Maintain Layer Status check box.
 If you select the check box, the sketch layer and work layer are returned to the
status they had before you activated the sketch.
 If you clear the check box, the sketch layer continues to be the work layer.
Display Section Controls whether sketch warns you that one or more sketch sections may need to be
Mapping remapped because of changes you made during the current session. The sketch displays
Warning the warning when you finish the sketch.
Background Use this option to specify the background color for a sketch session.
 Choose Inherit Color to use the same background as the calling application.
 Choose Plain to use the monochrome color you set in
Preferences→Background.
Name Prefixes Lets you modify the prefixes that NX adds to the names of sketches, lines, arcs, and
other sketch objects.
Modified prefixes apply to new objects that you create. Previously created names are
not changed.
f) Sketch Preferences: Part Settings
Use Part Settings to control color settings for curves, dimensions, degree-of-freedom arrows, and other
sketch objects in the current part.
Part Settings provides many of the same color options as Sketch Colors in Customer Defaults.
However, when you modify colors in Part Settings, NX immediately applies your changes to all sketches
in the current part.
Note that:
 Changing colors in Part Settings does not alter the sketch Colors settings in Customer Defaults.
 Inherit from Customer Defaults updates all sketches in the current part to the Customer
Defaults color settings.

Where do I find it?

Menu Preferences→Sketch→Part Settings
g) Work plane, background, and grid preferences
You can customize the sketch to display commonly used 2D visual conventions:
 Set the sketch background to a plain color rather than a gradient.

 Turn on work plane emphasis, and deemphasize non-work planes.
 Make objects off the work plane selectable or unselectable. The software dims objects that are
unselectable.
 Turn on the grid display.
 Enable a Snap to Grid option.
 Turn on labels that show the grid line offset from either the WCS or the sketch origin.
This example shows the sketch background set to plain. In the lower image, the Dim Objects Off Work
Plane option is on.
This example shows the grid and grid labels turned on.

Note Grid labels are visible only in orthographic views.

Where do I find it?
Toolbars
Utility→Show Grid
Utility→Select Work Plane Objects Only
Utility→Dim Objects Off Work Plane
Utility→Snap to Grid
10. Sketch menus quick reference

This table compares the menu locations for commands that are available when you sketch directly in
Modeling and when you are working in the Sketch task environment.
Sketching in Modeling Sketch task environment

File Task
Finish Sketch New Sketch
Sketch Properties
Sketch Style
Finish Sketch
Exit Sketch


File Task
Edit Edit
Sketch Parameters Style
Sketch Curve→Quick Trim Curve→Trim Recipe Curve
Sketch Curve→Quick Extend Curve→Quick Trim
Sketch Curve→Make Corner Curve→Quick Extend
Curve→Make Corner
Edit Defining Section
Sketch Parameters
View View
Orient View to Sketch Orient View to Sketch
Orient View to Model

Insert Insert
Sketch Datum/Point→Point
Sketch in Task Environment Curve
Sketch Curve Curve from Curves→Offset Curve
Sketch Constraint→Dimension Curve from Curves→Pattern Curve
Sketch Constraint→Constraints Curve from Curves→Mirror Curve
Sketch Constraint→Make Symmetric Curve from Curves→Intersection Point
Curve from Curves→Derived Lines
Curve from Curves→Existing Curves
Recipe Curve→Intersection Curve
Recipe Curve→Project Curve
Dimensions
Constraints
Make Symmetric
Format Format


File Task
Layer Settings Layer Settings
Group→New Active Sketch Group Group→New Group
Group→New Active Sketch Group

Tools Tools
Expression Expression
Sketch Constraints Update→Update Model
Reattach Sketch Update→Delay Sketch Evaluation
Update→Evaluate Sketch
Constraints
Reattach
Positioning Dimensions
Preferences Preferences
Sketch Grid and Work Plane
Annotation Sketch
Annotation
11. Sketch video examples

How do I?
 > Quickly sketch and revolve a gasket
 > Sketch and revolve a gasket using NX shortcuts
 > Delay part updates when I edit a sketch directly

Contents
Sketching ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Browse Categories .................................................................................................................................................. 1
View a topic ............................................................................................................................................................. 1
1. What are you looking for in Sketching? ........................................................................................................... 1
2. Sketch overview ............................................................................................................................................... 1
3. Sketch tutorials ................................................................................................................................................. 3
View a topic .............................................................................................................................................................. 3
a) Create a sketch and solid model quickly ...................................................................................................... 3
b) Sketch on a planar face ................................................................................................................................ 7
c) Create tongue and groove type parts ........................................................................................................ 10
d) Create a dome-shaped part ....................................................................................................................... 23
e) Create a base support ................................................................................................................................ 28
4. Sketch basics................................................................................................................................................... 39
View a topic ............................................................................................................................................................ 39
a) Direct Sketch and the Sketch task environment ........................................................................................ 39
b) The sketch process ..................................................................................................................................... 40
c) Sketch On Plane and Sketch On Path ......................................................................................................... 40
d) Sketching in an assembly context .............................................................................................................. 41
e) Internal and External sketches ................................................................................................................... 43
f) Open a sketch for edit ................................................................................................................................ 43
g) Make a sketch internal or external ............................................................................................................ 44
h) Sketches and Layers ................................................................................................................................... 44
i) Sketch curve dynamic preview ................................................................................................................... 45
j) Sketch help lines ......................................................................................................................................... 45
k) Sketch on-screen input boxes .................................................................................................................... 45
l) Copy, move, and edit sketch objects.......................................................................................................... 46
m) Types of constraints ............................................................................................................................... 47
n) Controlling the display of constraints ........................................................................................................ 48
o) Lock inferred constraints ............................................................................................................................ 48
p) Constraint tips ............................................................................................................................................ 49
q) Degree-of-freedom arrows ........................................................................................................................ 49
r) Short List ..................................................................................................................................................... 50
s) Viewing and editing multiple sketch expressions ...................................................................................... 51
5. Creating and managing sketches.................................................................................................................... 51
View a topic ............................................................................................................................................................ 51

a) Direct sketching .......................................................................................................................................... 51

b) Create and Reattach Sketch ....................................................................................................................... 57
c) Sketch groups ............................................................................................................................................. 67
d) Orient View to Sketch................................................................................................................................. 69
e) Orient View to Model ................................................................................................................................. 69
f) Delaying Sketch updates ............................................................................................................................ 69
g) Delay Evaluation ......................................................................................................................................... 70
h) Evaluate Sketch .......................................................................................................................................... 70
i) Update Model ............................................................................................................................................ 71
j) Replace with Independent Sketch.............................................................................................................. 71
k) Rename a sketch ........................................................................................................................................ 72
l) Finish Sketch ............................................................................................................................................... 72
m) Exit Sketch .............................................................................................................................................. 72
6. Creating and editing geometry....................................................................................................................... 73
View a topic ............................................................................................................................................................ 73
a) Profile ......................................................................................................................................................... 73
b) Line ............................................................................................................................................................. 79
c) Derived Lines .............................................................................................................................................. 82
d) Arc .............................................................................................................................................................. 84
e) Circle ........................................................................................................................................................... 90
f) Fillet ............................................................................................................................................................ 91
g) Chamfer ...................................................................................................................................................... 96
h) Rectangle .................................................................................................................................................... 98
i) Polygon ..................................................................................................................................................... 103
j) Studio Spline ............................................................................................................................................. 105
k) Fit Spline ................................................................................................................................................... 105
l) Ellipse........................................................................................................................................................ 106
m) Conic ..................................................................................................................................................... 110
n) Sketch Point .............................................................................................................................................. 111
o) Offset Curve.............................................................................................................................................. 115
p) Pattern Curve ........................................................................................................................................... 123
q) Mirror Curve ............................................................................................................................................. 136
r) Intersection Point ..................................................................................................................................... 139
s) Add Existing Curves .................................................................................................................................. 142
t) Intersection Curve .................................................................................................................................... 143
u) Project Curve ............................................................................................................................................ 147

v) Quick Trim ................................................................................................................................................ 151

w) Quick Extend......................................................................................................................................... 155
x) Make Corner ............................................................................................................................................. 159
y) Trim Recipe Curve .................................................................................................................................... 161
z) Edit Defining Section ................................................................................................................................ 166
7. Creating dimensions ..................................................................................................................................... 170
View a topic .......................................................................................................................................................... 170
a) Sketch dimensions .................................................................................................................................... 171
b) Inferred Dimensions ................................................................................................................................. 172
c) Create and edit inferred dimensions........................................................................................................ 172
d) Create a Horizontal dimension ................................................................................................................. 175
e) Create a Vertical dimension ..................................................................................................................... 175
f) Create a Parallel dimension...................................................................................................................... 176
g) Create a Perpendicular dimension ........................................................................................................... 177
h) Create a Diameter dimension .................................................................................................................. 179
i) Create a Radius dimension ....................................................................................................................... 180
j) Create an Angular dimension ................................................................................................................... 181
k) Perimeter Dimension ............................................................................................................................... 182
l) Display as PMI overview ........................................................................................................................... 184
m) Dimensions: right mouse button options............................................................................................. 187
n) Dimensions options .................................................................................................................................. 187
o) Edit Dimension Associativity .................................................................................................................... 188
p) Sketch Parameters.................................................................................................................................... 191
q) Animate Dimension .................................................................................................................................. 192
r) Auto Dimension ........................................................................................................................................ 193
s) Continuous Auto Dimensioning................................................................................................................ 199
t) Inferred Constraints and Dimensions ....................................................................................................... 200
u) Convert To/From Reference ..................................................................................................................... 203
v) Alternate Solution .................................................................................................................................... 204
w) Sketch positioning dimensions ............................................................................................................. 207
8. Creating constraints ..................................................................................................................................... 208
View a topic .......................................................................................................................................................... 208
a) Constraints ............................................................................................................................................... 208
b) Create constraints .................................................................................................................................... 209
c) Constraints quick reference ..................................................................................................................... 213
d) Auto Constrain.......................................................................................................................................... 216

e) Show / Remove Constraints ..................................................................................................................... 216

f) Show All Constraints................................................................................................................................. 218
g) Show No Constraints ................................................................................................................................ 219
h) Make Symmetric....................................................................................................................................... 219
i) Create Inferred Constraints ...................................................................................................................... 222
j) Constraint conditions ............................................................................................................................... 223
k) Delay Evaluation ....................................................................................................................................... 223
l) Evaluate Sketch ........................................................................................................................................ 224
m) Convert To/From Reference ................................................................................................................. 224
n) Alternate Solution .................................................................................................................................... 225
9. Customizing the Sketch task environment ................................................................................................... 228
a) Sketch Colors ............................................................................................................................................ 229
b) Display Object Color ................................................................................................................................. 230
c) Automatically make sketches internal ..................................................................................................... 231
d) Sketch Preferences: Sketch Style dialog box ............................................................................................ 231
e) Sketch Preferences: Session Settings ....................................................................................................... 232
f) Sketch Preferences: Part Settings ............................................................................................................ 233
g) Work plane, background, and grid preferences....................................................................................... 234
10. Sketch menus quick reference ................................................................................................................. 235
11. Sketch video examples ............................................................................................................................. 237
Contents ................................................................................................................................................................... 238

Tự học NX 1 - Sketching

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2011

1. What are you looking for in Sketching?

Learn more about

You can use sketches to create:

 The profile or typical sections of your design.

drive24ward NX-PLM 2011 年 11 月 5 日

Or you might create construction geometry including:

 Area/volume restrictions in a part

Sketches like these typically require few, if any, constraints.

Sketch in Place/Sketch on Path

drive24ward NX-PLM 2011 年 11 月 5 日

a) Create a sketch and solid model quickly

This tutorial shows you how to:

 Create and extrude a sketch profile.

2. Create a new Millimeters part based on the

drive24ward NX-PLM 2011 年 11 月 5 日

Select the Point of the Datum Coordinate

Move your mouse to the right.

When you see a dashed help line with an

A horizontal line is created.

Move your mouse above the line.

When you see a dashed help line with an

A vertical line is created.

Click a screen position where the line is

drive24ward NX-PLM 2011 年 11 月 5 日

When you see a dotted help line, click a screen

The line end point is normal to the dotted help

Select the Point of the Datum Coordinate

10. While the Direct Sketch toolbar is still active,

The sketch is fully constrained with automatic

11. Choose another command or click the middle

drive24ward NX-PLM 2011 年 11 月 5 日

Double–click the sketch to edit it.

Select the vertical line.

Click to place the dimension.

Type 50 and press Enter.

drive24ward NX-PLM 2011 年 11 月 5 日

 The 30mm automatic dimensional

b) Sketch on a planar face

 Select the Sketch:

Click the face to define the sketch plane,

As you move the cursor over the planar face, the

drive24ward NX-PLM 2011 年 11 月 5 日

Move your mouse to the right. When you see a

Drag to the right of the line to switch from line to

Move your mouse above the line. When you see

Move your mouse to the left parallel to the first

drive24ward NX-PLM 2011 年 11 月 5 日

Drag to the left of the line to switch from line to

Select the end point of the first line to complete

10. While the Direct Sketch toolbar is still active,

In the End on-screen input box, type 5.

You may need to click Reverse Direction to

12. Choose another command or click the middle

drive24ward NX-PLM 2011 年 11 月 5 日

c) Create tongue and groove type parts

This tutorial shows you how to sketch on a

1. Click here to download the part.

drive24ward NX-PLM 2011 年 11 月 5 日

From the Type list, select On Path .

4. From the Curve Rule list, select Tangent

Select one of the edges to define the path.

All the top edges highlight because you chose the

Double-click the X axis to reverse its direction.