Constrain Family Geometry

As you are adding geometry to your component family, you need to constrain the geometry to the parametric framework previously created.

For the best results, the sketches of the geometry should be constrained to the reference planes driving the parametric relationships.

To constrain the sketch of a piece of geometry during creation

  1. Use the Align tool and select the specific reference plane and the sketch line to establish the constraint.
  2. When the lock symbol displays, click it to lock the constraint.
Important: Constraints between geometry in the family will behave unpredictably when you adjust parameters. To make the family reliable, be sure to constrain geometry to levels, reference planes, or reference lines. The best practice for creating flexible parametric families is as follows:
  1. Plan and layout the necessary reference planes and reference lines for the family.
  2. Set up properly labeled dimensions between the planes and lines.
  3. Test and verify that the planes and lines flex correctly when the dimensions are changed.
  4. Place and constrain the family geometry to the flexible skeleton of planes and lines.

If the constraint is labeled, the parameter created from the constraint allows the geometry to adjust with changes to the parameter.