Trim Strings

Introduction

This topic will explain the Trim Strings function, and the options found in it. This topic will also describe where to find the function, provide quick steps and an example on how to use it, and provide links to related topics.

The Trim Strings Function

The Trim Strings function is used to trim or extend multiple entities to create one contiguous curve. To perform the function, you select geometry in the graphics area.

To open Trim Strings:

In the Trim Extend group of the Utilities ribbon, click Trim Strings.

The parameters display in the Data Entry Manager.

The Data Entry Parameters

Trim/Extend Option

Entity Selection

First Entity

	(Delete) - removes the highlighted item from the list.
The list box will list the entity currently selected for the function.

Second Entity

	(Delete) - removes the highlighted item from the list.
This list box will show the entity currently selected for the function.

OK - has no use with this function.
Cancel - cancels the function when finished.

Quick Steps - Strings

Open the function.

The First Entity list automatically has focus.
Select the first entity.

The entity is added to the First Entity list.

The Second Entity list is automatically given focus.
Hover over the second entity to see a preview of the result.

Select the second entity.

The function is automatically executed.

The First Entity list is automatically give back focus to allow the function to be repeated.
Click Cancel to close the function.

Example

The Trim Extend Strings function is used to trim or extend entities so that they form a continuous string or chain of entities. This is done in a continuous order along open or closed chains. You can apply the process shown in the following example to use the function.

In the Trim Extend group of the Utilities ribbon, click Trim Strings.

The Trim Strings parameters display in the Data Entry Manager.
In the graphics area, point to the first entity that you want to trim so that it is displayed in the Highlight color.
While the entity is displayed in the Highlight color, click to select it.

After you select the entity, it is added to the First Entity list, and is displayed in the Selection color.

The next step is to select the trim to entity. This may result in entities being trimmed or extended, based on the selections. In this example, we extend the arc and the line to meet.
In the graphics area, select the next entity to trim or extend.

When you select the second entity, the entities are trimmed or extended until they connect, and the last selected entity is placed in the First Entity list.

Notice that the second entity is now displayed in the Selection color. This is now the current trim entity.
In the graphics area, select the next entity to trim or extend.

The entities are trimmed or extended until they are connected.
Select the next entity.
Continue selecting the entities to trim or extend.
To end the function, click Cancel.

Note: The final geometry is now a closed chain. All of the entities created using Trim Extend Strings are single entities. What this means is that when an entity is extended, the software does not add a new entity, it replaces the previous entity with one new entity. Note that when using splines, as in the last entity of this example, you can only trim to them, you can't extend a spline to another entity.

This concludes the example.