Rectangle Center

Introduction

This topic will explain the Rectangle Center function, will explain where to find the function, and explain the options found in it. This topic will also give a brief description of Dynamic Drawing, the Snap Increment function, explain creation with quick steps, and provide links to related topics.

The Rectangle Center Function

The Rectangle Center function is used to create rectangles using sketching, data entry, or a combination of both.

Dynamic Drawing

This function supports Dynamic Drawing which allows you to use a combination of sketching and data entry to create the entities. Prior to confirming the desired result in the function, an adjustable preview is visible. These previews can be modified using data entry. The benefit of Dynamic Drawing is that you can quickly place and adjust the size to get the approximate result, and then use data entry to update to the exact dimensions, and coordinate values as needed.

 

Planes in Modify Mode

Final Entities

 

In the images above, we see the preview of surfaces which can still be adjusted, followed by those same surfaces after they are finalized.

Snap Increment

This function support the use of the snap increment when selecting the location of the entities. The snap increment allows you to get precise results when using mouse selection and helps to reduce data entry modifications.

 

To learn more, view Snap Increment.

To use the Rectangle Center creation option, for the Rectangular Plane:

 

  • In the Surfaces group, of the Create 3D ribbon, click the down arrow under Planar, and select Rectangular Plane.

 

The parameters display in the Data Entry Manager.

 

  • Once in the feature, select the Rectangle Center Creation Option.

The Data Entry Parameters

Creation Options

The Creation Options allow you to select between different methods for creating rectangles in the same dialog. Click the associated icon to utilize the particular creation option.

 

    

Parameters

Dimensions

 

  • Length (X) - sets the length of the rectangle along the X-axis of the Active UCS.
  • Width (Y) - sets the width of the rectangle along the Y-axis of the Active UCS.
  • Angle - allows the rectangle to be rotated around the origin.

 

 

Base Point

The Base Point determines the coordinate location of the rectangle using the XYZ coordinates of the active UCS. The selected origin location determines where the origin is on the entity.

 

  • X - is the X-axis location of the entity origin.

  • Y - is the Y-axis location of the entity origin.

  • Z - is the Z-axis location of the entity origin.

 

Tip: The XYZ coordinates are in reference to the active UCS, or user coordinate system.

 

Option   Option will allow you to specify which portion of the rectangle is used for the Origin.

 

 

Corner Type

 

  • Sharp Corner - creates the rectanglewith sharp corners.

  • Radius - creates the rectanglewith round corners using the Radius value.

  • Chamfer Length - creates the rectanglewith chamfered corners using the Chamfer value.

 

 

  • OK - finalizes the function.

  • Cancel - exits the function.

Quick Steps - Rectangle Center

Dynamic Drawing Method

  1. Open the function and choose the Rectangle Center Creation Option.

  2. Click a snap point or anywhere in the graphics area to set the center point of the rectangle.



    You can modify the snap increment value or turn it off while selecting locations with the mouse.

  3. This is now the active entity, which means that it is not fully defined.



    After setting the center point of a rectangle, it changes from the Preview color to the current Entity color, but displays with a greater line thickness than existing entities to show that it is the Active entity. You can then modify the Data Entry parameters to update the active entity.

  4. Dynamic Drawing allows you to update the Data Entry parameters to modify the active rectangle.

    After updating the Data Entry parameters, to finish the active entity, you can click OK or start sketching the next rectangle.

    When you don't need to update the Data Entry parameters, you can just click to start the next rectangle.



    In the images above we see the finished surface and the finished surface with the point used to create it .

 

Note: There are many ways to finish the active entity: click OK, press Spacebar, or click in the graphics area to start the next rectangle.

 

  1. Repeat this process for all rectangles to be created.

  2. To close the function, click Cancel.

 

Data Entry Method

Rectangle Center is the only rectangle creation option that can be defined using only data entry.

 

  1. Open the function, and select the Rectangle Center creation option.

  2. Define all Data Entry parameters needed for the rectangle.

  3. Click OK to create the first rectangle.

  4. Update the Data Entry parameters, and click OK to create the next rectangle.

  5. Repeat this process for as many rectangles as needed.

  6. To close the function, click Cancel.

Related Topics

The CAD Overview