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Stop Dynamic Resize

Question asked by David Hale on Nov 17, 2015
Latest reply on Nov 22, 2015 by Alin Vargatu

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I am transitioning from other design software and am struggling with differences in this software's behavior from what I have grown accustomed to.

In sketch mode, I have enabled the setting "Enable on-screen numeric input on entity creation" which (finally) allows me to rapidly dimension known variables without the pain of trying to carefully maintain cursor position while I enter values.

Once I have my shape, lets say a rectangle, dimensioned from this input, any number of other relations can completely nullify the fact that I have entered a specific value. I make a rectangle, 20x40 mm. If I then tell one edge of the rectangle to be collinear with another feature, It will re-size my rectangle moving only that line, and now my rectangle is no-longer 20x40mm.

This is rather frustrating.

I hope there is a setting to make a "dimensional input" act as a driving dimension, but I am unable to find the option to make this so, or the right search terms to discover it.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Dave

Glenn Schroeder Nov 18, 2015 8:39 AM

Correct Answer

David,

In addition to "Enable on screen numeric input on entity creation", you also need to have "Create dimension only when value is entered" checked. That will place a driving dimension when you enter a value.

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Glenn Schroeder Nov 18, 2015 8:39 AM

David,

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David Hale @ Glenn Schroeder on Nov 21, 2015 9:10 AM

Perfect. Thanks for this.

I did notice that box, but left it unchecked because I was unsure what it specifically did, and whether I would notice the change. Thank you for clarifying that for me and for the response.

I'm aware of the potential of the program, and that its going to take some time for me to get it customized to suit my personal workflow. I have done some work since this response and things started moving along more efficiently for my needs, so thanks again, this is the fix I was looking for.

Cheers,

Dave

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Glenn Schroeder @ David Hale on Nov 22, 2015 12:13 PM

I'm glad we could help. Be sure to come back any time you have a question. I'm sure it won't be long before you're answering other people's questions.

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Richard Bremmer Nov 19, 2015 5:02 PM

See the screenshot from Glenn Schroeder, do you have the option "Override dimensions on drag/move" enabled?

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David Hale @ Richard Bremmer on Nov 21, 2015 9:10 AM

I don't, I have mostly default settings since its a new installation on a personal machine. The issue I was looking to figure out was resolved through Mr. Schroeder's post, but this is another setting certainly worth being aware of.

Much thanks for the reply.

-Dave

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Greg Hynd Nov 20, 2015 2:58 AM

which (finally) allows me to rapidly dimension known variables without the pain of trying to carefully maintain cursor position while I enter values.

What do you mean by this? Draw your lines, exist the sketch tool and dimension.

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Eric Blankinship @ Greg Hynd on Nov 20, 2015 1:41 PM

Greg,

What I think he is wanting to do is be able to define the size of the feature during creation and not have to go back in and add dimensions after the fact. So using line tool and typing in a length of 20mm and having it create and stay that way rather than create a length of unknown value and then activating dimension tool and giving it the length of 20mm.

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Glenn Schroeder @ Eric Blankinship on Nov 20, 2015 1:47 PM

Eric,

I think you're right. I assumed the OP had "Enable on screen numeric input on entity creation" checked, which would let him enter a value to set the length of a line (or diameter of a circle, etc.), but he didn't have "Create dimension only when value is entered" checked, which will show the dimension entered by the user, and make it driving.

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David Hale @ Glenn Schroeder on Nov 21, 2015 9:10 AM

Exactly. I was telling it what I wanted it to be, but it would dynamically resize instead of being a driving dimension.

I don't see the need to do this, but more options are better than less, and I'm certain plenty of people have a reason to want it.

This ordeal has enlightened me to the manner in which SolidWorks facilitates dimensionally driven design, and I re-started my design project making critical relations driving and in the process of inevitable changes was able to rapidly change core geometry and have the bulk of my extrusions and relations auto-correct. Was very pleased about that.

Thanks again to all respondents.
Late nights in new software can be infuriating, but this turned out to be an easy fix.

Much thanks,

Dave

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Alin Vargatu @ David Hale on Nov 22, 2015 2:22 PM

David, you might want to avoid those late nights by taking formal training in the use of SOLIDWORKS. Learning by trail and error is a very costly and frustrating experience.

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10 Replies

Glenn Schroeder Nov 18, 2015 8:39 AM
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Correct Answer
David,

In addition to "Enable on screen numeric input on entity creation", you also need to have "Create dimension only when value is entered" checked. That will place a driving dimension when you enter a value.
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- David Hale @ Glenn Schroeder on Nov 21, 2015 9:10 AM
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  Correct Answer
  Perfect. Thanks for this.
  
  I did notice that box, but left it unchecked because I was unsure what it specifically did, and whether I would notice the change. Thank you for clarifying that for me and for the response.
  
  I'm aware of the potential of the program, and that its going to take some time for me to get it customized to suit my personal workflow. I have done some work since this response and things started moving along more efficiently for my needs, so thanks again, this is the fix I was looking for.
  
  Cheers,
  Dave
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  - Glenn Schroeder @ David Hale on Nov 22, 2015 12:13 PM
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    Correct Answer
    I'm glad we could help. Be sure to come back any time you have a question. I'm sure it won't be long before you're answering other people's questions.
    Like • Show 0 Likes0
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Richard Bremmer Nov 19, 2015 5:02 PM
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See the screenshot from Glenn Schroeder, do you have the option "Override dimensions on drag/move" enabled?
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- David Hale @ Richard Bremmer on Nov 21, 2015 9:10 AM
  Mark Correct
  Correct Answer
  I don't, I have mostly default settings since its a new installation on a personal machine. The issue I was looking to figure out was resolved through Mr. Schroeder's post, but this is another setting certainly worth being aware of.
  
  Much thanks for the reply.
  -Dave
  Like • Show 0 Likes0
  Actions
Greg Hynd Nov 20, 2015 2:58 AM
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Correct Answer
which (finally) allows me to rapidly dimension known variables without the pain of trying to carefully maintain cursor position while I enter values.

What do you mean by this? Draw your lines, exist the sketch tool and dimension.
Like • Show 0 Likes0
Actions
- Eric Blankinship @ Greg Hynd on Nov 20, 2015 1:41 PM
  Mark Correct
  Correct Answer
  Greg,
  
  What I think he is wanting to do is be able to define the size of the feature during creation and not have to go back in and add dimensions after the fact. So using line tool and typing in a length of 20mm and having it create and stay that way rather than create a length of unknown value and then activating dimension tool and giving it the length of 20mm.
  Like • Show 1 Like1
  Actions
  - Glenn Schroeder @ Eric Blankinship on Nov 20, 2015 1:47 PM
    Mark Correct
    Correct Answer
    Eric,
    
    I think you're right. I assumed the OP had "Enable on screen numeric input on entity creation" checked, which would let him enter a value to set the length of a line (or diameter of a circle, etc.), but he didn't have "Create dimension only when value is entered" checked, which will show the dimension entered by the user, and make it driving.
    Like • Show 1 Like1
    Actions
    - David Hale @ Glenn Schroeder on Nov 21, 2015 9:10 AM
      Mark Correct
      Correct Answer
      Exactly. I was telling it what I wanted it to be, but it would dynamically resize instead of being a driving dimension.
      
      I don't see the need to do this, but more options are better than less, and I'm certain plenty of people have a reason to want it.
      
      This ordeal has enlightened me to the manner in which SolidWorks facilitates dimensionally driven design, and I re-started my design project making critical relations driving and in the process of inevitable changes was able to rapidly change core geometry and have the bulk of my extrusions and relations auto-correct. Was very pleased about that.
      
      Thanks again to all respondents.
      Late nights in new software can be infuriating, but this turned out to be an easy fix.
      
      Much thanks,
      Dave
      Like • Show 0 Likes0
      Actions
      - Alin Vargatu @ David Hale on Nov 22, 2015 2:22 PM
        Mark Correct
        Correct Answer
        David, you might want to avoid those late nights by taking formal training in the use of SOLIDWORKS. Learning by trail and error is a very costly and frustrating experience.
        Like • Show 1 Like1
        Actions

Stop Dynamic Resize

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