The updated block-editing environment includes all of the geometric and dimensional constraint tools plus a new Block Table tool that lets you establish lists of preset dimension values.ĭimensional constraints put limits on measurements of geometry. For example, if you select a rectangle, Auto Constrain generates appropriate coincident, horizontal, parallel, and perpendicular constraints.įigure 2: Constraints also enhance dynamic block creation. Auto Constrain applies constraints to selected geometry that falls within specified tolerances. You can also significantly automate the process of applying constraints using the Auto Constrain tool. AutoCAD 2010 supports 12 different types of geometric constraints: coincident, collinear, concentric, fix, parallel, perpendicular, horizontal, vertical, tangent, smooth, symmetric, and equal. To remove a constraint, you just select and delete its icon from the constraint bar. When you move your cursor over a constraint, its associated geometry is highlighted. As you add geometric constraints to an object, each constraint appears on a constraint bar adjacent to that object. Tools for adding constraints are easy to use and conveniently located on a new Parametric ribbon bar. For example, you can change the distance between two parallel lines by entering a new value or specify that the length of an object is twice its width. With dimensional constraints, you can drive the size or spacing of objects as either explicit dimensions or as mathematical formulas.

For example, you can specify that two lines remain perpendicular. Geometric constraints let you specify geometric relationships between objects. (Similar capabilities were available in AutoCAD 2008 via the IDX VCS plug-in, reviewed in the March issue of DE.) While similar tools form the basis of sketching environments in programs like Autodesk Inventor, this is the first time they’ve been available as native commands in AutoCAD. These new tools let you apply both geometric and dimensional constraints to ensure that specific relationships and measurements remain persistent even as the objects are modified. Topping the list are powerful new parametric drawing tools that let users constrain drawings based on design intent. But while last year the new ribbon-bar user interface overshadowed a relatively short list of new capabilities, this time around AutoCAD 2010 offers some incredibly powerful new functionality for both 2D and 3D users. Once again, Autodesk has managed to add a host of new features and capabilities to its flagship product. It’s spring, which in the CAD world means a new release of AutoCAD. You can also define dimensional constraints that are driven by formulas based on relationships between objects. Parallel lines remain parallel and concentric circles remain centered. Figure 1: New parametric drawing tools let you define persistent relationships between objects.

Software autocad 2010