In most common cases, the creation of a part or of an operation begins by a sketch. 2D sketch and 3D sketch menus propose you all functions for creation and for elements modifications.

The 2D sketch menu is for the design of 2D sketches, the 3D sketch menu is for the design of 3D sketches.

The different commands are going to allow you to model both simple geometric elements like lines, circles, rectangles... and more complex elements like splines, helices, curves by formulas...

Colors of the elements:

In order to rapidly visualize the level of constraints of the sketch elements, TopSolid displays them in different colors.

A totally constrained sketch will be represented in blue, whereas an under-constrained sketch will be represented in magenta.

Colors of dimensions:

Like for sketches, dimensions are displayed with different colors to quickly distinguish constraints (dimension driving the geometry) to passive (dimension displaying a distance).

A constraint will be represented in black, whereas a passive dimension will be represented in gray.

If there are too many constraints, the sketch becomes over-constrained and TopSolid displays dimensions in red.

Construction elements and internal elements:

In some cases, it is necessary to model elements only useful for the construction of other elements.

These elements will be able to be defined as construction elements, they will be represented by fine mixed lines and will not be taken into account during automatic sewing of the sketch elements, nor during the creation of a shape but they will remain visible outside the sketch, which will possibly allow other elements to be hooked on above.

You can modify the type of element at any time by selecting it and launching the Construction command, which is available from the popup menu that displays by right-clicking the element.

When an element of construction type is defined, it is possible to make it inside the sketch, it will have the same characteristics as a construction element but will not be visible outside the sketch.

You can make a construction element internal at any time by selecting it and launching the Internal command, which is available from the popup menu that displays by right-clicking the construction element.

Modes:

Different modes are available through the icon bars, modes are displayed on the right of the bar. They are also available from the 2D sketch > Modes or 3D sketch > Modes drop-down menus.

Modes allow:

• automating the creation of some types of elements like for example construction elements.

• modifying the values of the dimensional constraints during their creation

• visualizing certain type elements like for example relations.

Creating the sketch "on the fly"

In all commands requiring that a sketch be selected (extrusion, pocket, embossment, etc.), it is possible to create a sketch "on the fly", if it doesn't yet exist.

To do this, use the corresponding command in the dialog's advanced options ( icon).