Comment utiliser l'outil de prévisualisation des cotes de croquis

The Preview Sketch Dimension tool, introduced in SOLIDWORKS 2024, enables you to fully define and place sketch dimensions without needing to use the Smart Dimension command.

Creating a design in SOLIDWORKS usually follows a straightforward process by starting a sketch, dimensioning it, and extruding a feature. The most time-consuming part is applying dimensions to fully define the SOLIDWORKS sketch.

Depending on your method, placing a dimension could take three or four clicks. While it may not seem too complex, multiplying that across an entire production model means the time adds up.

What is the Preview Sketch Dimension Tool?

In SOLIDWORKS, there is always more than one way to do anything, and this includes something as simple as adding a dimension. Using the Preview Sketch Dimension tool enables you to fully define your sketch with fewer clicks than normal.

Previewing dimensions with SOLIDWORKS 2024

This tool not only provides insight into sketch sizing before applying dimensions but also gives a streamlined process for locking down sketch dimensions.

How to Turn on Dimension Previews

The Preview Sketch Dimension tool is disabled by default on a new SOLIDWORKS installation, so it will have to be enabled. The setting is found in the SOLIDWORKS System Options under the Sketch tab.

Enabling sketch dimension previews

Additionally, the tool can be activated from the in-context toolbar or from the right-click menu in a sketch. When the toolbar appears, the Preview Sketch Dimension icon appears which allows you to quickly toggle it on or off without diving into the SOLIDWORKS System Options.

Previewing dimensions from the in-context menu

How To Use the Preview Sketch Dimension Tool

1. Create a Closed Sketch Profile
   Begin by creating a new sketch on a plane and drawing a closed sketch profile. When you apply the dimensions, they will automatically adjust the size of your sketch entities to the dimension size you specify.
   
2. Select Sketch Entities
   When you click on a typical sketch entity, such as a line, arc, or circle, you’ll automatically get a gray dimension with a dashed line between the leaders. This is what toggling the setting will do and display the actual size of the selected entity.
   

   Selecting a sketch entity to preview the dimension

3. Set the Dimension Value
   With the preview active, you can select the dimension to open the Modify dialog box. This behaves similarly to the Smart Dimension command and lets you define the value, unit, and link to any variables in the SOLIDWORKS model.
   

   Entering a dimension value

Applying Dimension to Multiple Entities

One of the benefits of using the Smart Dimension command as opposed to specifying linear or angular dimensions is that it automatically selects the appropriate dimension type based on the entities. Using the Preview Sketch Dimension tool is no different and greatly streamlines the dimensioning process.

Applying an angular dimension using Preview Sketch Dimensions

By holding the control key and selecting multiple entities, you can define any type of dimension you could with Smart Dimension. The selections can include lines, points, or any other sketch entity you desire to dimension.

Improving SOLIDWORKS Sketch Efficiency

Preview Sketch Dimension is a powerful tool for creating sketches with a streamlined workflow and adding dimensions. It offers great flexibility in when to apply it, with a quick toggle on and off through a context toolbar.

You can also use the Preview Sketch Dimension through multiple selections, either to a single entity or multiple entities. Utilizing tools to make your sketch process more efficient allows you to finish sooner.

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