Sketcher Preferences: Difference between revisions

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<div style="float:right; clean:both; margin-left:0.5em;">__TOC__</div>
|[[Sketcher_SwitchVirtualSpace|Switch virtual space]]
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The preferences of the Sketcher is located in the {{MenuCommand|Edit menu → Preferences → Sketcher}}. It consists of 2 tabs:

===General Settings=== <!--T:2-->
[[File:Preference_Sketcher_Tab_01.png]]
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In the ''General'' tab you can specify the following:
The preferences for the [[Image:Workbench_Sketcher.svg|24px|link=Sketcher_Workbench]] [[Sketcher_Workbench|Sketcher Workbench]] can be found in the [[Preferences Editor|Preferences Editor]]. In the menu select {{MenuCommand|Edit → Preferences...}} and then {{MenuCommand|Sketcher}}.
{| class="wikitable float-right mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"

<!--T:23-->
There are four pages: [[#General|General]], [[#Grid|Grid]], [[#Display|Display]] and [[#Appearance|Appearance]].

<!--T:52-->
This page has been updated for version 1.0.

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In {{VersionMinus|0.21}} the [[#Appearance|Appearance]] page is labeled "Colors".

==General== <!--T:24-->

<!--T:61-->
[[Image:Preferences_Sketcher_Page_General.png|400px]]

<!--T:43-->
On the this page you can specify the following:

<!--T:27-->
{| class="wikitable float-right mw-collapsible mw-uncollapsed"
!style="width: 33%;"|Name
!style="width: 33%;"|Name
!style="width: 66%;"|Description
!style="width: 66%;"|Description
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Change language}}
| {{MenuCommand|Show section 'Advanced solver control'}}
| If checked, the [[Sketcher_Dialog|sketcher dialog]] will show the section ''Advanced solver control'' to adjust solver settings.
| Select the language of FreeCAD's user interface
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Size of recent file list}}
| {{MenuCommand|Improve solving while dragging}}
| If checked, a special solver algorithm will be used while dragging sketch elements. This avoids that the sketch flips around while dragging. It is an improvement for most cases, however for complex sketches this option can increase the time to solve the sketch.
| Specification how many files should be listed in the recent files list
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Enable tiled background}}
| {{MenuCommand|Auto remove redundants}}
| If checked, new constraints that are redundant are automatically removed.
| If checked, the background of FreeCAD's main window will by default consist of tiles of this image: [[File:Background.png|64px]]<br/>This option only has an effect if in {{MenuCommand|Style sheet}}/''No style sheet'' is selected.<br/>The image can be changed by adding the folders {{FileName|Gui/Images}} in the folder<br/>[https://www.howtogeek.com/318177/what-is-the-appdata-folder-in-windows/ {{FileName|%APPDATA%]/FreeCAD}} (on Windows),<br/>{{FileName|$HOME/.FreeCAD}} (on Linux) or<br/>{{FileName|$HOME/Library/Preferences/FreeCAD}} (on MacOS).<br/>Put there a file named {{FileName|background.png}} and uncheck/check this option to see the changed file.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Style sheet}}
| {{MenuCommand|Esc can leave sketch edit mode}}
| If checked, the {{KEY|Esc}} key can trigger exiting sketch edit mode. The option to disable this may be useful for users who are used to pressing {{KEY|Esc}} as part of their workflow in other CAD solutions but don't necessarily want to exit a sketch.
| Selection of a style sheet. The style sheets define how the user interface of FreeCAD looks.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Size of toolbar icons}}
| {{MenuCommand|Notify automatic constraint substitutions}}
| If checked, you will be informed with a dialog about constraint substitutions. For example if the endpoints of two arcs are connected with the [[Sketcher_ConstrainCoincident|coincident constraint]] and you reconnect the arcs using the [[Sketcher_ConstrainTangent|tangent constraint]], the coincidence constraint will be substituted by the tangent constraint and you will get a popup dialog telling you this.
| Selection of the size for the toolbar icons
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Auto load module after start up}}
| {{MenuCommand|Unify Coincident and PointOnObject}} {{Version|1.0}}
| If checked, the [[Sketcher_ConstrainCoincident|Coincident constraint tool]] and [[Sketcher_ConstrainPointOnObject|PointOnObject constraint tool]] are unified in a [[Sketcher_ConstrainCoincidentUnified|single tool]].
| Selection what workbench will be used directly after starting FreeCAD

<!--T:54-->
{{Emphasis|After changing this preference you must restart FreeCAD.}}

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|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Enable splash screen at start up}}
| {{MenuCommand|Auto tool for Horizontal/Vertical}} {{Version|1.0}}
| If checked, the [[Sketcher_ConstrainHorVer|Automatic horizontal/vertical constraint tool]] is added to the toolbar (it is always available in the menu and through its shortcut), and the [[Sketcher_ConstrainHorizontal|Horizontal constraint tool]] and [[Sketcher_ConstrainVertical|Vertical constraint tool]] are grouped below it in a dropdown.
| If checked, the splash screen of FreeCAD is shown when starting.<br/>The splash screen image can be changed by adding the folders {{FileName|Gui/Images}} in the folder {{FileName|%APPDATA%/FreeCAD}} (where %APPDATA% is the the user-specific application folder of FreeCAD of your operating system). Put there a file named {{FileName|splash_image.png}} and restart FreeCAD to see the changed splash screen.

<!--T:56-->
{{Emphasis|After changing this preference you must restart FreeCAD.}}

<!--T:57-->
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Enable word wrap}}
| {{MenuCommand|Dimensioning constraints}} {{Version|1.0}}
| Specifies the dimensional constraint tools for the toolbar (all dimensional tools are always available in the menu and through their shortcuts). The options are:
| Words will be wrapped when the exceed the available horizontal space in the Python console. This console is shown using the menu {{MenuCommand|View → Panels → Python console}}.
* {{MenuCommand|Single tool}}: A combined [[Sketcher_Dimension|Dimension tool]] for all dimensional constraints. The separate tools are grouped below it in a dropdown.
* {{MenuCommand|Separated tools}}: Only the separate tools.
* {{MenuCommand|Both}}: Both the combined [[Sketcher_Dimension|Dimension tool]] and the separated tools.

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{{Emphasis|After changing this preference you must restart FreeCAD.}}

<!--T:59-->
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Dimension tool diameter/radius mode}} {{Version|1.0}}
| Specifies how the combined [[Sketcher_Dimension|Dimension tool]] handles circles and arcs. The options are:
* {{MenuCommand|Auto}}: First apply a radius dimension to arcs and a diameter dimension to circles. Before picking the point that will position the dimension, it is possible to switch with the {{KEY|M}} key.
* {{MenuCommand|Diameter}}: Always first apply a diameter dimension. Idem.
* {{MenuCommand|Radius}}: Always first apply a radius dimension. Idem.

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|-
| {{MenuCommand|On-View-Parameters}} {{Version|1.0}}
| Specifies the visibility mode for the On-View-Parameters. The options are:
* {{MenuCommand|Disabled}}: On-View-Parameters are completely disabled.
* {{MenuCommand|Only dimensional}}: Only dimensional On-View-Parameters are enabled. They are the most useful. For example the radius of a circle.
* {{MenuCommand|All}}: Both dimensional and positional On-View-Parameters are enabled. Positional parameters are the position of the cursor. For example for the center of a circle.
|}
|}


===Colors=== <!--T:3-->
==Grid== <!--T:44-->

[[File:Preference_Sketcher_Tab_02.png]]
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[[Image:Preferences_Sketcher_Page_Grid.png|400px]]
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In the ''Colors'' tab you can specify the following:
On the this page you can specify the following:

{| class="wikitable float-right mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
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{| class="wikitable float-right mw-collapsible mw-uncollapsed"
!style="width: 33%;"|Name
!style="width: 33%;"|Name
!style="width: 66%;"|Description
!style="width: 66%;"|Description
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Create new document at start up}}
| {{MenuCommand|Grid}}
| If checked, a grid will be shown while the sketch is in edit mode. Used for new sketches. Is stored in the {{PropertyView|Show Grid}} property of sketches.
| If checked, FreeCAD will create a new document when started
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Document save compression level}}
| {{MenuCommand|Grid Auto Spacing}}
| If checked, grid spacing is automatically adapted based on the view dimensions. Used for new sketches. Is stored in the {{PropertyView|Grid Auto}} property of sketches.
| Specification of the compression level for {{FileName|FCStd}} files. {{FileName|FCStd}} files are ZIP-compressed files. Therefore you can rename their suffix {{FileName|.FCStd}} to {{FileName|.zip}} and open them with a ZIP archive program.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Using Undo/Redo on documents}}
| {{MenuCommand|Grid spacing}}
| The distance between two subsequent grid lines. Used as a base value if {{MenuCommand|Grid Auto Spacing}} is enabled. Used for new sketches. Is stored in the {{PropertyView|Grid Size}} property of sketches.
| If checked, all changes in documents are stored so that they can be undone/redone
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Maximum Undo/Redo steps}}
| {{MenuCommand|Pixel size threshold}}
| The grid spacing threshold in pixels. Only used if {{MenuCommand|Grid Auto Spacing}} is enabled. If the onscreen spacing is smaller than this value, physical grid spacing is multiplied by the {{MenuCommand|Major grid lines every}} value. If the onscreen spacing is larger than the threshold value times the {{MenuCommand|every}} value, physical grid spacing is divided by the {{MenuCommand|every}} value. If the {{MenuCommand|every}} value is set to 1, 10 is used instead in these calculations.
| Specification how many Undo/Redo steps should be recorded
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Run AutoRecovery at startup}}
| {{MenuCommand|Minor grid lines}}
| For minor grid lines you can specify:
| If there is a recovery file available FreeCAD will automatically run a file recovery when it is started. This way files can be restored if a crash occurred.
* {{MenuCommand|Line pattern}}
* {{MenuCommand|Line width}}
* {{MenuCommand|Line color}}
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Save AutoRecovery information every}}
| {{MenuCommand|Major grid lines}}
| For major grid lines you can specify:
| Specification how often a recovery file is written.
* {{MenuCommand|Major grid lines every}}: The number of squares between major grid lines. Set to 1 to disable major grid lines.
* {{MenuCommand|Line pattern}}
* {{MenuCommand|Line width}}
* {{MenuCommand|Line color}}
|}

==Display== <!--T:29-->

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[[Image:Preferences_Sketcher_Page_Display.png|400px]]

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On the this page you can specify the following:

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{| class="wikitable float-right mw-collapsible mw-uncollapsed"
!style="width: 33%;"|Name
!style="width: 66%;"|Description
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Save thumbnail into project file when saving document}}
| {{MenuCommand|Font size}}
| The font size used for the labels and constraints in the sketch.
| If checked, also a thumbnail will be stored when the document is saved. The thumbnail will for example be shown in the list of recent files in the [[Start_Workbench|Start workbench]].
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Add the program logo to the generated thumbnail}}
| {{MenuCommand|View scale ratio}} {{Version|0.21}}
| The 3D view is scaled based on this factor.
| If checked, the FreeCAD program logo [[image:FreeCAD-logo.svg|24px]] will be added to the thumbnail. This option only has an effect if {{MenuCommand|Save thumbnail into project file when saving document}} is used.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Maximum number of backup files to keep when resaving document}}
| {{MenuCommand|Segments per geometry}}
| Curves are approximated by polygon segments for visualization. This value defines the number of segments. The lower limit is 50 segments. Higher values refine the visualization but can lead to longer calculation times, especially for [[Sketcher_CreateBSpline|B-splines]].
| If checked, backup files will be kept when saving the document. You can specify how many backup files will be kept. They contain the previously saved document version. The first backup file will have the file suffix {{FileName|.FCStd1}}, the second {{FileName|.FCStd2}} and so on.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Allow duplicate object labels in one document}}
| {{MenuCommand|Ask for value after creating a dimensional constraint}}
| If checked, a dialog will pop up to input a value for new dimensional constraints.
| If checked, objects can have the same label/name. For example different parts or features can then have the same name in the same document.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Author name}}
| {{MenuCommand|Geometry creation "Continue Mode"}}
| If checked, geometry creation tools will remain active after creating an element. You can leave a tool any time by right-clicking in the sketch.
| All documents that will be created will get the specified author name. Keep the author field blank for an anonymous author. If the option {{MenuCommand|Set on save}} is checked, the field ''Last modified by'' will be set to the specified author when saving the file. This field can be viewed using the menu {{MenuCommand|File → Project information}}.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Company}}
| {{MenuCommand|Constraint creation "Continue Mode"}}
| If checked, constraint creation tools will remain active after creating a constraint. You can leave a tool any time by right-clicking in the sketch.
| All documents that will be created will get the specified company name
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Default license}}
| {{MenuCommand|Hide base length units for supported unit systems}}
| If checked, the length unit from the selected [[Preferences_Editor#Units|unit system]] is used but not displayed in sketch constraints. Only for supported unit systems.
| Selection of a default license for new documents. For predefined license the {{MenuCommand|License URL}} will automatically be set accordingly. Select 'Other' for an own or special license.
|-
|-
| {{MenuCommand|License URL}}
| {{MenuCommand|Show coordinates beside cursor while editing}} {{Version|0.21}}
| If checked, cursor coordinates are displayed beside the cursor while editing a sketch.
| Specification of an URL describing the license selected in {{MenuCommand|Default license}}
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Use system decimals setting for cursor coordinates}} {{Version|0.21}}
| If checked, cursor coordinates will use the system decimals setting instead of the short form.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Show dimensional constraint name with format}} {{Version|0.21}}
| If checked, the names of dimensional constraints (if available) are displayed using the given format:
* {{MenuCommand|%N}}: Parameter name.
* {{MenuCommand|%V}}: Dimension value.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Hide all objects that depend on the sketch}}
| If checked, all objects that depend on the sketch will be hidden when the sketch is opened. Note that this may have no effect if the {{MenuCommand|Show objects used for external geometry}} and/or {{MenuCommand|Show objects that the sketch is attached to}} options are selected.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Show objects used for external geometry}}
| If checked, hidden objects used for external geometry will be shown when the sketch is opened.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Show objects that the sketch is attached to}}
| If checked, hidden objects the sketch is attached to will be shown when the sketch is opened.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Restore camera position after editing}}
| If checked, the camera position is moved back to where it was before the sketch was opened.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Force orthographic camera when entering edit}}
| If checked, camera mode will be forced to orthographic when the sketch is opened. Camera mode will be restored when leaving edit mode. This preference is only available if {{MenuCommand|Restore camera position after editing}} is activated.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Open sketch in Section View mode}}
| If checked, the sketch will open with 'Section View' active.
|-
| {{Button|{{MenuCommand|Apply to existing sketches}}}}
| If pressed, the {{MenuCommand|Visibility automation}} settings will be applied to existing sketches too. Otherwise they will only be used for new sketches.
|}
|}


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==Appearance== <!--T:64-->

[[Category:User Documentation]]
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[[Category:Sketcher]]
[[Image:Preferences_Sketcher_Page_Appearance.png|400px]]

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Unless otherwise stated these preferences are only used while a sketch is in edit mode.

<!--T:49-->
On the this page you can specify the following:

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{| class="wikitable float-right mw-collapsible mw-uncollapsed"
!style="width: 33%;"|Name
!style="width: 66%;"|Description
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Creating line}}
| The color used for sketch elements while they are being created.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Coordinate text}}
| The color used for the coordinates displayed while creating sketch elements.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Cursor crosshair}}
| The color used for the crosshair cursor displayed while creating sketch elements.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Geometry}} {{Version|1.0}}
| The colors used for constrained and unconstrained normal geometry. The line pattern and line width can also be specified.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Construction geometry}}
| The colors used for constrained and unconstrained [[Sketcher_ToggleConstruction|construction geometry]]. {{Version|1.0}}: The line pattern and line width can also be specified.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Internal alignment edge}}
| The colors used for constrained and unconstrained [[Sketcher_RestoreInternalAlignmentGeometry|internal alignment edges]]. {{Version|1.0}}: The line pattern and line width can also be specified.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|External geometry}}
| The color used for [[Sketcher_External|external geometry]]. {{Version|1.0}}: The line pattern and line width can also be specified.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Fully constrained Sketch}}
| The color used for a fully constrained sketch.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Invalid Sketch}}
| The color used for an invalid sketch.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Constraint symbols}}
| The color used for [[Sketcher_ToggleDrivingConstraint|driving geometric constraints]].
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Dimensional constraint}}
| The color used for [[Sketcher_Dimension|driving dimensional constraints]].
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Reference constraint}}
| The color used for [[Sketcher_ToggleDrivingConstraint|reference dimensional constraints]].
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Expression dependent constraint}}
| The color used for [[Expressions|expression]] dependent dimensional constraints.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Deactivated constraint}}
| The color used for [[Sketcher_ToggleActiveConstraint|deactivated constraints]].
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Colors outside Sketcher: Vertex}}
| The color used for [[Glossary#Vertex|vertices]] (points) when not in edit mode.
|-
| {{MenuCommand|Colors outside Sketcher: Edge}}
| The color used for [[Glossary#Edge|edges]] when not in edit mode.
|}

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The colors for selections while a sketch is in edit mode are controlled by the global settings {{MenuCommand|Enable preselection highlighting}} and {{MenuCommand|Enable selection highlighting}}, see the [[Preferences_Editor#Selection|Preferences Editor]].

==Note== <!--T:36-->

<!--T:37-->
There is another preference that has an influence on sketches. If the {{MenuCommand|Transparent objects}} preference on the [[Preferences_Editor#3D_View|Display → 3D View]] tab is set to {{Value|Backface pass}}, arrowheads on one end of sketch dimensions are hidden on some systems. When viewed from the rear the dimension value can then also be hidden. Versions 0.19 to 0.21 (except Link branch) are affected. In versions 0.19 and 0.20 the effect only occurs if {{MenuCommand|Show grid}} is deactivated in the [[Sketcher_Dialog#Edit_controls|Edit controls]] section of the [[Task_panel|Task panel]] as shown below.

<!--T:51-->
See [https://forum.freecad.org/viewtopic.php?t=70975&start=10 forum topic].

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{{Caption|Front view, grid enabled and grid disabled}}

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[[Image:Sketcher-Preferences-Note-Arrowhead-03.png|200px]] [[Image:Sketcher-Preferences-Note-Arrowhead-04.png|200px]]
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{{Caption|Rear view, grid enabled and grid disabled hiding arrowheads on the opposite end as well as the dimension value}}


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{{Docnav
|[[Sketcher_SwitchVirtualSpace|Switch virtual space]]
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|IconL=Sketcher_SwitchVirtualSpace.svg
|IconR=
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[[Category:Preferences{{#translation:}}]]

Latest revision as of 10:39, 7 May 2024

The preferences for the Sketcher Workbench can be found in the Preferences Editor. In the menu select Edit → Preferences... and then Sketcher.

There are four pages: General, Grid, Display and Appearance.

This page has been updated for version 1.0.

In version 0.21 and below the Appearance page is labeled "Colors".

General

On the this page you can specify the following:

Name Description
Show section 'Advanced solver control' If checked, the sketcher dialog will show the section Advanced solver control to adjust solver settings.
Improve solving while dragging If checked, a special solver algorithm will be used while dragging sketch elements. This avoids that the sketch flips around while dragging. It is an improvement for most cases, however for complex sketches this option can increase the time to solve the sketch.
Auto remove redundants If checked, new constraints that are redundant are automatically removed.
Esc can leave sketch edit mode If checked, the Esc key can trigger exiting sketch edit mode. The option to disable this may be useful for users who are used to pressing Esc as part of their workflow in other CAD solutions but don't necessarily want to exit a sketch.
Notify automatic constraint substitutions If checked, you will be informed with a dialog about constraint substitutions. For example if the endpoints of two arcs are connected with the coincident constraint and you reconnect the arcs using the tangent constraint, the coincidence constraint will be substituted by the tangent constraint and you will get a popup dialog telling you this.
Unify Coincident and PointOnObject introduced in version 1.0 If checked, the Coincident constraint tool and PointOnObject constraint tool are unified in a single tool.

After changing this preference you must restart FreeCAD.

Auto tool for Horizontal/Vertical introduced in version 1.0 If checked, the Automatic horizontal/vertical constraint tool is added to the toolbar (it is always available in the menu and through its shortcut), and the Horizontal constraint tool and Vertical constraint tool are grouped below it in a dropdown.

After changing this preference you must restart FreeCAD.

Dimensioning constraints introduced in version 1.0 Specifies the dimensional constraint tools for the toolbar (all dimensional tools are always available in the menu and through their shortcuts). The options are:
  • Single tool: A combined Dimension tool for all dimensional constraints. The separate tools are grouped below it in a dropdown.
  • Separated tools: Only the separate tools.
  • Both: Both the combined Dimension tool and the separated tools.

After changing this preference you must restart FreeCAD.

Dimension tool diameter/radius mode introduced in version 1.0 Specifies how the combined Dimension tool handles circles and arcs. The options are:
  • Auto: First apply a radius dimension to arcs and a diameter dimension to circles. Before picking the point that will position the dimension, it is possible to switch with the M key.
  • Diameter: Always first apply a diameter dimension. Idem.
  • Radius: Always first apply a radius dimension. Idem.
On-View-Parameters introduced in version 1.0 Specifies the visibility mode for the On-View-Parameters. The options are:
  • Disabled: On-View-Parameters are completely disabled.
  • Only dimensional: Only dimensional On-View-Parameters are enabled. They are the most useful. For example the radius of a circle.
  • All: Both dimensional and positional On-View-Parameters are enabled. Positional parameters are the position of the cursor. For example for the center of a circle.

Grid

On the this page you can specify the following:

Name Description
Grid If checked, a grid will be shown while the sketch is in edit mode. Used for new sketches. Is stored in the ViewShow Grid property of sketches.
Grid Auto Spacing If checked, grid spacing is automatically adapted based on the view dimensions. Used for new sketches. Is stored in the ViewGrid Auto property of sketches.
Grid spacing The distance between two subsequent grid lines. Used as a base value if Grid Auto Spacing is enabled. Used for new sketches. Is stored in the ViewGrid Size property of sketches.
Pixel size threshold The grid spacing threshold in pixels. Only used if Grid Auto Spacing is enabled. If the onscreen spacing is smaller than this value, physical grid spacing is multiplied by the Major grid lines every value. If the onscreen spacing is larger than the threshold value times the every value, physical grid spacing is divided by the every value. If the every value is set to 1, 10 is used instead in these calculations.
Minor grid lines For minor grid lines you can specify:
  • Line pattern
  • Line width
  • Line color
Major grid lines For major grid lines you can specify:
  • Major grid lines every: The number of squares between major grid lines. Set to 1 to disable major grid lines.
  • Line pattern
  • Line width
  • Line color

Display

On the this page you can specify the following:

Name Description
Font size The font size used for the labels and constraints in the sketch.
View scale ratio introduced in version 0.21 The 3D view is scaled based on this factor.
Segments per geometry Curves are approximated by polygon segments for visualization. This value defines the number of segments. The lower limit is 50 segments. Higher values refine the visualization but can lead to longer calculation times, especially for B-splines.
Ask for value after creating a dimensional constraint If checked, a dialog will pop up to input a value for new dimensional constraints.
Geometry creation "Continue Mode" If checked, geometry creation tools will remain active after creating an element. You can leave a tool any time by right-clicking in the sketch.
Constraint creation "Continue Mode" If checked, constraint creation tools will remain active after creating a constraint. You can leave a tool any time by right-clicking in the sketch.
Hide base length units for supported unit systems If checked, the length unit from the selected unit system is used but not displayed in sketch constraints. Only for supported unit systems.
Show coordinates beside cursor while editing introduced in version 0.21 If checked, cursor coordinates are displayed beside the cursor while editing a sketch.
Use system decimals setting for cursor coordinates introduced in version 0.21 If checked, cursor coordinates will use the system decimals setting instead of the short form.
Show dimensional constraint name with format introduced in version 0.21 If checked, the names of dimensional constraints (if available) are displayed using the given format:
  • %N: Parameter name.
  • %V: Dimension value.
Hide all objects that depend on the sketch If checked, all objects that depend on the sketch will be hidden when the sketch is opened. Note that this may have no effect if the Show objects used for external geometry and/or Show objects that the sketch is attached to options are selected.
Show objects used for external geometry If checked, hidden objects used for external geometry will be shown when the sketch is opened.
Show objects that the sketch is attached to If checked, hidden objects the sketch is attached to will be shown when the sketch is opened.
Restore camera position after editing If checked, the camera position is moved back to where it was before the sketch was opened.
Force orthographic camera when entering edit If checked, camera mode will be forced to orthographic when the sketch is opened. Camera mode will be restored when leaving edit mode. This preference is only available if Restore camera position after editing is activated.
Open sketch in Section View mode If checked, the sketch will open with 'Section View' active.
Apply to existing sketches If pressed, the Visibility automation settings will be applied to existing sketches too. Otherwise they will only be used for new sketches.

Appearance

Unless otherwise stated these preferences are only used while a sketch is in edit mode.

On the this page you can specify the following:

Name Description
Creating line The color used for sketch elements while they are being created.
Coordinate text The color used for the coordinates displayed while creating sketch elements.
Cursor crosshair The color used for the crosshair cursor displayed while creating sketch elements.
Geometry introduced in version 1.0 The colors used for constrained and unconstrained normal geometry. The line pattern and line width can also be specified.
Construction geometry The colors used for constrained and unconstrained construction geometry. introduced in version 1.0: The line pattern and line width can also be specified.
Internal alignment edge The colors used for constrained and unconstrained internal alignment edges. introduced in version 1.0: The line pattern and line width can also be specified.
External geometry The color used for external geometry. introduced in version 1.0: The line pattern and line width can also be specified.
Fully constrained Sketch The color used for a fully constrained sketch.
Invalid Sketch The color used for an invalid sketch.
Constraint symbols The color used for driving geometric constraints.
Dimensional constraint The color used for driving dimensional constraints.
Reference constraint The color used for reference dimensional constraints.
Expression dependent constraint The color used for expression dependent dimensional constraints.
Deactivated constraint The color used for deactivated constraints.
Colors outside Sketcher: Vertex The color used for vertices (points) when not in edit mode.
Colors outside Sketcher: Edge The color used for edges when not in edit mode.

The colors for selections while a sketch is in edit mode are controlled by the global settings Enable preselection highlighting and Enable selection highlighting, see the Preferences Editor.

Note

There is another preference that has an influence on sketches. If the Transparent objects preference on the Display → 3D View tab is set to Backface pass, arrowheads on one end of sketch dimensions are hidden on some systems. When viewed from the rear the dimension value can then also be hidden. Versions 0.19 to 0.21 (except Link branch) are affected. In versions 0.19 and 0.20 the effect only occurs if Show grid is deactivated in the Edit controls section of the Task panel as shown below.

See forum topic.

Front view, grid enabled and grid disabled

Rear view, grid enabled and grid disabled hiding arrowheads on the opposite end as well as the dimension value