Sketcher CarbonCopy

From FreeCAD Documentation
This page contains changes which are not marked for translation.

Sketcher CarbonCopy

Menu location
Sketch → Sketcher geometries → Create carbon copy
Workbenches
Sketcher
Default shortcut
G W
Introduced in version
0.17
See also
None

Description

The Sketcher CarbonCopy tool copies all the geometry and constraints from another sketch into the active sketch.

Dimensional constraints which exist before the copy function remain linked to the original sketch's dimensional constraints through expressions.

Usage

  1. Make sure you are in the edit mode of an existing Sketch. This sketch is the target of the operation.
  2. There are several ways to invoke the tool:
    • Press the Create carbon copy button.
    • Select the Sketcher → Sketcher geometries → Create carbon copy option from the menu.
    • Use the keyboard shortcut: G then W.
  3. The cursor changes to a white cross with the current tool icon.
  4. Pick an edge from another sketch. This sketch is the source of the operation.
  5. Geometry elements as well as constraints are copied into the active sketch.
  6. Press Esc or the right mouse button to terminate the operation.

Notes

  • When sketches are used in the PartDesign Workbench, normally the sketch to carbon copy should be in the same PartDesign Body as the currently active sketch. If the sketch to be copied is not in the active Body, the mouse pointer will not allow selection. In this case, hold Ctrl to allow selection of sketches from other Bodies.
  • Normally, the sketch to select should be in a plane that is parallel to the currently active sketch. If the sketch to be copied is not parallel to the currently active sketch, hold Ctrl+Alt to allow selection of non-parallel sketches. The object will then be adjusted to the active sketch's plane. Noteː as of this writing this needs a save and reload of the document to make it visible. This works for sketches located outside of the currently active Body as well.
  • Since carbon-copied dimensional constraints use expressions they are rendered in a different color. The color can be customized with the Preferences Editor at Edit → Preferences → Sketcher → Colors → Constraint colors → Expression dependent constraint.
  • If the Sketcher mode has been changed to construction mode using Toggle construction geometry all copied geometry will be created in construction mode.

Limitations

  • The complete sketch is copied, it is not possible to select only a portion. However, after copying you can delete unwanted elements from the copied sketch.