Main Steps
Plane or Sketch Step
Specifies whether you construct the feature by drawing a new profile on a reference plane or by using an existing sketch. To construct the feature by drawing a new profile, on the Create-From Options List, select the reference plane option you want.
Draw Profile Step
Edits the profile for an existing feature. A profile is a 2D curve that defines the shape and location of the feature. To create a base feature, the profile must be closed. This step is available only when you are editing an existing feature.
Side Step
Defines the side of the profile to which material should be added to construct the feature. The side step is not used when the profile is closed.
Thickness Step
Defines the thickness of the feature. This step is available only when you are constructing the base feature on a sheet metal part; it is not available when you are adding a feature.
Finish/Cancel
This button changes function as you move through the feature construction process. The Finish button constructs the feature using input provided in the other steps. Once you construct the feature, you can edit it by re-selecting the appropriate step on the command bar. The Cancel button discards any input and exits the command.
Plane or Sketch Step Options
Create-From Options
Sets the method of defining the profile plane or specifies that you want to construct the feature using an existing sketch. Depending on the model you are constructing, some of the options listed may not be available. For example, if no sketches exist in the model, the Select From Sketch option is not displayed.
Select From Sketch--Specifies that you want to define the profile for the feature using an existing sketch.
Coincident Plane--Specifies that you want to define a plane that is coincident to an existing reference plane or a planar face on the part. When you set this option, a default X-axis and direction is applied to the new reference plane. You can use keyboard accelerators to define a different X-axis and direction for the new reference plane.
Parallel Plane--Specifies that you want to define a plane that is parallel to an existing reference plane or a planar face on the part. When you set this option, you can specify the parallel offset distance. When you set this option, a default X-axis and direction is applied to the new reference plane. You can use keyboard accelerators to define a different X-axis and direction for the new reference plane.
Angled Plane--Specifies that you want to define a plane that is at an angle to an existing reference plane or planar face on the part. When you set this option, you can specify the angle value you want.
Perpendicular Plane--Specifies that you want to define a plane that is perpendicular to an existing reference plane or planar face on the part.
Coincident Plane By Axis--Specifies that you want to define a plane that is coincident to an existing reference plane or a planar face on the part. When you set this option, you define the X-axis and direction for the new reference plane using a linear edge, a planar face, or another reference plane.
Plane Normal to Curve--Specifies that you want to define a plane that is perpendicular to a curve you select. This is the default option when constructing a helix using the Perpendicular option.
Plane By 3 Points--Specifies that you want to define a plane by three keypoints you select.
Feature's Plane--Specifies that you want to define a plane that is coincident to a reference plane used to define an earlier feature. You can select the feature you want using Feature PathFinder or in the graphic window. This option is not available when constructing the base feature.
Last Plane--Automatically selects the reference plane used for the previous feature. This option is not available if the last feature was a pattern or when constructing the base feature.
Select From Sketch Options
Select
Sets the method of selecting a sketch element.
Single--Selects one or more individual elements.
Chain--Selects a endpoint connected set of elements by selecting one of the elements in the chain.
Deselect (x)
Clears the selection.
Accept (check mark)
Accepts the selection.
Thickness Step Options
Thickness
Sets the thickness of the feature. This option is available only when constructing a base feature.
Other command bar Options
Name
Displays the feature name. Feature names are assigned automatically. You can edit the name by typing a new name in the box on the command bar or by selecting the feature and using the Rename command on the shortcut menu.