Create a path segment

  1. Choose Home tab→Segments group→Line Segment button.

  2. Click to define the first point of the line.

    Note:

    Notice that the OrientXpres tool appears in the window. You can use OrientXpres to lock the orientation of the line parallel to an axis or plane as you draw. If the first point is the center of a circular/arc edge object, the direction is locked coaxial to the point.

  3. Drag to draw the line, then click to end the first line.

  4. Continue to draw line segments to create the path.

    Note:

    You can use the Arc Segment command to connect an arc segment to either a line segment or other arc segments.

Tip:

  • You can press Z to cycle through and lock the segment to a global axes, press X to cycle through and lock the segment to a global plane, or press C to clear the locks.

  • Instead of clicking to define the line end points, you can type the length value on the command bar. You can also use a combination of graphic and command bar input.

  • You can hold the P key down and click an existing segment to place a keypoint on the segment.

  • You can hold the O key down and click a keypoint to define the start or end point relative to a keypoint.

  • After holding the O key down, you can press the N key to change the dx, dy, dz orientation.

  • You can click a planar element to project points onto the planar element.

  • If you cannot locate elements on one of the parts in the assembly, make sure the part is active. To activate the part, click the Activate button on the command bar part, and then click the part.

  • You can also use the Path command to create the path segment.