Merge Relation
The Merge relation makes two points one point: the second point moves onto the first, and from then on they move together as one. Use it to join the end of one piece to the end of another.
When to Use It
- Close a gap between two lines so the outline is closed
- Join the end of an arc to the end of a line
- Make the corner of one shape the corner of another
Step by Step
- Open a sketch and draw the pieces (see Lines, Circles and Rectangles). Sketching is part of modeling, which comes with the Pro plans.
- Click Select on the Sketch tab (or press S). This relation is not in the relation menus until you click Edit on the Sketch tab and tick Offer Pierce, Merge and Coradial when making relations.
- Move the pointer over the first piece until its dots show, and click the point.
- Do the same on the second piece.
- Keep the pointer still for about half a second. In the bar that opens, click Merge. You can also click it under Add a relation in the Properties panel.
- The second point moves onto the first, and a message says Merge added: ... are now one point, and move as one. Ctrl+Z takes it back. Edit, Constraints lists it as Merge.
Options
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Two points | An end, a corner, a center or the middle of a side, on two different pieces. |
| Which one gives | The point picked first stays. If only the second is held (Fixed, or tied to the part or the origin), the first moves to it instead. |
| Afterward | Drag either point and the other comes with it. |
Tips
- Merge holds the same as Coincident between two points; it is listed and marked as Merge so you can tell joined ends apart.
- One Ctrl+Z takes the relation back and puts the point where it was.
If Something Goes Wrong
- "Both points are on ..., and making them one would close it up or shrink it to nothing. Pick points on two different pieces." Merge joins two pieces, not two points of one piece.
- "Both points belong to the part or the origin, which never move, so they cannot be made one." Pick at least one point of your own sketch.
- "Merge cannot hold together with the relations already there. Nothing changed." For example, both points are Fixed in different places. Delete the one in the way from the list under Edit.
- "Merge already holds through the relations you have, so nothing was added." The points are already tied together.
- The button is not in the bar. Merge is offered for exactly two points.