Parallel Relation
The Parallel relation makes two or more lines run the same direction, so they stay parallel as the sketch changes.
When to Use It
- Keep two sides of a slot or a rail the same angle
- Tie a line to a part edge so it runs the same way
- Keep a drawing square as you resize it
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).
- Click the first line, then click each line that should match it. The first line you pick is the one the others follow.
- Keep the pointer still for about half a second. A bar titled Add a relation to the N selected opens beside it, with one button for each relation that fits. Click Parallel. Instead of waiting for the bar, you can right-click the selection and choose Parallel under Make them, or click Parallel under Add a relation in the Properties panel.
- A small green square marks the relation on the sketch, and a message says Parallel added. It stays true as you move and resize; Edit, Constraints lists it. Ctrl+Z takes it back.
Options
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Picks | Two or more lines. A part edge can be one of them. |
| Result | The lines after the first turn until they run the same way as the first. |
| Which one gives | A piece tied to the origin, a part edge or a Fix never moves; the other turns to meet it. Only when neither is held does the first line you picked stay put (see The Anchor Rule on the Relations page). |
| Listed as | Parallel. |
Tips
- Parallel does not set the distance between the lines. Use Smart Dimension on the two lines for that.
- To make two lines meet at a right angle instead, use Perpendicular Relation.
- To put lines on the same infinite line, use Collinear Relation.
- A line you draw with two points (or one press and drag) is a single line. A chain drawn with more clicks, a rectangle and a polygon are each one piece, so line relations are not offered for them as a whole. Right-click and choose Break apart to get single lines (see Select).
If Something Goes Wrong
- "Parallel cannot hold together with the relations already there. Nothing changed." Something already placed (another relation, a typed size or a Fix) fights this one. Delete the one in the way from the list under Edit (see Edit Menu) and try again.
- "Parallel already holds through the relations you have, so nothing was added." The sketch already forces this, so nothing more is needed.
- The button is not in the bar. The bar only lists relations that fit what you picked. Check what is selected in the Selected list of the Properties panel. If the panel says None fits this selection. Pick another point, piece or part edge with it., change the picks.
- "Parallel applied once: the relation solver could not load, so it will not be kept." The piece moved once but nothing was stored. Check your connection and add it again.