Available in: Sketch

Create multiple instances of sketch entities uniformly about an axis or Mate connector. Circular patterns may be open or closed, as described below.

The Circular sketch pattern tool allows you to create multiple instances of sketch entities uniformly about an axis or Mate connector. Circular patterns may be open or closed.

To create a set of circular sketch pattern instances, select the sketch entity that you want patterned (or the entire sketch). Click the Circular sketch pattern tool on the sketch toolbar. A set of three instances are created automatically. Double-click to enter the number of instances in the pattern and press the Enter key.

To change the angle of the open pattern, click the arrow to select it, and then drag it to a new angle location. Optionally, double-click the angle indicator to alter the angle numerically, then press Enter on the keyboard.

When finished, click the left mouse button to accept the circular sketch pattern.

Steps

  1. Select the sketch entity or entities to pattern and then click Circular sketch pattern icon. The initial pattern is created:

    Radial pattern

  2. Use the sketch pattern editing tools to adjust the pattern:

    Number of instances in the pattern

    Double-click to enter the number of instances in the pattern.

     

    Specify the angle of an open patternClick and drag to specify the angle of an open pattern. The pattern stays open if the instance count changes.

     

    Angle value of an open pattern

    Double-click to enter an angle value of an open pattern (visible after clicking the arrow icon).

     

    Specify the distance between entities

    Double-click to specify the distance between entities.

  3. Move the mouse to white space and notice the icon is a mouse with a green button. Click to accept and set the sketch pattern.

Editing a pattern

  1. Double-click the sketch in the Feature list to enter sketch editing mode.

  2. Hover over an instance in the pattern, and right-click the pattern icon that appears.
    Pattern icon appears when hovering over first pattern instance

  3. Click Edit pattern.
    Pattern icon menu with Edit pattern highlighted

  4. Make adjustments to the pattern as needed.

  5. Click the green checkmark in the Sketch dialog to confirm your changes.

Tips

  • Circular patterns default to closed patterns (360 o). Click and drag the manipulator (arrow head) to change the angle value and create an open pattern.
  • Circular patterns are initially created about the origin (but not constrained to it). Click and drag the center icon to reposition and resize the pattern.
  • You can delete any sketch entity in the pattern without affecting the integrity of the pattern. Changing the number of sketch entity occurrences does not reinstate a deleted entity; the space for that entity is left empty.

For information on linear sketch patterns, see Linear Sketch Pattern.