SmartPlant 3D

SmartSketch Drawing Editor Basics

Version 2009.1 January 2010

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 Contents
SmartSketch Drawing Editor ..................................................................................................................... 1

Creating Graphics with Drawing Editor ................................................................................................... 9

The Select Tool, Find Command and Modification Tools ..................................................................... 19

Text and Annotations ................................................................................................................................ 32

Dimension Tools ........................................................................................................................................ 40

Drawing Editor Symbols........................................................................................................................... 43

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 Document Basics

iv SmartPlant 3D SmartSketch Drawing Editor Basics

Document Basics

Setting up Properties for a Document

Properties on the File menu allows you to view, edit, and store properties for a
document. Document properties can include the title, the author, and keywords that
identify important information. These properties also can include document statistics,
such as document size and the date that a document was created and last modified. Some
properties, such as the date the document was last modified, are updated automatically.

To set the properties, you can click the Properties command on the File menu.

Note: You can also right click on a blank area of the drawing to access Properties from
the shortcut menu.

Units Tab
The units of measure settings for a document are stored as a property. If the units of measure are
changed, all subsequent measurements entered and displayed are affected.
Units of measure can be set in either Imperial or Metric units for values such as length, area, or
angle. The units of measure can be changed at any time and the document still retains complete
accuracy of the objects already placed on the drawing.

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Length Readout
Sets the unit of measure and precision readout for the length values in a document.

Angle Readout
Sets the unit of measure and precision readout for the angle values in a document.

Area Readout
Sets the unit of measure and precision readout for the area values in a document.

Precision
The precision readout sets the number of significant figures to display. It sets the
accuracy of the unit readout value. The precision setting does not alter the numbers that
you type into the fields, only the display of the numbers in the field. Values ending in 5
are rounded up. For example, if the precision readout is .123 and you draw a line that is
2.1056 inches long, then the line value length is rounded. The length value appears as
2.106 inches long. If you are using mm as your drawing sheet units, you can have the
values display in the fields as 3.5 mm or 3.50 mm.

Note: When you set the units of measure for a document, the settings do not affect the
dimensional values for the document. You can set units for the dimensional values with
the Dimension Properties dialog box. You can access this dialog box by selecting a
dimension and then clicking the Properties command on the shortcut menu. You can
also set the dimension units by editing a dimension style with the Dimension command
on the Format menu.

Working Sheets

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 Document Basics

Working sheets are similar to pages in a notebook. Sketches or drawings can be placed on
different drawing sheets in the document. For example, one idea can be drawn for a
design on one drawing sheet and another idea on another drawing sheet. Both drawings
are saved as part of the same document.

Working Sheet Setup

Each working sheet has its own setup. Working sheet characteristics, such as the size and
scale of the sheet, can be modified with the Sheet Setup command from the File menu.
After setting the options on the Sheet Setup dialog box and then selecting the Save
Defaults button, all new sheets will have the same characteristics.

Access the sheet setup dialog box by selecting sheet setup from one of the following:

 From the File menu, select Sheet Setup.

 Position the mouse pointer over a selected sheet, click the right mouse button, and
select Sheet Setup from the shortcut menu, or just double left click on the sheet
tab.

When the scale is specified using the Sheet Setup command from the File menu,
everything on the sheet is scaled except dimensions and annotations. For example, if the
scale is one inch to ten inches (1:10) and a line 30 inches long is placed, the line is three
inches long in proportion to the sheet and three inches long when printed. However, a
dimension measures the length of the line as 30 inches.
Dimension and annotation sizes in the sheets are independent of the view scale. For
example, the height of dimension text will be printed at the specified size regardless of
their screen appearance.

Graphics elements on the attached background sheet are always displayed at a 1:1 scale.
They are not affected by the scale factor for the working Sheet Setup command.

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Size and Scale Tab

Defines the details for the drawing sheet size, scale, and print setup information.

Sheet Size
Sets the size of the drawing sheet.

Same as Print setup

Sets the drawing sheet size using the current print setup definition. For example, if the
printer is set up as 8 1/2 X 11, the drawing sheet size is set up as 8 1/2 X 11.

Standard
Defines the drawing sheet size from a list of standard ANSI and ISO paper sizes.

Custom
Defines the drawing sheet size according to the entered x and y values.

Drawing Scale
Sets options for the scale of the drawing sheet.

Scale (1:1)
Sets the drawing scale to a 1:1 ratio. This means that the representation of the object on
the drawing sheet is the same size as the real-world object being described.

Select scale
Sets the drawing scale to a standard ratio. The specified ratio defines the size of the
drawing in relation to the size of the real-world object. For a 2:1 ratio, the 2 represents
the size of the drawing and the 1 represents the size of the real-world object.

Custom

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Defines a custom scale ratio. The first value defines the distance on the drawing sheet and
the second value defines what the distance is equal to in the real world.

Paper Units
Sets the paper units for the drawing sheet.

Units
Controls the display of numeric values in dialog boxes that define the size of non-scaled
objects. Some examples of non-scaled object values are text height and line width. This
setting has no affect on dimension units.
Only value boxes use this option. For example, if working in feet and inches, the user can
specify to read and enter values for text height in fractional inches.
(1/8" instead of 0.00'-0.125")

Precision
Sets the number of significant digits to display, or the accuracy of the unit read-out value.
The precision setting does not alter the numbers that can be typed into the fields, only the
display of the numbers in the fields.

For example, if you set this control to .001 and you draw a line that is 2.1056 inches, then
the line length value is rounded. The length value appears as 2.106 inches. If you set this
control to 0.01 and you type a line length value of 3.5 mm, the length value appears as
3.50 mm.

Layers

Layers can help group elements so they can be manipulated more easily on a drawing
sheet. Layers also make it easier to keep track of different types of elements. Each
drawing sheet in a document can contain many layers. This is similar to each sheet
having many transparencies.

When drawing an element, it is assigned to the active layer. To see which layer is active,
or to change the active layer, use the Layers command from the Tools menu.

Displaying Layers
To view elements on specific layers, layers can be turned on or off with the Layers
command from the Tools menu or by clicking the Layers icon on the Main toolbar.

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 Document Basics

When turning layers off, the elements assigned to those layers on the drawing sheet
cannot be seen. For example, you can assign lines to one layer and closed elements to
another layer. If you turn off the layer for the closed elements, you see only lines on the
drawing sheet.

Layer Ribbon Bar

The Layer ribbon bar is used to display the active layer, create new layers, change the
active layer for drawing or for elements, and display the layer status.

Active Layer
Displays the active layer on the drawing sheet. The active layer can be changed by
selecting from a list of all the layers on the active sheet. To create a new layer, type the
name of the new layer in the Layer box and press Enter

Change Layer
Accesses the Change Layer dialog box so that the layer of element(s) can be changed.
This option is available only when elements on the drawing sheet have been selected.

Layer Display
Accesses the Layer Display dialog box. This dialog box has a layer list that can be used
to display or hide layers on the drawing sheet.

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Relationships are maintained between elements that are assigned to different layers on a
drawing sheet. For example, suppose a line and a circle are tangent and they are assigned
to different layers. If the line's layer is displayed and the circle's layer is hidden, you can
still see the tangent relationship handle on the line. If the line's layer is hidden as well, the
tangent relationship handle is hidden.

Grid Display in Drawing Editor

Placing Elements with a Grid: An Overview

The grid and its grid lines allow elements in the document to be placed by aligning them
with the grid lines or nearest intersection of the grid lines. The grid can be used to line up
elements at regular intervals in a document. The options to set up the grid can be found
by going to the Tools>Options dialog box, and selecting the View tab.

Grid Display
Displays a grid so that elements can be placed with precision. The grid lines are visual
aids but are not considered part of the document and do not print.

Grid Snap
Aligns elements with the grid while it is active. The grid can be used as an invisible set of
lines in the document that helps to align elements. When Grid Snap is set, but the
display is off, elements always align with the nearest intersection of the grid lines
whether they are visible or not.

Note:

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 Grid snap does not work while you identify elements that are aligned along grid
lines. To override this, press the Alt key while identifying these elements.

 Relationship and alignment indicators override the grid snap. You can suppress
the indicators by pressing Alt.

Grid Style
Changes the format of the grid lines to either static or dynamic.

Zooming in or out, the software dynamically generates the grid lines for a dynamic grid.
Set dynamic grid lines to appear at fine, medium, or coarse levels using the Grid Density
setting (see below). The grid lines appear at common major measurement increments. A
dynamic grid displays index lines that intersect with the darker, solid grid lines.

A static grid displays solid grid lines that do not move as you zoom in or out. The grid
maintains a constant minimum spacing.

Grid Index
Determines the number of index grid lines, also known as minor grid lines, to be equally
spaced between the major grid lines. This option is available only if you select Static in
the Grid Style list box.

Grid Spacing
Sets the spacing of the major grid lines. This option is available only if Static is selected
in the Grid Style list box. The selected options on the Units tab of the Properties dialog
box determine the units that can be entered, such as inches or centimeters.

Grid Density
Changes the number of dashes in the index lines, or minor grid lines, between
intersections with the grid lines. This option is available only if Dynamic is selected in
the Grid Style list box.

Turn On or Off Grid Display and Grid Snap

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Grid Display and Grid Snap can also be turned on and off from the right-click shortcut
menu or by going to the View pull-down menu.

Creating Graphics with Drawing Editor

The Draw Toolbar

Many drawing commands are located on the Draw toolbar. On the toolbar, some
command buttons may display fly-outs when you click and hold the command button on
them. These buttons have a small black arrow in the lower right corner. Fly-outs present a
grouping of commands functionally related to the original command displayed.

Fly-out Menu

Line

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Draws one line or a series of connected lines. The Line Fly-out menu contains two
additional tools that may be used to draw linear elements: Line/Arc Continuous and Place
Double Line.

Tangent Arc
Draws an arc tangent or perpendicular to one or two elements. The Arc Fly-out menu
contains two additional arc drawing tools: Arc by Edge and Arc by Center Point.

Curve
Draws a smooth, open or closed curve.

Circle by Center Point

Draws a circle using a center point and radius. The Circle / Ellipse Fly-out menu contains
several additional commands: Circle by 3 Points, Tangent Circle Command, Ellipse by
Center Point and Ellipse by 3 Points.

Rectangle
Draws a rectangle using three points. The first two points define the width and rotation
angle of the rectangle, and the third point defines the height. The first two points define
the width and rotation angle of the rectangle, and the third point defines the height.

Point
Places a point in the drawing.

Using the Line command:

1. From the Draw toolbar, select the Line tool.

2. Place a point on the drawing sheet to define the start of the line. (1)

3. Click where the line is to end. (2) This defines the line’s length.

4. Do one of the following:

 To end the line, press the right mouse button or press the <Esc> key.

 To draw a series of connected lines, click where each line segment is to

end and then click the right mouse button.

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Values can be typed in the Length or Angle fields on the ribbon bar. A combination of
graphic and ribbon bar input can be used.

To draw an arc tangent to an element

1. From the Draw toolbar, select the Tangent Arc tool.

2. Select a point on the element that the new arc is to be tangent to. This can be a
point on a line, an arc, or any curved element.

3. Pass the mouse cursor through one of the intent zones displayed at the position
just selected. If the command dynamics show an arc perpendicular to the existing
element, move the mouse cursor back to the intent zones and exit through a
different quadrant. The quadrant selected also determines the side of the element
where the arc appears.

4. When the command dynamics show the arc you want, press the left mouse button.

Note: The mouse cursor can be dragged to draw an arc. Instead of clicking to define the
radius and sweep of the arc, values can be typed in the Radius and Sweep boxes on the
ribbon bar. A combination of graphic and ribbon bar input can be used. Drawing Editor
indicators and PinPoint can also be used with this command.

How PinPoint Works

PinPoint provides coordinate input to drawing commands. The x and y coordinates are
relative to a target point that can be positioned anywhere in the application window. The
location of the target point can be changed at any time by selecting the Reposition
Target button on the ribbon bar and then clicking a new position in the application
window.

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PinPoint
To start PinPoint, click the PinPoint command from the Tools menu or select the
PinPoint command from the Main toolbar.

Main Toolbar

PinPoint Ribbon Bar

Display On/Off
Displays or hides the PinPoint help lines and distance values. F9 is a shortcut toggle.

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Reposition Target
Attaches the target point to the cursor so that it can be repositioned. Used to select where
the target point is to be. F12 can be used as an alternate method to move the target.

Relative Tracking
If activated the PinPoint target will move to the last point clicked while using the drawing
tools.

Define PinPoint Origin

Allows the user to locate the origin in X,Y coordinate points for the document using the
Define PinPoint Origin ribbon bar. The Save PinPoint Origin button on the ribbon
must then be pressed in order to save this defined origin position within the document.

Reposition Target to Origin

Moves the PinPoint target to the X,Y position that was saved using the Save PinPoint
Origin on the Define PinPoint Origin ribbon bar.

Angle
Specifies the angle of the PinPoint X-axis relative to its default horizontal orientation.
Positive values rotate the horizontal line counterclockwise. Negative values rotate the
horizontal line clockwise.

Step
Specifies the PinPoint step value. The step value is an incremental distance along the
PinPoint coordinate axes. When the distance between the target position and the current
cursor location is an increment of the step value, the related coordinate value and help
line become bold. This can be useful to maintain consistent spacing between elements.

X
Locks the horizontal distance between the target point and the current cursor location to
the value specified. F10 is a shortcut toggle for this lock setting.

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Locks the vertical distance between the target point and the current cursor location to the
value specified. F11 is a toggle to lock/unlock this setting.

When moving the cursor, PinPoint dynamically displays the horizontal and vertical
distance between the current cursor location and the target point. Help lines show the
PinPoint X and Y axes and the PinPoint orientation.

Locking and Freeing Values

The X coordinate and/or Y coordinate can be locked using the X and Y boxes on the
ribbon bar. When one coordinate value is locked, the other coordinate value can be
positioned by selecting a location in the application window or setting both values using
the ribbon bar boxes. If you want to free the dynamics for a locked value, clear the value
box by double-clicking in the box and pressing the Backspace or Delete key.

PinPoint Orientation
In its default orientation, the PinPoint X-axis is horizontal. To re-orient it to any angle,
set the angle on the PinPoint ribbon bar. The figure shows the PinPoint angle set to 20
degrees.

PinPoint Reposition
Do one of the following:
 On the PinPoint ribbon bar, click the Reposition Target button. The target
point is attached to the cursor. Select where the target point is to be.

 Press the F12 key on the keyboard. The target point moves to the current cursor
location.

Draw with PinPoint

1. From the Main toolbar, select PinPoint .

2. Click where the target point is to be. (1) Or use Esc to set it to 0,0 on the
sheet.

3. Select any drawing command. When moving the cursor, PinPoint

displays the coordinates of the current cursor location in relation to the
target point (2), (3). To provide precision input to the current command,

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press when the coordinate display indicates that the cursor is in the correct
position or type coordinate values in the X and Y ribbon bar boxes.

Notes:
 When the cursor reaches a distance from the target point that is a multiple of the
Step value set on the ribbon bar, the related coordinate value and help line
become bold.

 If the exact x and y distances are known from the target point that is to be used as
the command input, type the values in the X and Y ribbon bar boxes.

 A known x or y value can be typed into the X or Y ribbon bar box to lock one axis
position, then graphically define the coordinate for the other axis.

 The target point can be moved at any time. Select the Reposition Target button
on the ribbon bar, and then click where the target point is to be.

 The PinPoint x-axis can be re-oriented. Type a positive value in the PinPoint
Angle box on the ribbon bar to rotate the axis counterclockwise, or a negative
value to rotate the axis clockwise.

Move an Element with PinPoint and the Select Tool

PinPoint can be used with the Select Tool to move an element a precise distance in x and
y relative to a known position in the drawing.

1. From the Draw toolbar, click the Select Tool .

2. From the Main toolbar, select PinPoint .

3. Select where the PinPoint target point is to be. (1)

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 Creating Graphics with Drawing Editor

4. Position the Select Tool cursor over the element to be moved. (2) Drawing Editor
indicators can be used to locate keypoints on the element.
5. When Drawing Editor indicates the keypoint to be used as the handle point for the
move operation, begin dragging the element. PinPoint displays the distance
between the target point and the reference point as you drag. (3)

6. Release the mouse button when the element is in the desired location. (4)
7. Click away from the element that was moved to deselect the element.

SmartSketch Settings (Drawing with Relationships)

SmartSketch Settings are dynamic drawing aids that help create technically
sophisticated drawings quickly and easily. These settings can be used with any drawing
command. When drawing, Drawing Editor tracks the movement of the mouse cursor and
shows a temporary, dynamic display of the element being drawn. This temporary display
shows what the new element will look like when clicking at the current position.

Drawing Editor gives information about the element being drawn by displaying
relationships between the temporary dynamic element and the following:

 Other elements in the drawing

 Horizontal and vertical orientations
 The origin of the element you are drawing

When Drawing Editor recognizes a relationship, it displays a relationship indicator at the

mouse cursor. As the mouse cursor is moved, Drawing Editor will update the indicator to
show new relationships. If a relationship indicator is displayed at the cursor when
clicking to draw the element, the software can apply that relationship to the element (if
Maintain Relationships is active). For example, if the Horizontal relationship indicator
is displayed when you click to place the second end point of a line, then the line will be
exactly horizontal.

To suspend SmartSketch Settings

1. Hold down the <Alt> key on the keyboard. Drawing Editor does not recognize
any relationships while holding down this key.

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2. Release the <Alt> key to reactivate SmartSketch Settings.

Relationship Indicators

Intersection
Displays when you are at the intersection of two elements.

End point
Displays when you are at the end point of an element.

Midpoint
Displays when you are at the midpoint of an element.

Center point
Displays when you are at the center of a circle or an arc.

Point on element
Displays when you are at any point on an element.

Horizontal or Vertical
If the Horizontal relationship indicator displays when drawing a line, when clicking to
place the second end point of the line, the line will be exactly horizontal. If the Vertical
relationship indicator displays when drawing a line, when pressing to place the second
end point of the line, it will be exactly vertical.

Parallel
Displays when a parallel relationship exists between two elements.

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 Creating Graphics with Drawing Editor

Perpendicular
Displays when a perpendicular relationship is recognized.

Tangent
Displays when a point of tangency is passed through.

Drawing with the SmartSketch Settings example:

How Relationships Work

An element that has no maintained relationships applied to it can be moved and changed
in various ways. For example, when there are no maintained relationships between two
lines (A), each line can be moved and changed without affecting the other. If applying a
perpendicular relationship between the two lines (B) and moving one line, the other line
moves with it.

When applying a relationship between elements, the relationship is maintained when

modifying either element. For example:

 If a line and an arc share a tangent relationship, they remain tangent when either
element is modified.

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 If a line and an arc share a connect relationship, they remain connected when
either element is modified.

The Select Tool, Find Command and

Modification Tools

Select Tool
The Select Tool can be used to select a single element, a group of elements, or all
elements that lie within a specified area.

When an individual element is selected, the element changes to the selection color and
the element’s handles are displayed. Handles are solid squares at significant geometry
positions on a selected element, such as end points and center points. Handles allow you
to directly modify an element by dragging a handle to change the element's shape.
Although more than one element can be selected at a time, only one element can display
handles. When you select multiple elements or grouped elements, they change to the
selection color.

Select Tool Ribbon Bar

The ribbon bar contains settings that allow the user to determine if the elements selected
must be completely enclosed by the fence (the inside setting), or if the overlap feature is
activated then the fence need only touch a portion of an element for it to be selected.
Many manipulation commands, like delete, move, copy, and rotate, act upon all elements
in the selection set.

Inside
(Default) Only elements that lie entirely inside the fence are selected.

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Overlapping
Elements that lie inside and elements that overlap any portion of the fence are selected.

Top Down
(Default) Specifies that groups of elements are located as opposed to individual elements
in a group.

Bottom Up
Specifies that individual elements in a group are located as opposed to the whole group.

Polygon Fence Locate

The Polygon Fence Locate tool creates a select set by drawing a rectangular or
polygonal fence around objects based on points that you define.

Polygon Fence Locate Ribbon Bar

The ribbon bar contains settings that allow the user to select a rectangular fence shape or
user-defined polygon fence shape.

Rectangle
Creates a select area, or fence, by drawing a rectangle around points that you define.
When you drag the mouse to define a rectangular fence, a dashed rectangular outline
dynamically appears as you drag. When you reach the desired size, release the mouse
button to create the fence. The dashed fence outline disappears and the elements are
selected.

Polygon
Creates a select area, or fence, by drawing a polygon around points that you define.
Following the first point, click the remaining points to define the polygon. Points are
placed when you release the mouse button. Right-click to end the polygon. The dotted
outline disappears and the elements are selected.

Inside
Specifies that elements inside the fence are selected.

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Overlapping
Specifies that elements overlapped by the fence are selected, as well as elements inside
the fence.

Top Down
Specifies that groups of elements are located as opposed to individual elements in a
group.

Bottom Up
Specifies that individual elements in a group are located as opposed to the whole group.

Locate Filter
Opens the Define Filter Locate dialog box where you can specify a filter for the selection
of specific drawing elements. Filters allow you to select specific types of drawing
elements, or all drawing elements.

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 The Select Tool, Find Command and Modification Tools

PickQuick

PickQuick aids the selection of individual elements when there are several clustered very
tightly together. If the cursor is placed where multiple elements overlap, three ellipses
will appear at the lower right of the cursor. When the left button is pressed, a numbered
toolbar appears. As the cursor slides over a number, the corresponding element
highlights. Picking that number selects the corresponding element.

In Drawing Editor, elements may be pre-selected for manipulation, which sometimes

makes manipulation easier. The manipulation of several elements at the same time is also
made easier by pre-selection.

To select an element with PickQuick

1. Position the cursor over the elements to be selected from and pause the cursor
there.
2. When the cursor changes to an ellipsis (three dots), click. The software displays
the Selection toolbar near the cursor, with a button for each selectable element.

3. Move the cursor over the PickQuick buttons without clicking to highlight the
corresponding elements.
4. Click on the desired number to select the corresponding element.

Find

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Searches for objects within a Drawing Editor document based upon user-defined criteria.
The Find command can be used to locate geometric elements and symbols that have a
specific format or a specific set of defined attributes.

First, define the search criteria in the Find dialog box, and then execute the search. Items
that match the defined criteria appear selected on the Drawing sheet.

Find a Drawing Editor Object

1. Click Edit > Find or press Ctrl + F keys to execute the Find command.

2. In the Find dialog box, use the options on the various tabs to define the search
criteria.

3. Click Find Now to execute the search.

Notes:
 Objects that match the specified search criteria appear as selected on the
Drawing Editor Drawing sheet. These objects are added to the select set.
 Tools > Customize can be used to place the Find button on a
toolbar.

Type Tab

Type

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 The Select Tool, Find Command and Modification Tools

Specifies the type of Drawing Editor element, object, or attribute to be located. It is

possible to define the parameters of the search to encompass a wide-range of items,
including geometric elements, Drawing Editor symbols, or a variety of attributes.

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 The Select Tool, Find Command and Modification Tools

Find Now
Executes the search based on the criteria specified. When found, the matching object
appears highlighted on the active Drawing sheet.

Clear
Clears out the results of the last search conducted. All items that appeared selected in the
Drawing Editor drawing are deselected.

Reset
Returns the options on each of the Find dialog box tabs to their default settings.

Symbology Tab

Symbology
Sets options for performing a search based on color, line weight, and line type.

Color
Specifies the drawing color used in the search criteria.

Width
Defines the line width used in the search criteria.

Type
Specifies the drawing line type used in the search criteria.

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 The Select Tool, Find Command and Modification Tools

Style Tab

Style
Defines search criteria based on style attributes.

Linear
Specifies the linestyle used in the search criteria.

Fill
Specifies the type of fill used in the search criteria.

Dimension
Specifies the type of dimension used in the search criteria.

Text
Specifies the type of text used in the search criteria.

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 The Select Tool, Find Command and Modification Tools

Layer Tab

Specifies which layers of the Drawing Editor document to conduct the search on. Two
options are available by default - All layers or the Default layer; however, if additional
layers have been created in the Drawing Editor document, they are also displayed.

Note: For more information concerning layers, see Lesson 8.

Text Tab

Sets search criteria based upon text-based options.

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 The Select Tool, Find Command and Modification Tools

Text boxes and labels

Specifies the text string used in the search criteria.

Attribute names
Specifies the attribute name used in the search criteria.

Attribute values
Specifies the attribute value used in the search criteria.

Match case
Limits the search criteria to include only the text with the same capitalization as the Text
boxes and labels text.

Bold
Limits the search criteria to include only text that is bold.

Italics
Limits the search criteria to include only text that is italicized.

Underline
Limits the search criteria to include only text that is underlined.

Font name
Limits the search criteria to include only text that matches the font name specified.

Font size
Limits the search criteria to include only text that matches the font size specified.

Note: For more information concerning text, see Lesson 9.

General Tab

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 The Select Tool, Find Command and Modification Tools

Refines the search criteria to include a specific symbol name.

Symbol name

Specifies the name of the symbol to be located when the search executes.

Offset
Draws an offset copy of an element or a set of contiguous elements. This command
copies elements while maintaining characteristics such as the angle of lines and the center
point of arcs and circles.

Offset copies the original element at a specified distance. Offsetting outside the perimeter
of the original element creates a larger element. Offsetting inside the perimeter of the
original element creates a smaller element.

Offset Ribbon Bar

Select Chain

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 The Select Tool, Find Command and Modification Tools

If on, this option will offset a chain of all continuous elements.

If it is not active, Offset copies only the selected element, (this is the default setting).

Step Distance
Sets the distance from the base element to the offset copy.

Cumulative Offset
Displays or sets the total distance of the current offset graphic element from the original
graphic element.

Offset Example:
1. Select the Offset tool and make sure that the Select Chain option is on.

2. Set the step increment for the offset from the ribbon bar.

3. Select the item to be offset and move the mouse in the direction for the offset.

4. Accept the offset distance with the left mouse button.

If the Select Chain option is turned off you will get the following result:

Align
1. This tool will align two or more objects in a select set.

2. If the Change toolbar is not active, activate it by selecting the Change button
from the Main toolbar.
3. From the Change toolbar, select the Align tool. On the drawing sheet, select two
or more objects that you want to align.

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 The Select Tool, Find Command and Modification Tools

Before

4. On the Align ribbon, click the button that corresponds to the alignment type you
want.

After
Notes:
 When using horizontal alignment, make sure the selected objects are not to the top
or bottom of one another. If two shapes are vertically near one another, one of the
objects may be placed behind another object.

 When using vertical alignment, make sure the selected objects are not to the right
or left of one another. If two shapes are horizontally near one another, one of the
objects may be placed behind another object.

 Alignment features only line up objects; they do not distribute an equal amount of
space between aligned objects.

 Items that are glued to other objects cannot be aligned, including labels and
symbols.

Align Ribbon Bar Options

Align Left
Aligns the left side of objects in a select set.

Align Right
Aligns the right side of objects in a select set.

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 Text and Annotations

Align about Vertical

Aligns the objects in a select set along their vertical centers.

Align about Horizontal

Aligns the objects in a select set along their horizontal centers.

Align Top
Aligns the tops of objects in a select set.

Align Bottom
Aligns the bottoms of objects in a select set.

Text and Annotations

Text Box Commands

The Text Box command is used to place a text box in a document. A text box can be a
single line of text, multiple lines of text, text boxes with a defined width, or text within a
border.

Text Box Ribbon Bar

The Text Box ribbon bar is used to format a text box.

Style Font Font Size

Style
Lists and applies the available styles.

Font
Lists and applies the available fonts.

Font Size
Applies a text size in the actual paper size (i.e. not scaled).

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 Text and Annotations

Text Color
Sets the color for the font.

Bold
Makes the text bold.

Italic
Italicizes the text.

Underline
Underlines the text.

Paragraph Alignment
Positions the paragraph to the left, center, or right of the text box in edit mode.
The paragraph alignment can also be modified after placement by selecting it and
changing the setting on the ribbon bar.
Border
Permits three options for displaying borders around the text boxes. These options allow
you to display no border, display a border, or display a border with a shadow.

Text Ribbon Bar (Extended)

More
Displays more options on the Text Extended ribbon bar.

Text Box Height Text Box Width Text Box Angle

Height
Sets the height of the text box.

Width
Sets the width of the text box.

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 Text and Annotations

Notes on width:
 If you select text in the text box, Height and Width are not available because the
text is driving the dimension.
 If you select a text box and Height is not available, the text is driving Height with
the Auto Save option. The same is true for Width.

 If you place a text box with a single point, both Height and Width are not
available. If you drag a text box, Width is not available.


Angle
Sets the angle of the text box.

Horizontal Text Orientation

Specifies that the text is oriented horizontally in the document.

Vertical Text Orientation

Specifies that the text is oriented vertically in the document.

Left To Right
Specifies that the characters in a text box be displayed from left to right, as you would see
in an English paragraph.

Right To Left
Specifies that the characters in a text box are displayed from right to left, as you would
see in an Arabic or Japanese paragraph.

Text Box Handles

The text box handles are used to manipulate the origin or the size of the text box while
maintaining the relationship between the origin and justification.

Handles on text boxes appear as an X square, a hollow square, or a solid square.

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 Text and Annotations

 An X handle indicates the origin of the text box. The origin is defined by the
horizontal and vertical justification settings. Dragging an X handle moves the text
box

 The hollow handles are used to move the text box. The origin point moves with
the textbox.

 The solid handles are used to resize the text box. The origin point remains in its
current location while the text box is resized.

Text Labels

Text labels are associated with an element or object. If you move the element or object,
the text label moves with it. You can create text labels in a document by double-clicking
an element or object while using the Select Tool. A text label appears near the element so
that you can type text. The default position of the label is top center on all elements,
except for closed elements, such as a circle or rectangle. The default position on closed
elements is the center of the element. Once you have completed entering the text that you
want, the label orients itself along linear elements.

To create a text label

1. Choose the Select Tool from the Draw toolbar.

2. Double-click an element or object. (1)

A small, blinking pointer (2) appears near the element or object. For a closed element,
the pointer appears in the center of that element.

3. Set desired text settings such as font and font size in the Text Box ribbon bar.

4. Type the text in the label. (3)

5. Click outside the label to complete it. (4)

The text label rotates to align with the element or object to which it is associated.

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 Text and Annotations

Note: The text label is associated to the element or object. If the element or object is
moved, the label moves with it. If it is deleted, the label will also be erased.

To reposition only the text label

1. Choose the Select Tool from the Draw toolbar.

2. Select the text label. (1)

3. Click the lock handle (2) to unlock it. (3)

4. Drag the text label to new location. (4-5-6)

The text label is still associated to the element or object. If the element or object is moved
to a new location, the text label moves with it maintaining its new relative position.

Balloon Command
This tool, found on the Dimension toolbar, places a balloon containing text. You can use
balloons to refer to an element or a point in free space. You can set options for
controlling the size and shape of the balloon, text presentation, and leader display.

The balloon font, font style, and font size are controlled from the Text tab of the Format
Dimension dialog box. Individual balloon settings can be set by accessing right-click>
Properties. The balloon terminator settings are controlled with the Terminator and
Symbol tab of the Format Dimension dialog box.

Balloon Ribbon Bar

The Balloon ribbon bar is used to adjust the shape of the balloon and the text within the
balloon.

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 Text and Annotations

Dimension Style
Dimension Style
Lists and applies the available styles.

Leader
Sets or hides the display of a leader line from the balloon.

Break Line
Places a horizontal break line into the leader.

Height
Specifies the height of the balloon. The actual height of the balloon is the value you enter
multiplied by the dimension text height.

Text
Specifies the text note you want shown inside the balloon.

Shape
Specifies which balloon shape you want from the list of available shapes.

To place a balloon
1. Click the Dimension command on the Main toolbar. The Dimension
toolbar displays.

2. Select the Balloon command from the Dimension toolbar.

3. Set desired balloon settings in the Balloon ribbon bar.

4. In the Balloon Text box, type the text you want to appear in the balloon.

5. To place a balloon with a leader, click where you want to place the terminator end
of the leader. The terminator end can be on an element or a point in free space.
The default terminator used when an element is selected is an arrow.

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 Text and Annotations

6. Click where you want to place the balloon end of the leader.

The default free space terminator is a dot.

Leader Command

The Leader command adds a leader to an annotation or to another leader. You can place
either end of the leader first: the annotation end or the terminator end. The Leader ribbon
bar is used to set the dimension style and toggle the break line on and off.

You can attach the annotation end of a leader to one of the following:

 Text box
 Balloon
 Another leader on a dimension or annotation
 You can place the terminator end of a leader in one of the following ways:
 Attach it to an element
 Place it in free space

To add a leader
1. Click the Dimension command on the Main toolbar, causing the
Dimension toolbar to display.

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 Text and Annotations

2. Select the Leader command from the Dimension toolbar.

3. Click a text box, callout, or another leader to place the annotation end of
the leader.

4. Click any element to place the terminator end of the leader, or click in free
space.

Leader Ribbon Bar

Dimension Style

Dimension Style
Lists and applies the available styles.

Break Line
Displays a horizontal break line at the notation end of a leader.

Automatic Shape Connection Behavior

Specifies automatic, shape-changing connection point behavior for the notation (end)
reference. If the option is selected, the notation end of the leader uses information from
the notation object in combination with the current leader position to determine the
attachment point and break line direction. If the option is not selected, the notation end of
the leader attaches to the point on the notation object that was selected when the leader
was created, and the break line direction will not automatically break away from the
notation object.

Break Line Along

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 Dimension Tools

If the option is selected, the break line displays at an angle along the notation object
according to information provided by the object. For example, if a text box is at an angle,
the break line displays parallel to the text box at the same angle. If the option is not
selected, the break line remains in a horizontal position regardless of the angle of the
notation object.

Notation Object Attachment Lock

Locks the notation end of the leader to the notation object so that any drag/modify
operations on the leader will not detach it from the object.

Graphic Object Attachment Lock

Locks the graphic end of the leader to the graphic object so that any drag/modify
operations on the leader will not detach it from the object.

Dimension Tools

Driving and Driven Dimensions

Driving Dimension
A dimension that exercises control over the size or location of the element it is associated
with. Modifying the dimension changes the drawing objects.

Driven Dimension
Dimensions that are not driving dimensions are called driven dimensions. The value of a
driven dimension is controlled by the element it refers to. If the element changes, the
dimensional value updates.

Change a Driven Dimension to a Driving Dimension

1. On the Tools menu, set the Maintain Relationships command so it is

checked.

2. Select the driven dimension you want to change.

3. On the ribbon bar, click the Driving/Driven button. The color of the
dimension changes to indicate a driving dimension.

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 Dimension Tools

Notes:
 To place a driving dimension, you must set Maintain Relationships on the Tools
menu, select an element, and then click a dimension command on the Dimension
toolbar; the dimension that you place by default should be a driving dimension.
 To change a driving dimension to a driven dimension, select a driving dimension
and click the Driving/Driven button. Or this method can toggle it the other way –
Driving to Driven if there is a need to allow the elements to control the
dimension.
 To set the colors for driving and driven dimensions, select the dimension and
click Properties on the shortcut menu. Then set the options you want on the
Properties dialog box.

Placing Dimensions

To dimension elements, choose one of the dimension commands from the Dimension
toolbar, and then select the elements or keypoint to be dimensioned. As dimensions are
being placed, the software shows a temporary, dynamic display of the dimension. This
temporary display shows what the new dimension will look like if the current mouse
cursor position is selected. The dimension orientation changes depending on where the
mouse cursor is moved.

SmartDimension

Places a dimension for the following:

 Length and angle of a line

 Radius and diameter of a circle
 Length, angle, radius, and diameter of an arc
 Radius of an ellipse or curve

Distance Between

SmartPlant 3D SmartSketch Drawing Editor Basics 41

 Dimension Tools

The Distance Between command places a linear dimension that measures the distance
between elements or key points. You can place linear dimensions in stacked or chained
dimension groups.

To dimension between two points

1. From the Dimension toolbar, select Distance Between.

2. Select an element or keypoint to identify the origin element (A).

3. Choose an element or keypoint to measure to (B).
4. Move the mouse cursor where the dimension is to be placed. The dimension
dynamically follows the movement of the mouse cursor.
5. Click to place the dimension (C)
6. Right click to finish the command

Angle Between

Places a dimension that measures the angle between elements or key points. You can
place angular dimensions in stacked or chained dimension groups.

To dimension the angle between two lines

1. From the Dimension toolbar, select Angle Between.

2. Select an element or keypoint to identify the origin element (A).

3. Choose an element or keypoint to measure to (B).
4. Move the mouse cursor where the dimension is to be placed. The dimension
dynamically follows the movement of the mouse cursor.
5. Click to place the dimension.
6. Right click to complete the command.

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 Drawing Editor Symbols

Coordinate Dimension

Places a dimension that measures the distance from a common origin to one or more key
points or elements. The coordinate dimensions that refer to the common origin are
members of a coordinate dimension group.

You can place coordinate dimensions in any order and on either side of the origin with
respect to the dimension axis. You can also add additional coordinate dimensions to
existing coordinate dimension groups, (a group of dimensions that measure locations
from a common origin).
1. From the Dimension toolbar, select Coordinate Dimension.

2. Select an element or keypoint to identify the origin element (A).

3. Select the additional elements or keypoints (B, C, D).
4. Right click the mouse to complete the command.

Drawing Editor Symbols

Symbols Overview

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 Drawing Editor Symbols

A frequently used drawing object can be stored in one document and placed in other
documents at a scale, position, and orientation that you define. Graphic data used in this
way is called a symbol. Symbols increase drawing productivity because they allow you to
access existing graphic data quickly and easily. With a symbol, you can place graphic
information repeatedly without re-creating it. Symbols save you time by eliminating the
need to re-create information, as well as help you maintain accurate graphic data
throughout a project. Symbols are contained in documents with a .sym extension.

Creating Symbols
A symbol is a document with a .sym extension. You can create a symbol by selecting the
desired geometry and clicking the Create Symbol button on the Draw toolbar.

Default Behaviors
The default behaviors for symbols that you create are:

 90 rotation angles. You can press the left and right arrow keys on the keyboard
to rotate symbol 90 while placing.
 One drag point at the origin point defined when symbol is created.
 Scale, mirror, and rotate handles display when symbol has been selected.
 Will not automatically align or lock to other objects.

To create a symbol

1. Using the Select Tool , pick the elements that the symbol is to be
made from.

2. On the Draw toolbar, click the Create Symbol button.

3. Click a point on the drawing sheet to define the origin of the symbol.

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 Drawing Editor Symbols

4. In the Save As dialog box, select the directory where you want to save the
symbol.
5. Type the name that you want for the symbol. The software saves the
document with a .sym extension. Click the OK button.

Placing Symbols

Symbol Options
Before placing a symbol, you can set an option to link or embed the symbol when you
drag and drop it onto the drawing sheet. You can do this by clicking the Options
command on the Tools menu and then setting the option you want on the Symbols tab.

To place a symbol
1. Select a symbol from the Symbol Explorer.
2. Using the left mouse button, drag the symbol from the Symbol Explorer window
into the active document.

Notes:
 When you click a symbol in the Symbol Explorer to drag it into a document, the
pointer attaches to the origin of the symbol. The origin was defined when the
symbol was originally created.

 Dimensions within a symbol do not display when it is dropped into a document.

To place multiple copies of a symbol

SmartPlant 3D SmartSketch Drawing Editor Basics 45

 Drawing Editor Symbols

1. Select the desired symbol with the mouse by clicking it with the left mouse button
a single time in the Symbol Explorer.
2. Move the cursor to the desired position in the drawing and click to place the
symbol.
3. The symbol will remain active until the right mouse button is selected or another
symbol is chosen from the Symbol Explorer.

To place multiple copies using the Stamp method

1. Select a symbol with the right mouse button, and while holding it down, drag the
symbol into the document.
2. Release the right mouse button in the desired location of the first symbol.
3. On the displayed shortcut menu, click Stamp Here.

4. Click another point in the document (with the left button) to place a copy of the
symbol. You can click as many points as you want to place multiple copies of the
same symbol.
5. Click the right mouse button when you are finished placing the symbol.

Note: If you decide that you do not want to place several copies of a symbol, you can
click Place Here on the shortcut menu. This places only one instance of the symbol.

Symbol Placement Behavior

Drag Points
A drag point is the point to which the mouse cursor attaches to a symbol for dragging and
dropping. A symbol can have multiple drag points, which can be toggled using the up
and down arrow keys as the symbol is being dragged into the drawing.

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 Drawing Editor Symbols

Rotation
When you drag a symbol or align it to an element, you can press the left and right arrow
keys on the keyboard. This rotates the symbol in 90 increments by default. Some
symbols are designed to rotate at different increments. A symbol defined with a rotation
of 0 will not rotate using the arrow keys.

Alignment
Some symbols are created with a special alignment behavior. This behavior allows the
symbol to automatically rotate and align itself parallel to another graphical object during
drag and drop placement or when the symbol is repositioned after placement.

SmartPlant 3D SmartSketch Drawing Editor Basics 47