Creating Patterns

You can create a pattern of protrusions or depressions (including slots), points, components, planes, origins, or axes. You can also create patterns of sketch curves. You cannot create a pattern of threads. You can use the Undo button (Ctrl+Z) or Redo button (Ctrl+Y) when creating a pattern.

You can also create a pattern from a mix of object types, such as a pattern of holes (faces) and bolts (imported components). In SpaceClaim, any pattern member can be used to modify the pattern after you create it. If the change cannot be made to all pattern members, the member that cannot change is still part of the pattern. Once you select a Pattern Type, the fill displays to show a pattern preview.

When you select a member of a pattern, you will see fields for the pattern count and distances relative to the member you have selected. Press Tab to move among the dimension and count fields.

• Icons next to the pattern's dimensions and counts show which will be changed if you change the value of the highlighted field. The closed lock indicates that a dimension won't change and the open lock shows you it will change. You can override a lock on a dimension by clicking its icon to toggle it between locked and unlocked.
• Dimension or count line placement, arrows, and value fields show you how the pattern will change if you change the value of a field.
• Your selection determines how changes to the distance and count affect the pattern's position. If you select one member of the pattern, the change is centered on that member. If you select all pattern members, the change is centered on the entire pattern, with the distance between members locked by default. You can control which direction the pattern will grow based on which member you select and which count or distance you change.
• Changing a pattern count in one direction does not change the distance between pattern members. Instead, the overall distance of the pattern will change. This is indicated by the closed lock icon.
• Circular patterns are anchored at the opposite end by default when you move one end.

With a pattern node selected in the structure tree, you can:

• Change fill pattern parameters in the Layout section of the Properties panel. Changes that you make automatically update the pattern in the design window.
• Right-click and select Lightweight Pattern to toggle a pattern component between a lightweight pattern and regular pattern. When selected, a check mark displays next to the Lightweight Pattern command. This also works with sheet metal components: with a Pattern node selected in the structure tree, right-click and select Make Lightweight.
• To update lightweight fill patterns to fit the existing geometry of your design, select the lightweight pattern node, then right-click and select Update Pattern.