View Variables (3-D)

Drawing > Properties > Attr... > View variables

If a sketch that has been parameterised with HCM constraints contains variables, these will automatically be defined as view variables when the sketch is used in a detail view, a sectional view or a cut-out. If you then change the value of the view variables, all views of the current drawing will be updated and the corresponding detail views, sectional views and cuts-outs will be adjusted accordingly. The original sketch, however, remains unchanged. This allows you to adjust views fast and easily without having to change the corresponding sketch.

Use the View variables function to edit the view variables. You can access the function as follows:

• On the Drawing tab, select Properties > Attr... >
• By right-clicking the drawing area or the Drawing symbol of the 3-D part structure in the ICN, and selecting the function from the context menu.

When you call the function, a list of the view variables defined in the current drawing will be displayed:

Working with view variables is largely identical to the working with part variables, with the following differences:

• View variables are always saved together with the drawing..

• For view variables only the variables type Number is of significance. In the HCM constraints no formulas can be used for elements, so that a direct use (e.g. of a point or edge variable) will not be possible. In the formulas for values, however, expressions such as edge_length (edgeVar) can be used, e.g. in order to apply the edge length of an edge variable with the name edgeVar.

An example:

The image below shows a 3-D part with a parameterised sketch (in axonometric view and top view).

A sectional view based on the sketch has been derived from the axonometric view (Example). At the same time, HiCAD has automatically created the view variables.

If you now change the variables, the sectional view will be automatically adjusted, while the sketch remains unchanged.

Please note:

• Like part variables, view variables can be controlled via the API.

• Of course, you can also define the variables of the views first and assign values to them. In this case, however, please make sure that you assign the same names in the HCM constraints of the sketch from which you want to derive sectional views, detail views or cut-outs.

Part Properties (3-D) • User Variables • Variables Store