2011

When you apply a constraint, two things occur:
■ The object that you select adjusts automatically to conform to the specified
constraint
■ By default, a gray constraint icon displays near the constrained object as
shown in the previous illustration, and a small blue glyph displays with
your cursor when you move it over a constrained object
Once applied, constraints permit only those changes to the geometry that do
not violate the constraints. This provides a method for exploring design options
or making design changes while maintaining the requirements and
specifications of the design.
NOTE The order in which you select two objects when you apply a constraint is
important in some cases. Normally, the second object you select adjusts to the
first object. For example, when you apply a perpendicular constraint, the second
object you select will adjust to become perpendicular to the first.
You can apply geometric constraints to 2D geometric objects only. Objects
cannot be constrained between model space and paper space.
Specify Constraint Points
With some constraints, you specify constraint points on objects instead of
selecting the objects. This behavior is similar to that of object snaps, but the
locations are limited to endpoints, midpoints, center points, and insertion
points.
For example, a coincident constraint can restrict the location of the endpoint
of one line to the endpoint of another line.
The following glyph is displayed on the object as you roll over the object.
Apply or Remove Geometric Constraints | 811