Modifying Sketch Dimension 1

[Ebbie22]

Trying to help out a former coworker that is now using 2012 SW.

I'm not sure the proper term for it but in 2016 SW you can click on your sketch dimension and add/subtract length to the current value to have SW to the math for you vs. using a calculator to figure out the adjusted dimension length. However in 2012 SW he's saying this functionality doesn't work. I don't think this is a settings issue but it's been awhile since I've used 2012 SW. Does anyone know if this is a setting or user issue?

Thanks

 

[djhurayt]

I don't have 2012 any more, but it seem like back then you had to also add an "=" sign in front for it to do the math. Have him try that.

 

[AidanMc]

In SW2014 (what we currently use), you can just type in something along the lines of "1+2" into the dimension and it will update it to "3" for you and makes that the dimension. It's now "3" if you click back to edit it again later.

If you however put in "=1+2" then it saves it as an equation. That means that it's effectively "3" for the dimension but if you edit it again, it will remember that it's actually 1+2. Makes it easier if you're trying to have a nominal number plus or minus some amount that you want to edit.

Not exactly on topic but that's how 2014 works.

Aidan McAllister
Metallurgical Engineer

 

[handleman]

I HATE it when people say something "doesn't work". You MUST describe the symptoms of what happens when you try. Otherwise people have to make a WAG like this one:

Maybe a problem with VBA. Have him type this into a dimension:

msgbox("HelloWorld")

exactly like that. If he gets an error, it means the install of VBA is corrupt and he probably needs to reinstall/repair SW.

 

[drawoh]

Ebbie22,

I cannot remember when SolidWorks did not do math in the dimension window. On SolidWorks[ ]2011, definitely, I entered things like [2.25in+11mm], and it worked. I did not use an equals sign.

--
JHG

 

[hendersdc]

SW2009 allows for math in dimensions too, also without the need of an equals sign.