---
GuiCommand:
Name: Sketcher ConstrainDistance
MenuLocation: Sketch , Sketcher constraints , Constrain distance
Workbenches: Sketcher_Workbench
Shortcut: **K** **D**
SeeAlso: Sketcher_ConstrainDistanceX, Sketcher_ConstrainDistanceY
---
The Sketcher ConstrainDistance tool fixes the length of a line, the distance between two points, the perpendicular distance between a point and a line; or, (v0.21) , the distance between the edges of two circles or arcs, or between the edge of a circle or arc and a line; or, (v1.0) , the length of an arc.
See also: Drawing aids.
-
Make sure there is no selection.
-
<small>(v1.0)</small> : If the **Dimensioning constraints** [preference](Sketcher_Preferences#General.md) is set to {{Value|Single tool}} (default): press the down arrow to the right of the **<img src="images/Sketcher_Dimension.svg" width=|x16px><img src="images/Toolbar_flyout_arrow.svg" width=x16px>** button and select the **<img src="images/Sketcher_ConstrainDistance.svg" width=16px> Constrain distance** option from the dropdown.
-
If this preference has a different value (and in {{VersionMinus|0.21}}): press the Constrain distance button.
-
Select the Sketch → Sketcher constraints → [ Constrain distance option from the menu.
-
(v1.0)
: Right-click in the 3D view and select the Dimension → Constrain distance option from the context menu.
-
Use the keyboard shortcut K then D.
-
-
The cursor changes to a cross with the tool icon.
-
Do one of the following:
- Select a single line.
- Select two points.
- Select a point and a line (in that order).
-
If a driving dimensional constraint is created, depending on the preferences, a dialog opens to edit its value.
-
A constraint is added.
-
Optionally keep creating constraints.
-
To finish, right-click or press Esc, or start another geometry or constraint creation tool
- Do one of the following:
-
Select a single line.
-
Select two points.
-
Select a point and a line (in any order).
-
Select the edges of two circles or arcs.
-
Select the edge of a circle or arc and a line (idem).
-
(v1.0)
: Select the edge of a single arc.
-
- Invoke the tool as explained above.
- Optionally edit the constraint value.
- A constraint is added.
- If applicable please consider using Horizontal distance or Vertical distance constraints instead. They are more efficient.
Distance from origin:
Distance between two vertices:
Length of line (the GUI allows selecting the edge itself, but it is just a shorthand for using the two extremities of the same line):
Distance from point (Edge, PointOfEdge
) to perpendicular point on line (Line
):
Distance between the edges of two circles:
The Sketcher scripting page explains the values which can be used for Edge
, Edge1
, Edge2
, PointOfEdge
, PointOfEdge1
, PointOfEdge2
, Line
, Circle1
and Circle2
, and contains further examples on how to create constraints from Python scripts.
⏵ documentation index > Sketcher > Sketcher ConstrainDistance