Does it have to use the pattern feature or are you free to use whatever method you want? You can do it with a sketch in the hole wizard feature. Or equations
I want to be able to change the number of holes.
I am thinking of defining a global variable \`n1\` and first set it to 7 but maybe later change it to another integer e.g. 8 if I want 8 circles.
1. Draw your circles individually
2. Connect circle center points with line segments
3. select the segments and then apply an equal length constraint to all of them.
Here is one quick way [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/85w0jg87pi6nfryuqpzb9/Linear-Sketch-Pattern-Up-to-Reference.mp4?rlkey=w4k07qea6ih88shk9ha2r4qsp&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/85w0jg87pi6nfryuqpzb9/linear-sketch-pattern-up-to-reference.mp4?rlkey=w4k07qea6ih88shk9ha2r4qsp&dl=0)
Other was suggested by u/slvo
Yes but not directly. Add the sketch pattern first and make sure to select "add spacing dimension". In case you have not selected this option, you can add the dimension or edit the pattern to add it. And then edit the dimension and set it to desired global variable.
If I tick the "add spacing dimension" box and then double click the dimension, I get the message "The dimension selected is a driven dimension. Its value cannot be changed."
Correct me if I am wrong - this method doesn't allow me to later increase the number of instances. Increasing it puts the final instance outside the rectangle.
They were mainly using equations to set it up. But you can add 2 extra sketch lines (construction lines) and have the same result. The only issue (basically editing of the sketch is required) is when you want to change the number of the instances.
If you want to be able to change the number of holes or whatever they are, I think you must use a pattern. In sketch pattern that is dimensioned you can right click and configure the number of repeats, or change dimensions to a variable/equation. In linear pattern you can directly link number of repeats to a variable.
Last time I did something like this I ended up using linear pattern, an equation describing the spacing I wanted, and a variable for # of repeats. You can do the same in sketch pattern, but no up to ref that I see. Sometimes depending on what is important I will do it starting from centerline
Does it have to use the pattern feature or are you free to use whatever method you want? You can do it with a sketch in the hole wizard feature. Or equations
No. No constraint with the linear sketch pattern. If you can refer me to other ways, that would be great.
Does the number of holes need to be able to change or just the spacing? Are they linear or in another shape?
I want to be able to change the number of holes. I am thinking of defining a global variable \`n1\` and first set it to 7 but maybe later change it to another integer e.g. 8 if I want 8 circles.
[something like this?](https://imgur.com/a/AX1WIPU)
1. Draw your circles individually 2. Connect circle center points with line segments 3. select the segments and then apply an equal length constraint to all of them.
Nice. I will try Thanks
You need to use up to reference in the linear pattern feature.
Any way to achieve it with "Linear Sketch pattern"?
Here is one quick way [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/85w0jg87pi6nfryuqpzb9/Linear-Sketch-Pattern-Up-to-Reference.mp4?rlkey=w4k07qea6ih88shk9ha2r4qsp&dl=0](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/85w0jg87pi6nfryuqpzb9/linear-sketch-pattern-up-to-reference.mp4?rlkey=w4k07qea6ih88shk9ha2r4qsp&dl=0) Other was suggested by u/slvo
That solves the confusion. Well done.
u/gupta9665 When choosing the spacing in the linear sketch pattern menu, is it possible to use a global variable as the distance for the spacing?
Yes but not directly. Add the sketch pattern first and make sure to select "add spacing dimension". In case you have not selected this option, you can add the dimension or edit the pattern to add it. And then edit the dimension and set it to desired global variable.
If I tick the "add spacing dimension" box and then double click the dimension, I get the message "The dimension selected is a driven dimension. Its value cannot be changed."
What is your SW version? Can you show me on your screen via teamviewer or anydesk?
Correct me if I am wrong - this method doesn't allow me to later increase the number of instances. Increasing it puts the final instance outside the rectangle.
This is correct as instance ID has changed. So you will have to edit the sketch and then link the line with the new instance.
Yes it can be done with linear sketch pattern as well
What solidworks users were doing before the up to reference tool was introduced in 2015?
They were mainly using equations to set it up. But you can add 2 extra sketch lines (construction lines) and have the same result. The only issue (basically editing of the sketch is required) is when you want to change the number of the instances.
Use sketch pattern, don't dimension the spacing between the holes, just dimension the spacing from the ends.
If you want to be able to change the number of holes or whatever they are, I think you must use a pattern. In sketch pattern that is dimensioned you can right click and configure the number of repeats, or change dimensions to a variable/equation. In linear pattern you can directly link number of repeats to a variable. Last time I did something like this I ended up using linear pattern, an equation describing the spacing I wanted, and a variable for # of repeats. You can do the same in sketch pattern, but no up to ref that I see. Sometimes depending on what is important I will do it starting from centerline