Lock or unlock a PMI dimension to control edits

Do either the following to lock or unlock a dimension to control the effect of model edits. To understand the effect of a locked dimension, see Tips.

• Lock a dimension to prevent indirect change by doing any of the following:

  • Click the dimension text of the dimension that you want to restrict, and then set the lock button on the Dimension Value Edit dialog box.

    Example:

    

    

  • Right-click the dimension and select Lock Dimension from the context menu.

  • In PathFinder, select the unlock icon to the left of the dimension name.

  • In Tools tab→Variables group→Variable, select the unlock button displayed on the row of the dimension.

• Unlock a dimension value for editing by doing any of the following:

  • Select the dimension directly.

    1. Click the dimension text of the dimension that you want to change, and then clear the lock button on the Dimension Value Edit dialog box.

    2. On the dialog box, click the arrow button to specify the direction of change, or the symmetric button to specify an equal edit in both directions.

       If the direction indicated on the dialog box is ambiguous, as shown in the following example, click the 3D arrow or sphere on the dimension line to specify direction.

       Example:

       

    3. Do either of the following:

       • Type a value in the box, and then press Enter to apply the change.

       • Rotate the mouse wheel to change the value of the dimension.

  • Right-click the dimension and select Unlock Dimension.

  • In PathFinder, select the lock icon to the left of the dimension name.

  • In Tools tab→Variables group→Variable, select the lock button displayed on the row of the dimension.