Visual Tutor for CATIA V5

To help you constrain geometry, CATIA applies different colors to the curves, depending on the dimensions and constraints you apply to them. The following table outlines the colors used.


Gray elements are construction elements that help you create sketch curves. Sketch curves are used for solid and surface-based features.


Yellow elements are non-modifiable elements. The solid model usually controls the size and shape of these elements. They are created when you intersect or project edges or faces onto the sketch plane.


White elements are under-constrained. Under-constrained elements are curves not controlled by CATIA parameters. You can simply drag these elements to a new size and location.


Green elements are fully constrained elements; CATIA parameters control the position and size. To modify the elements, you must change the controlling dimension. The profile is fully-constrained when the entire closed profile displays in green.


Brown elements are ones you cannot change. Elements in the sketch are inconsistent or over-defined and the geometry cannot be updated. Often, you will see this color on a dimension when you attempt to place it on a yellow element.

Purple elements are over-constrained. There are too many dimensions controlling their shape and position. This is not a desirable color to see in your sketches. The sketch no longer responds to changes to dimensions. You need to resolve the constraints that are causing the conflict.


Red elements are inconsistent; the resulting shape from the dimensional values are not possible. Just as with purple, red is not desirable in your sketches.

Orange continues to mean that the object is selected.

Tips
• You do not have to fully-constrain a sketch, but it is good practice not to leave many open degrees of freedom. Some companies require sketches to be fully-constrained before releasing a part.
• When you see a purple or red element after you have placed the constraint, you may consider undoing the operation and changing the way you place the constraint.
• Be aware that when you are placing dimensions between two elements, CATIA may temporarily change the color to indicate over-constrained when you pick the first element. Select the second element and the color should restore to green.