Associating Elements

Under most circumstances, elements are static and, when an element is placed in a design, its position is defined simply by the design plane coordinates on which it lies. It retains that position in the design plane until you move it with an element manipulation tool.

One exception to this rule is association, in which an element's position in the design plane is defined in relation to another element. When that other element is moved, the associated element moves with it. For example, dimension elements can be associated with the elements whose dimensions they display. These dimensions update when the dimensions of the elements, with which they are associated, change.

Elements that can be associated with other elements

The types of elements that can be associated with other elements are dimensions, multi-lines, normal cells and shared cells. The association is made when the dimension, multi-line, or cell is placed. The procedures for associating cells and multi-lines are covered here. For more information about associative dimensions, see Associating Dimensions With Elements.

Associating cells

When a cell is associated with another element, the cell's origin is associated with a point on the other element.

To associate a shared cell with another element

1. From the Element menu, choose Cells.
   The Cell Library dialog box opens.


2. If using a shared cell, turn on Use Shared Cells.


3. In the list box, select the desired cell.


4. In the Active Cells section, click the Placement button.


5. In the Cells tool box, select the Place Active Cell tool. (In the Main tool frame, Place Active Cell is the default “representative” of the Cells tool box.)
   The prompt in the status bar is “Place Active Cell.”


6. In the tool settings Placement Options (extended) section, turn on Association Lock.


7. Snap a tentative point to the element to which the cell is to be associated.


8. Enter a data point to accept placement and association of the Active Cell.

Associating multi-lines

When a multi-line is associated with another element, one or more vertices of the multi-line are associated with points on another element (or elements).

To associate a multi-line with another element

1. In the Settings menu's Locks submenu, or in the tool settings for the Place Multi-line tool, turn on Association (Lock).


2. In the Linear Elements tool box, select the Place Multi-line tool.
   Vertices of the multi-line that are not associated with other elements can be placed in the normal way (as if placing a line string). When you are ready to place a vertex associated with another element, continue with step 3.


3. Snap to a tentative point on the element to which the multi-line's vertex is to be associated.


4. Enter a data point to accept placement of the vertex of the multi-line and its association with the other element.


5. Continue placing vertices of the multi-line or Reset to complete the multi-line.

The vertices of a multi-line can further be associated with vertices of other multi-lines.