Using Offset Planes and Advanced Offset Planes

This task shows you how to define a plane to use as a temporary reference for positioning other elements. The second part of the document explains the use of an advanced offset plane, which allows you to define origin, orientation and other parameters.  
1. Select the Offset Plane icon .
2. Define the reference plane by doing the following:
  1. Place your cursor over a geometric element that defines the plane (e.g., a construction plane, boundary, area contour, item reservation).

As you move the cursor, a small white rectangle is displayed to show the selectable planes, as shown below.

If you do not see the white rectangle, zoom out from the drawing. The white rectangle cannot be displayed if the element under your cursor is displayed too small.
  1. Click to select the plane.

The white rectangle changes to a blue rectangle, and remains displayed on the reference element, as shown below.

The reference plane can now be used as a reference to position other elements.

3.

Use the advanced offset plane feature to set your plane reference, origin and orientation settings as follows: 

  1. Click the Advanced Offset Plane button. The Define Plane dialog box will display.
  1. The Define Plane button is selected by default. However, you can select any button in the Define Plane box. Click when you have found a location. The plane manipulator displays.

Click on the buttons in the Define Plane dialog box to make your selections. See Creating Connectors on using the buttons.
  c.  Click OK when done. The reference plane will be created.