Creo: Learn The Sketch Basics | Creo tutorials | PTC Creo

Creo: Learn The Sketch Basics - Creo tutorials

As we know, Creo is a multipurpose 3D modeling software for CAD, CAM, CAE. Everyone (beginners) will be used to start sketching first before going for simple or complicated projects. Sketching consists of various tools to perform various features. Before using these tools, you should learn the basics of these tools and what is the use of these tools. In this tutorial, you will learn all the basics of sketch tools that are used in Creo parametric. I always suggest you open the Creo software while reading this tutorial and follow what is given in this tutorial for better understanding.

Sketch tools in Creo:

    First, you should learn what are the tools available in creo and how to use these tools. The Sketch tools available in Creo are Centerline, point, co-ordinate system,  line, rectangle, circle, arc, ellipse, spline, fillet, chamfer, text, offset, palette and some modification tools. These tools are placed in a group called sketching that is placed in the sketch tab. When you are in part modeling, the sketch tab is placed in a group called datum that is placed in the model tab. Let's see the detailed description of these tools in this creo tutorial.

Centerline

    Centerline creates a two-point dotted construction line that appears on the whole column that acts as an axis.

Point

    Point creates a geometry point that generates a datum point. This feature is mostly used in complicated modeling to create a datum axis.

Construction mode

    The construction mode tool will change the datum mode to construction mode and construction mode to datum mode. Construction mode will generate a dotted line sketch which is mostly used for reference. The keyboard shortcut for enabling this command is Ctrl+M.

Line

    As we know, the line is used to create a two-point line whose starting and endpoints are known. There are two types in line. They are, Line chain and Line tangent. These can be selected using the dropdown menu.

Line chain

    Line chain generates a chain of lines that all have two points that are start and endpoints. The keyboard shortcut for the line chain is L. 

Line tangent

    Line tangent creates a tangent line between two entities. For example, imagine that you have a circle and you need a line that passes through any point on the circle then it will create a tangent line.

Rectangle

    Rectangle allows you to create a rectangular shape in various methods as per the known dimensions. In Creo there are four types in a rectangle. They are, corner rectangle, slanted rectangle, center rectangle and parallelogram. These can be selected using the dropdown menu.

Corner rectangle

    A corner rectangle creates a rectangle by selecting the first vertex and dragging it up to the second vertex which is diagonally opposite to the first vertex. For example, if you know the value of the two diagonally opposite vertices then you can use a corner rectangle. The keyboard shortcut for the line chain is K.

Slanted rectangle

    A slanted rectangle creates a rectangle by selecting the two vertices of the first side of the rectangle and dragging it to the next side to create a parallel side of the rectangle. It can be oriented at any angle.

Center rectangle

    The Center rectangle creates a rectangle by selecting the center point of the rectangle and dragging it towards the outer vertices. For example, If you know the values of the center point and any one of the four vertices, you can use the center rectangle command to create a rectangle.

Parallelogram

    It is similar to that of a slanted rectangle. You have to select two vertices on the first side of the parallelogram and drag it to the opposite side.

Circle

    As similar to rectangle there are four types of commands used to create a circle based on known dimensions. They are, center & point, concentric, 3 point circle and 3 tangent circle.

Center & point

    The Center and point command is used to create a circle by selecting the center point and any point on the circle. For example, if you know the center point of the circle and any one point on the circle then you can use the center & point circle command to create a circle.

Concentric circle

    The concentric circle command is used to create a circle by selecting the reference circle and selecting any one point on the new circle. For example, if you have a circle and you need another circle with the same center point you can use the concentric circle command.

3 point circle

    This command is used to create a circle by selecting any 3 points on the circle. For example, if you have a triangle and you need to create a circle inside the triangle, then you can use this command.

3 tangent circle

    3 tangent command is used to create a circle that is tangent to three entities.

Arc

     3 point/ tangent arc is used to create an arc by selecting the two endpoints of the arc and then selecting any one point on the arc that determines the radius of the arc.

    The Center and ends command is used to create an arc by selecting the center point of the arc and then selecting the two endpoints of the arc. Once you have selected the center point of the arc and anyone endpoint a blue color dotted circle appears that makes selecting the second endpoint of the arc easier.

Ellipse

    Axis ends ellipse command is used to create an ellipse by defining the endpoints of one of its major axes.

    The Center and axis ellipse command is used to create an ellipse by selecting the center point of the ellipse and defining one of its endpoints of the major axes.

Fillet

    Fillet creates an arc between two entities. For example, if you have a rectangle and you have to change it into a rounded rectangle, then you can use the fillet command. After enabling the fillet command, you have to select the two entities.  

Chamfer

    The chamfer creates a triangle-shaped edge in your sketch. The process of creating a chamfer is similar to that of the fillet. Construction lines are added that extend to the intersection point. To avoid these construction lines use the chamfer trim command.

Text 

    Text command creates the text as a part. After enabling the text command new dialogue box appears that asks you few inputs such as text you need as a part, font, alignment, spacing, aspect ratio, slant angle.

Offset

    Offset command allows you to create a new feature by offsetting the existing feature by constant or variable dimensions based on your requirement. Mostly offset is used to create planes, edges, arc, etc., 

Palette

    Palette command is used to add predefined shapes to your sketch. There are few inbuild shapes available in creo parametric. There are four sections in the palette. They are polygons, profiles, stars, shapes. The profile section contains C, I, L, T shapes. The polygon and star section contains 3 sided to 20 sided polygons and stars. The Palette window opens on the lower right corner of the sketch window. Drag the required palette to your sketch and provide the required dimensions.

    This is the end of the Creo sketch basics. In this Creo tutorial, you have learned all the sketch basics in Creo. I suggest you practice some sketches in Creo using all the above commands that will make this creo tutorial more useful for you. Don't forget to practice some exercises. Happy learning...

Also read How to customize the ribbon in Creo 

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