Generic Constraints
- Last UpdatedFeb 25, 2025
- 4 minute read
Constraints are concepts which constrain the placement of annotations.
A constraint is hard or soft. A hard constraint must comply with the AVEVA E3D Whitespace Optimizer settings, setting the allowable (Sheet) area where the annotation can be placed. A soft constraint defines areas where the annotation is best placed within the (hard constraint) defined areas of the Sheet using the AVEVA E3D Whitespace Optimizer settings.
The generic constraints can be modified to define the preferred behavior and placement of annotations. Generic constraints are the default applied settings at sheet (SHEE) level and are used unless overridden by values set at the annotation.
The Generic Constraints tab displays a list of available generic constraint styles. Input values in the fields or select values from the drop-down lists to modify the generic constraints.
Right-click on a generic constraint style and select Rename from the drop-down menu to rename the generic constraint style.
If required, enter a Description for the generic constraint style.
The Attribute Hint part of the window displays a visual hint to the constraints functionality.
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Alignment deviation |
Input a value in the field or select a value from the drop-down list to modify the alignment deviation distance for aligned annotations. The example displays annotations that are aligned. The optimal distance and expected angle constraints are overridden in line with the objective preferences.
The preference for aligned annotations is defined by the Alignment violation value (considered alongside all other objective preference settings). The annotation must be positioned within the defined alignment deviation distance and the connection line must be in the same direction for all annotations, for example, Bottom.
1-2 and 1-3 are the pairs which are considered by the alignment feature (and penalized as the labels are not aligned) because 2 and 3 are within the alignment deviation with respect to 1. 1-4 is not considered by the alignment feature (and not penalized) because 4 is outside of the alignment deviation. 1-5 is not considered by the alignment feature (and not penalized) because of the opposite CONL orientations. |
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Leader line restriction |
Specifies a limitation on the leader line direction. Select True from the drop-down list to restrict the leader line from doubling back on itself when the whitespace calculation is performed. The example displays a leader line that is doubled back on itself.
Select False from the drop-down list to omit the leader line restriction when the whitespace calculation is performed. |
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Minimum A spacing |
Specifies the preferred minimum clearance distance between all annotation types. The option also controls the A-RS clearance. Input a value in the field or select a value from the drop-down list to modify the minimum clearance distance. |
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Minimum AP distance |
Specifies the preferred minimum annotation label distance for SLAB/GLAB and LDIM, measured from the attachment point. Input a value in the field or select a value from the drop-down list to modify the minimum annotation label distance. |
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Optimal insertion dist. |
Input a value in the field or select a value from the drop-down list to define the preferred connection line length (applied to a SLAB/GLAB). Refer to Element Constraints for further information. |
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Relation to view |
Select a value from the drop-down list to specify the annotation position with relation to the associated view. Refer to Element Constraints for further information. |
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X-Angs |
Displays the preferred annotation connection line angles. Refer to Element Constraints for further information. |
The generic constraints are used as the default settings and can be overridden using individual element constraints at sheet (SHEE) level using the Properties window. Refer to the Properties for further information.
