Ref planes vs. ref lines - when to use which...

[christo4robin]

I don't really understand the difference between reference planes and reference lines. Can someone explain, and give situations where it is appropriate to use one or the other?

Thanks,

[twiceroadsfool]

And while i read, im praying on all things Holy that the explanation somehow has the answer as to how i array something thats contrained to a reference plane, lol...

[Scott D Davis]

A Ref Plane is a single plane, and is ultimately 'infinate' where there is no defined start or end point. a Ref Line is really made of two Ref Planes (crossing) with defined endpoints. Ref Lines are good for controlling endpoints, especially for rotational parameters as in door swings or the Luxo lamp (think Pixar's jumping lamp) that David Conant built.

Ref Planes extend across views: place one in plan, see it in section.

[crarchitect]

Reference lines, which really include both XY and XZ planes (cool!) can be used when you need to parameterize the angle of something. EX: a component instance that once installed needs to have have many different positions, or angles, in space. Build it on the ref. line instead of a static ref. plane.

If you want a 2D thought that translates into a nice 3D effect, try building a door and frame family with the door leaf attached to a ref. line. Then you can control the angle of the door: open 90 vs closed 0. Is anyone using these operable doors yet?

Did I get my description right?

[twiceroadsfool]

I have to reanimate this post (lol) simply to say im glad i found it. I just modeled a bunch of old fashioned Fireplaces for a house, and i could set up a parameter for the ash Chute door angle (simply for visualization). I think it didnt work because i used a reference PLANE. Gonna try it with a ref line, and see if that works better.

God, i love this forum : )

[DaveP]

...array something thats contrained to a reference plane, lol...
The trick I've found is to NOT have your original element constrained - constrain it inside the array.
Slap the first element in anywhere, then Align it to your Ref Planes, but don't lock it yet!
Next, set up the Array. Use Ref Planes to specify the distance between Array elements. If you're using a dimension in the array, dimension the Ref Planes, not the elements.
Use a 2 element array.
NOW, lock both of the elements to your Ref Planes
Finally, Label the number of elements in the array - link to a parameter.

Flex, flex, flex