Trim functionalities are tools which let you change the lengths of graphical elements retrospectively. They are used for the precise construction of component contours and graphical macros. The corners of the graphical elements can also be edited by the Fillet and Chamfer functionalities.
Trim elements
The two trim functionalities Cut off and Change length let you cut off, extend, or shorten graphical elements. It is not possible to select multiple elements.
The graphical elements of a group can be trimmed by ungrouping, by deactivating the Grouping button, or by pressing down the [Shift] key while trimming the respective element.
You can also open the Input box when changing the length and extend / shorten the line by entering positive / negative values. You must enter the value by which the line is to be extended or shortened. It is not possible to enter an absolute length here.
Note:
Note that the trimming of graphical elements does not take into account splines. Nor can you cut ellipses from splines and ellipses.
Fillet corners
Use the Fillet functionality to fillet enclosed angles of less than 180°. Angles between open lines cannot be filleted i.e. lines cannot be connected via the filleting function.
When filleting the corners between two lines, an arc with a defined radius is generated as an additional connecting element, and the lines are shortened. Filleting with other elements also shortens the existing lines and generates the arc segment of a polyline as an additional element. Filleting rectangles will result in the rectangle being converted into a polygon with four segments (starting point of the first polyline segment = starting point of the rectangle).
Once defined, a fillet radius is applied until you cancel the action.
In the Property dialog, you can subsequently change a fillet radius or fillet a "straight" polyline segment on the Polyline tab in the Radius field.
Chamfer corners
You can use the Chamfer functionality to chamfer the corners of different elements symmetrically. This functionality can be used on enclosed angles which are less than 180°.
Chamfering the corners between two lines shortens the original lines by the value of the chamfer width, and generates an additional line. Chamfering other elements also shortens the existing lines, and generates in addition a new polyline segment. Chamfering a rectangle will result in the rectangle being converted into a polygon with four segments (starting point of the first polyline segment = starting point of the rectangle).
Once defined, a chamfer width is applied until you cancel the action.
See also