Making Lines Parallel

The Parallel tool in the Constraint toolbar enables you to make selected lines parallel to each other.

First, select one or more lines.
Then, select a line that will define the position of all the lines.
Finally, select the Parallel tool.

If none of the lines are restricted by pre-existing constraints, the lines that are selected first become parallel to the line that is selected last.

If lines are restricted by pre-existing constraints, whenever possible, the independent lines become parallel to the constrained line.

Note: If one of the lines is not in the current sketch, you must add it to the sketch as a reference entity.

Demo: Press the button below to view a short movie demonstrating the function:

Make one or more lines parallel to another line

Select the Add Constraints button from the Sketcher toolbar.

The cursor will be a pointer-and-grid symbol.

Click one or more lines that you wish to make parallel to another line.

Click the line to which the lines selected in step 2 will be parallel.

Click the Parallel tool .

The line(s) selected first (in step 2) move to be parallel to the line selected last (in step 3).

In the example above, none of the lines were previously constrained. If lines are already constrained, whenever possible, the independent lines become parallel to the constrained line.

Note: When lines are re-positioned to be parallel, the nodes that were defined first when you created the line (1) remain fixed, the nodes that were defined second (2) swivel to make the lines parallel to the required line.

Notes:

You can also first pick the entities to constrain (while in Select mode), then select the Add Constraints option, then choose the desired constraint.
Edit functions are restricted by pre-existing constraints. An entity will not be edited if underlying constraints do not permit. If required, you can break an entity's constraints to make it independent of all other entities.