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Pattern Tables

With variable patterns, a table stores the dimensions and their values.

In the table, you can:

  • Copy and paste data from a spreadsheet or tab-separated source into the pattern table and vice versa. The paste operation excludes units when pasting into a spreadsheet, and adds units when pasting from a spreadsheet into a SOLIDWORKS pattern table.
  • Use equations in table cells. The equations are solved when written and are not available for editing or reference.
Functions Available for Pattern Table Equations
+ Add
- Subtract
/ Divide
* Multiply
ABS(X) Absolute value of X
COS(X) Cosine of X
EXP(X) e raised to the X power
INT(X) Integer portion of X
LOG(X) Log base 10 of X
PI Value of pi
SIN(X) Sine of X
SQRT(X) Positive square root of X
TAN(X) Tangent of X

Creating and Editing Pattern Tables

You cannot edit seed features in pattern tables, but you can select seed feature cells for copy or auto-fill operations.

Supported operations when creating or editing a pattern table:

Add pattern instances Enter a value for Number of instances to add and click Add instances .
Add a dimension to vary Select the dimension in the graphics area. If the dimension does not appear in the graphics area, ensure that the parent geometry is selected for Reference geometry to drive seeds in the PropertyManager.
Delete a column or row Right-click the column or row header and click Delete .
Move a column Click the column header and drag to the desired location. You cannot separate dimensions that are children of the same parent sketch or feature.
Copy a value to additional table cells
  1. Select the cell with the desired value.

  2. Pause the pointer over the white circle until the pointer changes to . Drag to expand the selection to additional column cells.
Auto-fill an arithmetic pattern
  1. Select two or more cells that follow the pattern you want to propagate.
  2. Pause the pointer over the white circle until the pointer changes to .

    Drag to expand the selection to additional column cells.

    The arithmetic pattern propogates to the selected cells.

Auto-fill a repeating pattern
  1. Select two or more cells that follow the pattern you want to propagate.
  2. Pause the pointer over the white circle until the pointer changes to .

    Ctrl+drag to expand the selection to additional column cells.

    The repeating pattern propogates to the selected cells.

Preview the pattern Click Update Preview. The software calculates each pattern instance. More instances increases the calculation time.
Skip a pattern instance Select Instances to Skip.


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