Issue with variables not being available in sketches

jean_marc_billaud

Hello,

I am happily progressing in using Onshape.

I want to use variables. From what I have seen, a variable I create can be used in the sketches that I will create AFTER creating the variable. But I cannot refer to it in a sketch that already existed at the moment when I created the variable. By the way, the variable disappears from the variable table as soon as I open an "old" sketch for editing.

In a previously existing sketch, I can create a variable with the same name as this particular variable I want to use, with whatever value. However, if I do that, the Part Studio related variable seems frozen : its value can no longer be modified.

Is this the normal behaviour ? Is there a way to define a Part Studio related variable that will be usable in any sketch, whatever the creation chronology ?

eric_pesty

Move the variable up in the tree above the sketch you want to use it in

glen_dewsbury

You can initiate a variable during the sketch/feature. When the value dialog opens during dimensioning enter # instead of a number and a list will show up. Select new variable and the variable dialog opens. When that is complete the variable will show up in feature tree ahead of sketch/feature. As Eric says, move up the tree to make available in previous features/sketches.

jean_marc_billaud

Thanks.

I do not yet understand the full power of the tree. But I am one step closer today.

rick_randall

@jean_marc_billaud - What I do is create a folder at the top of the feature tree, that I named "variables". This is where I keep all variables, and they will always be available in any sketch. I started doing this before OnShape introduced the variable studio, and it just became a habit - right or wrong, it works for me. Just thought I would share.

Also makes it very easy to show/hide the variable list.