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I am using multiple files where I design individual 'things' in their own file, then I have a master file that handles the enclosure and I do all of the layouts between these 'things' there. I use the insert component capability and select these things from the other files. In the enclosure project, I then move them around. That said, I frequently struggle with a move or align operation that only moves some of the included component but not other things and it scatters. I want to include them as a single component and not position their individual child components individually.
I tried to go into the child component files and create a rigid group, selecting all components in that file. This does achieve what I want in the parent enclosure project, however, once I create the rigid group, I can no longer move the components around while I am editing the child file. I tried supressing the rigid group, which allows me to move them, however when I unsuppress it, they move back. It feels like I have to delete the rigid group and then remember to recreate it again.
The only other way I can think of is to use joints, however using joints is incredibly difficult to work with. Consider that if you have two objects aligned to each other, you create a joint, you have to hide one object, to select the face of the other, doing that twice to pick two faces, but when you add the joint, the objects move - yes they are touching, but you have to reposition it again. I have not been able to figure out how to select two components and just say 'keep them together in their current positions related to each other'.
Any suggestions on how to keep being productive managing individual files for a component without restrictions, but when it is included in another design, it is treated as a single component that moves together without all of these issues?
As an example, every component in my design is in a child file. Notice the one object on the far left - it's blue faceplate did not move back with the component when I aligned it with the left wall. The main body moved, but the skin stayed where it originally was. (highlighted the gap)
If I look at the component in its original file, it is together
I am missing some understanding of object relationships and am hoping an expert here can spot what I need to learn and provide some helpful guidance.
Solved! Go to Solution.