ParaBase is a parametric design program which is totally integrated into the AutoCAD operating shell. It allows one to dimension any drawing, regardless of its complexity, in two dimensions and generate a family of objects from a single design simply by specifying the values of the dimensions which change. In this way it is now possible to define the parameters of the components of a library, whole system drawings with different views, or just one part in a drawing.

Objects created using ParaBase can also be inserted into other drawings, for example, parametric sub-systems can be used in the view of a system as a whole. Once inserted the object can be redimensioned, modified and manipulated using the classic AutoCAD commands. In short ParaBase allows the user to create a library of geometric shapes, either basic or complex, that can then be used as intelligent parts. Whichever discipline you are involved in: mechanical, construction, general design, or engineering, ParaBase will allow a significant and indispensable inscrease in productivity.



Automated design, drawing aid or component libraries, parametric design offers a spectacular reduction in the time required to generate AutoCAD drawings. These increases in productivity should not be counteracted by the creation of parametric models being difficult. This is why ParaBase has been designed to make the parametric design stage as simple as possible. ParaBase is easily operated by all users.

ParaBase, parametric design using constraints

ParaBase has been developed using object orientated methods and a highly effective resolution system, based on an automatic geometry recognition algorithm.

ParaBase does not require any particular prior knowledge of programming. The way in which parameters are defined is extremely intuitive.

You draw and design with AutoCAD, with ParaBase you then define the relationships between the various entities by specifying the geometrical or dimensional constraints:

The dimensional constraints can be expressed by the use of simple variables or expressions containing mathematical functions, character strings or conditional statements.

The geometrical constraints are acquired directly in explicit forms: Tangent to, Perpendicular to, Middle of. Also, in most cases, the automatic geometry recognition algorithm will mean that user is not required to define the geometrical constraints.

ParaBase is very visual, all the manipulations can be performed using a mouse, by selecting entities and defining the constraints in dialogue boxes.


Powerful ParaBase functions, such as array, hatch or mirror, automate the use of these functions and result in cobsiderable savings in time.

The parameters defined are stored with the respective entities, there is no requirement for an exterior file. A ParaBase object contains its parameters and is stored as an AutoCAD block. The user can therefore save objects, or whole sections, whose parameters have been defined, as simple entities, or blocks, in AutoCAD drawings.


In this example the lines tangential to the circles have not been defined, only the radii and the positions of the centers need to be inserted by the user.

Links with external tables

An important factor of ParaBase is that allows the user to read parameters from an exterior table of values ( in dBase format), or form a spreadsheet. This means that for a library of components it is possible to place all the standardised or realistic values in a table and then when the components is used all that is required is the selection of the appropriate line of values from the table.


This is the face view of the body of a hydraulic jack. The model was created by the drawing of a solitary nut and the face view. The UNION command was then used to integrate the nuts into the face view to give the final view.
The Assembly module

This module significantly increases the program's functionality. It allows the user to make use of previously parametered objects, as well as entities created using AutoCAD, in the definition of the parameters of a system. The operation is performed with the same ease and technique as for a simple object (simple definition of the insertion point and characteristics allows the user to easily create complex parametric systems.


The assembly module allows one make a parametric object evolve by including others.



Dynamic redimensioning of the parameters of the object

ParaBase allows one to act dynamically on one or several variables of an object. This makes it possible to animate an object by adjusting its variables dynamically.
This dynamic development can equally be used for objects whose variables are defined in a table of values. In this case the model developps by acquiring the values of the variables contained in each successive line of the table.
Taking the example of a screw, the user defines the diameter and decides to use dynamic redimensioning to determine the length. On the screen the user will drag the object which pass successively through each possible value of length of screw for the given diameter (the values of which having been previously defined in a table).



A multitude of functions

A ParaBase model can be easily created in steps, this is to say by simply adding entities to a previously existent model.

ParaBase also makes it possible to incorporate previously defined geometry's or objects in a model. The user can therefore very easily reuse subsystems in the creation personnalised parametric systems.

The properties of entities (layer, line, type, colour) are treated with a specific command which makes it possible to associate a parameter to a property. The value of these parameters can then, as for geometrical parameters, be calculated, entered or selected in a data base.

The selection of a parameter's value can be performed using a picklist or it can also be defined as being dependent on a conditional expression. Validity criteria grouping several parameters can be defined for an object. When the object is redimensioned, if one or more of the criteria is broken a warning is given to the user.

Development using ParaBase

ParaBase is aimed pimarily at AutoCAD users who have no specific knoledge of programming. However, ParaBase functions can be used in a AutoLISP program, allowing the creation of functions or applications using the AutoCAD and ParaBase shells.

What is a parametric system If you have already inserted a block in an AutoCAD drawing and changed its scale you have used a parametric system. The term describes the possibility of creating a geometry while specifying the parameters that characterise it, for example the height and width of a door, or the diameter and number of holes of a flange attachment. A parametric model can be simple like a door or a flange, or complex with hundreds of parameters and representing an entire system. A parametric system can be used to design a component library, whole system views, or just to create the basic parts of a system which will be completed manually.

ParaBase is available in several forms

ParaBase Complete provides for the creation of parametric objects of any complexity.

ParaBase Runtime allows the user to use ParaBase part libraries that have been bought or created using ParaBase Complete.

ParaBase Developer, this version gives its owner the ability to create AutoCAD applications using the API's of ParaBase and to distribute them without having to own a copy of ParaBase Runtime.

Supported versions of AutoCAD

ParaBase is available for: AutoCAD versions 12 and 13, running under DOS, Windows3.x, NT or 95.

ParaBase is available in several languages including:
French, German, Spanish and Italian.

Configuration requirements

ParaBase requires no additional resources other than those necessary for AutoCAD.
ParaBase's strong points

Creation of model by definition of its constraints

Powerful automatic geometry recognition algoruthm

Exceptional speed of design of a parametric model

Ability to link an entity to a table of allowable or standardised values

Possibility of using previously parametered entities or constraints to create a new model

Dynamic insertion or redimensioning

Creation of systems composed of parametric objects

Very intuitive, short learning curve therefore productivity gains are achieved rapidly.

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