Dimensioning

Dimensioned Drawings show linear, angular or radial measurements. Most dimensioning tools can be found under Tools>Main>Dimension.

Dimensions usually consist of:

• Dimension line (required) with terminators (optional)
• Dimension text (the measurement)
• Extension lines (optional lines extended from the measurement points)
• A prefix or suffix (optional text such as center, diameter, radius, etc.)

These are called "dimension elements" (not to be confused with the command "Dimension Element") and are grouped togther by default. Use the Drop Element tool to break up a dimension element into its component parts.

The simplest dimensioning tool is Dimension Element tool:

• Tools>Main>Dimension>Dimension Element

Use it to dimension an element such as a line, string, shape or circular arc. If association lock is turned on the dimension will follow or reflect any changes in the element. The Alignment setting effects the alignment of a linear dimensions relative to the screen, drawings, element etc. Clicking the NEXT button advances the tool to the Next dimensioning tool allowed for the selected element.

Display of dimensions can be turned on or off in each view from:

• Settings>View Attributes>Dimensions

Dimension settings adjust the many parameters of the dimension elements such as custom symbols, dimension lines, extension lines, placement, terminators, text, tolerance, tools setttings, units, unit format. The essential settings are:

• Text - the most critical being Orientation, Justification and Attributes (size, color, font etc)
• Units - the most critical being Format (mech or aec), English vs. Metric, Accuracy of the dimension and label type

Another common dimensioning tools is the "Dimension Size with Arrow" tool. This tool dimensions between two points and successive dimensions are measured from the last endpoint of the previous dimension in a chain. First select the start of the dimension (snap to the first endpoint of an element), then position the cursor to set the length of the extension line, then finally snap to the second enpoint of the element (you're not setting the end of the dimension line).

• Tools>Main>Dimension>Dimension Size with Arrow

"Dimension Angle Between Lines" is the simplest of the angular dimensioning tools. It will dimension the angle between two lines, two segments of a line string, or two sides of a shape. Just select the two elements.

• Tools>Main>Dimension>Dimension Angle Between Lines

"Dimension Angle Size" will chain angular dimensions like "Dimension Size with Arrow". Angular dimensions are measured in a clockwise direction. First select the start of the dimension , then position the cursor to set the length of the extension line and radius of the dimension arc, then snap to the the vertex of the angle and then finally snap to the second enpoint of the element (the complement to the first point).