Inserting DIMENSIONS

In this Task

• Dimensions will be inserted onto the finished sketch.

Before you Start

• Sketch menu is displayed, Dimension menu is used.
• Snaps are required for inserting linear dimensions.
• Dimensions are usually drawn on a layer specifically created for this purpose. A Dims or Annotation layer is available when using the Student 2D template.

Take Note

• Snaps are not required when inserting Angular, Radius or Diameter dimensions.

 

Orthogonal Dimensions

Ribbon : Draw | Dimension | Orthogonal

Default Menu : Dimension | Orthogonal

Palette : Sketch | Dimension | Orthogonal

Orthogonal Dimensions are used to create point-to-point dimensions where specific input is required, for example, between 2 parallel points.In the illustration, right, Orthogonal Dimensions have been inserted using the points indicated by the pointers.Orthogonal Dimensions require a snap mode, in this case, the vertex, to ensure positional accuracy of the insertion points.Orthogonal Dimensions can also be used to dimension the diameter of a cylindrical object.

Activate the Snaps, making sure snaps for Vertex and Quadrant are activated. Create a horizontal dimension using the vertex snap shown as Point 1 below and a quadrant snap for Point 2.

Orthogonal dimension created using the vertex (point 1) and the quadrant (point 2)

Using the same dimension tool, insert all orthographic dimensions so the result is similar to the illustration below.

Radial Dimensions

Ribbon : Draw | Dimension | Radius

Default Menu : Dimension | Radius

Palette : Sketch | Dimension | Radius

Radius Dimensions are used to dimension radial objects such as arcs.The Radius Dimension is an associative dimension; its value is updated when the associated object is modified.The text of the dimension can either be seated in an aligned position to the dimension line, shown below, or horizontally. To seat the dimension text horizontally, check the Force Text Horizontal option in the Format page of Dimension Settings.Diameter Dimensions are used to dimension circular objects such as circles.

Insert Radius and Diameter dimensions onto the circle and arcs so that the result is similar to the illustration below. Snaps are not required when inserting this type of dimension.

Inserting Radius and Diameter dimensions

Angular Dimensions

Ribbon : Draw | Dimension | Angular

Default Menu : Dimension | Angular

Palette : Sketch | Dimension | Angular

The Angular Dimension tool dimensions an angled line by selecting the associated line, then the angled line to dimension.

 

Select the Angular dimension tool from the menu options above, then select lines 1 and 2 illustrated below. Snaps are not required when inserting this type of dimensions. Drag the dimension arc outwards and left click .

Inserting an Angular dimension

The drawing should resemble the illustration below.

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Related Topics

The Select tool can be use to adjust the position of the dimension line.

The Edit tool can be used to adjust the position of the extension line and the dimension text.

The Selection Info palette can be used to adjust dimensional information, including the features of the dimension.