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AutoCAD Self-paced Learning Modules
®

AutoCAD 2D
Module 34
Dimensioning - Part 1

Learning Outcomes:
When you have completed this module, you will be able to:

1. Describe the 11 basic dimensioning terms.

2. Describe the properties of associative, non-associative and exploded dimensions.
3. Describe and apply the commands DIMASSOC, DIMASO and DIMSTYLE commands to
control and modify the appearance of dimensions.
4. Describe and apply the commands BREAK and DIMCENTER commands to draw center
lines.

Drafting Lesson
Basic Dimensioning Terms
Figure 34 -1 shows the 11 basic dimensioning terms that you will need to know when setting
dimensioning styles.

Figure 34-1
Basic Dimensioning Terms

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Dimensioning
Dimensioning is the process of adding size descriptions to the object you have drawn. The
drawing can then be plotted and used for construction or reference. Up to this point in the
modules, you have only been adding shape description to the object you are drawing by
describing the size and location. Since AutoCAD knows the exact size of the objects in the
drawing, you only have to enter the type and location of the dimension you want to insert and
AutoCAD will do the rest. You never have to enter the size.
Dimensioning is a complex subject, not difficult, but there is a lot of data to learn. Therefore, in
the AutoCAD 2D Modules, you will be only learning to control the appearance, inserting and
editing the basic dimension types. When you complete the AutoCAD 2D modules, you will be
able to completely dimension an object for most applications. The advanced features of
dimensioning are taught in the AutoCAD Customization Modules.
Associative, Non-Associative and Exploded Dimensions
Associative and non-associative dimensions are dimensions that are intelligent, similar to an
associative hatch pattern and are tied to the object they are dimensioning. An exploded
dimension is simply a collection of AutoCAD objects indicating a measurement on the object
and has no relation to the object it is dimensioning. You cannot tell the difference between
them by simply looking at them, you will have to look at their properties. The differences
between them are as follows:
• If you modify the object that is dimensioned with an associative dimension with most editing
commands, the dimension will change to reflect the changes to the object. If you modify the
object that is dimensioned with a non-associative dimension with the STRETCH command,
the dimension will change to reflect the change to the object. If you modify the object that is
dimensioned with an exploded dimension, there will be no effect to the dimension.
• Associative and non-associative dimensions are harder to edit than exploded dimensions
because they are inserted as blocks. An exploded dimension is inserted with individual
objects. If the block that makes up an associative or non-associative dimension is exploded,
the objects will become individual objects and the dimension becomes an exploded
dimension.

• If you edit the properties of the dimensioning style of an associative or non-associative

dimension all dimensions on the drawing using that style will change. For example, if you
wanted to change the dimension text size, change it once and all existing associative and
non-associative dimensions using that style will automatically display the new size. To do
the same thing for exploded dimensions, you would have to change each existing dimension
text size individually.
Definition Points
Definition points are points that are automatically inserted on the drawing by dimensioning
commands. They are only inserted for associative and non-associative dimensions. One
definition point is inserted for each end of an extension line or on opposite sides of a circle or
arc. The points are automatically placed on the Defpoints layer. If the Defpoints layer does
not exist in the drawing, it will be created automatically when the first associative or non-
associative dimension is inserted.

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These inserted points are the intelligent part of the associative and non-associative dimension.
It is these points that cause the dimension to automatically update since they are moved in the
object editing commands and the dimension follows them. In an associative dimension, the
points are attached to the object. Therefore, almost all editing commands move the points with
the object. For non-associative dimensions, the definition points will only move with the
STRETCH command since they are not connected in any way to the object.
The definition points will not plot and are not affected by the point type and size appearance. If
you explode an associative or non-associative dimension, the points attached to it will
automatically be erased. The Defpoints layer cannot be deleted or purged.

AutoCAD System Variable: DIMASSOC

The DIMASSOC system variable is used to enable either associative, non-associative or exploded
dimensions being inserted by dimensioning commands.
Command: DIMASSOC
Enter new value for DIMASSOC <2>: 0
Command: DIMASSOC
Enter new value for DIMASSOC <0>: 1
Command: DIMASSOC
Enter new value for DIMASSOC <1>: 2
Command:

0 - Dimensions will be inserted as exploded dimensions.

1 - Dimensions will be inserted as non-associative dimensions.
2 - Dimensions will be inserted as associative dimensions.

Note: This system variable is available in 2002-2008 only. For 2000-2000i, use the
system variable DIMASO.

AutoCAD System Variable: DIMASO

The DIMASO system variable is used to enable either non-associative or exploded dimensions
being inserted dimensioning commands..

Command: DIMASO
Enter new value for DIMASO <ON>: OFF
Command: DIMASO
Enter new value for DIMASO <OFF>: ON
Command:

OFF or 0 - Dimensions will be inserted as exploded dimensions.

ON or 1 - Dimensions will be inserted as non-associative dimensions.

Note: This system variable should only be used in 2000-2000i. For 2002-2008, use
the system variable DIMASSOC.

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Dimensioning Styles
A dimensioning style is similar to a text style. A dimensioning style controls the way your
dimensions appear in your drawing. There are many different settings in a dimensioning style
so it will take you a while to get used to setting them. Be patient and practice setting and
inserting dimensions as often as possible.
You can create new styles or edit existing dimensioning styles with the DIMSTYLE command.
AutoCAD uses the current dimensioning style properties when inserting dimensions with any
dimensioning command. By modifying a dimension style, you can update all existing
associative and non-associative dimensions on the drawing inserted with that style.
The dimensioning style Standard exists in each drawing and cannot be deleted. Even though
the Standard style can be used, it is not a good practice to use it. Create and name your own
styles.

AutoCAD Command: DIMSTYLE

The DIMSTYLE command is used to create or modify
dimensioning styles.
Shortcut: DDIM

2004-2008

2000-2002

Use the Styles toolbar to pull

down a list and select a name to
change the current dimensioning
style for the active drawing.
When the list is not in its pull-down state, it
displays the current dimension style.

The Styles toolbar is only available in AutoCAD

2004 to 2008

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Creating and Editing Dimension Styles

Step 1 Start a new drawing using the template Module Template B .
Step 2 Save and name the drawing AutoCAD 2D Workalong 34-1.
Step 3 Enter the
DIMSTYLE command. It
will open the Dimension
Style Manager dialogue
box as shown in Figure
Step 3.
Authors Comments:
Note that the only style
that is defined in a new
drawing is Standard. This
is the default
dimensioning style and
must be included in every
drawing. It cannot be
deleted and must be
present so that additional
styles can be created. Figure Step 3
You should never use the
Standard dimensioning style to dimension with. It is best to create your own styles giving
them suitable names. Although the Standard style could be used, there is a very good
reason not to. It is a common practice in industry to combine
two or more drawings to form one drawing. In most cases,
they are drawings created by different operators and a lot of
the time, working at different companies. If the drawings to
be combined all used the Standard dimensioning style to
place the dimensions on their drawings, all dimensions on the
drawing being added would take the style properties of the
drawing that it is added to. This can produce very unwanted
results.

Step 4 Notice the graphic in the Preview of: window. It

gives you a pictorial view of how the dimensions using the Figure Step 4
dimensioning style being previewed would appear on a
drawing. As you make changes to the style, the preview window will change to reflect those
changes. See Figure Step 4.
Step 5 Click the New button. It will open the
Create New Dimension Style dialogue box as
shown in Figure Step 5. In the New Style
Name: box, enter the name Module English
and then click the Continue button.

...continued on page 34-6 Figure Step 5

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Creating and Editing Dimension Styles 2006- 2008 - Continued

For AutoCAD 2006-2008 users only. If you are using AutoCAD 2000-2005, skip to page
34-11)
Authors Comments:
The AutoCAD 2D Modules will only cover the first five tabs in the Dimensioning Styles
dialogue box. When you can set the variables in these five tabs, you will be able to
dimension any drawing using standards dimensioning techniques. Advanced dimensioning
will be covered in the AutoCAD Customization Modules.
Step 6 In the
Modify Dimension
Style dialogue box,
enable the Lines
tab as shown in
Figure Step 6.

Figure Step 6
Step 7 In the Extension lines area, change the Extend beyond dim lines: box to 0.1750
and the Offset from origin: box to 0.075 as shown in Figure Step 7A. Figure Step 7B shows
what dimension style variables you are setting.

Figure Step 7A

Figure Step 7B

...continued on page 34-7

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Creating and Editing Dimension Styles 2006-2008 - Continued

Step 8 Enable the Symbols and Arrows tab as shown in Figure Step 8.

Figure Step 8

Step 9 In the Arrowheads area, set the Arrow size: to 0.175. See
Figure Step 9A and 9B.

Figure Step 9A
Figure Step 9B

Step 10 In the Center marks

area, enable Line and set the
Size: to 0.1000. See Figure Step
10A and 10B.

Figure Step 10A

...continued on page 34-8 Figure Step 10B

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Creating and Editing Dimension Styles 2006-2008 - Continued

Step 11 Enable the Text tab as shown in Figure Step 11.

Figure Step 11

Step 12 In the Text appearance area, select the ...

box as shown in Figure Step 12. Clicking it opens the
Text Style dialogue box to create a new text style. Figure Step 12
Step 13 Step 12 will open the Text Style dialogue
box. This is the same dialogue box that you open when you use the STYLE command.
Create a new text style, named Module English, with the font romans.shx as shown in
Figure Step 13.

Figure Step 13

...continued on page 34-9

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Creating and Editing Dimension Styles 2006-2008 - Continued

Step 14 In the Text appearance area, pull down the
list of available text styles in the Text style box and
select Module English as shown in Figure Step 14A.
Set the text height to 0.1500 in the Text height box as
shown in Figure Step 14B.

Figure Step 14A

Figure Step 14B

Figure Step 15A

Step 15 In the Text placement area, set the
Offset from dim line to 0.1000 as shown in
Figure Step 15A and 15B.

Figure Step 15B

Step 16 Enable the Fit tab as shown in Figure Step 16. It should be left as default for
now. Ensure yours matches the figure.

Figure Step 16
...continued on page 34-10

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Creating and Editing Dimension Styles 2006-2008 - Continued

Step 17 Enable
the Primary Units
tab as shown in
Figure Step 17.

Figure Step 17
Step 18 In the Linear dimensions area, set the
Precision to two decimal places as shown in
Figure Step 18.

Figure Step 18
Step 19 In the Angular dimensions area, set the
Units format to Degrees Minutes Seconds and set
the Precision to 0d00'00" as shown in Figure Step
Figure Step 19 19.
Step 20 Click OK
and you will return to
the Dimension Style
Manager dialogue box.
Select the Style
Module English and
then click the Set
Current box. Ensure
that Module English is Figure Step 20
the current style by
checking the top left corner of the dialogue box. See Figure Step 20.
Step 21 Save and close the drawing and skip to page 34-15.

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Creating and Editing Dimension Styles 2000 - 2005 - Continued

For AutoCAD 2000-2005 users only. If you are using AutoCAD 2006-2008 skip to page 34-
15)
Authors Comments:
The AutoCAD 2D Modules will only cover the first four tabs in the Dimensioning Styles
dialogue box. Once you set these tabs, you will be able to dimension any drawing using
standards dimensioning techniques. Advanced dimensioning will be covered in the
AutoCAD Customization Modules.
Step 6 In the
Modify Dimension
Style dialogue box,
enable the Lines
and Arrows tab as
shown in Figure
Step 6.

Figure Step 6

Step 7 In the Extension lines area, change the Extend beyond dim lines: box to 0.1750
and the Offset from origin: box to 0.075 as shown in Figure Step 7A. Figure Step 7B shows
what dimension style variables you are setting.

Figure Step 7A
Figure Step 7B

...continued on page 34-12

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Creating and Editing Dimension Styles 2000-2005 - Continued

Step 8 In the Arrowheads area, set the Arrow size: to 0.175. See
Figure Step 8A and 8B.

Figure Step 8A
Figure Step 8B

Step 9 In the Center Marks for

Circles area, set the Type to Line
and set the Size: to 0.1000. See
Figure Step 9A and 9B. Figure Step 9A

Figure Step 9B
Step 10 Enable the Text tab as shown in Figure Step 10.

Figure Step 10

...continued on page 34-13

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Creating and Editing Dimension Styles 2000-2005 - Continued

Step 11 In the Text appearance area, select the ...
box as shown in Figure Step 11. This means that
you want to open the Text Style dialogue box and
create a new text style. Figure Step 11

Step 12 Step 11 will open the Text Style dialogue box. This is the same dialogue box that
the STYLE command opens. Create a new text style and name it Module English with the
font romans.shx as shown in Figure 12.

Figure Step 12

Step 13 In the Text appearance area, pull down the

list of available test style in the Text style box and
select Module English as shown in Figure Step 13A.
Set the text height to 0.1500 in the Text height box as
shown in Figure Step 13B.

Figure Step 13A

Figure Step 13

Step 14 In the Text Placement area, set the Offset from dim line to 0.1000 as shown in
Figure Step 14A and 14B.

Figure Step 14A

Figure Step 14B

...continued on page 34-14

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Creating and Editing Dimension Styles 2000-2005 - Continued

Step 15 Enable the
Fit tab as shown in
Figure Step 15 and
study it. Do not
change any of the
default setting for this
style. Ensure your
settings are the same
as the figure.

Figure Step 15

Step 16 Enable the

Primary Units tab as
shown in Figure Step
16.

Figure Step 16
...continued on page 34-15

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Creating and Editing Dimension Styles 2000-2005 - Continued

Step 17 In the Linear dimensions area, set the
Precision to two decimal places as shown in Figure
Step 17.

Figure Step 17
Step 18 In the Angular dimensions area, set the
Units format to Degrees Minutes Seconds. Set the
Figure Step 18 Precision to 0d00'00" as shown in Figure Step 18.

Step 19 Click OK and you will return to the Dimension Style Manager dialogue box.
Select the Style Module English and then click the Set Current box. Ensure that Module
English is the current style by checking the top left corner of the dialogue box. See Figure
Step 19.

Step 20 Save and

close the drawing.

Figure Step 19

A very common error

when using the DDIM
command is not setting
the current style.
Ensure you set the
style you want to use is
set to the current style.

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Drafting Lesson
Center Lines
In multiview drawings, the center line is used to indicate the location of the axis of symmetry.
Placing center lines on all objects that have a symmetrical shape will help the reader and
save the drafter from inserting a lot of dimensions as you will see in future modules. Below
are some examples of typical applications of the use of center lines in a multiview drawing.
A ?C” with an ?L” through it is the symbol
for a center line. Center lines are drawn
as repeating long and short lines.
This example shows a
center line indicating the
center of the circle with
two short lines called a
center mark intersecting
at the center. Note in
the right side view, the
center line follows the
length of the cylinder.

When the symmetry ends so does the center line.

Note how the center line ends on the left
side of the arc.

In this example, note how the center

lines shown along with the hidden lines
that indicate a hole going right through
the object. The center line on the top
and bottom circles stops at the
complete circle.

Note how center lines are drawn for an array of circles.

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AutoCAD Command: DIMCENTER

The DIMCENTER command is used to insert center lines or center marks on circles or arcs.

Shortcut: none

2004-2008

2000-2002

AutoCAD Command: BREAK

The BREAK command is used to break a piece out of or off an object. It can also be used to
break an object into two pieces.

Shortcut: BR

2004-2008

2000-2002

Disable the osnap mode when using the BREAK command. If it is enabled,
you will get unwanted results.

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Drawing Center Lines

Step 1 Open drawing AutoCAD 2D
Workalong 34-1 that you completed
earlier in this module. At the same
time, open the drawing AutoCAD 2D Workalong 15-2
that you completed in Module 15 and make it the
current drawing. Using the COPYBASE command and
the base point of the bottom right corner of the object,
select all of the objects in the drawing.
Step 2 Change the current drawing to AutoCAD 2D Figure Step 2
Workalong 34-1. Enter the
PASTECLIP command and paste
the objects using the insert point of
10,4. Your drawing should now
appear as shown in Figure Step 2.
Step 3 Create the necessary
layers to match Figure Step 3.
Step 4 Set the current layer to
Center. Figure Step 3
Step 5 Using the
DDIM command, set
the current
dimensioning style
to Module English.
See Figure Step 5.

Figure Step 5
Step 6 Enter the DIMCENTER command ( or click the icon)
shown below and when prompted, select the circle. It will insert
center lines in the circle. See Figure Step 6.
Command: DIMCENTER
Select arc or circle: P1
(Select the circle.)
Command:
Authors Comments:
If this command does not insert a center line as shown in
Figure Step 6, go back and read Step 9 on page 34-7 or 34-12
depending on the AutoCAD software you are using.
Figure Step 6

...continued on page 34-19

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Drawing Center Lines - Continued

Step 7 On layer Construction, draw a construction
circle using the center of the small circle as the
center and select the radius by eye. Make it a short
distance outside the arc. See Figure Step 7.

Figure Step 7

Step 8 On layer Center, draw lines from the

center of the small circle to the center of the small
arcs as shown in Figure Step 8.
Figure Step 8

Step 9 Using the EXTEND command,

extend the lines to the large construction
circle See Figure Step 9.

Figure Step 9

Step 10 Turn layer Construction off. Draw

a circle on layer Center with the center at the
center of the small circle and the radius as
the center of the arc. Ensure you use snap
mode to snap to the exact center of the circle
and the arc. See Figure Step 10.

Figure Step 10

...continued on page 34-20

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Drawing Center Lines - Continued

Step 11 Ensure that osnap mode is disabled
and enter the BREAK command as shown
below. Make sure you select location P2 first
and then P3. Since arcs are constructed
counterclockwise, you also have to break them
counterclockwise. See Figure Step 11A.
Figure Step 11B shows the results of the
BREAK command.

Figure Step 11A

Command: BREAK
select object: P2
Specify second break point or [First point]: P3
(The locations P2 and P3 can be selected by eye. This
is a center line so the exact length is not that important.
Try to make them match the figure.)
Command:

Figure Step 11B

Step 12 Using the BREAK command again, break the end
off of the center line. Select the location P4 and then for the
second location select past the end of the line and the BREAK
command will remove everything to the end of the line. See
Figure Step 12.

Step 13 Using what you just

learned, break the other center line Figure Step 12
as shown in Figure Step 13.

Figure Step 13

...continued on page 34-21

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Drawing Center Lines - Continued

Step 14 Zoom in on the small arc and break a small
part of the line as shown in Figure Step 14A. Do that 7
more times to draw the center lines for the arcs. See
Figure 14B. It is best to zoom in close and break by
eye. The more you practice this, the better you will get
doing it.

Figure Step 14A

Figure Step 14B

Step 15 Using what you learned in

this workalong, draw the center line
for the slot at the top. The center line
runs from the center of the circle
perpendicular to the line. Then
extend it. You will have to add a
construction line to extend to. See
Figure Step 15.

Step 16 Your drawing should

appear as shown in Figure Step 16.
Save and close the drawing.

Figure Step 15

Step 16 Save and close the drawing.

Figure Step 16

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The dimensioning style Standard is a special style and exists in each

drawing. It cannot be deleted or purged from the drawing. Even though
the Standard dimensioning style can be used, it is not a good practice to
do this. It is much better to create your own styles giving them descriptive
names. If you are ever required to merge your drawings together with a
client's drawings (this is a very common practice), you will not have conflicting style names
and all dimensions will appear as they did in the original drawing before the merge.

The Scale for Dimension Features area on the Fit tab allows you to select
the scale factor you want applied to the dimensioning features when a
dimension is inserted. This can
be a very useful item and will
save you time. For example, if you set a
dimension style for drawing units in inches and
you want the same feature sizes for a millimeter
drawing, set the Use of overall scale to 25 since
there are 25.4 mm in an inch. Experiment with this number until you like the look of your
dimensions. This number does not effect the actual dimensions, only the features.

The Measurement Scale box allows you to set the scale you want applied
to the object measurements when inserting dimensions. This is a very
important setting and in most
cases should be left at 1. If you
constructed your object at full scale or actual size,
then a setting of 1 would give you the actual size
on the object which you are dimensioning. There
are times you have to use this item but unless that
is required, leave it set at 1.

The Key Principles in Module 34

1. Associative and non-associative dimensions are dimensions that are intelligent, similar to
an associative hatch pattern and are tied to the object they are dimensioning. An
exploded dimension is simply a collection of AutoCAD objects indicating a measurement
on the object and has no relation to the object it is dimensioning.
2. Definition points are points that are automatically inserted on layer Defpoints on the
drawing by dimensioning commands for associative and non-associative dimensions.
The Defpoints layer cannot be deleted or purged from the drawing.
3. A dimensioning style controls the way your dimensions appear in your drawing. When a
dimension is inserted it is assigned the property of the current dimension style and uses
the style properties when it is inserted on the drawing.

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Lab Exercise 34-1 Time Allowed: 30 Min.

Drawing Specifications
Name Template Units Text Style Font
AutoCAD 2D Lab 34-1 N/A Inches N/A N/A
Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all ByLayer unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer Name Color Linetype Lineweight
Center Lines Center Magenta Continuous N/A
Dimensions Dimension Blue Continuous N/A
Instructions:
1. Open the drawing AutoCAD 2D Lab 13-1 that you created in Module
13 and save it as AutoCAD 2D Lab 34-1.
2. Erase the titleblock and border and replace it with the titleblock and
border from the template Module Template C. Hint: Using the NEW
command start a new drawing with the template Module Template C
and then using the COPYBASE command, copy the border and
titleblock using 0,0 as the basepoint into your drawing.
3. Move the object to center it in the new border. You can center it by
eye.
4. On layer Center, draw the center lines shown below. Completed Drawing

Dimensioning - Part 1 The CAD Guys Ltd. Copyright © 1993 - 2007 Module 34
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Lab Exercise 34-2 Time Allowed: 30 Min.

Drawing Specifications
Name Template Units Text Style Font
AutoCAD 2D Lab 34-2 N/A Millimeters N/A N/A
Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all ByLayer unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer Name Color Linetype Lineweight
Center Lines Center Magenta Continuous N/A
Dimensions Dimension Blue Continuous N/A
Instructions:
1. Open the drawing AutoCAD 2D Lab 12-2 that you created in
Module 12 and save it as AutoCAD 2D Lab 34-2.
2. Erase the titleblock and border and replace it with the titleblock
and border from the template Module Template A3. Hint: Using
the NEW command start a new drawing with the template
Module Template A3 and then using the COPYBASE
command, copy the border and titleblock using 0,0 as the
basepoint into your drawing.
3. Move the object to center it in the new border. You can center
it by eye.
4. On layer Center, draw the center lines as shown below. Completed Drawing

Dimensioning - Part 1 The CAD Guys Ltd. Copyright © 1993 - 2007 Module 34
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Lab Exercise 34-3 Time Allowed: 30 Min.

Drawing Specifications
Name Template Units Text Style Font
AutoCAD 2D Lab 34-3 N/A Millimeters N/A N/A
Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all ByLayer unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer Name Color Linetype Lineweight
Center Lines Center Magenta Continuous N/A
Dimensions Dimension Blue Continuous N/A
Instructions:
1. Open the drawing AutoCAD 2D Lab 15-1 that you created in
Module 15 and save it as AutoCAD 2D Lab 34-3.
2. On layer Center, draw the center lines as shown below.

Completed Drawing

Dimensioning - Part 1 The CAD Guys Ltd. Copyright © 1993 - 2007 Module 34