GEN20601

Taking AutoCAD to a New Dimension

David Cohn
4D Technologies

Learning Objectives
 Learn how to create any type of dimension in AutoCAD
 Learn how to dimension using the single DIM command
 Learn how to create and modify associative centerlines and center marks
 Learn how to edit dimensions and modify dimension components efficiently

Description
We have been dimensioning the same way in AutoCAD software for what seems like 100 years.
Now you can finally reduce steps and accelerate your dimensioning with AutoCAD software’s
new and improved dimensioning tools. Instead of using different commands to create different
types of dimensions, you will learn how the multipurpose DIM command anticipates the type of
dimensions you want to create, eliminating steps and making you more productive than ever
before. Discover how to create associative centerlines and center marks that automatically
adjust as you make changes to your drawings. You will also learn how to automatically place
dimensions on the proper layer. As Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., said, “A mind that is stretched
by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” This session features AutoCAD
and AutoCAD LT. AIA Approved.

Your AU Expert
David Cohn is the senior content manager for CADLearning products at 4D Technologies,
where he develops content standards and creates affordable training solutions for Autodesk,
Inc. software, including AutoCAD software, AutoCAD LT software, and ReCap software. He has
more than 30 years of hands-on experience with AutoCAD software and 15 years with Revit
software as a user, developer, author, and consultant. He is an Autodesk Certified Professional
for both AutoCAD software and Revit software. A contributing editor to Desktop Engineering
magazine, he is also the former senior editor of CADalyst magazine, and the author of more
than a dozen books about AutoCAD software. A licensed architect, Cohn was also one of the
earliest AutoCAD third-party software developers, creating numerous AutoCAD add-on
programs. As an industry consultant, Cohn has worked with many companies, including
Autodesk. He has taught college-level AutoCAD courses, and has consistently been a top-rated
speaker at Autodesk University.

Page 1
Introduction
Dimensioning is the process of adding measurement annotation to a drawing. Dimensions
indicate the size of objects in the drawing. Being able to place accurate, legible dimensions is a
very important skill.
You can create dimensions for a variety of object types in many orientations. The basic types of
dimensions are:
 Linear
 Radial (including
radius, diameter, and
jogged)
 Angular
 Ordinate
 Arc Length

Linear dimensions can be

horizontal, vertical, aligned,
rotated, baseline, or
continued (sometimes
referred to as chained
dimensions). You can also
create baseline or continued
angular dimensions.
Although adding dimensions to a drawing can be time-consuming, the new DIM command helps
speed the process, because it automatically recognizes objects and defaults to the appropriate
dimension type. By hovering the cursor over objects, lines, or points, you can place linear,
angular, radial, diameter, baseline, and continued dimensions. You can also use command
options to place arc length and ordinate dimensions, adjust dimension text, align dimensions,
change the spacing between dimensions, and control the layer on which dimensions are
created.
You may sometimes need to tell the program the type of dimension you want to create, but in
most situations, the DIM command enables you to create multiple dimensions with minimal
input, resulting in groups of appropriately spaced ordinate, parallel, or symmetrical dimensions.
In addition, the dimensions are automatically placed on the appropriate layer.
There are more than 70 dimensioning-specific settings you can use to control nearly every
aspect of the appearance of dimensions. You can access those settings using the Dimension
Style Manager and save collections of settings as dimension styles that can then be reused so
that dimensions have a consistent appearance. You can also save those dimension styles in a
drawing template (a file with a .dwt file extension) so that they are available each time you start
a new drawing.
In most situations, when you add a dimension, it is created using the current dimension style
and placed on the current layer or on any other layer that you specify. When you create a
baseline or continued dimension, however, by default, the new dimension automatically inherits
both the layer and dimension style of the dimension that is being continued or used as a
baseline.

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Dimensions have several distinct elements, including the dimension line, extension lines,
arrowheads, and the dimension text.
Dimension text is a text string that usually indicates the measured value. The text can also
include prefixes, suffixes, and tolerances.
A dimension line indicates the direction and
extent of a dimension. For angular
dimensions, the dimension line is an arc.
Arrowheads, also called symbols of
termination, are displayed at each end of the
dimension line. You can specify different sizes
and shapes for arrowheads or tick marks by
selecting from among those that come with the
program, or you can create your own custom
arrowheads.
Extension lines, also called projection lines or witness lines, extend from the feature to the
dimension line. Typically, when you create a dimension, the program automatically creates
extension lines, and leaves a gap between the object and the extension lines.
When you use object snap to place dimensions, by default, existing extension lines are ignored
so that you do not inadvertently snap to an extension line while attempting to pick nearby
geometry. You can control this object snap behavior for extension lines by changing an option
on the Drafting tab of the Options dialog box.

You can also create a center mark, a small cross that marks the center of a circle or arc, or a
centerline, a pair of broken lines that mark the center of an arc or circle. Center marks and
centerlines can be created automatically when adding a diameter or radius dimension. But you
can also create associative center marks at the center of selected circles, arcs, and polygonal

Page 3
arcs and associative centerlines at the apparent midpoints of the start and end points of two
lines you select.
On the Home ribbon, in the Annotation panel, you will find some commonly used tools for
adding dimensions. You will find these same tools on the Annotate ribbon, in the Dimensions
panel, as well as many additional dimensioning tools. Also on the Annotate ribbon, in the
Centerlines panel, you will find the new Center Mark and Centerline tools.

Note that older commands for placing single specific types of dimensions still exist and appear
in a drop-down in the ribbon. But if you use these commands, the program ignores the
dimension layer setting and places dimensions on the current layer. You should therefore click
the Dimension tool so that you use the DIM command, rather than the older dimensioning
commands.
Also note that while you can place dimensions in either model space or paper space, to simplify
drawing organization and dimension scaling, many people choose to create dimensions on
layouts, rather than in model space.
By default, dimensions are associative. That means that all the parts of the dimension—the
dimension line, extension lines, arrowheads, and dimension text—are treated as a single object
that is attached to the object being measured. If you change the size of the object, the
dimension updates automatically to reflect the changes. You do not need to make any changes
to the dimension itself.
Also, remember that as soon as you add an associative dimension to the drawing, the program
creates a new layer called Defpoints. Whenever you add an associative dimension, the
program automatically creates definition points and places them on this layer. Definition points
are invisible nodes located at the end of an extension line corresponding to the location of the
object being dimensioned. The Defpoints layer is never printed or plotted, and once created,
you cannot remove this layer.
Setting the Dimension Layer
Typically, when you create objects, they are placed on the current layer. However, dimensions
created using the DIM command are automatically placed on the layer you specify.

The Dim Layer Override control enables you to specify the layer on which dimensions will be
created (similar to when adding a hatch). When set to Use Current, dimensions created using

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the DIM command will be created on the current layer. When set to a specific layer, however,
dimensions created using the DIM command will be created on the layer specified.
If you change the Dim Layer Override while the DIM command is active, any dimensions you
already created remain unchanged, but any new dimensions you create will be placed on the
new layer.

When you start the DIM command, in the command line, the program prompts you to select
objects or specify the first extension line origin, and it displays a number of options. One of
those options is Layer. Remember that any time you see options, you can choose an option by
using dynamic input, by typing, by selecting it in the command line, or by right-clicking and
choosing from a shortcut menu.
When you choose the Layer option, the program prompts you to enter a layer name or select an
object to specify the layer on which you want to place dimensions (or you can type a period to
choose the current layer).
You can click to select an existing dimension. As soon as you do, in the ribbon you can see the
new dimension layer override, and on the command line, the layer name displays inside angle
brackets. Press ENTER to accept that layer as the new dimension layer.
Suppose an appropriate dimension layer did not already exist. In that case, you can quickly
create one and apply it to the DIM command even while the command is active. When you
choose the Layer option, if you enter a new layer name and press ENTER, that layer is added
to the drawing and immediately becomes the new dimension layer override. When you create a
new layer in this way, the layer takes on the same layer properties for color, linetype, lineweight,
and so on as the current layer. You can always change this later using the Layer Properties
Manager.
Creating Dimensions
You can create nearly any type of dimension using the DIM command. You no longer need to
use separate commands such as DIMLINEAR, DIMALIGNED, DIMANGULAR, and so on, or
remember which options are available or how to enter them.
The DIM command automatically creates appropriate dimensions based on the type of objects
you select. A preview appears as you pass the cursor over those objects, enabling you to see
the resulting dimension before you actually create it. For example, if you launch the DIM
command and hover the cursor over a linear object, a preview of the appropriate horizontal,
vertical, or aligned dimension is displayed. After selecting the object, you can either place the
dimension or hover the cursor over another non-parallel linear object to display and place an
angular dimension.

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If you hover the cursor over a circle or an arc object, a preview of a diameter or radial dimension
is displayed, and the command prompt offers relevant options, including the ability to switch
between Radius and Diameter. Arc objects include the additional option to create an angular
dimension.

The DIM command further simplifies creating dimensions by eliminating prompts to modify the
dimension text and angle. Instead, the default values are automatically applied. Mtext, Text, and
Text Angle options are available from the command line and right-click menus, if you choose to
change them.
When using the Baseline or Continue options, you are automatically prompted to select the first
extension line origin. Regardless of the type of dimension you create, the DIM command
remains active, enabling you to easily place additional dimensions until you exit the command.
Creating Linear Horizontal, Vertical, and Aligned Dimensions
When the object you want to dimension is aligned perfectly horizontal or vertical, it is quite easy
to use the DIM command to create a linear horizontal or vertical dimension. You simply hover
the cursor over the object. When the preview
displays the desired linear dimension, click to
select the object. The program then prompts you
to specify the dimension line location or a second
line to create an angular dimension. To create the
linear dimension, simply click to place the
dimension. The command remains active so you
can place another dimension.
Similarly, to create a linear dimension that is
aligned with an object, with the DIM command still
active, you can simply hover the cursor over the
object. When the preview displays the desired
dimension, click to select the object and then click
to place the dimension. Again, the command
remains active so you can place another
dimension.
Suppose you want to place a horizontal dimension
above the angled line. This is also quite easy,
although the method you use is not immediately
obvious.

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Move the cursor over the line and then click. Initially, the dimension is aligned with the angled
line. But you can easily force the dimension to be aligned horizontally or vertically. You can
either carefully move the cursor until the dimension changes to the desired horizontal or vertical
orientation, or you can press and hold the SHIFT key to temporarily activate ORTHO mode and
then move the cursor. When you do, the dimension aligns to either a horizontal or vertical
orientation, depending on where you move the cursor. Either way, it is then a simple matter to
create a horizontal dimension.

Suppose you want to place a horizontal linear dimension showing the overall length of an
object. If this involves multiple objects or objects that are not aligned perfectly horizontal or
vertical, you cannot simply move the cursor over an object. But you can create this dimension
by specifying extension line origins, in conjunction with the appropriate object snap
When the program prompts you to “Select objects or specify first extension line origin,” use
object snap to snap to the first endpoint. The program then prompts you to “Specify second
extension line origin.” Use object snap to snap to the other endpoint. As soon as you do, the
dimension initially is aligned between those two points and shows that distance. But you can
then either carefully move the cursor until the dimension changes to the desired horizontal
dimension, or you can press and hold the SHIFT key to force the dimension to align horizontally,
and then click to place the dimension. And again, the command remains active so you can
place another dimension.

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Creating Linear Baseline Dimensions
A baseline dimension is an additional dimension
that begins from the same extension line origin or
baseline as another dimension that already exists.
This method of placing dimensions is often used in
mechanical drafting to reference dimensions from a
common extension line, or in architectural drafting to
indicate the total length of a series of individual
dimensions.
With the DIM command active, choose the Baseline option. The program prompts you to
specify the first extension line origin as the baseline, and in the command line, you can see the
current offset distance (which is defined as part of the dimension style). Note that you can use
the Offset option to change the offset distance. Click to select the extension line you want to
use as the baseline. If you choose the wrong extension line, you can use the Select option to
choose it again. Once you select the baseline, the program prompts you to specify the second
extension line origin. Use object snap to select the next point you want to dimension to. The
prompt then repeats so that you can place additional dimensions, all measured from the same
baseline. Each successive dimension line is offset from the previous dimension by the baseline
offset distance.
By default, baseline dimensions take on the same dimension style and are placed on the same
layer as the dimension of the extension line you selected. This can be controlled by the
DIMCONTINUEMODE system variable.
Creating Linear Continued Dimensions
A continued dimension is an additional dimension that starts from an extension line of the
previous or selected dimension. This method of placing dimensions is often used in architectural
drafting to create a string or chain of dimensions, such as those used to locate a series of walls
in a building.

With the DIM command active, choose the Continue option. The program prompts you to
specify the first extension line origin to continue. Click to select the extension line from which
you want to continue. If you accidentally choose the wrong extension line, you can use the
Select option to choose it again. Once you select the extension line, the program prompts you
to specify the second extension line origin. Use object snap to select the next point you want to
dimension to. The prompt then repeats so that you can place additional continued dimensions,
each starting from the end of the previous dimension.
By default, the continued dimensions take on the same dimension style and are placed on the
same layer as the dimension of the extension line you selected. This can be controlled by the
DIMCONTINUEMODE system variable.

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Creating Angular Dimensions
Angular dimensions measure the
angle between two non-parallel lines,
the angle subtended by an arc, or the
angle formed by three selected
points. In addition, you can control
the layer on which the dimension is
created.
To create an angular dimension, with
the DIM command active, choose the
Angular option. The program
prompts you to select an arc, circle,
or line. When you select an arc, the
program measures the angle subtended by the arc and immediately prompts you to specify the
dimension line location. You can see a preview of the angular dimension, and the angle
measured depends on where you position the dimension line. When you are satisfied, click to
place the dimension.
In some situations, you can place an
angular dimension without first
choosing the Angular option. For
example, after you select one line,
you can select a second line for an
angle. When you move the cursor
over the second line, you
immediately see a preview of the
angular dimension. Again, the angle
measured depends on where you
position the dimension line. Click to
place the dimension.
To dimension the angle formed by
three points, with the DIM command
active, choose the Angular option.
The program prompts you to select
an arc, circle, line, or vertex. Choose
the Vertex option (or simply press
ENTER, since Vertex is the default
option). The program prompts you to
specify the angle vertex. Once you
specify the vertex, the program
prompts you for the first angle
endpoint and then the second angle
endpoint. You then see a preview of
the angular dimension and the
program prompts you to specify the
angular dimension location. Again,
the angle measured depends on where you position the dimension line. Click to place the
dimension.

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Creating Angular Baseline Dimensions
You can create angular baseline dimensions to
measure several angles from the same first extension
line. This works just like when creating linear baseline
dimensions, except that when you select the Baseline
option and then select an extension line of an angular
dimension as the baseline, the program creates
angular baseline dimensions.
Again, you can use the Offset option to change the
offset distance. By default, the baseline dimensions
take on the same dimension style and are placed on
the same layer as the dimension whose extension line
you selected.

Creating Angular Continued Dimensions

You can create angular continued dimensions to measure several consecutive angles. This
works just like when creating linear continued dimensions, except that when you select the
Continue option and select an extension line of an angular dimension as the first extension line
origin, the program creates angular continued dimensions.
Again, by default, the continued dimensions take on the same dimension style and are placed
on the same layer as the dimension whose extension line you selected.

Creating Radial Dimensions

Radial dimensions measure the radii and diameter of arcs and circles. With the DIM command
active, when you move the cursor over an arc or circle, you immediately see a preview of the
dimension. Typically, when you hover the cursor over an arc, the program prompts you to select

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the arc to specify its radius; and when you hover the cursor over a circle, the program prompts
you to select the circle to specify its diameter. If you see that the program is about to create a
diameter dimension when you want to create a radius dimension, you can choose the Radius
option. Similarly, if you see that the program is about to create a radius dimension when you want
to create a diameter dimension, you can choose the Diameter option.

Once you select the object, the program prompts you to specify the radius or diameter
dimension location. As you move the cursor, the preview updates so that it is right- or left-
justified, depending on where you move the cursor. When you are satisfied with its location,
click to place the dimension. Radius dimensions typically include the letter R as a prefix to
identify it as a radius dimension, whereas diameter dimensions include a diameter symbol ().
A center mark is also typically added at the center of the arc or circle. The inclusion and
appearance of these elements is determined by the dimension style.
Also note that when the dimension includes horizontal text, if the angle of the radial dimension
line is greater than 15 degrees from horizontal, a hook line that is one arrowhead long—
sometimes called a dogleg or landing—is created next to the dimension text.
In the Dimension Style dialog, on the Symbols and Arrows tab, the controls in the Center
marks group box determine the size and appearance of center marks created as part of a
radius or diameter dimension. In the image below, the dimension style currently uses center
marks, and the mark lines are 0.09 units long.

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If you select Line, the dimension style will create centerlines rather than center marks.
Centerlines always extend outside the circle or arc, and the value determines the size of the
gaps in the centerline and how far it extends outside the object. If you select None, no center
mark is added.
Note that the center mark added when creating a radius or diameter dimension is part of the
associative dimension. If the object being dimensioned changes size or location, both the center
mark and the dimension update accordingly. This center mark is not the same as the center
mark created when using the CENTERMARK command. If you change the type of center mark
used by a dimension style, any existing radius or diameter dimensions that included center
marks immediately update to reflect the change. But center marks created using the
CENTERMARK command will not change when you alter the dimension style.
Creating Arc Length Dimensions
Arc length dimensions measure the distance along an arc or polyline arc segment. Typical uses
of arc length dimensions include measuring the travel distance around a cam or indicating the
length of a cable. To differentiate them from linear or angular dimensions, arc length dimensions
display an arc symbol by default. This arc symbol (), also sometimes called a hat or cap, is
displayed either above the dimension text or preceding the dimension text. The placement of
the arc symbol is controlled by the dimension style.
With the DIM command active, when you
move the cursor over an arc, the program
sees that the cursor is over an arc and the
prompt changes. Choose the arc Length
option and then move the cursor over the arc
again. Now the program prompts you to
select an arc and you see a preview of the
dimension. Click to select the arc. The
program then prompts you to specify the arc
length dimension location, and as you move
the cursor, the preview updates. When you
are satisfied with its location, click to place
the dimension.
Creating Jogged Radius Dimensions
When measuring very large arcs or circles, you may want to create a special type of radius
dimension called a jogged dimension, also sometimes called a foreshortened radius dimension.
This type of dimension is often used when the center of an arc or circle is located off the
drawing and cannot be displayed in its true location. With a jogged dimension, the origin point of
the dimension can be specified at a more convenient location called the center location
override. A jogged dimension measures the radius of the arc or circle, but lets you control the
placement of the center location override and the dimension line location.
With the DIM command active, when you move the cursor over an arc, the program sees that
the cursor is over an arc and the prompt changes. Choose the Jogged option, and then move
the cursor over the arc again. Now the program prompts you to select an arc. Click the arc. The
program then prompts you to specify the center location override. Click to specify the point
where you want the jog line to begin. This will be the new origin point of the dimension. The

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program then prompts you to
specify the dimension line location,
and as you move the cursor, you
can see a preview of the dimension.
When you are satisfied with the
position of the dimension, click to
place the dimension line.
Lastly, the program prompts you to
specify the jog location. Again, as
you move the cursor, the jog
moves. Click to place the jog. The
resulting dimension measures the
actual radius of the arc and includes
the letter R in front of it to identify it
as a radius dimension. The
inclusion and appearance of this
element is determined by the dimension style.
Creating Ordinate Dimensions
Ordinate dimensions measure the perpendicular distance from an origin point called the datum
to a feature, such as a hole in the part. These dimensions prevent escalating errors by
maintaining accurate offsets of features from the datum.
Ordinate dimensions consist of an X or Y value with a leader line. X-datum ordinate dimensions
measure the distance of a feature from the datum along the X-axis. Y-datum ordinate
dimensions measure the distance along the Y-axis.
The location and orientation of the current UCS determines the ordinate values. Therefore,
before creating ordinate dimensions, you typically would set the UCS origin to coincide with the
datum. In addition, you can control the layer on which the dimension is created.
With the DIM command active, choose the Ordinate option. The program prompts you to
specify a feature location, and you can see a preview of the ordinate dimension. Use object
snap to select a feature location in the drawing. As soon as you do, the program prompts you to
specify the leader endpoint, and as you move the cursor, the program determines whether to
create an X-datum or a Y-datum dimension based on where you move the cursor. Alternatively,
you can use options to specifically create an X- or Y-datum. Note that you can also include a jog
in the leader line.
After placing an ordinate dimension, the command remains active so that you can place
additional ordinate dimensions. You do not need to
spend time getting each ordinate dimension to line
up. Simply place each dimension and then go on
to the next one. Once you have placed all of the
ordinate dimensions, press ENTER. The DIM
command immediately goes back to its original
prompts and options. You can then use the aliGn
option to align multiple ordinate dimensions to a
selected base dimension.

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Adding Center Marks
Typically, when you add a diameter or radius dimension, the program automatically generates a
center mark. You can also add center marks manually at the center of a selected circle, arc, or
polygonal arc by using the CENTERMARK command. Center marks created in this way are
associated with the objects they annotate. If you move or modify the arc or circle, the center
mark adjusts accordingly.
A center mark has two distinct elements: the center cross and extension lines. The center cross
is the cross mark at the center of the center mark. The extension lines are the lines continuing
out from the center cross. An extension line includes the calculated length—the initial length
defined by the geometry the center mark is associated to—and the overshoot—the distance
each extension line extends beyond the defined object.
You can use system variables to control the layer on which the center mark is created
(CENTERLAYER), the linetype used (CENTERLTYPE), its linetype scale (CENTERLTSCALE),
the size of the central cross (CENTERCROSSSIZE), whether extension lines are created for
center marks (CENTERMARKEXE), the size of the gap between the central cross and the
extension lines (CENTERCROSSGAP), and how far the extension lines extend beyond the arc
or circle (CENTEREXE).

If you use the CENTERLAYER variable to specify a layer that does not yet exist, the layer will
be created the next time you create a center mark or centerline. Similarly, the linetype specified
by the CENTERLTYPE variable will be loaded if necessary and used the next time you create a
center mark or centerline. The linetype CENTER2 is used by default.

To add a center mark, on the Annotate ribbon, in the Centerlines panel, click the Center Mark
tool. The program prompts you to select a circle or arc to add a center mark. Move the cursor
over the circle or arc until it highlights, and then click. As soon as you do, the center mark is
created and the prompt repeats, so that you can add another center mark. When you are
finished adding center marks, press ENTER or ESC, or simply right-click to end the command.

Page 14
Adding Centerlines
Centerlines are typically used in drafting as a dimensioning reference to axes of symmetry. You
can create a centerline by selecting two line segments, including segments of polylines. The
centerline is drawn between the apparent midpoints of the start and end points of the two lines
you select. If you select nonparallel lines, the centerline is drawn between the imaginary
intersection point and the endpoints of the selected lines. Centerlines bisect the angles of
intersecting lines.
A centerline includes its calculated length—the initial length defined by the geometry the
centerline is associated to—and the overshoot—the distance each extension line extends
beyond the defined object.
You can use system variables to control the layer on which the centerline is created
(CENTERLAYER), the linetype used (CENTERLTYPE), its linetype scale (CENTERLTSCALE),
and how far the centerline extends beyond the associated geometry (CENTEREXE).

To add a centerline, on the Annotate ribbon, in the Centerlines panel, click the Centerline tool.
The program prompts you to select the first line. Move the cursor over the line segment until it
highlights (even if this is just one segment of a polyline), and then click. The program then
prompts you to select a second line. Move the cursor over the other line segment until it
highlights, and then click. As soon as you do, the centerline is created and the command ends.

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Modifying Center Marks and Centerlines
You can edit associative center marks and centerlines by using grips or tools in the Properties
palette. While you can use various system variables to control the appearance and behavior of
a centerline or center mark, once created, it is usually easier to modify its appearance by using
grips or the Properties palette.
When you select a centerline, you see five grips. The square grip at the midpoint is the center
grip. If you make this the hot grip and then move the centerline, it is no longer associated with
the geometry. You can use the CENTERREASSOCIATE command to reassociate the
centerline with the lines it annotates.
The square grips at either end of the centerline are its length grips. Their location corresponds
to the length of the lines to which the centerline is associated. The triangular grips at the ends of
the centerlines are the overshoot grips. The distance between the length grip and the overshoot
grip is initially determined by the CENTEREXE system variable, and the same overshoot is
applied at both ends. Once the centerline has been created, however, you can change the
overshoot separately for each end of the centerline, by either moving the triangular grip or by
using the Properties palette.

With the centerline still selected, in the Properties palette, under General, you can see
properties such as the layer on which the centerline was drawn and its linetype. These values
were initially determined by system variables, but can be modified here once the centerline has
been created. Under Geometry, you can see the coordinates of the start and end points of the
centerline, but you cannot change them. Those values can be modified by dragging the square
location grips. You can change the Start extension and End extension values, however.

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When you select a center mark, the entire center mark highlights and you see multiple square
and triangular grips. The square grip at the center is the center grip. If you were to make this the
hot grip and then move the center mark, it would no longer be associated with the geometry.
You can use the CENTERREASSOCIATE command to reassociate the center mark with the
geometry it annotates.

In the Properties palette, under General, you again see properties such as Layer and Linetype,
which can easily be modified. Under Geometry, you see many more fields, all of which can be
changed. For example, you can change the size of the cross at the center of the center mark,
the gap between the cross and the extension line, and the individual extension or overshoot
lengths at the left, right, top, and bottom of the center mark. These values are all initially
determined by the CENTEREXE system variable and are all initially the same. There is also a
control to toggle the display of extension lines. If you change the Show extension value to No,
the center mark will show only the cross at its center.
You can also use the Properties palette to change the size of the center cross and the size of
the gap between the cross and the extension lines. Note that the Cross size and Cross gap
values are related to one another and can be specified using absolute values, relative values
(by including the “x”), or based on the linetype used for creating the center mark. Both values
should use the same value type.
In the Properties palette, under Misc, you can also modify the Rotation angle of center marks.
When you hover the cursor over the square center grip, you see an extended tooltip. If you were
to choose Stretch, you would move the center mark, thus disassociating it. When you select
Change Extension Length, however, the program prompts you to specify an extension length
for all four sides, and in the drawing, you can see that all four ends of the center mark extend
equally as you move the cursor. You can also type a new extension value. After making a

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change this way, in the Properties palette, you can see that all four extension values have
changed to match the extension length you specified.

You can also drag a triangular grip (or use the Properties palette) to change the overshoot
length of just that individual extension line. If you drag one of the square grips, however, you
change the length of the extension line, not its overshoot. In that case, the extension line
becomes a fixed length and is no longer associated to the diameter of the circle. Note that you
can use the CENTERRESET command to reset the extension lines of a center mark or
centerline back to the current value specified in the CENTEREXE system variable, but this will
not change any extension lines that have been assigned a fixed length.
Adding and Modifying Dimension Text
When you place dimensions into a drawing, the program automatically places the dimension
text. Dimension text can include prefixes, suffixes, and user-supplied text. You can also control
the text style and formatting used in dimension text. Dimension text is treated as a single string
of text, which you can create and format using the program’s text editor.

For example, when creating a dimension, rather than clicking and placing the dimension, there
are several options. If you choose the Text option, you can change the actual measured
dimension value, although typically you would not do this.
When you choose the Mtext option, the ribbon changes to the Text Editor contextual ribbon. At
that point, you can use any of the tools on the ribbon to change the dimension text formatting.
If you look carefully at the preview of the dimension itself, you will see that it appears with a
shaded background, and you can see a blinking text cursor to the left of the dimension. You can
use the arrow keys to move the cursor. The dimension text itself is a single object containing the
measured dimension. You should not try to change the dimension value, but you can easily add
a prefix or suffix.
When editing dimension text, a width sizing control is displayed above the text. You can click
and drag this control to cause the dimension text to wrap onto a second line. When you are
satisfied with the appearance of the text, in the contextual
ribbon, click Close Text Editor. The preview of the dimension
text immediately updates and is still attached to the cursor. If
you are not satisfied with the results, you can choose the Mtext
option again and make further adjustments.

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You can also choose the text aNgle option to change the angle of the dimension text.
Modifying Dimension Components
When you add associative dimensions to objects, if you subsequently modify the object, the
dimensions automatically update. Associative dimensions are driven by the objects they
annotate. This is not bidirectional, however. In other words, changing a dimension value does
not cause the object it annotates to change, unless the dimension is a dimensional constraint
(which is part of AutoCAD’s parametric capabilities).
You can edit dimension text, dimension lines, extension lines, and dimension arrows, however,
in a number of ways. For example, you can use grip editing to modify dimensions. When you
select a dimension and then select the grip at the dimension text to make it the hot grip, you can
then move the dimension text anywhere along the dimension line. If the dimension style
includes a gap in the dimension line, when you move the dimension text, the gap moves as well.
If you move the dimension text so that it is outside the extension line, the gap closes.
When you move the dimension text along the direction of the extension line, by default, the
dimension line moves as well.
If you select the grip at the starting point of the extension line, you can move it away from the
object to create a bigger gap between the object and the extension line.
There are also a number of other tools you can use
to change the location of the dimension text. For
example, on the Annotate ribbon, when you
expand the Dimensions panel, you can use the
Left Justify tool to move dimension text to the left
end of the dimension line, the Center Justify tool to
move dimension text to the center of the dimension
line, and the Right Justify tool to move dimension
text to the right end of the dimension line. The Text
Angle tool enables you to change the angle of
dimension text. The Oblique tool enables you to
adjust the oblique angle of the extension lines.
There are also several other tools available when grip editing. For example, when you hover the
cursor over the dimension text grip, the shortcut menu includes options. The first two options,
Stretch and Move with Dim Line, are the defaults and behave the same as when you simply grip
edit the dimension text or dimension line.
When you choose Above Dim Line, the dimension text is placed above the dimension line and
the gap in the line is removed. When you choose Center
Vertically, the text is moved back into a gap in the
dimension line. When you choose Move Text Only, you
can move the dimension text anywhere you wish without
affecting the dimension line. When you choose Move
with Leader, as you move the dimension text, a leader
extends from the dimension line to the dimension text.
You can use this option to move a dimension away from
its dimension line when the drawing gets crowded. Also,
note that you can press the CTRL key to cycle between
the other options. When you choose Reset Text
Position, the dimension text is relocated back to its
original position based on its dimension style.

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When you hover the cursor over the grip near the arrow, a
different set of grip editing tools becomes available. Again,
the Stretch option is the default and is the same as if you
simply made this the hot grip and moved it. When you choose
Stretch Dimension Group and then move the cursor, you
are changing the spacing between all of the dimensions. If
you pause, the tooltip tells you that you can press the CTRL
key to cycle between the other options. When you choose
Flip Arrow, the arrow associated with that grip immediately
flips so that it is on the other side of the extension line. Also,
note that you can use this shortcut menu to quickly start the
Continue Dimension or Baseline Dimension commands.
Aligning Dimensions
Dimensions in a drawing should be well organized so that the dimensions are easy to read and
understand. You can easily align dimensions to improve their readability.
When the DIM command is active, one of the options is aliGn. When you choose this option,
the program prompts you to select a base dimension. Select the dimension to which other
dimensions will align. The program then prompts you to select dimensions to align. Use any
convenient object selection method to select the other dimensions you want to align with the
base dimension. You can even include the base dimension and other objects. The program
ignores any object that is not a dimension. When you finish selecting dimensions, right-click or
press ENTER. The dimensions you select immediately align with the base dimension.

You can also align ordinate dimensions. Choose the aliGn option again. The program prompts
you to select the base dimension. To align all of the X-datum dimensions, select an X-datum
dimension as the base dimension. The program then prompts you to select dimensions to align.
Select all of the other X-datum dimensions using any convenient object selection method. When
you finish selecting dimensions, right-click or press ENTER. The dimensions immediately align.
You can then choose the aliGn option again to align the Y-datum dimensions.

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Adjusting the Space between Dimensions
You can use grip editing to move dimensions to adjust the spacing between them. When you
select a dimension, the entire dimension behaves as a single object because it is an associative
dimension. You can then select either the dimension text grip or the dimension line grip to make
that the hot grip, and then drag the dimension line to a new position. This is a very handy way to
move a single dimension. But if you want to adjust the spacing between several dimensions,
there is an easier way.
When the DIM command is active, one of the options is Distribute. When you choose this
option, the program prompts you to specify the method to distribute dimensions, and you can
choose either Equal or Offset. Also
note that in the command line, you
can see the current offset distance.
Equal equally distributes all of the
dimensions you select and requires
a minimum of three dimension lines.
Offset distributes all selected
dimensions a specified distance.
When you select Equal, the program
prompts you to select dimensions to
distribute, and you can use any
convenient object selection method.
The prompt repeats so that you can
select additional dimensions. When
you are done selecting dimensions,
either right-click or press ENTER.
The dimensions you selected are
immediately distributed so that they
are spaced equally between the first
and last dimensions.

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When you select Offset, the program prompts you to select a base dimension, the dimension
that will not move. As soon as you do, the program then prompts you to select the dimensions
to distribute, and you can use any convenient object selection method. You can even include
the base dimension. The prompt repeats so you can select additional dimensions. You could
also choose the Offset option and change the current offset distance. When you finish selecting
dimensions, press ENTER. The dimensions are immediately distributed based on the current
offset distance.
The Offset option is particularly useful when working with annotative dimensions. For example,
if you change the annotation scale, annotative dimensions immediately resize, which can cause
them to overlap each other. You can use the Offset option to redistribute dimensions based on
the current offset distance applied to the new annotation scale so that the dimensions no longer
overlap.
You can also use the Distribute option to adjust the spacing between ordinate dimensions.
Adjusting Overlapping Dimensions
If you attempt to create a dimension that overlaps other similar dimensions, a cursor menu
offers options to automatically move, break up, or replace the existing dimension. The options
presented in the cursor menu are in addition to simply placing the new dimension on top of the
existing ones without affecting them.
As you create a dimension using the DIM command, when the program prompts you to specify
the dimension line location, if you move the cursor over an existing dimension and then click,
the program prompts you to specify how you want to handle the overlapping dimensions, and
the cursor menu offers four choices.

When you choose Move away, the program automatically moves the other dimensions so that
the new dimension no longer overlaps.

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When you choose Break up, the program breaks the existing dimension.

When you choose Replace, the new dimension replaces the existing dimension.

When you choose None, the program simply creates the new dimension at the location you
specified. Since it overlaps an existing dimension, you will need to move one of the dimensions
manually so that both dimensions are readable.
Other Dimensioning Tools
Remember that there are still many older dimensioning tools that you can use to modify
dimensions. For example, on the Annotate ribbon, in the Dimensions panel, you can use the
Break tool to clean up dimensions by breaking dimension lines and extension lines that overlap
each other or the objects they annotate. This keeps the dimension lines, extension lines, and
leader lines from appearing as if they are part of the design. Although this alters the appearance
of the dimension objects, they remain associative dimensions.

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You can also jog dimension lines, when appropriate, to indicate that the object being
dimensioned is not drawn to scale.

And of course, you can use dimension styles to control the appearance of dimension
components, such as the arrowhead style, the dimension text location and orientation, the
dimension units, and so on. Dimension styles ensure both that dimensions have the desired
appearance and that they conform to industry standards. When you create a dimension, the
dimension is created using the current dimension style.
If you change a setting in a dimension style, all dimensions in the drawing that use that style
update automatically. You can create as many dimension styles as needed, and also create
dimension substyles that use specific settings for different types of dimensions. Dimension
substyles essentially override a dimension style with dimension settings that deviate from the
current dimension style. For example, you might create a dimension substyle to alter specific
settings for radius or diameter dimensions so that they differ from the settings used when
creating a linear dimension.
All of the dimension styles in your drawing are listed in the Dimension Style drop-down.

You can easily change the style of any existing dimension by selecting the dimension and then
choosing a different dimension style. The selected dimension immediately changes to the style
you selected.
You can also quickly change dimensions to the current dimension style by using the Update
tool in the Dimension panel.

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There are also methods you can use to make minor changes. To simply change the number of
decimal places, select the dimension, right-click, expand the Precision submenu, and then
choose the number of decimal places you want to use for that specific dimension. To change
other aspects of the specific dimension, you can select the dimension and then make changes
using the Properties palette.
Conclusion
The DIM command makes it easier than ever to create and modify dimensions. Once you
master these techniques, you should be able to complete your work faster, since you will no
longer need to constantly start commands. And dimensions will always be placed on the proper
layer.
______________________________

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Want to learn more?
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other Autodesk software, visit 4D Technologies at https://www.cadearning.com.

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