2.2.2 - Types of Dimensions

The basic types of dimensions are:

• Linear (horizontal and vertical)
• Aligned
• Radial (radius, diameter, arc)
• Angular
• Continuous
• Baseline
• Leader

Fig.3.1.1.2 - Dimension types

Fig.3.1.1.2 - Dimension types

2.2.2.1 - Linear Dimensions

In AutoCAD enviroment:

Draw an object like the one you see in Fig.2.2.2.1, without the dimensions and their description. (You will use for this the commands Polyline or Line, Circle and Elipse), or if you wish, you can also download this dwg file by ckliking here (icon), and open it with autocad.

• Create a new Layer, set as name: A-Notes, as color: Red,  and set it is as Current.
• Click Home tab ► Annotation panel ► select Leader icon
• Command prompt says: Specify first extension line origin or <select object>: Turn on your OSNAPs (icon), and using ENDpoint (icon), select the uper left corner (a) of the polygon (Fig.2.1.2.2).
• Command prompt says: Specify second extension line origin: Again using ENDpoint (icon), select the uper right corner (b) of the polygon.
• The (horizontal) dimension (ab) appears, attached to the movement of your mouse.
• Command prompt says: Specify dimension line location or[Mtext Text Angle Horizontal Vertical]: Move the mouse up and down and click where you want the dimension to be placed.
• With the same proccess, create the linear dimensions for the left vertical sides (ab), (de), and the bottom horizontal side (bc) of the polygon as shown in Fig.2.2.2.2.

Fig.3.1.2.1 - Create Linear Dimension

Fig.3.1.2.1 - Create Linear Dimension

2.2.2.2 - Aligned Dimensions

Next you will create the algned dimension (cd).

• Click Home tab ► Annotation panel ► select Linear icon
• Command prompt says: Specify first extension line origin or <select object>: Turn on your OSNAPs (icon), and using ENDpoint (icon), select the down right point (c) of the polygon (Fig.2.1.1.2).
• Command prompt says: Specify second extension line origin: Again using ENDpoint (icon), select the uper right corner (d) of the polygon.
• The aligned dimension (cd) appears, attached to the movement of your mouse.
• Command prompt says: Specify dimension line location or[Mtext Text Angle Horizontal Vertical]: Move the mouse up and down and click where you want the dimension to be placed.
• You created the aligned dimension for the inclined side (cd), of the polygon as shown in Fig.2.2.1.2.