3.1.2 - Linear Dimensions
In AutoCAD enviroment:
Draw an object like the one you see in Fig.3.1.2.1, 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.3.1.2.2).
- 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.3.1.2.2.
Fig.3.1.2.1 - Create Linear Dimension |
- 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.3.1.2.2).
- 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.3.1.2.2.
- Baseline dimensions
Baseline dimensions are multiple dimensions measured from the same baseline. You have to create a linear dimension before you create baseline dimensions.
By default the origin of the last linear dimension created is used as the first extension line for the new baseline dimension. You are prompted for the second dimension line.
- Click Annotate tab ► Dimensions panel ► select Linear icon , and draw the linear dimension (bf) as shown in Fig..3.1.2.5.
- Click Annotate tab ► Dimensions panel ► select Baseline icon
- Command prompt says: DIMBASELINE Specify a second extension line origin or [Undo, Select]<Select>: Select point (g), the dimension (bg) will be created starting from point (a) that is the first point of the existing linear dimension ((af), continue selecting point (c), poit (d), and press Esc.
- The result is as shown in Fig.3.1.2.5.
The values and the baseline dimensions are as shown in Fig.3.1.2.5.
Fig.3.1.2.2 - Create Baseline Dimensions |
Adjust the line spacing between dimensions
- Click Annotate tab ► Dimensions panel ► select Ajust Spase tool icon
- Command prompt says: DIMSPACE Select base dimension : Select dimension (bf) as shown in Fig.3.1.2.5.
- Command prompt says: DIMSPACE Select dimensions to space : Select the next dimension (bg), continue selecting the other two dimensions (bc) and (bd) , and press Enter.
- Command prompt says: DIMSPACE Enter value or [Auto] <Auto> : Enter 0.15 to define the value of spacing between the dimensions , and press Enter.
Notice on your drawing that the line spacing of the cimensions has changed.
- Continuous dimensions
Cuntinued dimensions are multiple dimensions placed end to end.
You have to create a linear dimension before you create baseline dimensions.
By default the origin of the last linear dimension created is used as the first extension line for the new baseline dimension. You are prompted for the second dimension line.
- Click Annotate tab ► Dimensions panel ► select Continue icon
- Command prompt says: DIMCONTINUE Select continued dimension: Select the linear dimension (bg) you just created, the program uses the origin point (f) of the existing dimension (bf), as the first extension line starting from point (f). Select selecting point (c), poit (d), and press Esc.
- Command prompt says: DIMCONTINUE Specify a second extension line origin or [Undo, Select]<Select>: Select point (g), the dimension (fg) will be created starting from point (f) that is the second point of the existing linear dimension (af), continue selecting point (c), poit (d), and press Esc.
- The result is as shown in Fig.3.1.2.6.
Fig.3.1.2.3 - Create Continuous Dimensions |
