Element Dimensioning

Used to dimension an element (line, line string, multi-line, shape, circular arc, or circle). Associations can be made to these elements, as well as to components of complex elements and elements that are part of a shared or unshared cell.


Element Dimensioning tool setting window


Expanded Element Dimensioning tool setting window showing linear icons


Expanded Element Dimensioning tool setting window showing radial icons

Tool Setting	Effect
Style	Displays the active dimension style, which is set on the Dimension Styles dialog box. The option menu lets you select other available dimension styles. If you change a tool setting from the default, the setting is highlighted in blue, and an asterisk appears next to the Style name.
Magnifying glass icon	Opens the Dimension Styles dialog box, which is used to control settings for dimensioning.
Restore Style	Restores the tool settings to the defaults set for this style on the Dimension Styles dialog box.
Alignment	Determines the axis along which the dimension is aligned.
Location	Controls the location of dimension text: Automatic — Dimension text is automatically placed according to the Justification setting (in the Dimension Styles dialog box, Text category). Semi-Automatic — Dimension text is automatically placed according to the Justification setting if the text fits between the extension lines. If the text does not fit, you position the text in response to a prompt. Manual — You position dimension text in response to a prompt. Key-in: DIMENSION PLACEMENT [AUTO \| MANUAL \| SEMIAUTO]
Dimension Element	If the selected element is a linear (non-circular) shape, this icon sets the mode to the Dimension Element tool.
Label Line	If the selected element is a linear (non-circular) shape, this icon sets the mode to the Label Line tool. This tool displays the length and/or angle for a selected line.
Dimension Size Perp — Pts	If the selected element is a linear (non-circular) shape, this icon sets the mode to the Dimension Size Perpendicular to Points tool. This tool dimensions the linear distance between two points.
Dimension Radius	If the selected element is a circle, ellipse, or b-spline, this icon sets the mode to the Dimension Radius tool.
Dimension Diameter (Extended Leader)	If the selected element is a circle, ellipse, or b-spline, this icon sets the mode to the Dimension Diameter (Extended Leader) tool.
Dimension Diameter Parallel	If the selected element is an circle, ellipse, or b-spline, this icon sets the mode to the Dimension Diameter Parallel tool. This tool places the dimension parallel to the circle or arc, and with tangent extension lines extending to the circle or arc.
Label Line	If the mode is Label Line, sets what information (angle, length or both) and where (above/below) the information must be placed for a line label. Length/Angle — The length is displayed above the line, and the angle is displayed below the line. Angle/Length — The angle is displayed above the line, and the length is displayed below the line. Length Above — The length is displayed above the line. Angle Above — The angle is displayed above the line. Length Below — The length is displayed below the line. Angle Below — The angle is displayed below the line. Length Angle Above — The angle and length are displayed above the line. Length Angle Below — The angle and length are displayed below the line.
Annotation Scale Lock icon	Sets the Annotation Scale Lock. When this lock is on, the annotation scale is applied to any text that is placed in the model. The annotation scale is set in the Model Properties dialog box. It defines the scale for text and dimensioning in the model, to allow for scaling back to normal size when printing.
Center Mark	If the mode is relevant to a circle or arc, turning this on places a crossmark at the center of the element. Key-in: DIMENSION TERMINATOR LEFT [OFF \| ARROW \| DOT \| ORIGIN \| STROKE]
Start Extension	If the mode is Dimension Element, Dimension Size Perpendicular to Points or Dimension Diameter Parallel, sets the optional terminator for the beginning of dimension lines. Key-in: DIMENSION TERMINATOR LEFT [OFF \| ARROW \| DOT \| ORIGIN \| STROKE]
End Extension	If the mode is Dimension Element, Dimension Size Perpendicular to Points or Dimension Diameter Parallel, sets the optional terminator for the end of dimension lines. Key-in: DIMENSION TERMINATOR RIGHT [OFF \| ARROW \| DOT \| ORIGIN \| STROKE]
Text Alignment	If the mode is Dimension Element or Dimension Size Perpendicular to Points, sets the orientation of dimension text: Standard — All dimension text is placed along the dimension line. Vertical — All dimension text is placed vertical to the dimension line. Mixed — All dimension text is placed vertically only if it does not fit along the dimension line. Key-in: DIMENSION VERTICAL [OFF \| MIXED \| ON]
Text Frame	If the mode is Dimension Element or Dimension Size Perpendicular to Points, controls the framing of dimension text: Box — Places dimension in a box. Sometimes used to designate a reference dimension. Capsule — Places dimension in a capsule. Typically used to designate a dimension for quality control. Key-in: DIMENSION TEXT BOX [OFF \| ON \| TOGGLE] or Key-in: DIMENSION TEXT CAPSULE [OFF \| ON \| TOGGLE]
Prefix Text	If the mode is Dimension Element or Dimension Size Perpendicular to Points, sets the optional symbol for placement before dimension text. Key-in: DIMENSION PRE [OFF \| DIAMETER \| RADIUS \| SQUARE]
Suffix Text	If the mode is Dimension Element or Dimension Size Perpendicular to Points, sets the optional symbol for placement after dimension text. Key-in: DIMENSION POST [OFF \| DIAMETER \| RADIUS \| SQUARE]
Association	If on, all possible associations are created automatically without the need to snap a tentative point. If off, no associations are created.

To create a linear dimension

Select the Element Dimensioning tool.

Identify the element.

Select the desired dimensioning tool.
The tool settings change depending on the tool selected.

Enter a data point to define the extension line length and position the dimension.

Key-in: DIMcreate ELEMENT

You cannot edit text while placing dimensions with Element Dimensioning. To edit dimension text that was placed with the Element Dimensioning tool, use the Edit Text tool in the Text tool box.