Example: Dimension the length of a line

  1. Click the Smart Dimension command .

  2. Click a line (A).

    Smart Dimension dynamically displays a linear dimension.

  3. Position the dimension, and then click to place it (B).

Tip:

Before you click to place the dimension, and depending upon the number of elements selected, you can use the following keys to affect the dimension that is created:

Keyboard options

Result

A

Changes between a linear dimension and an angular dimension.

B

For PMI, changes the dimension orientation back to the previous dimension plane in sequence.

D

Changes between a radial dimension and a diameter dimension.

N

For PMI, changes the dimension orientation to the next dimension plane in sequence.

Shift

Alternates between:

  • The horizontal or vertical distance between elements (A).

  • The minimum distance (B).

Q

Turns automatic locate off and on so you can select a different element to dimension to.