Using SmartDimensions

Use the SmartDimension command to create Dimensions by specifying entities.

You can apply the command to Lines, PolyLine segments, Arcs, Circles, and Rings:

• For linear entities parallel to an axis of the coordinate system, aligned Dimensions (parallel Dimensions) are created. For linear entities not parallel to an axis of the coordinate system, either aligned Dimensions (measuring the absolute distance between two points) or horizontal or vertical Dimensions (measuring the horizontal or vertical distance between two points) depending on where you move the pointer are created.
• For curved entities, you can create radial, diameter, linear, angular, and arc length Dimensions.

If you select a Dimension in the graphics area and the ribbon is active, the corresponding Dimension Selection contextual ribbon tab appears. The contextual ribbon tab groups options and tools for controlling the DimensionStyle, arrows, and dimension lines.

To dimension entities:

1. Click Dimension > Smart (or type SmartDimension).
2. In the graphics area, select an entity to dimension.
3. Specify the position of the dimension line.

   To use another dimension type for Circles or Arcs, specify an option:

   • Diameter. Creates a diameter Dimension.
   • Radial. Creates a radial Dimension for an Arc or Circle.
   • Linear. Creates a linear Dimension of the diameter of a Circle or an aligned, horizontal, or vertical Dimension between the end points of an Arc.
   • Angular. Dimensions the angle between the end points of an Arc.
   • Arc length. Dimensions an Arc length.

     Note: The chosen option is the default the next time you use the SmartDimension command.

   When you move the pointer during a linear dimensioning, you can:

   • Lock. Determines the current dimension type (aligned, horizontal, or vertical) regardless where you move the pointer.
   • Unlock. Unlocks the type of linear dimension used.
4. Press Enter.

  Use the ContinueDimension command to create linear dimension chains.

Access

Command: SmartDimension

Menu: Dimension > Smart

Ribbon: Annotate > Dimensions > Smart