Dimensions make an important contribution to the understanding of modeling. You can enter different types of dimensions that you can apply as user-defined.
With the functions of the button
in the CAD toolbar you can set the dimensions directly on the model.
Define the parameters in the 'New Dimension' dialog box. Then, click the dimension-defining objects in the work window.
Base
In the Main tab, define the type of dimension and how it is to be represented.
Dimension Type and Style
Various 'Dimension types' are available for selection in the list. They correspond to the functions of the buttons (see image Buttons for Dimensions).
| Linear | Length(s) between two or more points |
| Arc length | Length between the points of an arc |
| Angle | Angle between three points or two lines |
| Radius | Circle or arc radius |
| Diameter | Circle or arc diameter |
| Slope | Inclination angle between a line and a plane |
The 'Display properties' control the dimension symbols and fonts used to display the dimension. You can change the current 'style' by using the button
Check: The 'Display Properties' dialog box appears with a preview of the dimensions. There, you can adjust the style for the individual dimension types, if necessary.
Options
You can add a dimension symbol to the dimension. Enter the 'Symbol' or select the relevant entry from the list.
Parameters
In this dialog section, you can define the reference parameters for dimensions of lengths.
By specifying the 'Reference', you can control whether the dimensioning refers to either the true length between definition points, or the projection in one of the global directions.
Offset
The 'Dimension line offset' Δ describes the distance of the dimension line from the reference objects. In the button dialog box, you can define this distance graphically (see step (6) in the image Setting Dimension Graphically).
If you activate the 'Offset to global axes' check box, you can define the distance of the dimension line with the global coordinate reference.
Position
The Position tab manages the dimension-determining objects and parameters.
Dimension References
The input options in this dialog section depend on the dimension type. For length dimensions, the reference objects are managed in a table: In the 'Type' column, define the type of the reference object. Then, enter the 'number' of the point. When the text box is activated, you can click the button to select the reference object
can also be determined graphically. Thus, the table provides the possibility to relate the dimension line to other points without deleting and redefining the dimensioning.
For an angular dimension ('Slope' type), you can define in this dialog tab the governing 'Line', 'Direction' of the angle, and the 'Position' of the dimension in relation to the line start or line end.
Custom Text Position
The dimension text is centrally arranged by default. To adjust the 'Vertical position' or the 'Horizontal position', tick the corresponding check box. You can then select the appropriate position in the list.
Display of dimensions
You can show or hide the display of dimensions in the 'Navigator - Display'. In the Dimensions category, there are more options available to set the display. For example, you can activate the display of units or Symbols.
In the 'Navigator - Data', you can control the display of dimensions individually.
Alternatively, you can use the Active check box in the dialog box (see Image New Dimension). Furthermore, there are functions available in the shortcut menu of the dimensions for deactivating functions.