When working with AutoCAD, creating accurate and comprehensive dimensioning is essential for conveying the design intent. One of the most commonly used dimension types is the ordinate dimension. In this tutorial, we will explore how to create an ordinate dimension in AutoCAD.
Step 1: Activate the Dimension Tool
To begin, make sure you have the appropriate drawing open in AutoCAD. Locate and select the “Dimension” tool from the toolbar or type “DIMENSION” in the command line and press Enter.
Step 2: Specify the Ordinate Dimension Origin
After activating the dimension tool, you will be prompted to specify the first ordinate dimension origin point. Click on a reference point in your drawing where you want to start measuring from.
Step 3: Specify Additional Ordinate Dimension Points
Next, AutoCAD will prompt you to specify additional points for your ordinate dimensions. Click on other reference points or objects that you want to include in your ordinate dimension measurement.
Step 4: Adjust Ordinate Dimension Settings
Once you have specified all the necessary points, AutoCAD will display a preview of your ordinate dimensions. At this stage, you can adjust various settings to customize the appearance and behavior of your dimensions.
- Add Text: To include text alongside your dimensions, such as labels or annotations, click on any available point within the preview and enter the desired text.
- Modify Units: If needed, you can modify units by right-clicking on a dimension and selecting “Properties.” From there, navigate to the “Primary Units” tab and choose your preferred unit format.
- Adjust Dimension Style: To further customize the appearance of your dimensions, you can modify the dimension style.
Right-click on a dimension and select “Properties.” In the “Dimension Style Manager” dialog box, you can modify various parameters like text height, arrowheads, and extension lines.
Step 5: Place the Ordinate Dimensions
Once you have adjusted all the necessary settings, you are ready to place your ordinate dimensions in the drawing. Simply click on an empty space to finalize their placement.
Step 6: Edit or Move Ordinate Dimensions
If you need to edit or move your ordinate dimensions after placing them, AutoCAD provides several options:
- Edit Dimension Text: Double-click on a dimension to enter its text editing mode. From there, you can modify the text content as needed.
- Move Dimension: To move a dimension to a different location, select it and use AutoCAD’s move command (type “MOVE” in the command line) or simply drag and drop it to the desired position.
Congratulations! You have successfully created an ordinate dimension in AutoCAD. By following these steps and customizing the dimension settings according to your requirements, you can effectively communicate your design intent and ensure accurate measurements within your drawings.