How Do I Show Ordinate Dimensions in SolidWorks?

Do you want to learn how to show ordinate dimensions in SolidWorks? Look no further! In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process step by step.

What are Ordinate Dimensions?

Ordinate dimensions are a type of dimensioning tool in SolidWorks that allows you to specify the location of features or objects relative to a fixed reference point. This is particularly useful when you have multiple features or objects that need to be aligned or positioned accurately.

How to Show Ordinate Dimensions

To show ordinate dimensions in SolidWorks, follow these simple steps:

  1. Select the desired feature or object that you want to dimension.
  2. Right-click on the feature and choose “Add Ordinate Dimension” from the context menu. Alternatively, you can also go to the “Annotations” tab on the command manager and click on “Ordinate” under the “Dimensions” section.
  3. A Reference Point will be automatically placed at the origin of your selected feature or object.
  4. Click on another point or edge where you want to position your ordinate dimension.

    This will create a dimension line between the reference point and the selected point or edge.

  5. If required, you can continue adding more ordinate dimensions by clicking on additional points or edges. The dimensions will be added sequentially based on their location.
  6. Drag and drop any of the dimension lines to reposition them if needed. You can also use the handle at each end of a dimension line to resize it.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks to enhance your ordinate dimensioning experience in SolidWorks:

  • Hiding Reference Points: If you find the reference points cluttering your drawing, you can hide them by going to “Tools” > “Options” > “System Options” > “Display/Selection” and unchecking the “Show reference points” option.
  • Aligning Dimension Text: To align the text of your ordinate dimensions, select the dimension, right-click, and choose “Properties”. In the properties dialog box, go to the “Text” tab and select your desired alignment from the options available.
  • Editing Ordinate Dimensions: To edit an existing ordinate dimension, simply double-click on it. You can then modify its location or value as required.

In Conclusion

Congratulations! You now know how to show ordinate dimensions in SolidWorks.

By using these powerful dimensioning tools, you can accurately position and align features or objects in your designs. Remember to experiment with different options and settings to achieve the desired results. Happy designing!