Managing dimensions in AutoCAD is an essential skill for any CAD designer. Dimensions are crucial for accurately documenting and communicating the size and scale of objects in a drawing. In this tutorial, we will explore various techniques to effectively manage dimensions in AutoCAD.
Creating Dimensions
To create dimensions in AutoCAD, you can use the DIMENSION command or pick a dimension style from the Dimensions panel on the Annotate tab. The DIMENSION command allows you to create different types of dimensions, including linear, aligned, angular, and radius/diameter dimensions.
Linear Dimensions
Linear dimensions measure the length of an object or distance between two points. To create a linear dimension, select the Linear option in the DIMENSION command or click on the Linear Dimension tool in the Dimensions panel. Then, specify the start and end points of the dimension line.
Aligned Dimensions
Aligned dimensions measure distances at any angle. They are useful when measuring objects that are not parallel to any standard axes.
To create an aligned dimension, select the Aligned option in the DIMENSION command or click on the Aligned Dimension tool in the Dimensions panel. Then, specify two points to define the dimension line.
Angular Dimensions
Angular dimensions measure angles between lines or arcs. To create an angular dimension, select the Angular option in the DIMENSION command or click on Angular Dimension tool in the Dimensions panel. Then, specify three points that define two lines or arcs that form an angle.
Radii and Diameters
Radii and diameter dimensions are used to measure circles and arcs. The RADIUS option allows you to dimension a radius, while the DIAMETER option measures the diameter of a circle or arc. To create these dimensions, select the respective options in the DIMENSION command or choose the Radius or Diameter Dimension tools in the Dimensions panel.
Modifying Dimensions
Once you have created dimensions in AutoCAD, you may need to modify them to suit your drawing requirements. AutoCAD provides several tools for dimension modification.
Move Dimension
To move a dimension, use the DIMMOVE command. Select the dimension and specify a new location for it. This is useful when you want to reposition a dimension without changing its value.
Edit Dimension Text
If you need to change the text displayed by a dimension, use the DDEDIT command. Select the dimension and modify its text as desired. This is helpful when you want to add additional information or clarify a dimension’s meaning.
Delete Dimension
To delete a dimension, select it and press Delete. Alternatively, you can use the ERASE command with an appropriate selection method. Be cautious when deleting dimensions as they are critical for conveying accurate measurements.
Dimension Styles
In AutoCAD, dimension styles control various aspects of dimensions, such as text appearance, arrowheads, and units of measurement. Using dimension styles can save time by applying consistent settings across multiple dimensions.
Create a New Dimension Style
To create a new dimension style, open the Dimension Styles Manager using either the Manage tab > Styles panel > Styles Manager button or by typing DIMSTYLE in the command line. In the Dimension Styles Manager dialog box, click on New and specify the desired settings for your new dimension style.
Modify an Existing Dimension Style
If you need to modify an existing dimension style, open the Dimension Styles Manager and select the style you want to modify. Then, click on Modify and adjust the settings as needed. This allows you to customize dimensions according to your specific requirements.
Conclusion
Managing dimensions in AutoCAD is crucial for accurately documenting and communicating designs. By using the various dimensioning tools and techniques available, such as creating different types of dimensions, modifying them, and utilizing dimension styles, you can effectively manage dimensions in your AutoCAD drawings.