How Do I Show Dimensions in AutoCAD?

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Are you working on a project in AutoCAD and need to display accurate dimensions? Showing dimensions in AutoCAD is an essential part of creating professional drawings. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of displaying dimensions in AutoCAD using various techniques and tools.

Using the Dimension Command

If you want to manually add dimensions to your drawing, the Dimension command is the way to go. Follow these steps:

  1. Step 1: Select the Dimension tool from the Draw panel or type ‘DIMENSION’ in the command line.
  2. Step 2: Specify the first extension line origin by clicking on a point in your drawing.
  3. Step 3: Specify the second extension line origin by clicking on another point.
  4. Step 4: Position the dimension line and click to set its location.

Tips for Using the Dimension Command

  • Precision: To specify precise dimensions, use object snaps or enter specific values in the command line.
  • Multiple Dimensions: You can add multiple dimensions without exiting the Dimension command by pressing Enter after setting each dimension location.

The Quick Dimension Tool

If you’re looking for a faster way to add dimensions, AutoCAD provides a handy tool called Quick Dimension. Here’s how it works:

  1. Step 1: Activate the Quick Dimension tool by clicking on its icon or typing ‘QDIM’ in the command line.
  2. Step 2: Select the objects you want to dimension.
  3. Step 3: AutoCAD will automatically add dimensions to the selected objects.

Tips for Using the Quick Dimension Tool

  • Modify Dimensions: After using the Quick Dimension tool, you can modify the dimensions by selecting them and using the grip points to adjust their position or properties.
  • Override Text: If you want to override the default dimension text, select a dimension and type in new text.

Annotative Dimensions

Annotative dimensions are a powerful feature in AutoCAD that allows dimensions to automatically scale based on the viewport scale. Follow these steps to use annotative dimensions:

  1. Step 1: Select the Dimension tool as usual.
  2. Step 2: In the Command line, enable ‘Annotative’ by typing ‘ANNO’ and pressing Enter.
  3. Step 3: Set the desired dimension style properties, such as text height and arrow size.
  4. Step 4: Place your dimensions in model space.

Tips for Using Annotative Dimensions

  • Create Annotation Scale: To make annotative dimensions visible in paper space viewports, you need to create an annotation scale that matches your viewport scale. To do this, go to the Annotative Object Scale dialog box and add a new scale.

Congratulations! You now know how to show dimensions in AutoCAD using different methods.

Whether you prefer manual dimensions, the Quick Dimension tool, or annotative dimensions, you have the tools to create accurate and professional drawings. Experiment with these techniques and find the one that works best for you.