AutoCAD is a powerful software used by architects, engineers, and designers to create precise and accurate technical drawings. One of the essential aspects of any drawing in AutoCAD is the inclusion of dimensions.
Dimensions provide important information about the size and proportions of objects within a drawing. In this tutorial, we will explore how to write dimensions in AutoCAD using various methods and techniques.
Basic Dimensioning
Let’s start with the most common method of dimensioning in AutoCAD – basic dimensioning. To add dimensions to your drawing, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Activate the Dimension Tool
To begin dimensioning, select the ‘Dimension’ tool from the ‘Annotation’ panel on the ‘Home’ tab or type ‘DIM’ in the command line.
Step 2: Select Objects
Select the objects you want to dimension by clicking on them. You can select multiple objects at once or choose individual objects one by one.
Step 3: Place Dimensions
After selecting the objects, AutoCAD prompts you to specify where you want to place the dimensions. Click on a point near the objects to indicate their position.
Aligned Dimensioning
In some cases, basic dimensioning may not provide enough clarity. Aligned dimensioning allows you to align dimensions with an angle or a specific reference point. To use aligned dimensioning:
Step 1: Activate Aligned Dimension Tool
Click on the ‘Aligned’ option in the ‘Dimension’ panel or type ‘DIMALIGNED’ in the command line.
Step 2: Select Objects and Reference Points
Select the objects you want to dimension and specify the reference points or angles you want to align the dimensions with.
Step 3: Place Dimensions
Click on a point near the objects to place the aligned dimensions. AutoCAD will automatically align them based on the reference points or angles you specified.
Radial Dimensioning
When working with circular or curved objects, radial dimensioning is essential. It allows you to add dimensions that measure the radius or diameter of circles and arcs. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Activate Radial Dimension Tool
Select the ‘Radial’ option from the ‘Dimension’ panel or type ‘DIMRADIUS’ in the command line.
Step 2: Select Arcs or Circles
Select the arcs or circles you want to dimension by clicking on them.
Step 3: Place Dimensions
Click on a point near the arcs or circles to specify their position. AutoCAD will add radial dimensions showing their radius or diameter.
Diametric Dimensioning
Diametric dimensioning is similar to radial dimensioning, but it measures the distance between two opposite points on a circle instead. To use diametric dimensioning:
Step 1: Activate Diametric Dimension Tool
Select ‘Diametric’ from the ‘Dimension’ panel or type ‘DIMDIAMETER’ in the command line.
Step 2: Select Circles
Select circles you want to dimension by clicking on them.
Step 3: Place Dimensions
Click on a point near the circles to indicate their position. AutoCAD will add diametric dimensions showing the distance between opposite points.
Angular Dimensioning
When working with angles, angular dimensioning is crucial for accurately representing the orientation of objects. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Activate Angular Dimension Tool
Select ‘Angular’ from the ‘Dimension’ panel or type ‘DIMANGULAR’ in the command line.
Step 2: Select Lines or Arcs
Select lines or arcs that form an angle by clicking on them.
Step 3: Place Dimensions
Click on a point near the lines or arcs to specify their position. AutoCAD will add angular dimensions showing the measured angle.
In Conclusion
In this tutorial, we explored different methods of dimensioning in AutoCAD. From basic dimensioning to aligned, radial, diametric, and angular dimensioning, each method serves a specific purpose and enhances the clarity of your drawings. By incorporating dimensions effectively, you can communicate important information about size and proportions to others who view your drawings.
- Tip: Always ensure that your dimensions are clear, easily readable, and placed appropriately to avoid confusion.
- Note: AutoCAD provides various options and settings for customizing dimensions according to your requirements. Experiment with these options to achieve the desired results.
Now you have a solid understanding of how to write dimensions in AutoCAD!