Direct dimension line

Tool(s): Dimension Line

You can use Direct to create a dimension line whose angle is defined by the first two points you click and whose position is defined by the third point you click. This type is particularly appropriate for room diagonals and for all dimension lines that are to follow the angle of a dimensioned element.

To create a direct dimension line

1. Click Direct (How).
   

   Activate Dimension Line in one of the following ways

   • Menu bar: Create Dimension Lines

   • Keyboard: CTRL+M

   • Toolbar: Basic Tools Dimension Lines flyout
   • Palette: Tools Create area in the following module(s):

   Dimension Lines

2. If you want, you can now modify the dimension line's parameters.
   Several options are provided on the context toolbar for this.
   

   • Click Properties to set the parameters in a dialog box.
   • Click Match Properties to copy the settings form an existing element.
   • Click Load favorite to select saved parameter combinations.
3. On the context toolbar, click Direct.
4. Click the first point to be dimensioned.

   The Dimension Line Context toolbar changes.

5. The following options are presented on the Context toolbar:
   • You can change the global parameters of the dimension line at any time. Several options are provided on the context toolbar for this.
   • You can select a different Arrowhead for the next point to be dimensioned.
   • You can switch to
     Horizontal
     Vertical
     When you do not select one these two types, you will create an Aligned Dim. Line, which is defined by the first and second point you click.
   • You can dimension the height of an opening and/or component or enter additional text.
   • Click Undo last entry to undo the last point you clicked.
6. Click the second point to be dimensioned.

   The dimension line is displayed attached to the crosshairs.

7. Define the position of the dimension line.
   

   • Through point: To set the position of the dimension line freely, click a point through which the dimension line is to pass.
   • Which dimension line: To create the dimension line at a defined distance from an existing dimension line, click just beside the existing dimension line. Make sure you click beside the side on which the new dimension line is to be created. The system will snap to the dimension line and display it in the selection preview color.
     
     
8. Click more points to be dimensioned.
9. Press ESC to finish entering the dimension line.
10. If you have selected the 'Bounded by user polyline' option in Extension line settings, the system will now prompt you to enter the polyline.
11. To enter more direct dimension lines, start with step 2 again.