InsertDimensionSmart

The Smart Dimension command enables you to insert dimensions.

If you are working outside the profile environment, the dimensions you create are Reference Dimensions; on the contrary, if one of the profile environment is active, many of the dimensions you create are Drive Dimensions corresponding to constraints.

You can choose the dimension type from the Type drop-down list before selecting a geometrical entity. However, you can also create linear, angular, diameter or radius dimensions depending on the type of entity or entities being dimensioned, the points specified, and the options chosen while inserting the dimension.

Note
Only the supported options are available for the Smart Dimension command when applied to a 3D profile due to limited entity coverage. In the 3D Profile environment, it is possible to apply a dimensional constraint between a point and a plane. Starting the Smart Dimension command and selecting a plane and a point will apply the shortest distance dimension between the two entities. Also, all the other existing dimensional constraints apply the shortest distance between the two selected entities.

For example, if you select a linear entity anywhere along its length except at a snap point, the command switches into linear dimensioning mode and by default proposes to place a linear dimension aligned with the selected entity. If you move the cursor over a second linear entity, however, the command switches into angular mode and proposes an angular dimension measuring the angle formed by the two linear entities. If you select an entity at a snap point, the program prompts you to select a second special point, and then inserts a linear dimension measuring the distance between these two points.

With the help of the Orientation drop-down list you can create dimensions in any of the following ways:



Depending on your selection of the Orientation, you can select one of the following types from the Type drop-down list:

While creating the dimension between two special points, using the Snap point option under the Type drop-down list, you can set the Orientation at anytime. You can also create the dimension as one of the following:



If you select an arc or circle, the Smart command switches into radius dimensioning mode. At this stage, you are enabled to select Radius/ Diameter/ Arc length from the Type drop-down list. You can then insert either a radius/diameter/arc length dimension.

Using the Dimension Format options, you can choose an existing format or specify the dimension parameters like Prefix, Suffix, Tolerance individually. You can also limit the precision for the tolerances that you specify using the Precision option, to the desired Decimal digits.

The Entity Properties option pops up the Entity Properties window, where you can assign a particular style to either a Dimension or a Text entity. As a new enhancement, the Smart Dimension command has a Reset button (). When you create few dimensions with overwritten parameters and would like to get back to the old style, then by clicking on this Reset button, the old style will be set as current.

Under More Options, you are enabled to choose some more additional options:

AutoAlign Enables you to activate or deactivate the automatic alignment
Tangent Point Enables you to measure the dimensions using tangent points for an Arc or a Circle
Plane Enables you to measure and place the dimensions in 3 different planes (W. Plane, View and World)

Note
  • You can control the behavior and appearance of a dimension individually or collectively as a group — because the created parallel or chain dimensions of an entity are considered like a group or as a family of dimensions. Therefore, you can collectively drag and place the dimensions at required positions.

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