Aligned

Add a linear dimension along an inclined line that is aligned with the line.

You can choose between Free, Chained and Running dimension styles using the radio buttons in the bar.

The Aligned dimension style can also be used for horizontal and vertical dimensions.

Aligned dimensions can be:

• Free - Each dimension is drawn individually.

• Chained - Successive dimensions follow on the previous dimension.

• Running - Dimensions are taken from the first point and offset from the previous dimension.

Dimensions will use the current line style.

Procedure

1. You are prompted to:

2. The dimension style can be selected from the dropdown list.

The Dimension Styles can be easily changed by clicking the icon next to the dimension style list.

You can click Pick to copy dimension settings from an existing dimension entity.

3. Click the radio button in the bar to select the style (Free, Chained or Running) for the dimension.

4. Select the Autospace checkbox to space the dimension line at a fixed distance from the dimensioned line or arc. The auto-space distance (in mm on paper) is shown in the edit input just to the right of the checkbox. You can use this to adjust the auto-space distance. When auto-space is active, the position of the dimension line will be locked to the specified distance away from the dimensioned points.

5. Select the Text override checkbox if you want to be able to edit the dimension text.

The Point snap mode will be active.

Free Dimension Style

1. Position the cursor at the first datum point of the dimension.

2. Press [Enter] or click.

3. You are prompted to:

4. A line rubberbands to show you the two points. Press [Enter] or click over the next point.

5.  You are prompted to:

6. A rubber banded preview of the dimension is drawn and you can move the mouse to indicate the dimension offset. Press [Enter] or click in the desired position.

• If you have selected the Text override option, you will be prompted to override the text. Type over the text and press [Enter] or click [Enter] to insert the dimension.

• If the Text override option was not selected the original measurement is inserted and you are prompted to:

7. You can continue to add dimensions as the function repeats.

8. Right-click on the screen and select Quit to end the function. Alternatively, press [Esc].

Chained Dimension Style

The Chained option works in the same way as the Free option. The difference is the dimensions follow on from the last indicated point.

1. You are prompted to:

2. Enter the first point.

3. You are prompted to:

4. A line rubberbands to show you the two points. Enter the second point.

5. You are prompted to:

6. A rubberbanded preview of the chained dimension will be drawn as you move the mouse to indicate the position for the Chained dimensions text. Press [Enter] or click in the required position and the dimension is inserted.

Remember if you have Text override selected you will be able to change the text value.

7. You are prompted to:

8. Continue to enter the points as the function repeats. The dimensions are placed at the same offset as you selected when placing the first dimension. Each new dimension's start point is the end point of the last dimension.

9. Right click on the screen and select Cancel to discontinue with the current alignment and continue dimensioning using a new starting point.
   Alternatively, select Quit or press [Esc] on the keyboard to end the function completely.

Running Dimension Style

The Running option works in the same way as the first two options. The difference is the dimensions are always taken from the very first point indicated.

1. You are prompted to:

2. Enter the first point. All further dimensions will be taken from this point.

3. You are prompted to:

4. A line rubberbands to show you the two points. Enter the second point.

5.  You are prompted to:

6. A rubberbanded preview of the running dimension is drawn as you move the mouse to indicate the position for the Running dimensions text. Press [Enter] or click in the required position and the dimension is inserted.

Remember if you have Text override selected you will be able to change the text value.

Remember to set the Spacing in the Lines tab of the Dimension Styles to a value larger than the text height and gap.

The rubber banded preview is drawn.

7. You are prompted to:

8. Continue to enter the points as the function repeats.

9. Right-click on the screen and select Cancel to discontinue with the current alignment and continue dimensioning using a new starting point. Alternatively, select Quit or press [Esc] to end the function completely.