Using the Dimension Tool

1. 1

   Choose Dimension

   Select Dimension from the markup toolbar or press Shift+Alt+L.

2. 2

   Drag between the two points

   The label shows the measured length as you draw. Set the page scale first, or the label reads Set scale.

3. 3

   Short dimensions look after themselves

   When the arrows do not fit between the extension lines they move outside, and the label moves clear of the line.

1. 1

   Double-click the dimension

   The editor opens on the current length, selected, with the unit shown below it.

2. 2

   Type a length and press Enter

   A number uses the dimension's unit; you can also type 300mm, 0.3 m, 12'6" or 12' 6 1/2". The far end of the line moves to that length and the label follows. Undo puts the line and label back together.

3. 3

   Or type text

   Anything that is not a length, such as TYP. or VERIFY ON SITE, becomes the label and the line stays put. In Properties, Show measured length brings the length back.

Set them before drawing with the Label button on the toolbar, or for a selected dimension in the Label section of Properties. Shows: measured length, your text, or length + text (for example 1800 mm CLR). Ends: arrows, open arrows, architectural ticks, dots or none. End marks are sized to the label text, and End size makes them smaller or larger. Text: along the line or horizontal. Properties also sets the label offset and the extension line length and gap. Decimals, feet and inches, Show unit and a label background apply to the number. When labels from different markups would overlap, the later one moves clear of the line, on screen and in exports.

Use Measure Distance (M) when you need a measured quantity for takeoff. Use Dimension when you need a clear visual callout on the exported drawing.