Angle Dimension

Introduction

This topic will explain the Angle Dimension function, will explain where to find the function, and explain the options found in it. This topic will also give a brief description of creation with quick steps and an example, and provide links to related topics.

Note: Though there are separate topics for each dimension topic, the Data Entry Parameters used in the functions are all the same.

The Angle Dimension Function

The Angle Dimension function is used to create a dimension between two non-parallel entities in the graphics area. This can be accomplished by picking entities in the graphics area, and altering the data entry information as needed.

To open Angle Dimension:

In the Dimensions group, of the Evaluate ribbon, click Angle.

The parameters display in the Data Entry Manager.

The Data Entry Parameters

Creation Option

Font

Font - Select a font type: Windows Font or BobCAD Font.
Font List - Click the arrow to select the font from the list.
Height - sets the height of the text on the created dimension.

Selected Geometry

(Delete) - removes the highlighted item from the list.

(Delete All) - removes all entities from the list.

The list box will list the entities currently selected for the function.

Dimension

Decimals - sets the number of decimal places, or digits after the decimal point, displayed in the dimension text. These are only displayed for values that aren't whole numbers, unless Extra Zeroes are selected.
Scale - sets the scale of the measured dimension. A value of one means no scaling or 100 percent of the actual size of the entity. A value of 0.5 means that when you place a dimension on a line that is two units long, the dimension displays a value of one unit.
Extra Zeroes - determines whether trailing zeros are used.

- Trailing zeros are not used. As an example, if a value of four is used for the Decimals option, a dimension of 1.1 would appear as 1.1 in the graphics area.

- Trailing zeros are used. As an example, if a value of four is used for the Decimals option, a dimension of 1.1 would appear as 1.1000 in the graphics area.

Tolerance

	None	- does not show any tolerance values after the initial dimension.
	Single	- shows only one tolerance value. This value is listed as a positive value unless otherwise specified.
	Symmetric	- shows only one tolerance value. This value is listed with a positive and negative symbol in front of it to show the tolerance range.
	Custom	- shows two tolerance values. These values are listed as positive values unless otherwise specified.

Extra Zeroes - determines whether trailing zeros are used.

- Trailing zeros are not used. As an example, if a value of four is used for the Decimals option, a dimension of 1.1 would appear as 1.1 in the graphics area.

- Trailing zeros are used. As an example, if a value of four is used for the Decimals option, a dimension of 1.1 would appear as 1.1000 in the graphics area.

Text Options

The Text Options group is used to display custom text in the dimension. The chevron to the left will also allow you to collapse and expand the entire group.

Pre - type text in this box and it is placed before the displayed dimension text.
Post - type text in this box and it is placed after the displayed dimension text.
Text Orientation - this toggle will allow you to switch the dimension text from a Angle to a Angle orientation.

Arrows

Style

Left - By default the Left option will be set to the arrow style currently used in the Part Settings dialog. However, the Left option allows you to update the arrow style on the fly without going to the Part Settings dialog to do so.
Right - By default the Right option will be set to the arrow style currently used in the Part Settings dialog. However, the RIght option allows you to update the arrow style on the fly without going to the Part Settings dialog to do so.

Auto - places the arrows on the inside of the witness lines, unless the listed value and the arrows overlap. If the listed value and the arrows would overlap, the arrows will automatically be shifted to the outside of the witness lines.
Out - places the arrows on the outside of the witness lines.
In - places the arrows on the inside of the witness lines
Width - sets the width of the arrows being used.
Length - sets the length of the arrows being used.

Position

When creating dimensions by selecting snap points, Left refers to the first point, and Right refers to the second point:

Both - two arrows are used, with one pointing to each witness line.
Left - one arrow points to the left witness line.
Right - one arrow points to the right witness line.
None - no arrows are used.

OK - finalizes the function.
Cancel - exits the function.

Quick Steps - Angle Dimension

Open the function.

The Selected Geometry list automatically has focus.
Select the items to be dimensioned.

The items are added to the Selected Geometry list.

The dimension preview appears and its position follows the cursor.
Move the cursor to position the dimension roughly into the area of intended placement, and click to temporarily set its placement.
Adjust the parameters in the Data Entry Manager to achieve the desired font, text size, listed values etc.
If the updated style of the dimension calls for its position to be moved, move your cursor into the graphics area above the dimension value, until the dimension highlights.
Click the highlighted dimension.

The dimension is able to be relocated.
Move the dimension into its final placement.
Click to set placement.
Click OK to finalize.
Repeat as necessary.
Click Cancel to exit the function.

Example

In the Dimensions group, of the Evaluate ribbon, click Angle.

The parameters launch in the Data Entry Manager, and the Selected Geometry list automatically has focus to allow for the selection of geometry.

Tip: This can also be accomplished with the Auto dimension function.
Hover over the first entity and select it.

The entity is added to the Selected Geometry list.
Hover over the second entity and select it.

The entity is added to the Selected Geometry list, and the preview appears.
Move your mouse slightly, so that it moves to either side of the second line.

Notice the angle, and the area shown in the preview, changes.

This is because when measuring angles, the will always have a theoretical intersection which creates 4 distinct areas, and 4 different angles to measure.
Move your mouse into each area and notice the angles shown in the preview.
Click to set the dimension.

The dimension still shows as a preview.

In the stage the dimension can be altered by simply clicking on it again, at which point it will follow you mouse as it did when it was first shown.

Clicking again will set the dimension.
Once the dimension has been placed once, simply click OK, or Cancel to finalize the dimension.
Click Cancel to exit the function.