Auto Dimension

Introduction

This topic will explain the Auto 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 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 Auto Dimension Function

Auto can be used multiple ways. You can select multiple entities, and the software automatically creates the dimensions based on the entity type and orientation. You can select a single entity, and the software will give you the appropriate measurement. You can also select two entities, and adjust the mouse position to have the software give you the appropriate type of measurement, whether that be a vertical, horizontal, or other distance dimension.

 

Tip: The Auto Dimension function is designed to replace all other dimension creation options. All creation options listed in the creation option group of the Data Entry Manager can be accomplished with the Auto Dimension function alone.

To open Auto Dimension:

 

  • In the Dimensions group, of the Evaluate ribbon, click Auto.

 

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.

 

 

Arc Handling

When arcs are selected for the Auto Dimension function, the Arc Handling group appears to allow you to set where the arcs are being measured from.

 

First Arc


  • Center - sets the dimension to note the center of the arc.
  • Min - sets the dimension to read from the side closest to the other entity.
  • Max - sets the dimension to read from the side farthest from the other entity.

 

Second Arc
 

  • Center - sets the dimension to note the center of the arc.
  • Min - sets the dimension to read from the side closest to the other entity.
  • Max - sets the dimension to read from the side farthest from the other entity.

 

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

Quick Steps - Auto Dimension

  1. Open the function.

    The Selected Geometry list automatically has focus.

  2. 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.

  3. Move the cursor to position the dimension roughly into the area of intended placement, and click to temporarily set its placement.

  4. Adjust the parameters in the Data Entry Manager to achieve the desired font, text size, listed values etc.

  5. 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.

  6. Click the highlighted dimension.

    The dimension is able to be relocated.

  7. Move the dimension into its final placement.

  8. Click to set placement.

  9. Click OK to finalize, or simply begin a new dimension.

  10. Repeat as necessary.

  11. Click Cancel to exit the function.

Related Topics

The CAD Overview