The document discusses dimensioning in AutoCAD, covering topics such as dimension commands, dimension styles, dimension variables, associative dimensions, and annotative objects. Dimensioning allows users to add linear, radial, diameter and other types of dimensions to a drawing. Key aspects include setting dimension styles to control appearance, using dimension variables to modify settings, and creating associative dimensions that automatically update when a model changes.

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Chapter 5
Dimensioning in AutoCAD
Topics

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Dimensioning: Topics
Summary
5.1) Introduction
5.2) Dimension Commands
5.3) Dimension Style
5.4) Dimension Variables
5.5) The DIM Prompt
5.6) Associative Dimensions
5.7) Annotative Objects

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Dimensioning in AutoCAD
Summary

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Summary
 What will we learn in Chapter 5?
→ The skills necessary to dimension an
orthographic projection.
 Key points
→ By default, dimensions are associative. If
you manually type in a dimension, the
associativity is broken.

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Dimensioning in AutoCAD
5.1) Introduction

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Introduction
 AutoCAD automatically creates the
dimensions and dimension text once a
feature is selected.
 Dimension appearance and properties
may be adjusted in the Dimension Styles
Manager window.

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Dimensioning in AutoCAD
5.2) Dimension Commands

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Dimensions Panel

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Leaders Panel
Collect
Multileaders
Align Multileader

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Dimensioning in AutoCAD
5.3) Dimension Style

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Dimension Style
 The Dimension Style Manager is used to
create:
→ New dimension styles,
→ set the current style,
→ modify styles,
→ set overrides on the current style,
→ and compare styles.
 Access using: DDIM, DIMSTYLE or from
the Dimensions panel

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Multileader Style
 The Multileader Style Manager is used
to create:
→ New multileader styles,
→ set the current style,
→ and modify styles,
 Access using: MLEADERSTYLE or from
the Leaders panel.

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Dimensioning in AutoCAD
5.4) Dimension Variables

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Dimension Variables
 Dimension appearance may be
modified by changing dimension
variables.
→ These variables may be set in the
Dimension Styles Manager.
 It is not uncommon to change some of
these variables on the fly within the
Command window.

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Dimension Variables
 Commonly used dimension variables
→ DIMSCALE: This command sets the overall
size or scale factor of the dimensions.
→ DIMTIX: Forces dimension text inside
extension lines.
→ DDEDIT: Edits dimension text.
→ DIMCEN: Controls size of the center marks
drawn by diameter and radial dimensions.
→ UPDATE: Applies the changes.
 Other variables are given in section 5.4)

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Dimensioning
 Creating and modifying dimensions.
Live Demonstration

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Dimensioning in AutoCAD
5.5) The DIM Prompt

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The DIM Prompt
 Within the Dim prompt (the dimension
mode), you can type in dimensioning
commands that allow you to create and
modify dimensions.
→ DIM: Accessed the DIM prompt.
→ EXIT: Exits the DIM prompt.

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Dimensioning in AutoCAD
5.6) Associative Dimensions

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Associative Dimensions
 Associative dimensions are associated
(connected) with the dimensioned
object.
→ If the object is changed, the associated
dimension value will change.
Live Demonstration

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Associative Dimensions
 Associativity is broken if...
→ You manually type in the dimension text
→ replace the dimension text
→ EXPLODE the dimension
 Multileaders are not associative.

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Dimensioning in AutoCAD
5.7) Annotative Objects

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Annotative Objects
 Annotative objects support multiple
viewport scales. (Dimension, text, hatches ...)
1:1 scale
1:2 scale

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Annotative Objects
 Annotative objects support multiple
viewport scales. (Dimension, text, hatches ...)
1:1 scale
2:1 scale

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Annotative Objects
 Each supported scale adds to the file
size.

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Annotation Scaling Panel

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Dimensioning in AutoCAD
End