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AutoCAD Self-paced Learning Modules
®

AutoCAD 2D
Module 35
Dimensioning - Part 2

Learning Outcomes:
When you have completed this module, you will be able to:

1. Describe the six basic dimensioning types.

2. Describe and apply the DIMLINEAR, DIMALIGNED, DIMDIAMETER, DIMRADIUS and
QLEADER commands

Drafting Lesson
Basic Dimension Types
Figure 35-1 shows the six basic dimension types you will be learning to insert and edit in this
module. They are linear, aligned, angular, diameter, radius and leader dimensions. Advanced
dimensioning is covered in the AutoCAD Customization Modules.

Figure 35-1
Basic Dimensioning Types

Dimensioning - Part 2 The CAD Guys Ltd. Copyright © 1993 - 2007 Module 35
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Inserting Dimensions
In this module, you will be taught how to insert and edit linear, aligned, angular, radius, diameter
and leader dimensions. When a dimension is inserted, it resides on the current layer and assumes the
color of that layer.

Before dimensioning a drawing, it is important to check the following settings:

1. The current layer. That is the layer the dimensions will reside on.
2. The current dimensioning style. The dimension you insert with any
dimensioning command will use the properties of the current
dimensioning style.
3. The DIMASSOC or DIMASO setting. This setting controls whether the
dimensions being inserted will be an associative, non-associative or exploded
dimensions. See Module 34 page 34-3.

The current dimensioning style will appear

in the Dimensioning toolbar. A quick way
to check or change the current
dimensioning style is with the drop-down
menu. Try to get into the
habit of using this toolbar menu to insert your dimensions as
it will speed up your productivity.

2004-2008

2000-2002

AutoCAD Command: DIMLINEAR

The DIMLINEAR command is used to insert a linear dimension. A
linear dimension is a dimension that is either horizontal or vertical.

Shortcut: DIMLIN

2004-2008

2000-2002

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AutoCAD Command: DIMALIGNED

The DIMALIGNED command is used to insert an aligned
dimension.

Shortcut: DIMALI

2004-2008

2000-2002

AutoCAD Command: DIMANGULAR

The DIMANGULAR command is used to insert an angular
dimension.

Shortcut: DIMANG

2004-2008

2000-2002

The fastest way to dimension an object is to dimension it very quickly inserting all
the dimensions required. When all the dimensions are in, change them using the
Properties window and the STRETCH command. Don't try to fix the dimensions as
you insert them.

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AutoCAD Command: DIMDIAMETER

The DIMDIAMETER command is used to insert a diameter
dimension.

Shortcut: DIMDIA

2004-2008

2000-2002

AutoCAD Command: DIMRADIUS

The DIMRADIUS command is used to insert a radius dimension.

Shortcut: DIMRAD

2004-2008

2000-2002

When AutoCAD finds the dimension or measures the object in a dimensioning

command, it does not display the actual number. The symbol
<> is displayed. This symbol means default or the actual measurement. If you want
to add the text REF after the real measurement, enter it as :
<> REF.

Dimensioning - Part 2 The CAD Guys Ltd. Copyright © 1993 - 2007 Module 35
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Inserting Linear, Aligned, Angular, Diameter and Radius Dimensions

Step 1 Open the drawing AutoCAD 2D
Workalong 34-1 that you completed in
Module 34. See Figure Step 1.
Step 2 Save and name the drawing
AutoCAD 2D Workalong 35-1.
Step 3 Enable the
display of the Dimension Figure Step 1
toolbar. Set the
dimensioning style Module English as the current
Figure Step 3 dimensioning style as shown in Figure Step 3.
Step 4 Enter the system variable shown below to enable associative dimensions. For more
information, see Module 34 page 34-3.
If you are using 2002-2008, set the system variable DIMASSOC as follows:
Command: DIMASSOC
Enter new value for DIMASSOC <1>: 2
If you are using 2000-2000i set the system variable DIMASO as follows:
Command: DIMASO
Enter new value for DIMASO <OFF>: ON
Step 5 Set layer Dimension as the current layer.
Step 6 Enter the DIMLIN command shown below to insert a linear dimension. See Figure
Step 6.
Command: DIMLIN
Specify first extension line origin or <select object>: (end) P1
Specify second extension line origin: (end) P2
(Ensure to snap to the ends of the lines.)
Specify dimension line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle/Horizontal/Vertical/Rotated]: P3
(You can place the location of P3 by eye. Try to match the figure the best you can.)
Dimension text = 4.50
Command:

Figure Step 6

...continued on page 35-6

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Inserting Linear, Aligned, Angular, Diameter and Radius Dimensions - Continued

Step 7 Using what you just learned,
add the linear dimensions to match
Figure Step 7.

Hint: Select the end of the

center mark Figure Step 7

Step 8 Enter the DIMALI command shown below to insert an aligned dimension. See Figure
Step 8.
Command: DIMALI
Specify first extension line origin or <select object>: (end) P4
Specify second extension line origin: (end) P5
Specify dimension line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle]: P6
Dimension text = 4.66
Command:

Figure Step 8

...continued on page 35-7

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Inserting Linear, Aligned, Angular, Diameter and Radius Dimensions - Continued

Step 9 Using what you just learned, add the aligned
dimensions to match Figure Step 9A. Your drawing
should appear similar to Figure Step 9B.

Figure Step 9B

Step 10 Enter the DIMDIA command shown

below to insert an diameter dimension as shown in Figure Step 9A
Figure Step 10A. Your drawing should now appear similar to Figure 10B.
Command: DIMDIA Select
arc or circle: P7 Dimension
text = 1.00
Specify dimension line location or [Mtext/Text/Angle]: P8
Command:

Figure Step 10A

...continued on page 35-8 Figure Step 10B

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Inserting Linear, Aligned, Angular, Diameter and Radius Dimensions - Continued

Step 11 Enter the DIMRAD command shown below to insert an radius dimension. See Figure
Step 11.
Command: DIMRAD Select
arc or circle: P9 Dimension
text = 2.56
Specify dimension line location or
[Mtext/Text/Angle]: P10 Command:
Step 12 Using what you just
learned, add the radius
dimension to match Figure Step
12A. Your drawing should
appear similar to Figure Step
12B.
Figure Step 11

Figure Step 12B

Figure Step 12A

Step 13 Enter the DIMANG command

shown below to insert an angular
dimension. See Figure Step 13.

Command: DIMANG
Select arc, circle, line, or <specify vertex>:
P11
Select second line: P12
Specify dimension arc line location or
[Mtext/Text/Angle]: P13
Dimension text = 75d0'0" Command: Figure Step 13

...continued on page 35-9

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Inserting Linear, Aligned, Angular, Diameter and Radius Dimensions - Continued

Step 14 Using what you just learned, add the angular dimension to match Figure Step 14A.
Your drawing should appear similar to Figure Step 14B.

Figure Step 14A

Figure Step 14B
Authors Comments:
To make corrections to inserted associative or non-associative dimensions, change the properties of
the dimension using the Properties window.

Figure Step

15A Step 15 Open the Properties window and

select the aligned dimension shown in Figure Step
15A. In the Text override property, enter <> REF.
The dimension should now appear as shown in Figure
Step 15B.

...continued on page 35-10 Figure Step 15B

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Inserting Linear, Aligned, Angular, Diameter and Radius Dimensions - Continued

Step 16 Select the aligned dimension shown in Figure Step 16. Change the property Ext
Line 2, to Off. This will turn off the display of one of the extension lines since the extension
line is on an object line. Depending on the order you used when inserting the dimension, you may
have to change Ext Line 1.

Figure Step 16
Step 17 Select the radius dimension shown in Figure Step 17. In the Center mark
property, set it to None.

Figure Step 17
...continued on page 35-11

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Inserting Linear, Aligned, Angular, Diameter and Radius Dimensions - Continued

Step 18 Select the radius dimension shown in Figure Step 18. In the Text override
property, enter 2.56 R.

Figure Step 18
Step 19 Select the diameter dimension shown in Figure Step 19. In the Text override
property, enter 1.00 DIA,.

Figure Step 19

...continued on page 35-12

Dimensioning - Part 2 The CAD Guys Ltd. Copyright © 1993 - 2007 Module 35
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Inserting Linear, Aligned, Angular, Diameter and Radius Dimensions - Continued

Step 20 Change the properties of
any other dimension until the
dimensions on your drawing match
Figure Step 20.

...continued on page 35-13 Figure Step 20

Object Snap Modes for all Objects

Modes Abbreviations Icon Marker The AutoCAD Object
Nearest Nea

AutoCAD Command: QLEADER

The QLEADER command is used to a leader
dimension.
Shortcut: none

2004-2007

For AutoCAD 2008, you have to

enter this command on the
2000-2002 Command line.

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Inserting Linear, Aligned, Angular, Diameter and Radius Dimensions - Continued

Step 21 Enter the QLEADER
command shown below and select the
Setting option. It will open the Leader
Setting dialogue box.
Figure Step 21 shows the Annotation
tab. Ensure your dialogue box
matches the settings in the figure.

Command: QLEADER
Specify first leader point, or [Settings]
<Settings>: S
Command:
Figure Step 21

Step 22 Select the Leader Line

and Arrow tab as shown in Figure
Step 22. Ensure your dialogue box
matches the settings in the figure.

Figure Step 22

Step 23 Select the Attachment tab

as shown in Figure Step 23. Ensure
your dialogue box matches the settings
in the figure.

...continued on page 35-14

Figure Step 23

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Inserting Linear, Aligned, Angular, Diameter and Radius Dimensions - Continued

Step 24 Enter the QLEADER command
shown to insert the leader shown in Figure
Step 24.
Command: QLEADER
Specify first leader point, or [Settings] <Settings>: (near)
(nea) P13
(Using the Near osnap mode. see page 35-12.)
Specify next point: P14
Specify next point: <Ortho on> P15
Specify text width <0.0000>:
Enter first line of annotation text <Mtext>:
MATCHING EDGE
Enter next line of annotation text: Command:
Figure Step 24

Step 25 Using what you just

learned, add the leader Circle A
and START X5.5Y4.5 as
shown in Figure Step 25.

Figure Step 25

Step 26 Your drawing

shown now appear similar
to Figure Step 26. Save and
close the drawing.

Figure Step 26

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The snap mode nearest can be used for many purposes

while drawing in AutoCAD. If you want to snap to an
object but not any particular location
on that object, use this snap mode.

The Key Principles in Module

35
1. When AutoCAD finds the dimension or measures the object in a dimensioning command, it
does not display the actual number. The symbol <> is displayed. This symbol means default
or the actual measurement.

2. To make corrections to inserted associative or non-associative dimensions, change the properties

of the dimension using the Properties window.

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Lab Exercise 35-1 Time Allowed: 40 Min.

Drawing Specifications
Name Template Units Text Style Font
AutoCAD 2D Lab 35-1 N/A Millimeters N/A N/A
Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all ByLayer unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer Name Color Linetype Lineweight
Titleblock Text Titleblock Text White/Black Continuous N/A
Instructions:
1. Open the drawing AutoCAD 2D Lab 34-1 and save it as
AutoCAD 2D Lab 35-1.
2. Create a dimensioning style named: Lab 35-1 English. Start with
Standard.
3. Set the necessary variables to make the dimension appear as best
you can to match the drawing below.
4. On layer Dimension insert the dimensions shown below. AutoCAD
2002 to 2008 - Insert all the dimensions shown below as associative
dimensions.
AutoCAD 2000-2000i - insert non-associative dimensions.
5. Using the Properties box, correct all dimensions. Completed Drawing
6. Complete the Titleblock.

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Lab Exercise 35-2 Time Allowed: 40 Min.

Drawing Specifications
Name Template Units Text Style Font
AutoCAD 2D Lab 35-2 N/A Millimeters N/A N/A
Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all ByLayer unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer Name Color Linetype Lineweight
Construction Objects Construction 253 Continuous N/A
Dimensions Dimension Blue Continuous N/A
Instructions:
1. Open the drawing AutoCAD 2D Lab 34-2 and save it as
AutoCAD 2D Lab 35-2.
2. Create a dimensioning style named: Lab 35-2 Metric. Start with ISO-
25.
3. Set the necessary variables to make the dimension appear as best
you can to match the drawing below.
4. On layer Dimension insert the dimensions shown below. AutoCAD
2002 to 2008 - Insert all the dimensions shown below as associative
dimensions.
AutoCAD 2000-2000i - insert non-associative dimensions. Completed Drawing
5. Using the Properties box, correct all dimensions.
6. Complete the Titleblock.

Dimensioning - Part 2 The CAD Guys Ltd. Copyright © 1993 - 2007 Module 35
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Lab Exercise 35-3 Time Allowed: 40 Min.

Drawing Specifications
Name Template Units Text Style Font
AutoCAD 2D Lab 35-3 N/A Inches N/A N/A
Note: Color, Linetype, and Lineweight are all ByLayer unless otherwise instructed.
Layering Scheme
Objects on Layer Name Color Linetype Lineweight
Construction Objects Construction 253 Continuous N/A
Dimensions Dimension Blue Continuous N/A
Instructions:
1. Open the drawing AutoCAD 2D Lab 34-3 and save it as
AutoCAD 2D Lab 35-3.
2. Create a dimensioning style named: Lab 35-3 English. Start with
Standard.
3. Set the necessary variables to make the dimension appear as best you can
to match the drawing below.
4. On layer Dimension insert the dimensions shown below.
AutoCAD 2002 to 2008 - Insert all the dimensions shown below as
associative dimensions. Completed Drawing
AutoCAD 2000-2000i - insert non-associative dimensions.
5. Using the Properties box, correct all dimensions.
6. Complete the Titleblock.

Dimensioning - Part 2 The CAD Guys Ltd. Copyright © 1993 - 2007 Module 35