Applied Parameters: None
Summary
This command is used to place a Linear Dimension object into the active Draftsman document (*.PCBDwf ). A linear dimension can be added to an object's outline edge, or between two object points, on a Board Assembly View . Such a dimension may also be added to a Board Section View (which is a slice, or sectional view of a Board Assembly View).
For a high-level look at how the Altium Draftsman Drawing System provides an interactive approach to the creation of production documentation for your PCBs, see
Draftsman . For detailed information about this object type, see
Linear Dimension .
Access
This command can be accessed from the PcbDrawing Editor by:
Choosing the Place » Linear Dimension command from the main menus.
Locating and using the Linear Dimension command (Active Bar .
If the command has been recently used from the Active Bar , it will become the active/visible button. Where other commands are available, this is indicated by a triangle at the bottom-right corner of the button. Click and hold on the active button to access a menu of all associated commands for that grouping.
Clicking the Dimensions drop-down (Drawing Annotations toolbar.
Right-clicking in the workspace and choosing the Place » Linear Dimension command from the context menu.
Use
After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair and you will enter dimension placement mode. Placement is made by performing the following sequence of actions
To dimension an object edge, hover the cursor over the location until the desired edge is highlighted, and click to select. Move the cursor to position the dimension graphic, then click to effect placement.
To dimension between two points, hover the cursor over the first location until the point is highlighted (dot) and click to select. Repeat for the second point, then position the dimension graphic and click to effect placement.
Continue placing further linear dimensions, or right-click, or press Esc , to exit placement mode.
Tips
The dimension graphic - extension line(s) and measurement text - can be moved after placement (but only within its angular plane). This is most easily achieved by clicking on the dimension to select it, then clicking and dragging the measurement text.
Most aspects of a placed dimension are available for editing through the Properties panel . If the panel is already open, simply select a placed dimension to populate the panel with its associated properties. If the panel is not open, double-click on the dimension to access it.
Defaults for this primitive type can be defined on the Draftsman - Defaults page of the Preferences dialog .
