Dimension Element

Used to dimension an element (line, line string, multi-line, shape, circular arc, or circle). Associations can be made to these elements, as well as to components of complex elements and elements that are part of a shared or unshared cell.

Tool Setting	Effect
Style	Displays the active dimension style, which is set on the Dimension Styles dialog box. The option menu lets you select other available dimension styles.
Magnifying glass icon	Opens the Dimension Styles dialog box, which is used to control settings for dimensioning.
Alignment	Determines the axis along which the dimension is aligned.
Association	If on, all possible associations are created automatically without the need to snap a tentative point. If off, no associations are created.
Next	Selects a different dimensioning tool (step 3).

To dimension an element

Select the Dimension Element tool.

Identify the element.
The name of a dimensioning tool that can be used on the element displays in the status bar.

If you desire a different tool, click Next (or press <Enter>) to display the name of a different tool, until the name of the desired tool displays.

Element Type	Cycles Through These Tools
Line, line string, shape, or multi-line	Dimension Size with Arrow Dimension Size with Stroke Label Line Dimension Size Perpendicular to Line
Ellipse (including circles)	Dimension Radial — Diameter mode Dimension Radial — Diameter Extended mode Dimension Diameter Parallel Dimension Diameter Perpendicular see footnote 102 Dimension Radial — Radius mode Dimension Radial — Radius Extended mode
Arc	Dimension Radial — Radius mode Dimension Radial — Radius Extended mode Dimension Arc Size Dimension Arc Size — complementary angle

Enter a data point to define the extension line length and position the dimension.

Key-in: DIMENSION ELEMENT

You cannot edit text while placing dimensions with Dimension Element. To edit dimension text that was placed with the Dimension Element tool, use the Edit Text tool in the Text tool box.