PCB_Cmd-MeasureDistanceMeasureDistance_AD

Applied Parameters: None

Summary

This command is used to measure and display the distance between any two points in the current document.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor and the PCB Library Editor, by:

• Choosing the Reports » Measure Distance command from the main menus.
• Using the Ctrl+M keyboard shortcut.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair, and you will enter measurement mode. Measurement is performed as follows:

• Position the cursor to where you wish to start measuring and click, or press Enter.
• Move the cursor to the required end point and click, or press Enter again. As you move the cursor, a measuring line is displayed as an aide.
• An information dialog will appear, reporting the point-to-point distance measured, the X (horizontal) distance, and the Y (vertical) distance, in both metric (mm) and imperial (mil) units.
• Continue measuring the distance between other points, or right-click, or press Esc, to exit measurement mode.

Tips

1. Change the snap grid if you cannot accurately position the cursor at the required points.
2. You may need to temporarily disable the Electrical Grid if you find that the cursor snaps to the center of electrical objects.
3. Measurement information is also presented, dynamically, in the Heads-Up Display.

Applied Parameters: Primitives=True

Summary

This command is used to measure and display the distance between any two primitives in the current document.

Access

This command is accessed from the PCB Editor and the PCB Library Editor, by choosing the Reports » Measure Primitives command from the main menus.

Use

After launching the command, the cursor will change to a cross-hair, and you will enter measurement mode. Measurement is performed as follows:

• Position the cursor over the first primitive and click, or press Enter.
• Move the cursor to the required second primitive and click, or press Enter again.
• An information dialog will appear, reporting the distance between the two primitives, in both metric (mm) and imperial (mil) units. The dialog also contains information on the layer and location for each of the primitives.
• Continue measuring the distance between other primitives, or right-click, or press Esc, to exit measurement mode.

Tips

1. This command only measures the distance between primitive design objects and as such, you will not be able to include group objects in your measurements (e.g. components, dimensions, coordinates, etc).