Object dimension graphics may be placed on views (board assembly view, board fabrication view, component view, etc.) to indicate the lengths, sizes, and angles of the object outlines or the distance between nominated objects.
Examples of dimensions placed on a board assembly view and board fabrication view
The type of dimension to be placed can be selected from the Place main menu.
Measurement Units
Note that the units system (metric or imperial) that applies to a Draftsman document is defined by the Units settings in the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space (learn more ). However, for individual objects such as linear/radial dimensions, drill table, and the layer stack legend, their default units may be preset to imperial or metric in the Draftsman – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog. These settings will override the document's base units setting when a new object of that type is placed.
In turn, the units used by the placed object can be locally changed through the Units option in the Properties panel when the object is selected.
What Objects Can a Dimension Be Attached To?
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Each of the Draftsman view types extracts and presents the data that best suits the function of that view. For example, a board assembly view is often heavily annotated with dimensions, notes, and details about specific components. In a board assembly view, the important element for a mounting hole is the drill size and hole center point, not the size of the copper donut that might be present around the hole, or the soldermask expansion value.
From the extracted data, Draftsman makes the following points available as references for dimensions in a board assembly view:
The centerline and end points of lines and arcs.
The edges and edge end points of polygonal shapes.
The center points of circles (holes) and arcs.
The board fabrication view is used to show how the copper is present on each fabricated layer. Different data is extracted from the PCB for this type of view, now the copper donut around the mounting hole is more important than the size of the drill hole. This view offers the following points for dimensioning:
The centerline and end points of lines and arcs.
The edges and edge end points of polygonal shapes.
The center of circular shapes (pads, vias, and arcs)
The center of rectangular shapes (pads and fills).
If dimensions created in a Draftsman document are snapped to a primitive that is removed from the PCB document, the dimension objects themselves are not removed and will remain grayed out on the Draftsman document.
Press Shift
Starting from Altium Designer 24.3, dimensions added to a placed board isometric view are correct in relation to those added to the board assembly view . Note that for an existing *.PCBDwf document created prior to this release, you will need to run the Import Changes from <BoardFileName>.PcbDoc command (from the Tools main menu or the right-click menu of the design space) and, if you have already added dimensions to your isometric views, replace these afresh.
Polygonal shapes that include curved edges in their design are actually rendered in the PCB editor with the curves replaced by short, straight segments (zoom in close in the PCB editor to see this). This applies to polygons and regions. That means if your polygon pour or region includes a curved edge, that edge cannot be used to draw a radial or diametral dimension in Draftsman because there is no curved object present.
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A Draftsman linear dimension is an automated dimensioning object that can be placed between the vertices or edges of Draftsman objects, such as a board assembly view. This allows a dimension to be placed on the side of an object, between two points on an object, or between nominated sides/vertices of two different objects.
A variety of linear dimensions applied to a board assembly view
The steps to place a linear dimension are:
Select the linear dimension placement command (Place » Linear Dimension ). The cursor will change to a crosshair, indicating linear dimension placement mode. As the cursor is hovered over objects, the object edges and vertex points will be highlighted as orange-colored lines and dots, respectively.
To dimension an object edge (side) the placement steps are:
Click on a highlighted object edge to place the dimension reference point.
Move the mouse and click to set the position of the dimension text and its associated extension lines.
To place a dimension between two object edges or vertices, the placement steps are:
Click on a highlighted object edge or vertex point to place the dimension's first reference point.
Click on another highlighted object edge/vertex to place the dimension's second reference point.
Move the mouse and click to set the position of the dimension text and its associated extension lines.
To cancel the placement mode, right-click in the design space or press Esc
A placed linear dimension can be graphically modified by selecting any part of its graphic representation and dragging the dimension text to a new X/Y location – its associated extension lines will adjust accordingly. An existing reference point in a placed linear dimension can be moved to a new location through a drag-and-drop action. When moved, the reference node binds to the new vertex/edge/center and causes the linear dimension data (the displayed measurement) to update accordingly.
A video demonstrating linear dimension placement and graphical editing techniques is shown below.
Properties panel when a placed linear dimension is selected in the design space ().
Style
Dimension Style Use the drop-downs to select the line thickness and pattern used to render the dimension's arrowed line. Available options are defined in the Line Styles region of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page. Use the associated color button to specify the color of the line.
Extension Style Use the drop-downs to select the line thickness and pattern used to render the dimension's extension lines. Available options are defined in the Line Styles region of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page. Use the associated color button to specify the color of the line.
Arrow Style Use the provided options to configure the dimension arrow lines.
Head Style – use the drop-down to choose from a range of preset target pointer styles.
Width – the width of the pointer head, such as an arrow. This setting also defines the diameter of a round head style.
Length – the length of the pointer head, such as an arrow.
Full Length – the length of the arrow lines when positioned on the outside of the dimension line (i.e., when the Arrow Position option is set to Outside ).
Properties
Text Position Use the drop-down menu to specify the dimension's text alignment. It can be set to within the dimension line (Inside ) or positioned alongside the line (Outside ). The Aligned variation positions the text in the same X/Y axis as the dimension line.
Arrow Position Use the drop-down menu to choose the arrow (header) position relative to the dimension extension lines. Draftsman automatically sets the position to Outside when the extension lines are close together.
Additional Line Enter text that will be displayed as a second line below the dimension text. Use the associated
Extension Line Gap Set the spacing between the dimension target points and the beginning of the extension lines.
Extension Line Offset Set the distance that the extension lines will protrude beyond the arrowed dimension line.
Units
Primary Units Select the main dimension unit type that will be displayed. Use the associated
When the Document : <Units> option is selected, the primary units specified for the document are applied to the dimension. The document-level primary units are selected using the Units drop-down in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Dual Units Set the secondary dimension unit type that will be displayed. Use the associated
When the Document : <Units> option is selected, the dual units specified for the document are applied to the dimension. The document-level dual units are selected using the Dual_Units drop-down in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Value
Value The measurement of the selected dimension, as derived by Draftsman. Check the Override Value With box to enter an alternative dimension text in the associated field.
Font Sets the font used for the dimension value text string.
When the Use Document Font option is enabled, the font used is that defined by the document options (the Document Font entry in the General region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space).
When the Use Document Font option is disabled, use the provided options to choose the desired font type, size, color, and text attributes.
Prefix Enter a text string that will be displayed before the dimension text.
Suffix Enter a text string that will be displayed after the dimension text.
Tolerance
Tolerance Type Use the drop-down menu to enable and set the type of displayed tolerance (the expected or acceptable variation in the target dimension):
Symmetric – sets the positive and negative tolerance to the same value, which is determined by the Positive Tolerance field entry.
Bilateral – allows the specification of independent positive and negative tolerance values as defined by their respective Positive Tolerance / Negative Tolerance field entries.
Limit – sets the tolerance display type to show the expected or acceptable value that the dimension may deviate.
Positive Tolerance Enter a value for the acceptable or expected worst case increase of the dimension.
Negative tolerance Enter a value for the acceptable or expected worst case decrease of the dimension.
Font Sets the font used for the dimension tolerance text string(s).
When the Use Document Font option is enabled, the font used is that defined by the document options (the Document Font entry in the General region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space).
When the Use Document Font option is disabled, use the provided options to choose the desired font type, size, color, and text attributes.
Precision
Primary Units Use the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision drop-downs to set the precision accuracy definition (up to five digits to the right of the decimal point, with the last digit rounded) for the primary (main) dimension value/tolerance text.
When the Document : <Precision> option is selected, the primary unit value/tolerance precision specified for the document is applied to the dimension. The document-level primary unit value and tolerance precision are selected using the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision options for Primary Units in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Dual Units Use the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision drop-downs to set the precision accuracy definition (up to five digits to the right of the decimal point, with the last digit rounded) for the dual (secondary) dimension value/tolerance text, if enabled.
When the Document : <Precision> option is selected, the dual unit value/tolerance precision specified for the document is applied to the dimension. The document-level dual unit value and tolerance precision are selected using the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision options for Dual Units in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
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A Draftsman radial dimension is an automated dimensioning graphic that applies to a circular object, such as a board object (hole) or an arc on a board assembly view or a board fabrication view . The text of the placed radial dimension reports the radius of the object.
A variety of radial dimensions applied to a board assembly view
The steps to place a radial dimension are:
Select the radial dimension placement command (Place » Radial Dimension ). The cursor will change to a crosshair, indicating radial dimension placement mode. As the cursor is hovered over circular objects, the object edge will be highlighted as an orange-colored outline.
Click on a highlighted outline to place the dimension target reference.
Move the mouse and click to set the position of the dimension text and its associated pointer line.
To cancel the placement mode, right-click in the design space or press Esc
A placed radial dimension can be graphically modified by selecting any part of its graphic representation and then dragging its editing handle to a new location; its associated extension lines will adjust accordingly.
A video demonstrating radial dimension placement and graphical editing techniques is shown below.
Properties panel when a placed radial dimension is selected in the design space ().
Style
Dimension Style Use the drop-downs to select the line thickness and pattern used to render the dimension's arrowed line. Available options are defined in the Line Styles region of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page. Use the associated color button to specify the color of the line.
Arrow Style Use the provided options to configure the dimension arrow lines.
Head Style – use the drop-down to choose from a range of preset target pointer styles.
Width – the width of the pointer head, such as an arrow. This setting also defines the diameter of a round head style.
Length – the length of the pointer head, such as an arrow.
Full Length – the length of the arrow lines when positioned on the inside of the dimension line (i.e., when the Arrow Position option is set to Inside ).
Properties
Text Position Use the drop-down menu to specify the dimension's text alignment. The text can be attached to the end of the pointer line (leader) or to a horizontal 'elbow' line that terminates the leader line. In both cases, it can be set to in-line with or above the associated line.
Arrow Position Use the drop-down menu to choose the arrow (header) position relative to the targeting leader line. The Outside option places the arrow on the opposite side of the object's target point.
Additional Line Enter text that will be displayed as a second line below the dimension text. Use the associated
Units
Primary Units Select the main dimension unit type that will be displayed. Use the associated
When the Document : <Units> option is selected, the primary units specified for the document are applied to the dimension. The document-level primary units are selected using the Units drop-down in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Dual Units Set the secondary dimension unit type that will be displayed. Use the associated
When the Document : <Units> option is selected, the dual units specified for the document are applied to the dimension. The document-level dual units are selected using the Dual_Units drop-down in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Value
Value The measurement of the selected dimension, as derived by Draftsman. Check the Override Value With box to enter an alternative dimension text in the associated field.
Font Sets the font used for the dimension value text string.
When the Use Document Font option is enabled, the font used is that defined by the document options (the Document Font entry in the General region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space).
When the Use Document Font option is disabled, use the provided options to choose the desired font type, size, color, and text attributes.
Prefix Enter a text string that will be displayed before the dimension text.
Suffix Enter a text string that will be displayed after the dimension text.
Tolerance
Tolerance Type Use the drop-down menu to enable and set the type of displayed tolerance (the expected or acceptable variation in the target dimension):
Symmetric – sets the positive and negative tolerance to the same value, which is determined by the Positive Tolerance field entry.
Bilateral – allows the specification of independent positive and negative tolerance values as defined by their respective Positive Tolerance / Negative Tolerance field entries.
Limit – sets the tolerance display type to show the expected or acceptable value that the dimension may deviate.
Positive Tolerance Enter a value for the acceptable or expected worst case increase of the dimension.
Negative tolerance Enter a value for the acceptable or expected worst case decrease of the dimension.
Font Sets the font used for the dimension tolerance text string(s).
When the Use Document Font option is enabled, the font used is that defined by the document options (the Document Font entry in the General region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space).
When the Use Document Font option is disabled, use the provided options to choose the desired font type, size, color, and text attributes.
Precision
Primary Units Use the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision drop-downs to set the precision accuracy definition (up to five digits to the right of the decimal point, with the last digit rounded) for the primary (main) dimension value/tolerance text.
When the Document : <Precision> option is selected, the primary unit value/tolerance precision specified for the document is applied to the dimension. The document-level primary unit value and tolerance precision are selected using the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision options for Primary Units in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Dual Units Use the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision drop-downs to set the precision accuracy definition (up to five digits to the right of the decimal point, with the last digit rounded) for the dual (secondary) dimension value/tolerance text, if enabled.
When the Document : <Precision> option is selected, the dual unit value/tolerance precision specified for the document is applied to the dimension. The document-level dual unit value and tolerance precision are selected using the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision options for Dual Units in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
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A Draftsman diametral dimension is an automated dimensioning graphic that applies to a circular object, such as a board object (hole) or an arc on a board assembly view or a board fabrication view . The text of the placed diametral dimension reports the diameter of the object.
A variety of diametral dimensions applied to a board assembly view
The steps to place a diametral dimension are:
Select the diametral dimension placement command (Place » Diametral Dimension ). The cursor will change to a crosshair, indicating diametral dimension placement mode. As the cursor is hovered over circular objects, the object edge will be highlighted as an orange-colored outline.
Click on a highlighted outline to place the dimension target reference.
Move the mouse and click to set the position of the dimension text and its associated pointer line.
To cancel the placement mode, right-click in the design space or press Esc
A placed diametral dimension can be graphically modified by selecting any part of its graphic representation and then dragging its editing handle to a new location; its associated extension lines will adjust accordingly.
A video demonstrating diametral dimension placement and graphical editing techniques is shown below.
Properties panel when a placed diametral dimension is selected in the design space ().
Style
Dimension Style Use the drop-downs to select the line thickness and pattern used to render the dimension's arrowed line. Available options are defined in the Line Styles region of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page. Use the associated color button to specify the color of the line.
Arrow Style Use the provided options to configure the dimension arrow lines.
Head Style – use the drop-down to choose from a range of preset target pointer styles.
Width – the width of the pointer head, such as an arrow. This setting also defines the diameter of a round head style.
Length – the length of the pointer head, such as an arrow.
Full Length – the length of the arrow lines when positioned on the outside of the dimension line (i.e., when the Arrow Position option is set to Outside ).
Properties
Text Position Use the drop-down menu to specify the dimension's text alignment. The text can be attached to the end of the pointer line (leader) or to a horizontal 'elbow' line that terminates the leader line. In both cases, it can be set to in-line with or above the associated line.
Arrow Position Use the drop-down menu to choose the arrow (header) position relative to the targeting leader line. The Outside option places the arrow on the opposite side of the object's target point.
Additional Line Enter text that will be displayed as a second line below the dimension text. Use the associated
Units
Primary Units Select the main dimension unit type that will be displayed. Use the associated
When the Document : <Units> option is selected, the primary units specified for the document are applied to the dimension. The document-level primary units are selected using the Units drop-down in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Dual Units Set the secondary dimension unit type that will be displayed. Use the associated
When the Document : <Units> option is selected, the dual units specified for the document are applied to the dimension. The document-level dual units are selected using the Dual_Units drop-down in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Value
Value The measurement of the selected dimension, as derived by Draftsman. Check the Override Value With box to enter an alternative dimension text in the associated field.
Font Sets the font used for the dimension value text string.
When the Use Document Font option is enabled, the font used is that defined by the document options (the Document Font entry in the General region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space).
When the Use Document Font option is disabled, use the provided options to choose the desired font type, size, color, and text attributes.
Prefix Enter a text string that will be displayed before the dimension text.
Suffix Enter a text string that will be displayed after the dimension text.
Tolerance
Tolerance Type Use the drop-down menu to enable and set the type of displayed tolerance (the expected or acceptable variation in the target dimension):
Symmetric – sets the positive and negative tolerance to the same value, which is determined by the Positive Tolerance field entry.
Bilateral – allows the specification of independent positive and negative tolerance values as defined by their respective Positive Tolerance / Negative Tolerance field entries.
Limit – sets the tolerance display type to show the expected or acceptable value that the dimension may deviate.
Positive Tolerance Enter a value for the acceptable or expected worst case increase of the dimension.
Negative tolerance Enter a value for the acceptable or expected worst case decrease of the dimension.
Font Sets the font used for the dimension tolerance text string(s).
When the Use Document Font option is enabled, the font used is that defined by the document options (the Document Font entry in the General region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space).
When the Use Document Font option is disabled, use the provided options to choose the desired font type, size, color, and text attributes.
Precision
Primary Units Use the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision drop-downs to set the precision accuracy definition (up to five digits to the right of the decimal point, with the last digit rounded) for the primary (main) dimension value/tolerance text.
When the Document : <Precision> option is selected, the primary unit value/tolerance precision specified for the document is applied to the dimension. The document-level primary unit value and tolerance precision are selected using the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision options for Primary Units in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Dual Units Use the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision drop-downs to set the precision accuracy definition (up to five digits to the right of the decimal point, with the last digit rounded) for the dual (secondary) dimension value/tolerance text, if enabled.
When the Document : <Precision> option is selected, the dual unit value/tolerance precision specified for the document is applied to the dimension. The document-level dual unit value and tolerance precision are selected using the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision options for Dual Units in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
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A Draftsman angular dimension is an automated dimensioning graphic that reports the relative angle between two object faces (or a center mark crosshair line) on a drawing view, such as a board assembly view or a board fabrication view . The text of the placed angular dimension reports the relative angle between two object faces, such as the sides/edges of a component or board.
A variety of angular dimensions applied to a board assembly view
The steps to place an angular dimension are:
Select the angular dimension placement command (Place » Angular Dimension ). The cursor will change to a crosshair, indicating angular dimension placement mode. As the cursor is hovered over an object face edge (or center mark crosshair line), it will be highlighted as an orange-colored outline.
Click on a highlighted line to select the first angle reference.
Hover the cursor over another object edge/line and then click the highlighted line to select the second angle reference.
Move the mouse and click to set the position of the dimension text and its associated dimension lines.
To cancel the placement mode, right-click in the design space or press Esc
A placed angular dimension can be graphically modified by selecting any part of its graphic representation and then dragging its editing handle to a new location. During the repositioning (and during initial placement of the dimension), the arrowed dimension lines will automatically adjust drawing mode and/or add extension lines to best match the current text position.
A video demonstrating angular dimension placement and graphical editing techniques is shown below.
Properties panel when a placed angular dimension is selected in the design space ().
Style
Dimension Style Use the drop-downs to select the line thickness and pattern used to render the dimension's arrowed lines. Available options are defined in the Line Styles region of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page. Use the associated color button to specify the color of the line.
Extension Style Use the drop-downs to select the line thickness and pattern used to render the dimension's extension lines. Available options are defined in the Line Styles region of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page. Use the associated color button to specify the color of the line.
Arrow Style Use the provided options to configure the dimension arrow lines.
Head Style – use the drop-down to choose from a range of preset dimension pointer styles.
Width – the width of the pointer head, such as an arrow. This setting also defines the diameter of a round head style.
Length – the length of the pointer head, such as an arrow.
Full Length – the length of the arrow lines when positioned on the outside of the dimension line (i.e., when the Arrow Position option is set to Outside ).
Properties
Extension Line Gap Set the spacing between the dimension target points and the beginning of the extension lines.
Extension Line Offset Set the distance that the extension lines will protrude beyond the arrowed dimension line.
Elbow Position Set the horizontal line at the end of the dimension (if present) to protrude to the Left or Right . Note that Draftsman will automatically add an elbow line as required when the dimension is graphically modified.
Arrow Position Use the drop-down menu to choose the dimension arrow pointers to be Inside or Outside the dimension, relative to the extension lines. Note that Draftsman will automatically change the arrow position as required when the dimension is graphically modified.
Units
Show Unit Names Check to display the measurement units, namely the degrees character symbol, as the dimension text suffix.
Value
Value The measurement of the selected dimension, as derived by Draftsman. Check the Override Value With box to enter an alternative dimension text in the associated field.
Font Sets the font used for the dimension value text string.
When the Use Document Font option is enabled, the font used is that defined by the document options (the Document Font entry in the General region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space).
When the Use Document Font option is disabled, use the provided options to choose the desired font type, size, color, and text attributes.
Prefix Enter a text string that will be displayed before the dimension text.
Suffix Enter a text string that will be displayed after the dimension text.
Tolerance
Tolerance Type Use the drop-down menu to enable and set the type of displayed tolerance (the expected or acceptable variation in the target dimension):
Symmetric – sets the positive and negative tolerance to the same value, which is determined by the Positive Tolerance field entry.
Bilateral – allows the specification of independent positive and negative tolerance values as defined by their respective Positive Tolerance / Negative Tolerance field entries.
Limit – sets the tolerance display type to show the expected or acceptable value that the dimension may deviate.
Positive Tolerance Enter a value for the acceptable or expected worst case increase of the dimension.
Negative tolerance Enter a value for the acceptable or expected worst case decrease of the dimension.
Font Sets the font used for the dimension tolerance text string(s).
When the Use Document Font option is enabled, the font used is that defined by the document options (the Document Font entry in the General region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space).
When the Use Document Font option is disabled, use the provided options to choose the desired font type, size, color, and text attributes.
Precision
Primary Units Use the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision drop-downs to set the precision accuracy definition (up to five digits to the right of the decimal point, with the last digit rounded) for the dimension value/tolerance text.
When the Document : <Precision> option is selected, the primary unit value/tolerance precision specified for the document is applied to the dimension. The document-level primary unit value and tolerance precision are selected using the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision options for Primary Units in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
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A Draftsman ordinate dimension is an automated dimensioning object that is composed of multiple linear dimension elements that are relative to a specified reference point. The indicated dimensions in the ordinate set are effectively cumulative as they are placed at increasing distances from the nominated reference point, and can be placed on the outlines edges or vertices of a placed board view or its constituent objects.
A variety of ordinate dimensions applied to a board assembly view
The steps to place an ordinate dimension set are:
Select the ordinate dimension placement command (Place » Ordinate Dimension ). The cursor will change to a crosshair, indicating ordinate dimension placement mode. As the cursor is hovered over objects, the object edges and vertex points will be highlighted as orange-colored lines and dots, respectively.
Hover the cursor over the drawing view until the desired (reference) point or object edge is highlighted.
Click to select this as the dimension reference point then move the cursor and click to set the extension position and angle.
Continue selecting points to create the full series of dimensions that are relative to the first placed reference point.
To cancel the placement mode, right-click in the design space or press Esc
When a set of ordinate dimensions has been selected in the design space, by clicking on any part of its graphic representation, it can be graphically modified in the following ways:
Drag the dimension's lines or text to a new location on the same axis. In this editing mode, the set of dimensions behaves as one object and can be moved as a single entity.
To add a new dimension to the ordinate set, select another highlighted object location on the drawing view.
To remove an individual dimension from the ordinate set, click on its node handle.
A video demonstrating ordinate dimension set placement and graphical editing techniques is shown below.
Properties panel when a placed ordinate dimension set is selected in the design space ().
Value
Table This is a table that lists each dimension within the ordinate set, along with its associated tolerance settings.
Value – the measurement of an individual dimension in the ordinate set, as derived by Draftsman.
Tolerance Type – use the drop-down menu to enable and set the type of displayed tolerance for the dimension (the expected or acceptable variation in the dimension):
Symmetric – sets the positive and negative tolerance to the same value, which is determined by the Positive Tolerance field entry.
Bilateral – allows the specification of independent positive and negative tolerance values as defined by their respective Positive Tolerance / Negative Tolerance field entries (see below).
Limit – sets the tolerance display type to show the expected or acceptable value that the dimension may deviate.
Positive Tolerance – enter a value for the acceptable or expected worst case increase of the dimension.
Negative tolerance – enter a value for the acceptable or expected worst case decrease of the dimension.
Style
Dimension Style Use the drop-downs to select the line thickness and pattern used to render the dimension's arrowed lines. Available options are defined in the Line Styles region of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page. Use the associated color button to specify the color of the line.
Extension Style Use the drop-downs to select the line thickness and pattern used to render the dimension's extension lines. Available options are defined in the Line Styles region of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page. Use the associated color button to specify the color of the line.
Arrow Style Use the provided options to configure the dimension arrow lines.
Head Style – use the drop-down to choose from a range of preset target pointer styles.
Width – the width of the pointer head, such as an arrow. This setting also defines the diameter of a round head style.
Length – the length of the pointer head, such as an arrow.
Properties
Extension Line Gap Set the spacing between the dimension target points and the beginning of the extension lines.
Extension Line Offset Set the distance that the extension lines will protrude beyond the arrowed dimension line.
Font Sets the font used for the dimension value text string of each dimension within the ordinate set.
When the Use Document Font option is enabled, the font used is that defined by the document options (the Document Font entry in the General region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space).
When the Use Document Font option is disabled, use the provided options to choose the desired font type, size, color, and text attributes.
Prefix Enter a text string that will be displayed before the dimension text of each dimension within the ordinate set.
Suffix Enter a text string that will be displayed after the dimension text of each dimension within the ordinate set.
Units
Primary Units Select the main dimension unit type that will be displayed. Use the associated
When the Document : <Units> option is selected, the primary units specified for the document are applied to the dimension. The document-level primary units are selected using the Units drop-down in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Dual Units Set the secondary dimension unit type that will be displayed. Use the associated
When the Document : <Units> option is selected, the dual units specified for the document are applied to the dimension. The document-level dual units are selected using the Dual_Units drop-down in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Precision
Primary Units Use the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision drop-downs to set the precision accuracy definition (up to five digits to the right of the decimal point, with the last digit rounded) for the primary (main) dimension value/tolerance text.
When the Document : <Precision> option is selected, the primary unit value/tolerance precision specified for the document is applied to the dimension. The document-level primary unit value and tolerance precision are selected using the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision options for Primary Units in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Dual Units Use the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision drop-downs to set the precision accuracy definition (up to five digits to the right of the decimal point, with the last digit rounded) for the dual (secondary) dimension value/tolerance text, if enabled.
When the Document : <Precision> option is selected, the dual unit value/tolerance precision specified for the document is applied to the dimension. The document-level dual unit value and tolerance precision are selected using the Value Precision and Tolerance Precision options for Dual Units in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Tolerance
Font Sets the font used for the dimension tolerance text string(s) of each dimension within the ordinate set.
When the Use Document Font option is enabled, the font used is that defined by the document options (the Document Font entry in the General region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space).
When the Use Document Font option is disabled, use the provided options to choose the desired font type, size, color, and text attributes.
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A Draftsman X,Y axis scale is an automated dimensioning object that can be used to place a reference scale on the outlines edges or vertices of a placed board view or its constituent objects.
X, Y axis scales applied to a board fabrication view
The steps to place an X,Y axis scale are:
Select the X,Y axis scale placement command (Place » X,Y Axis Scale ). The cursor will change to a crosshair, indicating X,Y axis scale placement mode. As the cursor is hovered over objects, the object vertex points will be highlighted as orange-colored dots.
Hover the cursor over the drawing view until the desired (reference) point is highlighted.
Click to attach the zero end of the scale.
Reposition the cursor and click to attach the far end of the scale.
Move the cursor to set the distance between the referenced objects and the X,Y axis scale and click to place the scale.
A placed X,Y axis scale can be graphically modified by selecting any part of its graphic representation and then dragging its editing handle towards or away from the drawing view – its associated extension lines will adjust accordingly.
A video demonstrating X,Y axis scale placement and graphical editing techniques is shown below.
Properties panel when a placed X, Y axis scale is selected in the design space ().
Style
Line Style Use the drop-downs to select the line thickness and pattern used to render the X,Y axis scale's lines. Available options are defined in the Line Styles region of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page. Use the associated color button to specify the color of the line.
Properties
Line Grid The current grid distance value that determines the distance between ticks with numeric values.
Line Gap The current gap distance value that determines the distance between the numeric values and the X,Y axis scale line.
Additional Line Number Set the number of additional ticks between adjacent ticks featuring numeric values. Use the associated
Rotate Text Check this box to rotate the X,Y axis scale text strings counterclockwise by 90°.
Font Sets the font used for the X,Y axis scale value text strings.
When the Use Document Font option is enabled, the font used is that defined by the document options (the Document Font entry in the General region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space).
When the Use Document Font option is disabled, use the provided options to choose the desired font type, size, color, and text attributes.
Units
Primary Units Select the main dimension unit type that will be displayed. Use the associated
When the Document : <Units> option is selected, the primary units specified for the document are applied to the dimension. The document-level primary units are selected using the Units drop-down in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Dual Units Set the secondary dimension unit type that will be displayed. Use the associated
When the Document : <Units> option is selected, the dual units specified for the document are applied to the dimension. The document-level dual units are selected using the Dual_Units drop-down in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Precision
Primary Value Use the drop-down to set the precision accuracy definition (up to five digits to the right of the decimal point, with the last digit rounded) for the primary (main) dimension value text.
When the Document : <Precision> option is selected, the primary unit value precision specified for the document is applied to the dimension. The document-level primary unit value precision is selected using the Value Precision option for Primary Units in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
Dual Value Use the drop-down to set the precision accuracy definition (up to five digits to the right of the decimal point, with the last digit rounded) for the dual (secondary) dimension value text, if enabled.
When the Document : <Precision> option is selected, the dual unit value precision specified for the document is applied to the dimension. The document-level dual unit value precision is selected using the Value Precision option for Dual Units in the Units region of the General tab of the Properties panel when no object is selected in the design space. For more information, refer to the Setting Up a Draftsman Document page.
