PlaceDimension

Created: July 27, 2015 | Updated: April 11, 2017 | Applies to versions: 15.1, 16.0, 16.1, 17.0 and 17.1

Now reading version 16.0. For the latest, read: PlaceDimension for version 22

The following pre-packaged resources, derived from this base command, are available:

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = ANGULAR

Summary

This command is used to place an Angular Dimension object onto the active document. An angular dimension is a group design object. It allows for the dimensioning of angular distances.

For detailed information about this object type, see Angular Dimension.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

Choosing the Place » Dimension » Angular command from the main menus.
Clicking the button on the Place Dimension drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

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:

Position the cursor over the first reference object and click or press Enter to anchor the first dimension reference (the inside reference).
Move the cursor to the next required position associated with the first object being dimensioned and click or press Enter to anchor the second dimension reference (the outside reference).
Position the cursor over the second reference object and click or press Enter to anchor the third dimension reference (the inside reference).
Move the cursor to the next required position associated with the second object being dimensioned and click or press Enter to anchor the fourth dimension reference (the outside reference).
Place the dimension text for the angle as desired and then click or press Enter to complete placement.
Continue placing further angular dimensions, or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

When dimensioning an object, anchor points become available to you, highlighting where the dimension can be attached. The point nearest the cursor will be the one used, and where the dimension will attach if you proceed to click, or press Enter.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design respectively – to change placement layer quickly.
Press the Tab key to access the Angular Dimension dialog, from where properties for the dimension can be changed on-the-fly.

Tips

While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up associated properties dialog), bear in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.
Angular dimensions are group objects consisting of text and track segments. They can be converted to their set of primitive objects by choosing Tools » Convert » Explode Dimension to Free Primitives from the main menus. Once exploded, a dimension object can no longer be manipulated as a group object.

Place Baseline Dimension

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = BASELINE

Summary

This command is used to place a Baseline Dimension object onto the active document. A baseline dimension is a group design object. It allows for the dimensioning of a linear distance of a collection of references, relative to a single base reference. The first point chosen is the 'base'. All subsequent points are relative to this first point. The dimension value in each case is therefore the distance between each reference point and the 'base', measured in the default units. The references may be objects (tracks, arcs, pads, vias, text, fills, polygons or components) or points in free space.

For detailed information about this object type, see Baseline Dimension.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

Choosing the Place » Dimension » Baseline command from the main menus.
Clicking the button on the Place Dimension drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

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:

Position the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point (this is the first reference point or 'base').
Move the cursor to the required end point and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension end point (this is the second reference point).
The text can now be initially positioned. Click or press Enter when the text is in the desired position to effect placement.
Move the cursor to subsequent reference points and click or press Enter twice to effect placement (first click to anchor to a reference and second click after positioning the text).
When all required references in the baseline dimension have been covered, right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design respectively – to change placement layer quickly.
Press Spacebar to rotate the dimension anti-clockwise or Shift+Spacebar for clockwise rotation. Rotation is in accordance with the value for the Rotation Step, defined on the PCB Editor – General page of the Preferences dialog.
Press the Tab key to access the Baseline Dimension dialog, from where properties for the dimension can be changed on-the-fly.

Tips

While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up associated properties dialog), bear in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.
Baseline dimensions are group objects consisting of text and track segments. They can be converted to their set of primitive objects by choosing Tools » Convert » Explode Dimension to Free Primitives from the main menus. Once exploded, a dimension object can no longer be manipulated as a group object.

Place Center Dimension

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = CENTER

Summary

This command is used to place a Center Dimension object onto the active document. A center dimension is a group design object. It allows for the center of an arc or circle to be marked.

For detailed information about this object type, see Center Dimension.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

Choosing the Place » Dimension » Center command from the main menus.
Clicking the button on the Place Dimension drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

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:

Position the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension to the desired arc or circle.
Move the dimension until the desired sizing is achieved then click or press Enter to complete placement.
Continue placing further center dimensions, or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design respectively – to change placement layer quickly.
Press Spacebar to rotate the dimension anti-clockwise or Shift+Spacebar for clockwise rotation. Rotation is in accordance with the value for the Rotation Step, defined on the PCB Editor – General page of the Preferences dialog.
Press the Tab key to access the Center Dimension dialog, from where properties for the dimension can be changed on-the-fly.

Tips

While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up associated properties dialog), bear in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.
Center dimensions are group objects consisting of track segments. They can be converted to their set of primitive objects by choosing Tools » Convert » Explode Dimension to Free Primitives from the main menus. Once exploded, a dimension object can no longer be manipulated as a group object.

Place Datum Dimension

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = DATUM

Summary

This command is used to place a Datum Dimension object onto the active document. A datum dimension is a group design object. It allows for the dimensioning of a linear distance of a collection of objects, relative to a single reference object. The first object chosen is the 'base'. All subsequent objects are relative to this first object. The dimension value in each case is therefore the distance between each reference object and the 'base', measured in the default units. The references may be tracks, arcs, pads, vias, text, fills, polygons or components.

For detailed information about this object type, see Datum Dimension.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

Choosing the Place » Dimension » Datum command from the main menus.
Clicking the button on the Place Dimension drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

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:

Position the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point (this is the first reference object or 'base').
Move the cursor to the next required object and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension end point (this is the second reference object).
Move the cursor to subsequent reference objects and click or press Enter. When all desired objects have been selected, right-click or press Esc.
The text can now be initially positioned. Click or press Enter when the text is in the desired position to complete placement and exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design respectively – to change placement layer quickly.
Press Spacebar to rotate the dimension anti-clockwise or Shift+Spacebar for clockwise rotation. Rotation is in accordance with the value for the Rotation Step, defined on the PCB Editor – General page of the Preferences dialog.
Press the Tab key to access the Datum Dimension dialog, from where properties for the dimension can be changed on-the-fly.

Tips

While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up associated properties dialog), bear in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.
Datum dimensions are group objects consisting of text and track segments. They can be converted to their set of primitive objects by choosing Tools » Convert » Explode Dimension to Free Primitives from the main menus. Once exploded, a dimension object can no longer be manipulated as a group object.

Place Leader Dimension

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = LEADER

Summary

This command is used to place a Leader Dimension object onto the active document. A leader dimension is a group design object. It allows for the labeling of an object, point or area. The label text can be encapsulated in a circle, a square, or not at all, while the pointer can be an arrow or a dot.

For detailed information about this object type, see Leader Dimension.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

Choosing the Place » Dimension » Leader command from the main menus.
Clicking the button on the Place Dimension drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

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:

Position the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point (this is the location of the arrowhead or dot).
Move the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor a series of vertex points that define the shape of the leader.
After placing the final required vertex point, right-click or press Esc to effect placement of the text label and exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design respectively – to change placement layer quickly.
Press the Tab key to access the Leader Dimension dialog, from where properties for the dimension can be changed on-the-fly.

Tips

While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up associated properties dialog), bear in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.
Leader dimensions are group objects consisting of text and track segments. They can be converted to their set of primitive objects by choosing Tools » Convert » Explode Dimension to Free Primitives from the main menus. Once exploded, a dimension object can no longer be manipulated as a group object.

Place Linear Diameter Dimension

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = LINEARDIAMETER

Summary

This command is used to place a Linear Diameter Dimension object onto the active document. A linear diameter dimension is a group design object. It allows for the dimensioning of an arc or circle with respect to the diameter, rather than the radius. The dimension can be placed either internally or externally.

For detailed information about this object type, see Linear Diameter Dimension.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

Choosing the Place » Dimension » Linear Diameter command from the main menus.
Clicking the button on the Place Dimension drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

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:

Position the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension to the desired arc or circle. The position of the dimension is determined by the alignment angle for the dimension.
Move the dimension text to the desired position (either internal or external) and click or press Enter to complete placement.
Continue placing further linear diameter dimensions, or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design respectively – to change placement layer quickly.
Press Spacebar to rotate the dimension anti-clockwise or Shift+Spacebar for clockwise rotation. Rotation is in accordance with the value for the Rotation Step, defined on the PCB Editor – General page of the Preferences dialog.
Press the Tab key to access the Linear Diameter Dimension dialog, from where properties for the dimension can be changed on-the-fly.

Tips

While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up associated properties dialog), bear in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.
Linear diameter dimensions are group objects consisting of text and track segments. They can be converted to their set of primitive objects by choosing Tools » Convert » Explode Dimension to Free Primitives from the main menus. Once exploded, a dimension object can no longer be manipulated as a group object.

Place Linear Dimension

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = LINEAR

Summary

This command is used to place a Linear Dimension object onto the active document. A linear dimension is a group design object. It places dimensioning information on the current PCB layer, with respect to a linear distance. The dimension value is the distance between the start and end markers (reference points selected by the user) measured in the default units. The references may be objects (tracks, arcs, pads, vias, text, fills, polygons or components) or points in free space.

For detailed information about this object type, see Linear Dimension.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

Choosing the Place » Dimension » Linear command from the main menus.
Clicking the button on the Place Dimension drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

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:

Position the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point (this is the first reference point).
Move the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension end point (this is the second reference point).
The text can now be initially positioned. Move the cursor and click or press Enter when the text is in the desired position, to complete dimension placement.
Continue placing further linear dimensions, or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design respectively – to change placement layer quickly.
Press Spacebar to rotate the dimension anti-clockwise or Shift+Spacebar for clockwise rotation. Rotation is in accordance with the value for the Rotation Step, defined on the PCB Editor – General page of the Preferences dialog.
Press the Tab key to access the Linear Dimension dialog, from where properties for the dimension can be changed on-the-fly.

Tips

While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up associated properties dialog), bear in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.
Linear dimensions are group objects consisting of text and track segments. They can be converted to their set of primitive objects by choosing Tools » Convert » Explode Dimension to Free Primitives from the main menus. Once exploded, a dimension object can no longer be manipulated as a group object.

Place Original Dimension

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = ORIGINAL

Summary

This command is used to place an Original Dimension object onto the active document. An original dimension is a group design object. It places dimensioning information on the current PCB layer. The dimension value is the distance between the start and end markers, measured in the default units.

For detailed information about this object type, see Original Dimension.

The original dimension is considered more of a legacy dimensioning tool, superseded with the enhanced functionality provided by the Linear, and other dimension objects.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

Choosing the Place » Dimension » Dimension command from the main menus.
Clicking the button on the Place Dimension drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.
Clicking the button on the Utility Tools drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

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:

Position the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point.
Move the cursor to the required end point, then click or press Enter to anchor this point and complete placement.
Continue placing further standard dimensions, or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

Press the L key to flip the dimension to the other side of the board – note that this is only possible prior to anchoring the dimension's start point.
Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design respectively – to change placement layer quickly.
Press the Tab key to access the Dimension dialog, from where properties for the dimension can be changed on-the-fly.

Tips

While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up associated properties dialog), bear in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.
Original dimensions are group objects consisting of text and track segments. They can be converted to their set of primitive objects by choosing Tools » Convert » Explode Dimension to Free Primitives from the main menus. Once exploded, a dimension object can no longer be manipulated as a group object.

Place Radial Diameter Dimension

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = RADIALDIAMETER

Summary

This command is used to place a Radial Diameter Dimension object onto the active document. A radial diameter dimension is a group design object. It allows for the dimensioning of an arc or circle with respect to the diameter, rather than the radius. The dimension can be placed either internally or externally, in relation to the circumference of the arc/circle.

For detailed information about this object type, see Radial Diameter Dimension.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

Choosing the Place » Dimension » Radial Diameter command from the main menus.
Clicking the button on the Place Dimension drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

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:

Position the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension to the desired arc or circle.
Move the dimension's arrow pointer to the desired location around the arc or circle. The arrow can be placed either inside or outside and movement is in accordance with the Angular Step value in the Radial Diameter Dimension dialog. When the required position has been attained, click or press Enter to lock the arrow in place.
The text can now be initially positioned in relation to the tail of the arrow pointer. Move the text into the required position and click or press Enter to complete placement.
Continue placing further radial diameter dimensions, or right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design respectively – to change placement layer quickly.
Press the Tab key to access the Radial Diameter Dimension dialog, from where properties for the dimension can be changed on-the-fly.

Tips

While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up associated properties dialog), bear in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.
Radial diameter dimensions are group objects consisting of text and track segments. They can be converted to their set of primitive objects by choosing Tools » Convert » Explode Dimension to Free Primitives from the main menus. Once exploded, a dimension object can no longer be manipulated as a group object.

Place Radial Dimension

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = RADIAL

Summary

This command is used to place a Radial Dimension object onto the active document. A radial dimension is a group design object. It allows for the dimensioning of a radius with respect to an arc or circle. The dimension can be placed either internally or externally, in relation to the circumference of the arc/circle.

For detailed information about this object type, see Radial Dimension.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor by:

Choosing the Place » Dimension » Radial command from the main menus.
Clicking the button on the Place Dimension drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.

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:

Position the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension to the desired arc or circle.
Move the dimension's arrow pointer to the desired location around the arc or circle. The arrow can be placed either inside or outside and movement is in accordance with the Angular Step value in the Radial Dimension dialog. When the required position has been attained, click or press Enter to lock the arrow in place.
The text can now be initially positioned in relation to the tail of the arrow pointer. Move the text into the required position and click or press Enter to complete placement.
Continue placing further radial dimensions, or right-click or press Esc to exit dimension placement mode.

Additional actions that can be performed during placement are:

Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design respectively – to change placement layer quickly.
Press the Tab key to access the Radial Dimension dialog, from where properties for the dimension can be changed on-the-fly.

Tips

While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up associated properties dialog), bear in mind that these will become the default settings for further placement unless the Permanent option on the PCB Editor – Defaults page of the Preferences dialog is enabled. When this option is enabled, changes made will affect only the object being placed and subsequent objects placed during the same placement session.
Radial dimensions are group objects consisting of text and track segments. They can be converted to their set of primitive objects by choosing Tools » Convert » Explode Dimension to Free Primitives from the main menus. Once exploded, a dimension object can no longer be manipulated as a group object.

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