PlaceDimension

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.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor and PCB Library 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.
• Right-clicking in the workspace then choosing the Place » Dimension » Angular 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:

1. Position the cursor over the first reference object then click or press Enter to anchor the first dimension reference (the inside reference).
2. Move the cursor to the next required position associated with the first object being dimensioned then click or press Enter to anchor the second dimension reference (the outside reference).
3. Position the cursor over the second reference object then click or press Enter to anchor the third dimension reference (the inside reference).
4. Move the cursor to the next required position associated with the second object being dimensioned then click or press Enter to anchor the fourth dimension reference (the outside reference).
5. Place the dimension text for the angle as desired then click or press Enter to complete placement.
6. Continue placing further angular 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 to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. 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.

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.

Access

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

• Locating and using the Angular Dimension command () on the Active Bar.

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:

1. Position the cursor over the first reference object then click or press Enter to anchor the first dimension reference (the inside reference).
2. Move the cursor to the next required position associated with the first object being dimensioned then click or press Enter to anchor the second dimension reference (the outside reference).
3. Position the cursor over the second reference object then click or press Enter to anchor the third dimension reference (the inside reference).
4. Move the cursor to the next required position associated with the second object being dimensioned then click or press Enter to anchor the fourth dimension reference (the outside reference).
5. Place the dimension text for the angle as desired then click or press Enter to complete placement.
6. Continue placing further angular 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 to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. 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.

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = BASELINE

Summary

This command is used to place an Baseline Dimension object onto the active document. 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.

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

• Locating and using the Baseline Dimension command () on the Active Bar.

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:

1. Position the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point (this is the first reference point or 'base').
2. 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).
3. The text can now be initially positioned. Click or press Enter when the text is in the desired position to effect placement.
4. 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).
5. When all required references in the baseline dimension have been covered, right-click or press Esc to exit placement mode.

When dimensioning an object, anchor points become available to you that highlight 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 Spacebar to rotate the dimension counterclockwise or Shift+Spacebar for clockwise rotation. Rotation is in accordance with the value for the Rotation Step, which is defined on the PCB Editor – General page of the Preferences dialog.
• Press the Tab key to open the Baseline Dimension mode of the Properties panel, from where properties for the dimension can be changed on-the-fly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to open the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. 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.

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = CENTER

Summary

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

• Locating and using the Center Dimension command () on the Active Bar.

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:

1. Position the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension to the desired arc or circle.
2. Move the dimension until the desired sizing is achieved then click or press Enter to complete placement.
3. 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 counterclockwise or Shift+Spacebar for clockwise rotation. Rotation is in accordance with the value for the Rotation Step, which is defined on the PCB Editor – General page of the Preferences dialog.
• Press the Tab key to open the Center Dimension mode of the Properties panel, from where properties for the dimension can be changed on-the-fly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to open the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. 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.

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.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor and PCB Library 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.
• Right-clicking in the workspace then choosing the Place » Dimension » Leader 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:

1. Position the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point (this is the location of the arrowhead or dot).
2. Move the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor a series of vertex points that define the shape of the leader.
3. 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 to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. 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.

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.

Access

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

• Locating and using the Leader Dimension command () on the Active Bar.

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:

1. Position the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point (this is the location of the arrowhead or dot).
2. Move the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor a series of vertex points that define the shape of the leader.
3. 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 to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. 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.

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.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor and PCB Library 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.
• Right-clicking in the workspace then choosing the Place » Dimension » Linear 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:

1. Position the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point (this is the first reference point).
2. Move the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension end point (this is the second reference point).
3. The text can now be initially positioned. Move the cursor then click or press Enter when the text is in the desired position to complete dimension placement.
4. 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 to change placement layer quickly.
• Press the Spacebar to rotate the dimension counterclockwise 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.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. 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.

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.

Access

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

• Locating and using the Linear Dimension command () on the Active Bar.

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:

1. Position the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point (this is the first reference point).
2. Move the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension end point (this is the second reference point).
3. The text can now be initially positioned. Move the cursor then click or press Enter when the text is in the desired position to complete dimension placement.
4. 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 to change placement layer quickly.
• Press the Spacebar to rotate the dimension counterclockwise 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.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. 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.

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 and PCB Library Editor by:

• Locating and using the Linear Diameter Dimension command () on the Active Bar.

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:

1. Position the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point (this is the first reference point).
2. Move the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension end point (this is the second reference point).
3. The text can now be initially positioned. Move the cursor then click or press Enter when the text is in the desired position to complete dimension placement.
4. 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 to change placement layer quickly.
• Press the Spacebar to rotate the dimension counterclockwise 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.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. 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.

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = DATUM

Summary

This command is used to place an Ordinate Dimension object onto the active document. An ordinate 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.

Access

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

• Choosing the Place » Dimension » Ordinate command from the main menus.
• Clicking the  button on the Place Dimension drop-down () of the Utilities toolbar.
• Right-clicking in the workspace then choosing the Place » Dimension » Ordinate 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:

1. Position the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point (this is the first reference object or 'base').
2. Move the cursor to the next required object then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension end point (this is the second reference object).
3. Move the cursor to subsequent reference objects then click or press Enter. When all desired objects have been selected, right-click or press Esc.
4. 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.

• Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design to change placement layer quickly.
• Press the Spacebar to rotate the dimension counterclockwise 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.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. Ordinate 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.

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = DATUM

Summary

This command is used to place an Ordinate Dimension object onto the active document. An ordinate 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.

Access

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

• Locating and using the Ordinate Dimension command () on the Active Bar.

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:

1. Position the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point (this is the first reference object or 'base').
2. Move the cursor to the next required object then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension end point (this is the second reference object).
3. Move the cursor to subsequent reference objects then click or press Enter. When all desired objects have been selected, right-click or press Esc.
4. 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.

• Press the + and - keys (on the numeric keypad) to cycle forward and backward through all visible layers in the design to change placement layer quickly.
• Press the Spacebar to rotate the dimension counterclockwise 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.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. Ordinate 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.

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.

Access

This command can be accessed from the PCB Editor and PCB Library 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.
• Right-clicking in the workspace then choosing the Place » Dimension » Radial 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:

1. Position the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension to the desired arc or circle.
2. 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, which can be found in the Value section of the Properties panel when viewing the dimension's properties. When the required position has been attained, click or press Enter to lock the arrow in place.
3. The text can now be initially positioned in relation to the tail of the arrow pointer. Move the text into the required position then click or press Enter to complete placement.
4. 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 to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. 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.

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.

Access

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

• Locating and using the Radial Dimension command () on the Active Bar.

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:

1. Position the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension to the desired arc or circle.
2. 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, which can be found in the Value section of the Properties panel when viewing the dimension's properties. When the required position has been attained, click or press Enter to lock the arrow in place.
3. The text can now be initially positioned in relation to the tail of the arrow pointer. Move the text into the required position then click or press Enter to complete placement.
4. 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 to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. 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.

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.
• Right-clicking in the workspace then choosing Place » Dimension » Radial Diameter from the context menu.

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

• Choosing the Place » Dimension » Radial Diameter command from the main menus.

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:

1. Position the cursor and click or press Enter to anchor the dimension to the desired arc or circle.
2. 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, which can be found in the Properties section of the Properties panel when viewing the dimension's properties. When the required position has been attained, click or press Enter to lock the arrow in place.
3. 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.
4. 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 open the Radial Diamter Dimension mode of the Properties panel, from where properties for the dimension can be changed on-the-fly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to open the Properties panel), keep 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.
2. 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.

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = ORIGINAL

Summary

This command is used to place a Standard Dimension object onto the active document. A standard 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.

Access

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

• Choosing the Place » Dimension » Standard 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.
• Right-clicking in the workspace then choosing the Place » Dimension » Standard 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:

1. Position the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point.
2. Move the cursor to the required end point then click or press Enter to anchor this point and complete placement.
3. 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 possible only 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 to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), 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.
2. Standard 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.

Applied Parameters: DimensionKind = ORIGINAL

Summary

This command is used to place a Standard Dimension object onto the active document. A standard 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.

Access

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

• Locating and using the Standard Dimension command () on the Active Bar.

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:

1. Position the cursor then click or press Enter to anchor the dimension start point.
2. Move the cursor to the required end point then click or press Enter to anchor this point and complete placement.
3. 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 possible only 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 to change placement layer quickly.

Tips

1. While attributes can be modified during placement (Tab to bring up the Properties panel), 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.
2. Standard 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.