Distance from Axis

Instead of creating a generic distance dimension between two line or between line and point, you can represent a diameter of a cylindrical face on a side view, using the special dimension form axis. Such dimension looks like a half of a generic distance dimension: the arrow and part of the dimension line are missing at the side of the axis. The value of such dimension is doubled distance between the selected axis and another source object.

In order to create such dimension, upon calling the Dimension command, activate the following automenu option:

Activating this option sets selection filters in such way, that only the straight construction lines and straight graphic line segments can be selected. A construction line may only be selected if there's at least one 2D node on it. First, click a line or a segment, which will be used as an axis of the dimension. Then, click an object, whose distance from the selected axis should be dimensioned. Such object might be a straight construction line or a straight graphic line segment parallel to the selected axis, or it may be a characteristic point of a graphic line, 2D node, intersection of construction lines (upon selecting an intersection of construction lines, a 2D node is automatically created there).

An axis or a second object may also be selected using the following automenu option:

Upon activating this option, clicking anywhere in drawing select a nearest straight construction line, which has at least one 2D node on it.

After selecting the axis and the second object, preview of the dimension appears, while dimension line and value positioning, dimension symbol, dimension linking options and common options of 2D elements creation commands become available in the automenu. The dimension line follows the cursor normally to the direction of measurement, and the dimension value follows the cursor along the dimension line. Set the desired positions of dimension line and value by moving the cursor, and confirm it by pressing or <Enter>. The dimension will be created. Upon creating a dimension, the command stays in the mode of creating dimensions from the same axis. So, next dimensions require selecting the second source object only. When creating next dimensions, in addition to the lines selection option, the following option is available in the automenu:  

Upon activating this option, clicking anywhere in drawing select a nearest 2D node.

If you use the and options, when creating next dimensions, then such dimensions will be created instantly right after selecting the second object, i.e. the stage of positioning the dimension line and value is skipped. In such case, the dimension line and value are placed at the point, where you click at the moment of selecting the second object.