Distance between Two Points

In order to create a linear dimension representing distance between two points, upon calling the Dimension command, select two points by clicking them with in any order. Characteristic points of graphic lines, 2D nodes and intersections of construction lines can be selected as points. Selecting an intersection of construction lines results in automatic creation of a connected 2D node there.

2D nodes may also be selected using the following automenu option:

<N>

Select Node

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

Upon selecting a second point, regardless of the method of selection, the 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.

By default, dimension line and direction of measurement are parallel to the shortest path between the selected points, while witness lines are normal to said path. If necessary the dimension configuration can be changed using the following automenu option:

<M>

Change Dimension Type

Activating this option by pressing the <M> hotkey or by simple clicks on its automenu icon results in sequential switching between all available types. The icon displayed for this option on the upper level of the automenu represents the currently selected type. If you press and hold on this icon, the drop-down list will appear allowing you to directly select any of the available types. Following types are available:

	<Shift>+<N>	Between nodes
		Dimension line and direction of measurement are parallel to the shortest path between the selected points. Dimension line follows the cursor normally to direction of measurement. Witness lines are normal to the dimension line.
	<Shift>+<H>	Horizontal
		Dimension line and direction of measurement are horizontal. Dimension line follows the cursor vertically. Witness lines are normal to the dimension line.
	<Shift>+<V>	Vertical
		Dimension line and direction of measurement are vertical. Dimension line follows the cursor horizontally. Witness lines are normal to the dimension line.
	<Shift>+<A>	Between nodes (arbitrary position)
		Dimension line and direction of measurement are parallel to the shortest path between the selected points. Dimension line follows the cursor in all directions. Witness lines have arbitrary angles in relation to the dimension line.

The dimension line will follow the cursor in direction depending on the selected type, and the dimension value will follow the cursor along the dimension line.

Set the desired positions of dimension line and value by moving the cursor, and confirm the input by pressing or <Enter>. The dimension will be created. Upon creating a dimension, the command returns to initial state.