How to Dimension in DraftSight?

Understanding Dimensions in Draftsight

Dimensioning is a crucial aspect of engineering design as it communicates crucial measurements and details of drawings. Draftsight provides powerful tools for adding dimensions to your design accurately. Below are the steps you need to follow to effectively add and customize dimensions in Draftsight.

Adding Linear Dimensions

1. Initiate Dimension Command: Start by selecting the “Linear Dimension” tool from the Dimensioning panel on the Home tab or type DIMLINEAR in the command prompt.

2. Select Points: Click to choose the first point where you want the dimension line to start, then click to select the second endpoint.

3. Positioning the Dimension Line: After selecting the points, move your cursor to place the dimension line. Click to finalize its position.

4. Review the Dimension: The dimension will now be displayed, taking into account the distance between the two points selected.

Using Smart Dimension Tool

The Smart Dimension tool allows for more flexible dimensioning options such as angular, radial, and linear dimensions.

1. Select Smart Dimension: Click on the "Smart Dimension" icon in the Dimensional toolbar or type DIMS in the command prompt.

2. Choose Objects: Click on the entity you wish to dimension. This could be a line, arc, or circle.

3. Set Dimension Point: For linear dimensions, select the start and endpoint. In the case of angular dimensions, select the two lines forming the angle.

4. Finish Input: Position the dimension text where you want it and click to place it.

Modifying Dimension Styles

Customizing dimensions enhances clarity and presentation according to your preferences.

1. Open Dimension Styles: Click on "Dimension" from the top menu, and select "Dimension Style" or type DIMSTYLE at the command prompt.

2. Select a Dimension Style: Choose the dimension style you wish to modify from the list available.

3. Modify Settings: Click "Modify". Here you can adjust parameters such as line color, text height, and arrow styles.

4. Save Changes: After making your adjustments, click OK and then Close to exit the Dimension Style Manager.

Changing Text Height in Dimensions

1. Select Dimension Text: Click on the dimension whose text height you want to adjust.

2. Open Properties Tab: Right-click and access the "Properties" tab.

3. Adjust Text Height: Find the "Text Height" setting and input your desired value. Confirm by pressing Enter.

Switching Units in Draftsight

It’s important to set the correct units to maintain accuracy across your design.

1. Access Units Settings: Navigate to Format and select "Unit System" or type UnitSystem into the command line.

2. Define Length and Angles: Under the Length section, select the desired measurement units (e.g., metric or imperial). Do the same for angle measurements.

3. Confirm Block Units: In "Units scale," assign the unit of measurement for Blocks and drawings. Finally, click OK to confirm your settings.

FAQ

1. How do I change the color of dimension lines in Draftsight?
To change the color of dimension lines, open the Dimension Style Manager, select your dimension style, click Modify, go to the Lines and Arrows tab, and choose your preferred color from the Color dropdown menu.

2. What should I do if my dimensions do not display correctly?
If dimensions are not displaying correctly, check that your view is set to a proper scale and that the dimension style settings are correctly configured. You may also need to ensure there are no overlapping lines obstructing visibility.

3. Can I move dimensions after placing them?
Yes, you can move dimensions. Select the dimension, click on the grips that appear, and drag to reposition them. Alternatively, you can right-click and choose the "Move" option for more precision in relocating dimensions.