Lining up Dimensions (Reference)

This task will show you how to line up the following dimensions according to a given reference:
  • Length dimensions
  • Distance dimensions
  • Radius dimensions 
  • Diameter dimensions 
  • Angle dimensions
Open the LineUp_Dimensions02.CATDrawing document.

  1. Select the dimensions to be lined-up.

    When selecting the dimensions, make sure that they belong to a single, coherent system (if you select dimensions which could form two different systems, you could get unexpected results).

  2. Right-click and select Line-up, or select Tools > Positioning > Line-up from the menu bar or
    click Line-Up .

  3. Select the element that will be used as reference for positioning dimensions, as show here:

    The Line Up dialog box appears.

  4. Enter the desired value for the offset to reference. For example, 20 mm.

  5. Enter the desired value for the offset between dimensions. For example, 30 mm.

    Two fields are available for both these options: the first field is dedicated to length, distance and angle dimensions and the second field (grayed out in our example) is dedicated to radius and diameter dimensions. Whether a field is active depends on the type of dimension selected.

  6. Optionally, select Align stacked dimension values to align all the values of a group of stacked dimensions on the value of the smallest dimension of the group.

  7. Optionally, select Align cumulated dimension values to align all the values of a group of cumulated dimensions on the value of the smallest dimension of the group.

  8. Make sure the Only organize into systems option is not selected.

  9. Click OK to validate.

    The smallest dimension is positioned with an offset of 20 mm according to the selected element. The offset between each dimension is equal to 30mm.