Recording Measurements

Dimensioning

Unconstrained-Line Dimensioning

The Unconstrained-Line Dimensioning Tool, which has three modes, lets you draw dimension lines at an angle. Along with measuring and marking an object, you can use this tool to calculate the distance between two or more points in the Drawing Area.

Unconstrained Linear Dimension

The Unconstrained Linear Dimension mode allows you to create a dimension line with a single measurement.

To create a dimension line with a single measurement

    1. Select the Unconstrained-Line Dimensioning Tool.

    2. Click the Unconstrained Linear Dimension mode button.

    3. Click to mark the point you want to start measuring from.

    4. Click the point to end the measurement.

    5. Without pressing a mouse button, drag the cursor away from the object and click to place the dimension line.

    This will tell VectorWorks how far you want the dimension line offset from the measured object.

    Note: Double-clicking will exit you out of the dimensioning tool.

Unconstrained Chain and Base-Line Dimension

The Unconstrained Chain and Base-Line Dimension modes create a series of connected dimension lines. For the Unconstrained Chain mode, each of these line segments displays its specific measurements only in a continuous chain. For the Base-Line Dimension mode, a series of connected line segments are drawn with each line segment measuring the distance from the initial starting point (the base point).

To create a series of connected dimension lines

    1. Select the Unconstrained-Line Dimensioning Tool.

    2. Click the Unconstrained Chain or Base-Line Dimension mode button.

    3. Click to mark the point you want to start measuring from.

    4. Click to end the measurement of the first segment.

    5. Without pressing the mouse button, drag the cursor away from the line to place the dimension line.

    This will tell VectorWorks where you want it to draw the dimension line and place the measurements.

    6. Now drag the mouse to the end of the next segment and click to mark its endpoint.

    7. Continue marking segments

    8. Double-click to end the base line.

Constrained-Line Dimensioning

The Constrained-Line Dimensioning Tool, which has five modes, lets you draw dimension lines that are constrained--purely horizontal or vertical. Along with measuring and marking an object, you can use this tool to calculate the horizontal or vertical distance between two or more points in the Drawing Area.

Constrained Linear Dimension

The Constrained Linear Dimension mode allows you to create a dimension line with a single measurement.

To create a dimension line with a single measurement

    1. Select the Constrained-Line Dimensioning Tool.

    2. Click the Constrained Linear Dimension mode button.

    3. Click to mark the point you want to start measuring from.

    4. Click to mark the end of the measurement.

    5. Without pressing a mouse button, drag the cursor away from the object and click to place the dimension line.

    This will tell VectorWorks how far you want the dimension line offset from the measured object.

Constrained Chain and Base-Line Dimension

The Constrained Chain and Base-Line Dimension modes create a series of connected dimension lines. For the Constrained Chain mode, each of these line segments displays its specific measurements only in a continuous chain. For the Base-Line Dimension mode, a series of connected line segments are drawn with each line segment measuring the distance from the initial starting point (the base point).

To create a series of connected dimension lines

    1. Select the Constrained-Line Dimensioning Tool.

    2. Click the Constrained Chain or Base-Line Dimension mode button.

    3. Click to mark the point you want to start measuring from.

    4. Click to mark the end of the measurement.

    5. Without pressing a mouse button, drag the cursor away from the object and click to place the dimension line.

    This will tell VectorWorks how far you want the dimension line offset from the measured object.

    6. Drag the mouse to the end of the next segment and click to mark its endpoint.

    7. Continue marking segments.

    8. Double-click to end.

Ordinate Dimension

Use the Ordinate Dimension mode if you want to measure a series of distances from one fixed point, where the measurements only--and no dimension lines--are added to your drawing. You can use the Ordinate Dimension mode to measure either horizontal or vertical distances.

To draw ordinate dimensions

    1. Select the Constrained-Line Dimensioning Tool.

    2. Click the Ordinate Dimension mode button.

    3. Click to mark the point you want to start measuring from; while continuing to hold down the mouse button, drag the cursor to draw a short line and then release the button.

    To measure vertical ordinates, draw a horizontal line.

    To measure horizontal ordinates, draw a vertical line.

    4. Now drag the mouse, without pressing any buttons, to the first distance you want to measure and click.

    5. Continue marking distances.

    6. Double-click to end.

Selected Object(s) Dimensions

The Selected Object(s) Dimensions mode lets you measure and mark the horizontal or vertical span of any 2D or 3D object--or the edge-to-edge span of a group of objects--in your Drawing Area. In all cases, the tool will measure the greatest span.

    1. Select the object or objects that you want to dimension.

    2. Click the Constrained-Line Dimensioning Tool.

    3. Click the Selected Object(s) Dimension mode button.

    4. Click to measure the span you want to dimension.

    If you want to measure the horizontal span and draw the dimension line inside an object (or the invisible boundary of a group of objects), click inside the object at the exact point you want the dimension line to pass through.

    If you want to measure the horizontal span and draw the dimension line outside an object (or the invisible boundary of a group of objects), click above or below the object(s) at the exact point you want the dimension line to pass through.

    If you want to measure the vertical span and draw the dimension line inside an object (or the invisible boundary of a group of objects), while pressing the Option (Macintosh) or Control (Windows) key, click inside the object at the exact point you want the dimension line to pass through.

    If you want to measure the vertical span and draw the dimension line outside an object (or the invisible boundary of a group of objects), while pressing the Option (Macintosh) or Control (Windows) key, click to the left or the right of the object(s) at the exact point you want the dimension line to pass through.

Circular Dimensioning

Diameter Dimensioning Inside Circle/Arc

The Diameter Dimensioning Inside Circle/Arc mode allows you to use the diameter of the circle for dimensioning.

To dimension by diameter inside a circle

    1. Select the Circular Dimensioning Tool.

    2. Click the Interior Diametral Dimension mode button.

    3. Click the circle or arc you want to dimension.

    For filled circles and arcs, move the cursor to the inside of the object--you'll know you are in the right area when the cursor looks like

    For unfilled circles and arcs, move the cursor to the object's outline--you'll know you are in the right area when the cursor looks like

Diameter Dimensioning Outside Circle/Arc

The Diameter Dimensioning Outside Circle/Arc mode allows you to use the diameter outside of the circle for dimensioning.

To dimension by diameter outside a circle

    1. Select the Circular Dimensioning Tool.

    2. Click the Exterior Diametral Dimension mode button.

    3. Tell VectorWorks what side of the dimension line you want the measurements placed on.

    If you want them placed to the right of the line, click this mode button:

    If you want them placed to the left of the line, click this mode button:

    4. Click on the circle or arc (in the area described below); while continuing to hold down the mouse button, drag the mouse to draw the dimension line and then release the button.

    For filled circles and arcs, move the cursor to the inside of the object--you'll know you are in the right area when the cursor looks like

    For unfilled circles and arcs, move the cursor to the object's outline--you'll know you are in the right area when the cursor looks like

Radius Dimensioning Inside Circle/Arc

The Radius Dimensioning Inside Circle/Arc mode allows you to use the radius of the circle for dimensioning.

To dimension by radius inside a circle

    1. Select the Circular Dimensioning Tool.

    2. Click the Interior Radial Dimension mode button.

    3. Click the circle or arc you want to dimension.

    For filled circles and arcs, move the cursor to the inside of the object--you'll know you are in the right area when the cursor looks like

    For unfilled circles and arcs, move the cursor to the object's outline--you'll know you are in the right area when the cursor looks like

Radius Dimensioning Outside Circle/Arc

The Radius Dimensioning Inside Circle/Arc mode allows you to use the radius outside of the circle for dimensioning.

To dimension by radius outside a circle

    1. Select the Circular Dimensioning Tool.

    2. Click the Exterior Radial Dimension mode button.

    3. Tell VectorWorks what side of the dimension line you want the measurements placed on

    4. Click on the circle or arc (in the area described below); while continuing to hold down the mouse button, drag the mouse to draw the dimension line and then release the button.

    For filled circles and arcs, move the cursor to the inside of the object--you'll know you are in the right area when the cursor looks like

    For unfilled circles and arcs, move the cursor to the object's outline--you'll know you are in the right area when the cursor looks like

Marking the Center

Circles, Ellipses, Rectangles, and Rounded Rectangles

To mark the center

    1. Select the Center Mark Tool from the Dimensioning Tools palette.

    2. Click on top of the 2D object you want to mark.

    You'll know you have selected an object that the tool works with when, as you move the cursor, it looks like crossed "I"s.

    VectorWorks will divide the object into quarters where its center is marked by the intersection of the two lines.

Rounded Rectangle's Corner

To mark a rounded rectangle's corner

    1. Select the Center Mark Tool from the Dimensioning Tools palette.

    2. While pressing the Option (Macintosh) or Control (Windows) key, move the cursor so that it is on top of the rounded rectangle corner you want to mark.

    3. When the cursor looks like , click.

    VectorWorks will divide that corner into quarters, where its center is marked by the intersection of the two lines.

Angular Dimensioning

Angle Between Reference Line and Object

You can use the angle between the reference line and an object to create your dimension.

To dimension an angle between a reference line and an object

    1. Select the Angular Dimension Tool.

    2. Click the Angle Between Reference Line and Object mode button.

    3. Click to mark the start of your reference line.

    4. Click to mark the end.

    Your cursor will now be a hand with a pointing finger.

    5. Click the fingertip to the side of the object (and, therefore, angle) you want to dimension.

    VectorWorks has drawn a temporary angular dimension.

    If it is measuring the angle you want, click to draw your reference line and to set and display the dimensioning information.

    If you want to select a different angle--for example, one spanning the opposite direction--drag the mouse to display the angle you want. Then click to draw your reference line and to set and display the dimensioning information.

Angle Between Two Objects (or Object Sides)

You can use the angle between two objects' sides to create your dimension.

To dimension an angle between two objects

    1. Click the Angular Dimension Tool.

    2. Click the Angle Between Two Objects mode button.

    3. Move the Selection Arrow so that it is on top of the first side of the angle you want to dimension.

    4. Click to select the side; while continuing to hold down the mouse button, drag the mouse to the other angle side and then release it.

    VectorWorks has drawn a temporary angular dimension.

    If it is measuring the angle you want, click to set and display the dimensioning information.

    If you want to select a different angle--for example one spanning the opposite direction--drag the mouse to display the angle you want. Then click to set and display the dimensioning information.

Measuring Distance

Distance can be measured in VectorWorks without actually being recorded. This can be useful for placing objects or personal reference.

Measuring in Units

The Tape Measure Tool lets you measure the distance between two or more points in your Drawing Area, temporarily displaying the length in the Data Display Bar. It is especially useful for measuring angular distances or for measuring a meandering distance.

To measure a distance

    1. Select the Tape Measure Tool from the Dimensioning Tools palette.

    Note: Be sure to note distances before clicking the mouse, which will clear measurement listings in the Data Display Bar.

    2. Click at the point you want to begin measuring from.

    3. Drag the mouse, without pressing any button, along the distance you want to measure.

    In the Data Display Bar, there are two measurement listings, which for the moment will be the same:

    After L, VectorWorks lists the length (distance) from the point you just clicked.

    After TL, VectorWorks lists the total length from your starting point.

    4. When you want to continue measuring in a different direction, click to mark a second point.

    5. The measurement after L changes to "0" (zero).

    6. Now drag the mouse along the next distance you want to measure.

    In the Data Display Bar, the two measurement listings are now different.

    7. You can continue to measure a meandering distance.

    8. When you are done measuring, note the total length.

    9. Double-click to end.

    Once you double-click, VectorWorks will clear the measurements in the Data Display Bar.

Measuring in Degrees

Angles Between Objects or Object Sides

You can measure the angles between objects or object sides without recording the measurement.

To measure angles between objects or object sides

    1. Select the Protractor Tool on the Dimensioning Tools palette.

    2. Click the Two Segments mode button.

    3. Move the Selection Arrow so that it is on top of the first side of the angle you want to measure.

    4. Click to select the side; while continuing to hold down the mouse button, drag the mouse to the other angle side.

    You'll see the angle listed in the Data Display Bar above the mode button.

    5. Note the angle and then release the mouse button.

    Once you release it, VectorWorks will clear the measurement in the Data Display Bar.

Angles Between Three Points

You can measure the angles between three points without recording the measurement.

To measure angles between three points

    1. Select the Protractor Tool on the Dimensioning Tools palette.

    2. Click the Three Points mode button.

    3. Click to mark the first point.

    4. Click to mark the second point.

    5. Drag the mouse, without pressing any button, to the third angle point.

    6. Note the angle and then release the mouse button.

    Once you release it, VectorWorks will clear the measurement in the Data Display Bar.

Modifying Dimensions

Once a dimension is drawn, it can be modified. You can modify the dimensions through changing data in the Object Info palette or by manipulating the dimension with the mouse. The following procedures describe how to modify dimensions using the mouse.

To change the length of the dimension and/or the length of one witness line

    Click on either the left or right end point of the end of the witness line and drag to the desired point you want to reference with the dimension line.

    You can modify the length of one witness line and the length of the entire dimension simultaneously in this manner.

To change the length of both witness lines simultaneously

    Click anywhere on the dimension line and drag to the desired witness length.

    You can modify only the witness line lengths in this manner.

To change the position of the text

    Click on the text and drag to the desired location.

    The position of the text is changed as well as the length of the witness line.

To move an entire dimension

    Click anywhere on a witness line except an endpoint and drag to a new location.

    This moves the entire dimension intact to a new location.



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