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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
Circles, Ellipses, Rectangles, and Rounded Rectangles
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.
To mark a rounded rectangle's corner
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.
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
2. Click the Angle Between Reference Line and Object mode button.
3. Click to mark the start of your reference line.
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
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.
Distance can be measured in VectorWorks without actually being recorded. This can be useful for placing objects or personal reference.
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.
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.
Once you double-click, VectorWorks will clear the measurements in the Data Display Bar.
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
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.
You can measure the angles between three points without recording the measurement.
To measure angles between three points
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.
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
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
You can modify only the witness line lengths in this manner.
To change the position of the text
The position of the text is changed as well as the length of the witness line.