How to Add Dimensions in CAD

Linear Dimension

Use this for horizontal or vertical dimensions.

Click the icon or select Draw - Linear Dimension. Then follow these three clicks:

1. Click the first point (start of the first extension line).
2. Click the second point (start of the second extension line).
3. Click the third point (position of the dimension line, horizontal or vertical).

Aligned Dimension

Need a dimension at an angle? This is the one you want.

Click the icon or select Draw - Aligned Dimension. The three-click process is the same as for linear dimensions.

Here's the difference between linear and aligned dimensions:

Diameter Dimension

This dimensions the diameter of a circle. Click the icon or select Draw - Diameter Dimension. You can place the first point in three ways:

1. Inside the circle.
2. Outside the circle.
3. At the opposite side of the circle.

Dimension Styles

ProfiCAD comes with predefined dimension styles, and each page can use a different one. To configure styles:

1. Right-click the drawing.
2. Select Page Settings.
3. Open the Dimension Style tab.

From here you can:

• Choose a predefined style.
• Create a new style.
• Modify an existing style.
• Delete a style.

Click New or Modify to customize the style properties. The preview shows how your changes affect the dimension appearance.

Dimensioning Units

All dimensions on a page share the same unit, which you set in the Dimension Style dialog. Units aren't displayed on dimensions themselves, but you can include them in the title block using the system variable {_du}.

Custom Text

You can enter custom text for any dimension in the Properties panel.

How to switch to English units

1. Right-click in the drawing.
2. Select "Page settings".
3. Select the "Dimension style" tab.
4. Click the "Modify" button.
5. In the "Units" list box, select "inch" or "foot".