Dimensions and Locking Layers in Viewports *Please*

[JaketheMan]

Hey everyone, I am currently running AutoCAD 2007, although I have 2008, my CAD based software isn't up-to-speed enough to run on 2008. Anyways I am trying to fulfill an architectural submittal and I have to place dimensions for different heights, depths, and widths all on the same product. I know that in my viewports I must control the scale and also the layer of which the dimension line will be drawn. I am having difficulty with working on my Dimension Styles(I wish I had a better understanding of these) and I'm also having trouble getting the lines to point where I want. They are accurately giving the proper dimension for the two points I want but it places the Dimension Lines on the ground rather then at the desired elevation of which they would be.

If anyone could give me some pointers on locking layers per viewports, editing viewports, and properly using my dimension styles and lines I would be much appreciated.

Perhaps there is some learning assistance out there that could give me a better understanding and make me feel more comfortable next time I must draw a submittal. Thanks a lot for the help, you guys are a lifesaver.

[jdkriek]

See DIMSTYLE and DIMSCALE. Under DIMSTYLE > Line Tab > Offset from origin. Keep in mind you can always move or place dimensions with grips or DIMEDIT. There are also various options under DIMSTYLE that will help you. DIMBASELINE might help you in keeping everything together. You may not be allowed to post the DWG, but perhaps a screenshot and a visual explanation would better help us help you.

[JaketheMan]

Surely, I apologize for the messy file but I am taking on other tasks at the moment so I am unable to really edit this better for you all, but as you can see that in my bottom left viewport the dimension is "on the ground" rather than at the height of the product. Thanks for the support.






Grrrr- my .dwg is 150kb too large. I am unsure at this time on how to reduce the file size.

[jdkriek]

Can you save as DXF and then covert to PDF?

You can also just post a screenshot.

[JaketheMan]

Can you save as DXF and then covert to PDF?

You can also just post a screenshot.


Sorry to sound like a little newbie but how do I find my screenshots after I hit the key?

[jdkriek]

After you hit the PRINTSCREEN key on your keyboard you need to paste it into MS Word or any other program that supports image and graphic editing (MS Paint, Photoshop, ect). Then save that as a .JPG file.

[JaketheMan]

Great this worked out well, as you can see in my bottom right viewport my dimensions are on the "ground" rather than in the "air" like I would rather have it. I bet this is an easy one for you "Guru's.":shock:

[jdkriek]

To start with I would dimension the 2D views of the model (see MVIEW) rather than the 3D views or use FLATSHOT or BPOLY tools to create 2D representations of your 3D model and dimension those objects.

[Cad64]

Go here: http://www.cadclips.com/Acad2007-Dimensioning.htm and watch the videos.

[CromCruithne]

To truly dimension 3D objects you'll have to change your UCS as you dimension, and dimension by plane. FLATSHOT would be the far easier way to go however. Using the OBLIQUE option of dimensions, they'll align properly (with the correct angular input from you). For the depth, you will probably have to edit the dimension, but DDEDIT is simple.

-Crom

[jdkriek]

In a pinch you can always 3DROTATE the dimension, hahah

[JaketheMan]

Hey guys, thank you for the CADclips.com website... it has loads of valuable information on many topics, many of which I do not currently use yet but I see that it could definately come handy.. thanks a lot.:shock:

[JaketheMan]

In a pinch you can always 3DROTATE the dimension, hahah


That's one wierd command.