Basic question about setting distances from reference lines

Hi all, I'm a new user and currently using AutoCAD 2010. I have much better knowledge of Pro/E, so with a decent idea of CAD programs, I think I can pick up AutoCAD quickly

Here's the question, and it's really a very simple issue:

Let's say I draw a horizontal construction line. Then I draw a circle nearby, or even a rectangle. All I want to do is specify the distance from the construction line to the centre of the circle.

What is the quickest way to do this?

Linear distance. Make use of Osnaps for accurate picks.

where would I find this Linear Distance tool?

I'm using AutoCAD 2010, and drawing the 2D workspace. Would it be in the Parametric tab, or the Draw section of the Home tab?

thanks

Annotate tab > Dimensions panel > upper left corner where it says Dimension. Click on the arrow under the word and Linear will be at the top of the list.

Done.

Now when I measure form the construction line to the centre of the circle (using OSnaps definitely helped), the dimension comes up. But I cannot edit it, it's whatever it was when i randomly drew the construction line and the circle.

The dimension text can be edited but it must be done before you accept it. Look at your command line. AutoCAD will prompt, after the second pick:

Specify dimension line location or

[Mtext/Text/Angle/Horizontal/Vertical/Rotated]:

If you type M (for MText) or T (for regular Text) you can change the dimension if you wish.

AutoCAD assumes that since it can accurately measure the distance that you naturally want to accept the distance, as given, and let it input it for you.

Addendum: I guess you're good to go then. I'll be off now (rented a movie and the smell of popcorn is driving me crazy!). But if you have further questions forum members are always popping in and out and someone is bound to have an answer for you. Have fun.

perhaps I wasn't entirely clear in my earlier post. Mtext and Text are simply to edit what is actually written in the little text box right? Using Mtext doesn't actually change the magnitude of the dimension, just what is written in it.

In ProE, if I defined the linear dimension from centre of circle to construction line, it would be shown as any normal dimension would, and then if I click it, and type some other value, the centre of the circle would actually move to/from the line depending on what I input. I hope that made sense.

In AutoCAD, after i insert the linear dimension, the value is shown. But then if I want to change the distance from the centre of the circle to the line, I cannot seem to do that.

So as an example, i have drawn a random construction line, and a circle nearby. Using the Linear Dimension tool, i pick the centre of the circle, and the construction line. I get a distance of 2.75....now I want to change that distance to 10. How can I do that? I think this is a very simple problem that I'm probably making a very basic error on, but I cannot seem to see what I'm doing wrong!

You can use the move command.

Select the circle and the grips will appear. If you click on the center grip, with ortho on, you can input the distance directly on the command line or with the dynamic input. The difference between 2.75 and 10 ? 7.25 would be the entry.

The dim may or may not move with the object. If it does not move, select the dim, use node Osnap and click on the node grip then move it to the center of the circle.

Another way; offset the construction line in the direction you want to move. (10) then select the object click on the center grip, Osnap intersection on, and move the circle until the intercection appears on the offset line.

But I cannot edit it, it's whatever it was when i randomly drew the construction line and the circle.

You must set up the dimension as a parametric dimension for it to act even remotely like Pro/E.

Forget AutoCAD. Autodesk Inventor would be far easier for you to learn to use based on your Pro/E experience. The parametrics in AutoCAD are very very clunky.

If you really really want to learn an ancient program like AutoCAD rather than a next generation Autodesk product attach your dwg here and I'll set it up to act like Pro/E so that you can see how it is done in AutoCAD.

Thanks very much everyone for your replies.

I just checked out some videos of Autodesk Inventor, it definitely feels and looks more familiar, and quite similar to ProE. (i.e having sketches, parts, assemblies etc)

Is AutoCAD not very good for 3D parts modeling then? Is it more suited for circuit topographies or landscapes etc? Who uses AutoCAD?

Who uses AutoCAD?

Personally, I would not consider AutoCAD for 3D, it is an outdated product.

AutoCAD is more of a general purpose CAD progam used primarily by 2D designers. Think of it as the computer replacement of the drafting board.

Inventor is Autodesk's next-generation product targeted to mechanical design.

They have other next-generation products targeted to specific other fields like architecture ...