Michael’s Corner

Michael's Corner is a monthly publication written by Michael E. Beall, Autodesk Authorized Author and peripatetic AutoCAD trainer. Michael travels all over the USA, bringing his fantastic experience and great understanding of AutoCAD to his clients. Michael's Corner brings together many of the tips, tricks and methods developed during these training sessions for the benefit of all users.

Michael's Corner provides something for every AutoCAD user. Every month, a number of articles cover a wide range of topics, suitable for users at all levels, including "The Basics" for those just starting out. Essentially, the aim of Michael's Corner is to help all AutoCAD users work smarter and faster.

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This month…

From the Vault

Originally published March 2007

Aligned and Rotated Dimensions

When the Properties window is open and you select a dimension, you may have seen the dimension identified as an "Aligned Dimension". Then another time, you'll click on a dimension that looks virtually identical, but it's identified as a "Rotated Dimension". What's the difference?

Aligned Dimension

The dimension line of the Aligned Dimension is always parallel to the points identified to be dimensioned (Definition Points or Defpoints).

If you click on the dimension, then click in one of the definition point grips and reposition the grip, the dimension line rotates to accommodate the new position. It continues to be "aligned" with the definition points.

Rotated Dimension (created with the Linear dimension tool)

When you point two points that are not orthogonally-oriented, if you position your cursor to the left or right you will get a vertical dimension. If you position your cursor above or below the points specified, the result will be a horizontal dimension. In other words, the dimension line is automatically rotated to maintain a horizontal or vertical dimension.

Mystery solved!

Final (cautionary) note: Another reason why a linear dimension is referred to as a Rotated dimension in the Properties window is because, after specifying the points for the dimension, you have a Rotated option. This enables you to specify a rotation angle for the resulting dimension… and the dimension will be the distance between the two points PARALLEL TO the resulting dimension line; the angle of rotation. For this reason, I would suggest that you use the Aligned dimension to accurately dimension angled geometry.

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