Linear Dimensioning

Used to dimension the linear distance between two points (length).

You can access this tool from the following:

Ribbon: Drawing > Annotate > Dimensioning
Toolbox: Dimensions

Figure 1. Linear Dimensioning tool setting window

Figure 2. Expanded Linear Dimensioning tool setting window

Setting	Description
Style	Displays the active dimension style, which is set on the Dimension Styles dialog. The option menu lets you select other available dimension styles. If you change a tool setting from the default, the setting is highlighted in blue, and an asterisk appears next to the Style name.
Dimension Styles	Opens the Dimension Styles dialog, which is used to control settings for dimensioning.
Reset Style	Restores the tool settings to the defaults set for this style on the Dimension Styles dialog.
Alignment	Determines the axis along which the dimension is aligned.
Location	Controls the location of dimension text: Automatic ? Dimension text is automatically placed according to the Justification setting. Semi-Automatic ? Dimension text is automatically placed according to the Justification setting if the text fits between the extension lines. If the text does not fit, you position the text in response to a prompt. Manual ? You position dimension text in response to a prompt. `DIMENSION` `PLACEMENT` [ `AUTO` \| `MANUAL` \| `SEMIAUTO` ]
Dim Offset	Sets a standard offset for the placement of a dimension.
Select Multiple Elements	If on, multiple elements can be selected for dimensioning by drawing a line through the elements. Enter data points for the start and end of the line. To continue dimensioning, hold the `Ctrl` key, and enter data points for the start and end of the next segment of the line. The `Ctrl` key lets you continue dimensioning without selecting intermediate elements.
Linear Size	Clicking this icon sets the tool's mode to Linear Size, which is used to dimension the linear distance between two points (length). Each dimension (except the first) is computed from the endpoint of the previous dimension. Dimensions are placed in line (chained).
Linear Stacked	Clicking this icon sets the tool's mode to Linear Stacked, which is used to dimension the linear distance from an origin. The dimensions are stacked.
Linear Single	Clicking this icon sets the tool's mode to Linear Single, which is used to dimension the linear distance from an origin. The dimensions are placed in line (chained).
Annotation Scale Lock icon	Sets the Annotation Scale Lock. When this lock is on, the annotation scale is applied to linear dimension that is placed. By default, the annotation scale is taken from the model's Annotation Scale setting. You can change it only in the model's properties in the Properties dialog. The exception is when the model's Propagate Annotation Scale property is off. In that case, the annotation scale can be controlled independently for each element via its properties.
Start Extension	If on, sets the optional terminator for the beginning of dimension lines. `DIMENSION` `TERMINATOR` `LEFT` [ `OFF` \| `ARROW` \| `DOT` \| `ORIGIN` \| `STROKE` ]
End Extension	If on, sets the optional terminator for the end of dimension lines. `DIMENSION` `TERMINATOR` `RIGHT` [ `OFF` \| `ARROW` \| `DOT` \| `ORIGIN` \| `STROKE` ]
First Terminator	If on, sets the optional terminator for the beginning of the first dimension line. `DIMENSION` `TERMINATOR` `FIRST` [ `OFF` \| `ARROW` \| `DOT` \| `ORIGIN` \| `STROKE` ]
Joint Terminator	If on and the mode is Linear Size or Linear Single, sets the optional terminator at the intersection of the left and right terminators (at internal extension lines), or at the intersection of an extension line and a dimension line (to replace two arrows pointing toward each other). `DIMENSION` `TERMINATOR` `JOINT` [ `OFF` \| `ARROW` \| `DOT` \| `ORIGIN` \| `STROKE` ]
Text Alignment	If the mode is Dimension Element, Dimension Linear, or Dimension Size Perpendicular to Points, sets the orientation of dimension text: Standard ? All dimension text is placed along the dimension line. Vertical ? All dimension text is placed vertical to the dimension line. Mixed ? All dimension text is placed vertically only if it does not fit along the dimension line. `DIMENSION` `VERTICAL` [ `OFF` \| `MIXED` \| `ON` ]
Text Frame	If on, controls the framing of dimension text: Box ? Places dimension in a box. Sometimes used to designate a reference dimension. Capsule ? Places dimension in a capsule. Typically used to designate a dimension for quality control. `DIMENSION` `TEXT` `BOX` [ `OFF` \| `ON` \| `TOGGLE` ] `DIMENSION` `TEXT` `CAPSULE` [ `OFF` \| `ON` \| `TOGGLE` ]
Prefix Text	If on, sets the optional symbol for placement before dimension text. `DIMENSION` `PRE` [ `OFF` \| `DIAMETER` \| `RADIUS` \| `SQUARE` ]
Suffix Text	If on, set the optional symbol for placement after dimension text. `DIMENSION` `POST` [ `OFF` \| `DIAMETER` \| `RADIUS` \| `SQUARE` ]
Association	If on, snapping to the element being dimensioned causes an association point to be created. If off, no associations are created.

Key-in: DIMCREATE LINEAR [ SINGLE | SIZE | STACKED ]