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Driving Dimension Entities
Driving Dimension entities are finite lines or arcs with length, angle or radius information allowing you to quickly and effectively manage the key dimensions of your model. By using Driving Dimensions you can set edge length, arc/circle radius or an angle between edges precisely. Set Driving dimensions with the Driving Dimension Tool.
A Driving Dimension entitys text displays the value you set. By changing the driving dimension value you rule the length of the edge, the radius of the arc/circle or the angle between the edges associated with that dimension.
Driving Dimension Tool
Use the Dimension Tool to place Driving dimension entities in your model. Activate the Driving Dimensions Tool from either the LDD Toolbar or the Tools menu.
Placing Driving Dimensions
Driving Dimensions are based on a 3D model. Existing vertices and linear edges can be used to set the driving dimensions. To set a dimension in your model:
- Select the Driving Dimension Tool. The cursor changes to an arrow.
- Depending on the dimension type you wish to apply, perform the following actions:
| To dimension the... |
Click... |
| Length of an edge |
The edge. |
| Angle between two edges |
Two adjacent edges. |
| Distance between two edges |
Two parallel edges. |
| Perpendicular distance from a vertex to an edge |
The vertex and the edge. |
| Distance between two vertices |
Two vertices. |
| Radius of an arc or circle |
The arc or the circumference. |
- Move the cursor to pull out a dimension string.
 Note — Press the Esc key at any point during the operation to start over.
- Click the mouse again to fix the position of the dimension string.
 Note — Placement of the dimension label affects the way the angle is measured. For example, an angle between two perpendicular edges can be either 90° or 270° depending on whether you put the label «inside» or «outside» the angle.

Tip — You might need to occasionally rotate your model, as you dimension, to position the dimension to the proper plane.
- A dialogue box appears — type the desired value in.
Changing Driving Dimension Value
Activate Driving Dimension tool. Double click on the driving dimension, a dialogue box appears, change the value of the dimension and click on «OK» or press the Enter key — the dimension changes the length or the radius of the associated object or the angle between the associated edges.
If the length/radius/angle cannot be recalculated due to a conflict with other dimensions the Driving Dimension is displayed in red.
 Note — Editing driving dimension text label with the built-in SketchUp tool will take no effect.
Removing Driving Dimension
Activate Driving Dimension tool, select a dimension you are going to remove, click right mouse button and select «Remove Driving Dimension» from the context menu.
Recalculate Objects
Since it is possible to edit geometry by tools other than Driving Dimension, the geometry does not always satisfy the values set in driving dimensions. To correct this, click on Recalculate Objects tool.
If some of Driving Dimension values cannot be satisfied, those dimensions are displayed in red.
Hide Driving Dimension
Use the Hide menu item to hide all driving dimensions. To unhide driving dimension click on this tool again.
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