Help on version 0.4Help on current version: 1.1Driving 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, angle or distance between two geometric entities precisely. Set Driving dimensions with the Driving Dimension Tool.
A Driving Dimension entity’s 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, edges, arc curves, circles, and faces 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 edges. |
| Distance between two edges |
Two parallel edges. |
| Perpendicular distance from a vertex to an edge |
The vertex and the edge. |
| Perpendicular distance from a vertex to a face |
The vertex and the face. |
| Distance between two vertices |
Two vertices. |
| Radius of an arc or a 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.
Note — For two parallel edges, you might wish to specify a zero angle as well as a distance. The default behaviour is to create a distance dimension. To change this, click the right mouse button and select the proper option in the "Distance or Angle" submenu.
- 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 and hit «OK».
- Later, you may re-position the dimension leader by dragging the dimension value (the Driving Dimension Tool should be active to enable such dragging).
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 length, distance, angle or radius value for/between associated geometric objects.
If the length/distance/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 Model
 Since it is possible to edit geometry by tools other than Driving Dimensions, the geometry does not always satisfy the values set in driving dimensions. To correct this, click on Recalculate Model tool.
If some of Driving Dimension values cannot be satisfied, those dimensions are displayed in red.
Hide/Show Driving Dimensions
 Use the Hide/Show toolbar button to hide/show all driving dimensions.
Fixate Objects
Activate Fixation tool, select the entity you are going to fixate, move the mouse and click left mouse button where you want the fixation label to be displayed.
Solve Mode
By default, the DrivingDimensions tries to solve the model immediately after a dimension has been created or modified. To change this behaviour, you may select an option "By command" in "Driving Dimensions -> Driving Dimensions Solve Mode" submenu of your context menu. In this case, the solving will be performed only when you press "Recalculate Objects" button. It may be useful in particular when you wish to edit dimensions on both sides of a symmetrical model at once without destroying the symmetry.
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