2012

Table Of Contents
Setting dimension scale depends on how you lay out your drawing. There are
three methods used to create dimensions in a drawing layout:
Dimension in model space for printing in model space. This is
the traditional method used with single-view drawings. To create
dimensions that are scaled correctly for printing, set the DIMSCALE system
variable to the inverse of the intended print scale. For example, if the print
scale is 1/4, set DIMSCALE to 4.
. This was the preferred method for complex, multiple-view drawings prior
to AutoCAD 2002. Use this method when the dimensions in a drawing
need to be referenced by other drawings (xrefs) or when creating isometric
dimensions in 3D isometric views. To prevent the dimensions in one layout
viewport from being displayed in other layout viewports, create a
dimensioning layer for each layout viewport that is frozen in all other
layout viewports. To create dimensions that are scaled automatically for
display in a paper space layout, set the DIMSCALE system variable to 0.
Dimension in layouts. This is the simplest dimensioning method.
Dimensions are created in paper space by selecting model space objects or
by specifying object snap locations on model space objects. By default,
associativity between paper space dimensions and model space objects is
maintained. No additional scaling is required for dimensions created in a
paper space layout: DIMLFAC and DIMSCALE do not need to be changed
from their default value of 1.0000.
NOTE When you dimension model space objects in paper space using associative
dimensions, dimension values for the display scale of each viewport are
automatically adjusted. This adjustment is combined with the current setting for
DIMLFAC and is reported by the LIST command as a dimension style override. For
nonassociative dimensions, you must set DIMLFAC manually.
See also:
Draw, Scale, and Annotate in Model Space (page 96)
Scale Views in Layout Viewports (page 105)
Scale Annotations (page 548)
Create Dimensions
You can create all of the standard types of dimensions.
650 | Chapter 9 Annotate Drawings