2004

544 | Chapter 20 Dimensions and Tolerances
Create Angular Dimensions
Angular dimensions measure the angle between two lines or three points. To
measure the angle between two radii of a circle, you select the circle and spec-
ify the angle endpoints. With other objects, you select the objects and then
specify the dimension location. You can also dimension an angle by specify-
ing the angle vertex and endpoints. As you create the dimension, you can
modify the text content and alignment before specifying the dimension line
location.
Note You can create baseline and continued angular dimensions relative to
existing angular dimensions. Baseline and continued angular dimensions are
limited to 180 degrees or less. To obtain baseline and continued angular dimen-
sions larger than 180 degrees, use grip editing to stretch the location of the
extension line of an existing baseline or continued dimension.
Dimension Lines
If you use two straight, nonparallel lines to specify an angle, the dimension
line arc spans the angle between the two lines. If the dimension line arc does
not meet one or both of the lines being dimensioned, AutoCAD draws one
or two extension lines to intersect the dimension line arc. The arc is always
less than 180 degrees.
Dimension Circles and Arcs
If you use an arc or a circle or three points to specify an angle, AutoCAD
draws the dimension line arc between the extension lines. The extension
lines are drawn from the angle endpoints to the intersection of the dimen-
sion line arc.
AutoCAD uses the location you specify for the dimension line arc to choose
between the minor and major angles specified by the angle vertex and the
extension lines.
1
2
3
2
3
2
3
1
1
3
4
1
lines
circle lines
specify vertex
2