Baseline Dimensions. Autodesk AUTOSKETCH 8

Baseline Dimensions

In baseline dimensioning, each dimension in the series seems to extend from the same extension line. Use baseline dimensioning when you need to show several dimensions measured from the same point.

Unlike single dimensioning, baseline dimensioning does not allow you to customize each dimension individually, as you draw. Instead, it uses the current settings in the Dimension Format dialog box, incrementing the initial offset by the baseline offset with each new dimension in the series.

To draw a series of baseline dimensions

1 On the Draw menu, click Dimension, Horizontal, Vertical, Rotated, or

Aligned, or click the appropriate dimension button on the All-In-One toolbar. The edit bar displays controls for linear dimensions.

2 From the Dimension Method drop-down list box on the edit bar, click

Baseline.

3 Enter the initial offset on the edit bar and press ENTER. This is the distance from the dimension line to the closest dimension point on printed output. It applies to the first dimension only. For information on changing a linear dimension after it is drawn, see page 231.

4 Enter the baseline offset on the edit bar and press ENTER. This is the distance between baseline dimensions on printed output.

5 Enter the first dimension point. A rubber-band dimension appears, moving with the pointer.

6 Enter the second dimension point to complete the first dimension. Notice that where you place the second point determines the orientation of the dimension. You can reverse the orientation of the dimension by pressing

CTRL as you enter the second dimension point.

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Chapter 18 Creating Dimensions