Permanent Dimensions

A permanent dimension is a view-specific element that documents measurements in the model.

Permanent dimensions can display in 2 different states: modifiable and non-modifiable. To modify a permanent dimension, select the geometry that references it.

Topics in this section

About Permanent Dimensions
Use the Dimension tool to place permanent dimensions on components in a project or family. You can select from aligned, linear (horizontal or vertical projection of a component), angular, radial, diameter, or arc length permanent dimensions.
About Linear Dimensions
Linear dimensions are placed between selected points. The dimensions are aligned to the horizontal or vertical axis of the view.
About Dimension Tick Marks
The tick marks that indicate the endpoints of dimension lines have several default behaviors, many of which you can adjust.
About Locking Permanent Dimensions
You can lock dimensions so the dimension values cannot be changed, thus restricting movement of referenced elements. Unlock dimensions to allow their values to be modified and to move referenced elements.
About Placing Dimensions on Non-perpendicular Cut Geometry
Learn about creating documentation for non-perpendicular cut elements.
Add an Aligned Dimension
You can place aligned dimensions between 2 or more parallel references or 2 or more points, such as wall ends.
Add Aligned Dimensions to Walls Automatically
With automatic aligned dimensions, you can place a dimension on a wall with one click, eliminating the need to pick all references. You can dimension an entire wall, a wall with intersecting walls, or a wall with openings.
Add a Dimension Aligned with an Arc Wall
You can place aligned dimensions from the center of arc walls to other walls or lines.
Dimension to a Core Layer in Compound Structures
When constructing a compound wall with inserts, builders often want to know the dimensions of unfinished structural openings for the inserts. You can dimension a structural opening by choosing references on the outer boundary of the core layer in the wall.
Add a Linear Dimension
Add a linear dimension to a drawing to measure between 2 points.
Add an Angular Dimension
You can place angular dimensions on multiple reference points sharing a common intersection. You cannot drag the dimension arc to display a full circle.
Add a Radial Dimension
Add a radial dimension to a drawing to measure the radius of an arc.
Add a Diameter Dimension
Use a diameter dimension in a drawing to measure the diameter of a circle or arc.
Add an Arc Length Dimension
You can dimension arc walls or other arc elements to obtain the overall length of the wall.
Baseline and Ordinate Dimensions
Baseline dimensions are multiple dimensions measured from the point of origin. Ordinate dimensions measure the distance from an origin point to multiple reference points on an element.

Parent topic: Dimensions