About AutoCAD Dimension Points

You can define points for most AutoCAD linework objects in the AEC dimension style.

Dimensioning line endpoints and midpoints example

Dimensioning polyline endpoints and midpoints example

Dimensioning circle centers and quadrants example

Use an AEC dimension style to dimension the following AutoCAD linework objects:

The following AutoCAD points can be associatively dimensioned in the AEC dimension style:

AutoCAD Linework Dimension Points Selection Description Examples
Extents Dimensions the two overall outer points of all selected objects.
Endpoints Dimensions the endpoints of selected objects. If you selected a polyline with multiple segments, the endpoints of each segment are measured. Endpoints can be measured for all AutoCAD linework objects listed above except circles.
Midpoints Measures the midpoints of all segments of the selected object that are lying in the direction of the dimensions. Midpoints can be measured for all AutoCAD linework objects listed above except circles.
Center Measures the center of the curve of circular objects. Centers can be measured for circles, arcs, and curved polyline segments.
Quadrant Measures the quadrants of circles, arcs, and curved polylines segments.

AutoCAD linework objects include line-based objects, such as lines and open polylines, as well as non-linear geometry, such as closed polylines and circles. The results of using AEC dimensions to dimension these objects can be quite different. For example, for a single line, the options Overall, Bounding Box, All Edges, and Facing Edges return exactly the same dimension points. Some objects, like circles, have no edges to dimension.

Tip: The best way to handle the different dimension points for AutoCAD linework is to create a number of AEC dimension styles for the individual objects. For example, you can create a style named “Line,” which has only one dimension chain for dimensioning line edges, or a dimension style named “Circle,” which dimensions only circle centers and circle quadrants.

You cannot define associative dimension points for the following AutoCAD linework objects in the AEC dimension style:

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