Parallel Dimension Tool

Use the Parallel Dimension Tool to dimension a distance with the dimension line parallel to what it measures. The dimension follows its points when they move.

Usage

1. Choose the dimension type:
   • Aligned: the straight distance between two points.
   • Perpendicular: the distance from a point, square to a line.
2. Set the dimension's options if you need to. Each starts as the drawing's dimension setting variable: a dimension made with an option left so keeps to the variable, and changes when it does; change an option here for the dimension to have its own.
   • Height: the height of the capital letters, an expression: #DFS (Dimension Font Size) to begin with.
   • Dimension Arrow Size: an expression: #DAS to begin with (0 for no arrows).
   • Distance to dimension line (Aligned only): how far out the dimension line goes, an expression: #DD to begin with.
   • Font Type and Font: a vector font (an .shx file, or empty for the built-in font) or a TrueType font (an installed family, or a .ttf or .otf file), #DFK and #DFN to begin with. TrueType fonts can also be Bold and Italic (#DFB, #DFI).
   • Character Width: how wide the letters are, an expression: #DFW (1, normal) to begin with.
   • Decimal places: the most shown (#DDP: 2 in millimetres, 3 in inches). Trailing zeros are left off.
   • Caption (<> for the value): text instead of the measurement, with <> standing for it (for example <> TYP). Leave it empty to show the measurement. It has no variable.
3. Choose the layer to draw the dimension on. It starts as the Dimension layer, if the drawing has one.
4. For an Aligned dimension:
   1. Click^* the first point to measure.
   2. Click^* the second point to measure.
   3. Click on the side the dimension goes. Only the side is kept: the dimension line is Distance to dimension line out (by default the drawing's #DD), so it stays that far out when the points move.
5. For a Perpendicular dimension:
   1. Click^* the start of the line.
   2. Click^* the end of the line.
   3. Click^* the point to measure from the line.
   4. Click^* where the dimension line goes.

The dimension is shown as you move, before the last click.

See this in action

^*Depending on the chosen snap mode, several clicks may be required to define the point parametrically. Read more about Snap Modes

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