Add Model Dimensions ( Modeling > d a )

Tool summary :

  • Locate two or more points to draw model dimensions that show the distances between those points. Right-click when you are done.
  • In multi-user Modeling environments, any model dimensions that you add will be seen by you only. They will be retained -- also for you only -- across Modeling sessions.
  • Here's an example:

    Each of the model dimensions in this example were generated by locating the top exact points of vertical braces. In the illustration shown here, these exact points are each marked with an X . They are located at half the nominal depth of the upper beam.
  • See the step-by-step instructions .

Also see :

VIDEO Model dimensions are added at center-of-hole exact points in a connection. The model dimensions show the bolt spacings in that connection. (Recorded in SDS2 Detailing , v2017.)

VIDEO Three different tools that add dimensions to the model are demonstrated. The first is Model > Dimensions > Add (this tool) for which exact points are located for dimensions along the top chord of a truss. The second tool is Dimension Members , for which an area box is drawn around to-be-dimensioned vertical braces in a truss. The third tool is Dimension Clearance , for which a column and an angle are selected in order to dimension the clearance between the two materials. (Recorded in SDS2 Detailing , v2017.)

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   Step-by-step instructions :

Add Model Dimensions can be used in Modeling to dimension points that you locate.

1 . Before invoking Add Model Dimensions :

1a : Open ( Ctrl + o ) a view that shows the members, materials or etc. that you want to dimension. The type of view does not matter. If, for example, you add dimensions to members in a plan view, those dimensions will also be visible in an isometric view that shows those same members.

1b : In Display Options , the display of " Model dimensions " should be turned on.

2 . Invoke Add Dimensions using one (1) of the following methods:

Method 1 : Click the Add Model Dimensions icon, which is pictured above. The icon can be taken from the group named ' Model ' and placed on a toolbar (classic) or the ribbon (lightning).

Method 2 : If " Modeling layout style " is ' Classic ', you can use the menu system to choose Model > Dimensions > Add .

Method 3, 4 or 5 : Add Model Dimensions can also be configured to be invoked using a keyboard shortcut , the context menu , or a mode . For the lightning interface, this configuration is done using Customize Interface . The default keyboard shortcut is d a , which stands for "dimension add."

3 . Locate - Return mouse bindings become active, and the status line prompts " Locate point: "

bindings

3a : Select a Locate option (e.g. EXPT ), then move your mouse pointer ( ) so that the point location target ( ) snaps to the desired point, then left-click ( Locate ).

bindings

3b : Locate additional dimension points in a manner similar to 3a. Note that you now have a Remove mouse biding (middle-click) that lets you undo the location of your last point.

3c : Right-click ( Return ) when you are done locating points.

4 . The dimensions that you added in the previous steps will be visible in your current Modeling session and in subsequent Modeling sessions when you restart this same Job, but the dimensions will not be shown in the Modeling sessions of other users in this same Job. If you want them to be shared by other users, you can Save Dimensions and then instruct those other users to Load Dimensions .

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