When you are working on designs, there are times when it is necessary to link dimensions. Linking dimensions associates a word or word phrase to a number value that other dimensions in a model can then reference. This is an especially handy tool when you are dealing with complex models that have multiple features that may share the same value. When you update one of the values, all the features or dimension that are linked are then updated at once. The following example sketch will illustrate the most basic usage of linked dimensions in one sketch. More complex scenarios can then be derived from the procedure illustrated.

In this sketch we have two ‘tabs’ that we wish to have the values be linked. First, we will add a dimension the the tab in the sketch just as always.

In the Modify window, instead of entering in a number in the field will will select the down arrow to the right of the number. This will display two actions for the field; Add Equation… and Link Value…, we will select the Link Value action.

When we select Link Value in the Modify window, the Shared Values window will be displayed. This window is where we will be assigning a word or word phrase that will define the value for the dimension. I recommend using a word or phrase that can be easily differentiated from others, since it is likely you will have more then one value. In the Name field will enter the name Tab Height then click OK.

Once the value of a dimension has been linked, a red link icon is displayed next to the dimension. This allows you, the user, to see that the dimension is linked but it will not show you what is is linked to, unfortunately. If you want to see what value the dimension is linked to you will have to enter the Shared Values window, as before.

For the second tab in the sketch we will add a dimension and select Link Value from the pull-down.

This time instead of creating a value name for the value we will select the name we created earlier for the first tab. Click the down arrow at the end of the Name field and select the desired value. If we had more then one shared value in the model we will have a full list of names in this field, this is the reason for creating a memorable name. We will be selecting Tab Height in the Name field the click OK.

Now the dimensions for each tab is linked the the Tab Height value as is shown with the red link icon.

By double-clicking any of the linked dimensions we change the value for each dimension that is linked. Also, if for some reason you forget, there is a linked icon in the Modify window to remind you that this value is linked. For this example we will be changing our Tab Height dimension the be .75″ tall.

You will see that each linked dimension is change to the new value we entered. If a dimension in another sketch was linked to this value, then it too will be updated.

Later this week I will be showing how to use “variables” with linked values to make updates to models quicker, so stay tuned.
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