Jan 10

Quick Tip #2 – Dimension Arc Length

Tag: Quick Tips,Sketches — admin @ 10:03 pm

qt21

Sometimes, the actual arc length is more important to specify then other dimensions. In Drawings and Sketches, you can easily specify the actual arc length.

In a sketch or in a drawing, make sure you in the dimensioning mode. First, select the arc to be dimensioned.

1-10-2009-8-29-48-pm2

While holding the CTRL key, select the first end point of the arc.

1-10-2009-8-46-57-pm

While still holding the CTRL key, select the second endpoint of the arc.

1-10-2009-8-47-20-pm

Place the dimension above the arc. The dimension value will be shown with a small arc to denote the value is the arc length.

1-10-2009-8-47-46-pm

  • http://WWW.BARRY-WEHMILLER.COM Rod_Uding

    This is a pretty neat little trick Alex. I have only used it a couple of times in SW so far. I could have used this in AutoCAD years ago when I had a whole slew of parts that needed the arc length dimensioned.

  • http://www.solidworks.com Andy Fraser

    Another little tip here – you don't need to press the CTRL key and you can select the point, point, arc combination in any order.

  • http://www.theswgeek.com TheSWGeek

    Yeah… I discovered that shortly after I wrote the post. I still pick up new info all the time :) thanks for stoping by.

  • Vlad

    Great!!!

  • http://www.x-castro.com/ xorge

    WOW!!! had no idea you coudl do this
    Thanks
    X Castro

  • shelenator

    After inserting a arc length dimension, I can select the dimension and change its properties. If I unclick the 'automatically choose arc length leaders' box, I can then check show leaders radially. How do I set up our drawing templates to automatically show arc length leaders radially instead of parallel?

    SW2007

  • Andrew

    This really is a great tip! However, it should be noted that your instructions here are misleading, if not incorrect.

    In order to set the arc length dimension, you must select both endpoints of the arc, AND the arc line.
    If you just “hold the ctrl key and select both endpoints, and then 'place the dimension above the arc', you will merely get the traditional parallel dimension.

    Also, as Andy stated below, there is no need to use the CTRL key, and the endpoints and arc can be selected in any order.

    Thanks, and keep up the good work!

  • Andrew

    Oops..

    Nevermind, I overlooked where you said to select the arc.

  • mallby

    i am talking about the game stupidn

  • Anonymous

    While valium is the least addictive of all benzodiazepines, because it nhas quite a long half-life (the amount of time it takes for half of the nmedication to leave the addictu2019s system), it is categorized by the FDA nas a schedule IV drug and therefore monitored under the Federal nControlled Substances Act. This means that valium is only available nwith a doctoru2019s prescriptionnValium Addiction

  • JST Books

    What role do genetics play in addictions, especially alcoholism? please tel me about this.Recovery from Addiction

  • oakley sunglasses

    discount oakley sunglasses shop is a professional website to provide cheap oakley sunglasses shopping, there oakley sunglasses cheap, oakley sunglasses discount, good service is our only belief is to choose oakley sunglasses choose our beautiful, happy life of self-confidence from the sun began