Baseline Dimensions

You can create a group of linear dimensions measured from the same location.

When you create baseline dimensions, your first selection defines the baseline position. For subsequent selections, dimensions originate from that initial baseline. You can select items such as edges, vertices, circles, and midpoints.

In drawings, baseline dimensions are reference dimensions driven by the geometry. You cannot change their values or use the values to drive the model.

In parts and assemblies, you can add baseline dimensions in sketches. They can be driving or driven.

Baseline dimensions are automatically grouped, and they are spaced at the distances specified in Tools > Options > Document Properties > Dimensions under Offset distances.

Creating Baseline Dimensions

To create a baseline dimension:

  1. Click Baseline Dimension Tool_Baseline_Dimensions_Relations.gif on the Dimensions/Relations toolbar, or click Tools > Dimensions > Baseline.
  2. Click the edge or vertex you want to use as a baseline.
  3. Click each of the edges or vertices you want to dimension.
    If you select an edge, dimensions are measured parallel to the selected edge. If you select a vertex, dimensions are measured point-to-point from the selected vertex.
    baseln1.gif
    Edge as baseline
    baseln2.gif
    Vertex as baseline

Adding Dimensions to Existing Baseline Dimensions

To add new dimensions to an existing set of baseline dimensions:

  1. Right-click on one of the existing baseline dimensions and click Add To Baseline.
    The cursor changes to pointer-baseline-dimension.png and the Baseline tool activates.
  2. Click new elements in the drawing view to add to the baseline dimensions.
    As you add new elements to the baseline, the set of baseline dimensions reorders to accommodate the additional dimensions.
    To specify spacing in baseline dimensions, use Tools > Options . On the Document Properties tab, click Dimensions and in Offset distances, set the spacing.

Auto Arranging Baseline Dimensions

To auto arrange baseline dimensions:

  1. Select the baseline dimensions.
  2. When the dimension palette rollover button appears, move the pointer over the button to view the dimension palette.
  3. On the dimension palette, click Auto Arrange Dimensions .

Converting Between Baseline and Chain Dimensions

You can convert baseline dimensions to chain dimensions and vice versa.

To convert a chain dimension to a baseline dimension:

  • Right-click any dimension in the set and click Convert to Base.

To convert a baseline dimension to a chain dimension:

  • Right-click any dimension in the set and click Convert to Chain.