Chain Dimensions

You can create a chain of associated dimensions measuring from one feature to the next.

You can create chain dimensions in drawings and in sketches in parts and assemblies. Chain dimensions are reference dimensions driven by the geometry. You cannot change their values or use the values to drive the model.

When you create chain dimensions, your first selection defines the starting edge of the chain. Subsequent selections are measured from one selection to the next. You can select items such as edges, vertices, circles, and midpoints.

Creating Chain Dimensions

To create chain dimensions:

  1. Click Chain Dimension (Dimension/Relations toolbar) or Tools > Dimensions > Chain.
  2. Select the starting edge.


  3. Click features to add to the chain set.


Adding Dimensions to Existing Chain Dimensions

To manually add an overall dimension to a set of chain dimensions:

  • Right-click any dimension in the set and click Add Overall.

To add more dimensions to a set of chain dimensions:

  • Right-click any dimension in the set, click Add to Chain, and then select other items to add to the chain.
You can delete a dimension from a set of chain dimensions. The surrounding dimensions automatically adjust to prevent gaps in the chain.

To automate some common chain dimension actions:

  1. Click Tools > Options > Document Properties > Dimensions > Linear.
  2. Under Chain Dimension, select options:
    Option Description
    Add overall dimension to chain dimensions Automatically adds an overall dimension when you create a set of chain dimensions.
    Add last reference dimension (Available if Add overall dimension to chain dimensions is selected.) Automatically adds a final reference dimension when you create a set of chain 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.

Keeping Chain Dimensions Collinear

You can ensure that chain dimensions remain collinear even with limited space.

When dimension text and arrowheads overlap, you can select options for the best fit.

To keep chain dimensions collinear when dimension text overlaps:
  1. Click Tools > Options > Document Properties > Dimensions > Linear.
  2. Under Chain Dimension, select Offset text automatically when space is limited.
    For ISO and ANSI, this option is selected by default.
To keep chain dimensions collinear when arrowheads overlap:
  1. Click Tools > Options > Document Properties > Dimensions > Linear.
  2. Under Chain Dimension, select When arrowheads overlap substitute arrowhead termination automatically with: and specify an option.
    • Points. Replaces arrowheads with points .
    • Oblique Strokes. Replaces arrowheads with oblique strokes .
      For ISO, this option is selected by default.