Auto-dimensioning

Task area Dimension

You can use this tool to dimension components automatically by drawing a line through them. Allplan automatically dimensions the points where the line and the components intersect.

To dimension elements automatically

1. Click Auto Dimensioning (How).
   

   Activate Auto Dimensioning in one of the following ways

   • Actionbar:Role Draft Task Label Task area Dimension

   • Menu bar: Create Dimension Lines

   • Palette: Tools Create area in the following module(s):

   Dimension Lines

2. If you want, you can now modify the dimension line's parameters.
   Use the options on the context toolbar.
   

   • Click Properties to set the parameters in a dialog box.
   • Click Match properties to copy the settings from an existing element.
3. Define the position of the dimension line.
   

   • Through point: To set the position of the dimension line freely, enter a point through which the dimension line is to pass.
   • Which dimension line: To create the dimension line at a defined distance from an existing dimension line, click the existing dimension line and then select the side on which the new dimension line is to be created.
4. Define the angle of the dimension line in one of the following ways:
   • Click two direction points.
   • Enter the angle in the dialog line and select the Enter key to confirm.
   • Click a line which you want to use as direction line.
5. Place the first point of the section clipping line.
6. Place the next points of the section clipping line (it is displayed as a construction line).
7. Select the Esc key to finish entering the dimension line.

   The dimension line is displayed on the screen.

For example

To produce a dimension line with extension lines, the Extension lines option in the Dimension Line Settings dialog box must be selected.

No extension lines

When this option is enabled, no extension lines are drawn.

Bounded by user polyline (not with Elevation)

The extension lines can be drawn as far as an auxiliary polygon that you enter after creating the dimension line. This way, you can have the extension lines stretch so that they are at a set distance from the dimensioned components.

The offset you enter is interpreted as a positive or negative offset depending on the direction in which the polyline is entered. The following applies: A positive is applied to the right of the direction in which the polyline is entered.

Click here to see an example.

To reference point (with Elevation only)

The extension lines are drawn as far as the reference point.

Predefined length

When this option is enabled, all the extension lines are drawn at a constant length and stretch towards the dimensioned points. With Auto Dimensioning and Automatic Elevation Dimensioning, you need to place an additional point that defines the direction of the extension lines.

Note: The clipping line is always parallel or perpendicular to the dimension line.

Note: You cannot automatically dimension components that you created by using the tools for frame construction and rafter design in the Roof task area.