How to Dimension in AutoCAD LT

Adding dimensions to drawings is important but easy to do.

AutoCAD LT is a part of a suite of computer-aided drafting products from Autodesk. AutoCAD LT differs from AutoCAD in that it is a two-dimensional only program. However, AutoCAD LT shares all of the core features of it's bigger brother and can still read three-dimensional drawings. The dimensioning tools in AutoCAD LT are comprehensive but easy to use.

Instructions

1. Open AutoCAD LT. Next open the drawing to which you want to add dimensions. To do this, click on the "Open" icon, navigate to the the drawings location, highlight the drawing file on which you want to work, and then click "Open." The drawing opens in the drawing editor.

2. Click on the "Dimension menu. This shows a list of all the different types of dimension tool available. Make sure you click on the correct one to make the measurement you need.

3. Pick "Linear" to measure a line. As instructed, click the first point of the measurement, then the second. Move the mouse away from the object and place the dimension line by left-clicking. You will see the dimension added to the drawing.

4. Pick "Radius" or "Diameter" to measure a circle or arc. Pick the circle or arc by left clicking on it. Place the dimension by left-clicking on the drawing.

5. Pick "Angle" to create an angular dimension. Left-click on the first object and then the second object to determine the angle between both of them. Left-click once more to place the dimension in the drawing.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that you use the right dimension tool. Wrong dimensions on a drawing can lead to mistakes being made and expenses incurred.

References

• Daily AutoCAD: Dimensioning Tutorial Part 1: Introduction Website
• CADTutor: Dimensioning
• AutoCADTutorials: How to Dimension Simple Plate