AutoCAD 2016 It’s All About Dimensioning Watch Video here Rather than having to choose from among nearly However, even the need to a dozen different tools to add linear, radial, specify dimension options angular, baseline, and ordinate dimensions, is signifi cantly reduced AutoCAD 2016 provides a single DIM command because in AutoCAD 2016, that intelligently predicts the type of dimension the DIM command you want to create when you move the cursor over existing geometry. You will fi nd this new tool prominently displayed on both the Home and Annotate ribbons. The older dimensioning automatically creates appropriate dimensions commands are still there as well, but have been based on the type of object you select. As you relegated to a single, smaller split-button. move cursor over objects in the drawing, you see a preview of the resulting dimension before you actually create it. For example, when you move the cursor over a linear object, you see a preview of the appropriate horizontal, On the Annotate ribbon, in the Dimensions panel vertical, or aligned dimension. After selecting the to the right of the new Dimension tool, you will object, you can either place the dimension or also fi nd a new Dim Layer Override control. move the cursor over another non-parallel linear Unlike dimensions created using the older tools, object to display and place an angular dimension. dimension created using the new DIM command are automatically placed on the specifi ed layer, much the same as hatch patterns can be placed on a designated layer rather than on the current layer. This can result in signifi cant time savings since you no longer need to change the current layer before creating dimensions. If you hover the cursor over a circle or arc, you But the convenience doesn’t just end there. If an see a preview of a diameter or radial dimension appropriate dimension layer does not yet exist and the prompt changes to offer appropriate in the drawing, the new DIM command provides options, including the ability to switch between a Layer option, so you can quickly create a new Radius, Diameter, and Arc Length dimensions. layer on the fl y. Options within the DIM command Arc objects also include the additional option are now displayed at the command line and in to create an angular dimension or jogged the right-click menu, eliminating the need for you dimension, or place a center mark or centerline. to remember which options are available and how to use them. 12 www.cadlearning.com