Creating Baseline Dimensions

The BaselineDimension command creates a series of parallel linear Dimensions that share the same baseline. Baseline dimensioning allows you to read the cumulative Dimension between two end points extending over a number of individual Dimensions within a chain.

This type of dimensioning assumes that a related linear, angular, or ordinate Dimension exists in the drawing.

To create baseline Dimensions:

1. Ensure that the entity you want to dimension already has a linear, angular, or ordinate Dimension to serve as the base Dimension, or insert a Dimension if necessary.
2. Click Dimension > Baseline (or type BaselineDimension).
   
   When the last dimensioning command created a linear, angular, or ordinate Dimension, you are prompted to select a point as the second extension line origin. In other cases, you are prompted to select an existing linear, angular, or ordinate Dimension as the base Dimension. The same request appears if you press Enter to specify a second extension line origin.
3. In the graphics area, select the:
1. Second extension line origin or a baseline Dimension (linear, angular, or ordinate Dimension) depending on the command prompt.
2. Points for subsequent extension line origins. Use EntitySnaps for ease of dimensioning.
   
   When creating linear baseline Dimensions, each Dimension displays the distance between the baseline and the point you select.
4. If necessary, specify the Undo option to remove the last continuous Dimension entered during the current command.

Access

Command: BaselineDimension

Menu: Dimension > Baseline