How Do I Get Auto Dimensions in AutoCAD?

To get auto dimensions in AutoCAD, you can use the AUTODIM command. This automates the process of adding dimensions to selected objects. Here's a breakdown of how to use it:

1. Start the AUTODIM command: Type AUTODIM in the command line and press Enter.

2. Select Objects: Select the objects you want to dimension. You can select them individually, by window, or by using other selection methods. Press Enter when you're done selecting.

3. Placement: AutoCAD will then display the dimensions. Click to place the dimension lines where you want them. AutoCAD attempts to create appropriate dimension strings based on the object geometry.

Tips for Effective Use of AUTODIM:

• Dimension Settings: Before using AUTODIM, ensure your dimension style (DIMSTYLE) is configured to your desired standards (text size, arrow style, units, etc.). AUTODIM uses the current dimension style. You can access dimension style settings by typing DIMSTYLE in the command line.

• Complex Geometry: AUTODIM works best on relatively simple geometries. For very complex shapes, you may need to adjust or add dimensions manually after using AUTODIM.

• Annotation Scale: Verify your annotation scale is set correctly for your viewport or model space. This ensures the dimensions are appropriately sized when printed.

• Experimentation: Experiment with different object selection methods to achieve the desired results.

Alternative Approaches for Specific Scenarios (Referring to Revit-Based Workflow Mentioned in References):

While the main AutoCAD command is AUTODIM, the provided references also highlight automated dimensioning within Revit, using "Entire Walls" as a picking option. Although this is Revit-specific, it illustrates the concept of automated dimensioning based on pre-defined parameters. You can't directly replicate the "Entire Walls" functionality in AutoCAD's AUTODIM, but the underlying principle is similar: select objects, and AutoCAD attempts to dimension them automatically based on its built-in logic and your dimension style settings. Therefore:

If you're looking to automate dimensioning in a similar way to the "Entire Walls" option in Revit (i.e., automatically dimensioning an entire wall), you might need to use a custom LISP routine or a third-party plugin for AutoCAD. These options might allow you to define rules for how objects are dimensioned automatically (e.g., dimensioning the total length of a polyline and the distances between vertices).

In Summary:

Use the AUTODIM command to quickly add dimensions to selected objects in AutoCAD, remembering to configure your dimension style beforehand for optimal results. If you need more advanced automation, explore custom LISP routines or third-party plugins.