Using the Smart Dimension tool in SOLIDWORKS is the quickest way to add dimensions to your sketches, drawings, or even 3D model features. It automatically determines the appropriate dimension type based on the geometry you select.
Here's how you use it:
Accessing the Smart Dimension Tool
The first step is to activate the tool.
- Click Smart Dimension on the Dimensions/Relations toolbar.
- Alternatively, click Tools > Dimensions > Smart from the main menu.
When you activate the tool, the default dimension type is Parallel. SOLIDWORKS anticipates that you might want to measure the distance between two parallel lines or points.
Selecting Items to Dimension
Once the tool is active, you simply select the geometry you want to dimension. This is where the "smart" part comes in. SOLIDWORKS intelligently detects the type of dimension needed based on your selection.
You can select various items. For example, you might select:
| Selection 1 | Selection 2 | Resulting Dimension Type |
|---|---|---|
| A line or edge | (None) | Length |
| Two parallel lines | (None) | Distance (Parallel) |
| Two non-parallel lines | (None) | Angle |
| A point | A line or edge | Distance (Perpendicular) |
| Two points | (None) | Distance |
| A circle | (None) | Diameter |
| An arc | (None) | Radius |
| Center point of circle/arc | Another point/line | Distance |
- Tip: You can undo your previous selections by pressing the Esc key if you make a mistake or want to try a different selection combination.
Placing the Dimension
After selecting the items, move your cursor. A preview of the dimension will appear.
- Click again to place the dimension line and the dimension text in the desired location on the screen.
Once placed, you can modify the dimension's value or properties in the Dimension PropertyManager.
Practical Insights for Smart Dimension
- Flexibility: The Smart Dimension tool is highly flexible. You can select entities in almost any order, and SOLIDWORKS will usually figure out the correct dimension type.
- Context-Sensitive: The tool behaves differently depending on whether you are in a 2D sketch, a 2D drawing, or dimensioning 3D features.
- Dragging: Sometimes, dragging the cursor after selecting entities can influence the dimension type (e.g., dragging horizontally or vertically between two points can force a horizontal or vertical dimension instead of a direct distance).
By following these simple steps – accessing the tool, selecting your geometry, and placing the dimension – you can efficiently add dimensions to your SOLIDWORKS models and drawings.
