You can create dimension objects that conform to industry standards, including the ANSI, DIN and JIS standards. You can also customize the standard settings — the size of lines, gaps, text, and tolerances. You can also save settings that you have customized as new stan- dards. The 17 dimensioning tools are grouped in a palette. To open the pal- ette, press the dimensioning tool that appears in the Object tools pal- ette. You can drag the palette away from the toolbox to keep it open while you work. To add dimensions to an illustration 1 Select a dimensioning tool in the toolbox. When you move the pointer into the document, a prompt appears at the pointer. 2 To begin dimensioning, position the pointer and click as directed by the prompt. The prompt varies, depending on which dimensioning tool you use. For example, if you use the Horizontal dimensioning tool, the prompt says “Click 1st Point.” Refer to the table “Dimensioning procedures” on page 24.451 for details on what you should do when each prompt appears. 3 When the “Anchor” prompt appears, move the pointer to posi- tion the dimension. If you drag away from the measurement points, the witness lines extend and the text follows the pointer. 4 To anchor the dimension in place, click once. 5 For chain and baseline dimensions, you can click additional measurement points and anchor each part of the dimension object. After you anchor the last part, press Enter (Mac) or Esc (Windows) to finish the object. Tip The Smart Mouse can help ensure precise measurements. You can set the Smart Mouse so the pointer snaps to corners and anchor points when you use dimensioning tools. See “Using Smart Mouse for pre- cise alignment” on page 24.457.
Canvas 8 Help: Precision drawing and dimensioning (3 of 14)                                         Page #449