Dimension Tool

Use the Dimension Tool to place Dimension entities in your model. Activate the Dimensions Tool from either the Construction Toolbar or the Tools menu.

Placing Linear Dimensions

Dimensions in SketchUp are based on a 3D model. Edges and points can be used to take dimensions. Suitable points include: end points, midpoints, on edge points, intersections, and arc and circle centers. Dimension leaders can be adjusted to span between non-linear points in a model so that your dimensions are as useful as possible in 3D. To take a dimension between two points in your model:

1. Select the Dimension Tool. The cursor changes to an arrow.
2. Click at starting point of your dimension.
3. Move the cursor toward the endpoint of your dimension.

4. Click on the endpoint of your dimension.
5. Move the cursor perpendicular to create a dimension string.

Note - Press the Esc key at any point during the operation to start over.

6. Click the mouse to fix the position of the dimension string.

Tip - You can take a dimension of a single line simply by clicking on the line and moving the cursor.

Tip - You might need to occasionally rotate your model, as you dimension, to position the dimension to the proper plane.

The appearance of all Dimensions are set and controlled from the Dimension panel of the Model Info dialog box. These settings affect all dimensions already in the model.

Dimension Plane

You can take dimensions in one of several planes. These include the current axial planes (red/green, red/blue, red/green) or the plane aligned to the edge you are measuring. Radius and Diameter dimensions are limited to the plane defined by the arc or circle. Once a dimension is taken and placed within a plane, it can only be moved within that plane.

Placing Radius Dimensions

To place a Radius Dimension on an Arc entity:

1. Activate the Dimension Tool. The cursor changes to an arrow.
2. Click on an Arc entity.
3. Move the cursor to pull a dimension string out from the model.
4. Click the mouse again to fix the position the dimension string.

Placing Diameter Dimensions

To place a diameter dimension on a Circle entity:

1. Activate the Dimension Tool. The cursor changes to an arrow.
2. Click on a Circle entity.
3. Move the cursor to pull a dimension string out from the model.
4. Click the mouse again time to fix the position of the dimension string.

Toggling Dimension Type

Context-click on the dimension and choose Type > Radius or Diameter, to change a radius dimension to a diameter dimension (or a diameter dimension to a radius dimension).