SolidworksHow-ToBeginner · 3 min read

How to Add Linear Dimension in AutoCAD: Step-by-Step Guide

To add a linear dimension in AutoCAD, use the DIMLINEAR command. This command lets you measure and display the horizontal or vertical distance between two points on your drawing.

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Syntax

The basic syntax to add a linear dimension in AutoCAD is:

DIMLINEAR - Starts the linear dimension command.
Select the first point - The start point of the dimension line.
Select the second point - The end point of the dimension line.
Place the dimension line - Click where you want the dimension text and line to appear.

autocad command line

Command: DIMLINEAR
Specify first extension line origin or <select object>: (Pick first point)
Specify second extension line origin: (Pick second point)
Specify dimension line location or <select object>: (Place dimension line)

Output

A linear dimension line appears showing the distance between the two points.

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Example

This example shows how to add a horizontal linear dimension between two points on a line segment.

autocad command line

Command: DIMLINEAR
Specify first extension line origin or <select object>: 0,0
Specify second extension line origin: 100,0
Specify dimension line location or <select object>: 0,10

Output

A horizontal dimension line appears 10 units above the line segment from (0,0) to (100,0), showing the length as 100 units.

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Common Pitfalls

Common mistakes when adding linear dimensions include:

Picking points that are not aligned horizontally or vertically, which can cause angled dimensions instead of straight linear ones.
Placing the dimension line too close to the object, making it hard to read.
Not setting the correct units or scale, leading to incorrect dimension values.

Always ensure your points are aligned and place the dimension line clearly away from the object.

autocad command line

Wrong way:
Command: DIMLINEAR
Specify first extension line origin or <select object>: 0,0
Specify second extension line origin: 50,50  ; points not aligned horizontally or vertically
Specify dimension line location or <select object>: 25,25

Right way:
Command: DIMLINEAR
Specify first extension line origin or <select object>: 0,0
Specify second extension line origin: 50,0
Specify dimension line location or <select object>: 0,10

Output

Wrong way creates an angled dimension; right way creates a clear horizontal linear dimension.

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Quick Reference

Step	Action
1	Type `DIMLINEAR` in the command line and press Enter.
2	Click the first point to start the dimension.
3	Click the second point to end the dimension.
4	Place the dimension line by clicking where you want it displayed.
5	Adjust dimension style if needed for units and appearance.

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Key Takeaways

Use the DIMLINEAR command to add horizontal or vertical linear dimensions.

Always pick points aligned horizontally or vertically for accurate linear dimensions.

Place the dimension line clearly away from the object for readability.

Check your units and scale settings to ensure correct dimension values.

Practice with simple lines first to get comfortable with dimension placement.