Dimensions

Table of contents:
Introduction
Dimensions

Let's talk about the Dimensions tool, previously known as Guides. In other applications, similar functionality is commonly referred to as Dimensions, Reference Lines, or Construction Guides. While the naming may vary, the function remains the same: it allows you to place visual reference markers in the workspace to measure distances, control alignment, and improve modeling accuracy.

In SelfCAD, the Dimensions tool can be found in the Utilities section of the main Toolbar. It enables you to add reference lines and measurement indicators to the grid, which can be used for precise positioning, snapping, spacing control, and layout planning. In practice, this allows users to maintain consistent proportions, align components accurately, define clear spacing between parts, and build models that follow exact dimensional requirements.

The Utilities category acts as a modeling assistance toolkit, providing features that improve precision and workflow efficiency rather than directly modifying geometry. Dimensions play an important role in accurate design planning. In this article, we'll explore how to use the Dimensions tool effectively and improve measurement control in your projects.

Activate the tool

Dimensions Tool does not require selecting any object, so you can get straight into the tool itself. To activate it, you need to choose it from the Utilities drop-down list in the Main Toolbar or use a shortcut by pressing the ‘U+G’ combination on your keyboard. This way, you’ll open a Tool Setting Panel with all of the customizable options for this feature on the left side of your screen.

Length

The Length mode measures and highlights the distance between two selected points. It creates a guide displaying the measured value, helping you visualize and maintain precise dimensions in your design.

Angle

The Angle mode measures and highlights the angle between three selected points. It creates a visual guide displaying the measured angle, helping you shape and align parts of your design more precisely.

Rename

You can click on a measured dimension and customize its label. By default, it displays the measured length or angle, but you can replace it with a custom description for better clarity and organization.

Hide

The Hide/Show toggle controls the visibility of dimensions in the workspace. All dimensions are visible by default, but you can temporarily hide them by disabling the toggle. This helps reduce clutter in the scene without deleting any measurements.

And that’s about it for the Dimensions. After reading this article, you should know the basics of this tool and how to use it, and know about its different applications.

That's all I have for you today. I wish you success in your future projects. See you, and stay tuned for more content to come!