AutoCAD 2016 New Dimension Tool

At Ideate, we always try our best to keep you abreast with the latest in the Autodesk world. So, here is a post dedicated to perhaps one of the biggest feature enhancements of AutoCAD 2016 – the new dimension tool. This will change your workflow forever, and for the better. Read on for a sneak preview of the tool. 

New Dimension Tool - Notice the Dimension Fly Out now
appears on the bottom row of the dimension panel.

As you can see from the above, the dimension fly out has been replaced with one command: dimension. This new tool is streamlined so that you don’t have to pick different commands for adding different types of dimensions. For example, you can add a linear, arc, circular, or angular dimension with one command, without having to quit and invoke the various dimension commands. As you invoke the dimension command, you will see options on your command line to switch the various options. The various dimension commands are now options of one dimension command.  

Dimension Commands

These options are smart because you don’t have to invoke them individually. AutoCAD automatically detects the object, and adds the appropriate annotation. Watch the short clip below and see how I don’t have to quit. All dimensions are added from the same command.


There is a layer control available from within the dimension panel. If you still want to use your dimension shortcuts, they will still work. The dimension fly out now appears in the bottom row of the dimension panel. You can see this in the first image in this post, where the text says "Linear" in the bottom left are.

This feature simplifies your workflow, and still allows for you to select your familiar dimension shortcuts. To check it out for yourself, go ahead and download AutoCAD 2016 trial today.

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Gaurav Bagga
Ideate Infrastructure Solutions Application Specialist

Gaurav is a well rounded Application Engineer and Project Manager for Infrastructure Solutions at Ideate based out of San Francisco. He has over 15 years experience in construction industry and has been helping numerous small, medium and ENR 500 firms maximize their CAD investment for the last ten years. Gaurav is an Autodesk Certified Instructor and Autodesk Civil 3D Implementation Certified Expert. He has taught at several conferences, CAD Camps and Autodesk University. He has taught AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Land Desktop and Map 3D to thousands of students and helps Ideate develop the Infrastructure Services curriculum and courses. With his extensive CAD technology background he helps Bay Area engineering and surveying firms analyze and improve their design and drawing production process thereby improving productivity and the bottom line. Follow Gaurav on Twitter: @BeGeez

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