How to Add Foreshortened Dimensions in SOLIDWORKS
Written by: Terry O'Reilly
Published: Jan 16, 2023
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Foreshortened dimensions are helpful when the end of a dimension falls outside of a drawing view or interferes with other drawing elements.
By default, SOLIDWORKS automatically detects when a dimension should be foreshortened. So why are my dimensions not foreshortened?
Read on to learn how to add and customise foreshortened dimensions in SOLIDWORKS drawings.
Foreshortened Dimensions
Adding foreshortened dimensions has been simplified over the years to work with every type of drawing view, including section and detail views.
If they are not automatically added when dimensioning detail or cropped views, check under the Options cog and simply search for them in the top left of the dialog.
Foreshortened Dimensions
Here you can customise foreshortened dimensions to your drafting standard.
Ensure ‘Automatic’ is selected if you want SOLIDWORKS to detect when a dimension should be foreshortened.
As these are document properties, they are unique to the drawing file. Any permanent changes should be saved to a drawing template to save you time in the future.
RMB Menu Foreshortened Dimensions
To foreshorten an existing dimension, right click on the dimension and, under Display Options, choose ‘Foreshorten’ from the menu.
Categorised as: SOLIDWORKS Design | Tech Tips
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