topic Re: How to associate linear dimensions with structural elements in AutoCAD Architecture Forum

How to associate linear dimensions with structural elements

Wolfgang_Schau — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:33:56 GMT

AEC dimensions are associated. However, often I have to use linear dimensions. ow can I associate those? Is there a system parameter

Re: How to associate linear dimensions with structural elements

pendean — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 12:54:36 GMT

May I ask why you don't want to use AECDIMS all the time?

With plain dimensioning, and with DIMASSOC set to the default listed in HELP, you must 100% snap to an endpoint or intersection or node of that object for it to be and remain associated until you intentionally or accidentally break that 'glue' with moving the dimline only.

OR... are you thinking more along the lines of PARAMETRIC dimensioning? You simply edit the distance and the object is resized?

Re: How to associate linear dimensions with structural elements

R_Tweed — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:12:03 GMT

Check your options, Standard dimensions are associative by default. or see reply from @pendean for DIMASSOC.

Standard dimensions will not associate with AEC objects but AEC-Dims will also associate to linework.

If you lose your standard dim association to linework, see shortcut menu to re-associate.

or use _dimreassociate

As alternative, you can convert standard dims to aec-dims and then associate to walls, doors and or Linework.

Re: How to associate linear dimensions with structural elements

Wolfgang_Schau — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 02:00:03 GMT

I started to use AECDIMS. When I selected a wall with doors and windows, it showed all kind of dims which I did not need. Then I deleted the not needed dims, added some which were missing. Then at a later time, and I forgot what caused it, the dims-chain changed back to the default, and I had to change it over and over again. After I got tired of that, I switched using regular dims. However, even setting the DIMASSOC variable to 2, etc. they still don't associate, and I don't understand why. Changing the length of a wall leaves me with that:

Re: How to associate linear dimensions with structural elements

Wolfgang_Schau — Sun, 26 Oct 2025 02:09:35 GMT

Pendean,

this is another example why I don't like AECDIMS:

Masons typically want only outside dimensions.

Re: How to associate linear dimensions with structural elements

R_Tweed — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 15:25:55 GMT

The AEC-Dims are style based. You may want to consider making your own styles for specific types of dimensions to meet your needs and your drafting standards.

I've attached a dwg that has a few examples.

Dimension behavior is also affected by wall components settings.

Re: How to associate linear dimensions with structural elements

robloxapk01 — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:50:04 GMT

Great question! To associate linear dimensions like AEC dimensions, convert standard dims to AEC dims and link them to walls or structural elements. Unfortunately, there’s no system parameter for directly associating standard linear dimensions, so using AEC dimensions is your best bet for full association and workflow efficiency. @Wolfgang_Schau If it works kindly plz let me know.

Re: How to associate linear dimensions with structural elements

Wolfgang_Schau — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 21:36:41 GMT

I have set DIMASSOC to 2.

A wall segment with a linear dim looks like that:

After I change the length of the wall, the dimension remains the same:

This is not an associative behavior! What am I doing wrong?

Re: How to associate linear dimensions with structural elements

David_W_Koch — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 22:21:15 GMT

@Wolfgang_Schau

You are not doing anything wrong. As previously noted by @R_Tweed, AutoCAD associative dimensions do not work with AEC objects, like Walls. If you want a dimension that will be associative to Walls and other AEC objects, you will need to use AEC Dimensions. They are a good deal more complex than AutoCAD dimensions, and the out-of-the-box Styles may not do what you want. But you can create your own Styles that do.

Re: How to associate linear dimensions with structural elements

Wolfgang_Schau — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 23:59:55 GMT

@robloxapk01: AEC dims work for AEC objects. However, If I want to show the distance between a column and a wall for example, I still have to use linear dimensions.

I still don't understand why the software developers of AutoCAD cannot make it work with the system parameter. I have programmed a lot of software myself.

Anyway, I have to focus on my job and use workaround solutions very often.

I will accept this solution to close this thread.

Re: How to associate linear dimensions with structural elements

robloxapk01 — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:09:32 GMT

@Wolfgang_Schau That's good that you have accepted the solution to close this thread. But can you tell me that whether the solution given by me works or not?