topic Re: Dimensioning off of a locked layer in AutoCAD Forum

Dimensioning off of a locked layer

Anonymous — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 21:12:19 GMT

Hello,

I have a layer of a factory floor with columns on it (represented by circles). On a separate layer, I'm trying to add rectangles to represent the footprint of different machines.

When I try to specify the distance between the rectangles and the columns, sometimes the columns shift instead of the rectangles. (I've tried selecting the columns first and then the edge of the rectangle second, which works unless I've already dimensioned the rectangle; if so the columns also move).

I've attempted to lock the column layer, but then I cannot select the center of the circles; I get a "Object is on a locked layer and cannot be constrained".

This seems like something that should be excruciatingly simple.
Thanks.

Re: Dimensioning off of a locked layer

pendean — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 21:57:30 GMT

So you are using Contraints? Or do you just need to delete constraints since you never mention using them but note them as the error message right at the end of the post https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-turn-off-and-delete-constraints-in-AutoCAD.html

Re: Dimensioning off of a locked layer

imadHabash — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 06:37:40 GMT

Hi,

i think that you have to prepare a dimension style first ( DIMSTYLE ) then start use DIMLINEAR command or any other one from above Dimension tab . there is a different use between smart Parametric dimension that you use and the other non parametric dimensions .

Re: Dimensioning off of a locked layer

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 15:33:29 GMT

I'm trying to add a dimension between the two things on different layers.
I don't understand why I cannot dimension something on my unlocked layer off something on my locked layer; I get the error message described in the post.

If I unlock both layers to add a dimension between two things, it's a toss-up which thing will move, which is ridiculous.

When I'm trying to define the machine's placement in relation to the columns, the columns shouldn't move.

Re: Dimensioning off of a locked layer

imadHabash — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 15:42:31 GMT

i'm afraid that you're using Parametric Dimension !!! would you please show us a screenshot or attache here any CAD sample ?

Re: Dimensioning off of a locked layer

pendean — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 16:28:44 GMT

Parametric dimensioning are nothing like "regular" dimensioning: are you just using the wrong dim function/type or would you like us to explain how parametrics work in AutoCAD that requires all layers to be unlocked?

Let us know.

Re: Dimensioning off of a locked layer

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Jul 2019 17:21:47 GMT

I want to tell thing A to be 20' from thing B. That's it.
In Fusion360 within a sketch you can sketch two vertical lines. You can fix one of them, then add a dimension between them. The fixed line will not move, but the unfixed line will to satisfy the dimension you just added.
That is exactly what I would like to do.

I do not want to "label" the distance as drawn between my machine and column because it is currently incorrect. I want to define that distance with a dimension. And I want to do that without having the column move.

Please correct me if I'm wrong (I very well might be) but there are annotational dimensions that won't move the sketch and there are parametric dimensions that will. I'm trying to use the parametric dimensions because I want the sketch to move (just parts of it to not!).

I appreciate all of your help and fast responses, thank you.

Re: Dimensioning off of a locked layer

thanosdrivas — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 12:10:24 GMT

Truer words have never been spoken. I feel your pain.

CAD should be about relations. Otherwise it may as well be illustrator or MS paint.

Re: Dimensioning off of a locked layer

dbroad — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 12:25:16 GMT

Perhaps you should continue using Fusion 360. If you use AutoCAD, you'll have to adapt to its requirements until those change. IE: You must temporarily unlock the layer, add the constraint from the locked object first and then to the object to be moved. I suggest the object to be moved should be a block. Otherwise you will have to add a host of other constraints to maintain its shape. Then lock the layer back before adjusting the constraint. Two additional steps shouldn't cause much stress.

Re: Dimensioning off of a locked layer

Anonymous — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 16:53:46 GMT

I can't find my response, so I'll reply again. Apologies if I'm double-posting.

Mr. dbroad, what's the point of telling me to "continue using Fusion 360"? Not very mature, considerating that forums exist for people (who are not experts) to learn from others (who are experts).

What do you mean by a block? A rectangle? Or is there an entity called a block?

If I understand correctly (in this scenario where I'm constraining between two things on different layers); I'm to unlock both layers, add a constraint between the two things, lock the layer (that holds the thing I want to remain fixed), then change the constraint?

Re: Dimensioning off of a locked layer

pendean — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 19:11:29 GMT

@Anonymous Show your work: post a DWG file and inside that file explain/demonstrate with any means available to you what you are trying to achieve please, and also ensure the issues you faced in your first post with columns etc. is very obvious to all that access the file.

If you cannot share a DWG file might I suggest you reach out to Autodesk Support to set up a call back and granting them access to your PC so they can help, here is how to do that https://knowledge.autodesk.com/customer-service/account-management/users-software/support-options#:~:text=To%20contact%20support%3A,to%20access%20help%20and%20support.

TIA

Re: Dimensioning off of a locked layer

dbroad — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 14:46:41 GMT

@Anonymous What's the point of assuming that someone that is trying to help you is insulting you or is being immature?

It seemed to me from the post I was replying to that you prefer using Fusion360 and that things are much easier for you when using that program. I've never used that program but if it suits your needs, then why not suggest that you continue to use it?

It's no use complaining that something can or can't be done in AutoCAD because this isn't a bug reporting forum. You should instead experiment to try to make what is available work for you. It took a number of posts for other respondents to understand that you weren't talking about dimensions at all but parametric constraints.

You can't constrain two objects if one of them is on a locked layer. Work with that as a given. Complaining about that here won't help. Unlock the layer, constrain the objects and then relock the layer if you need it locked. Just make sure that the first object to be constrained is on the locked layer. There are also other techniques other than locking layers to fix objects in place that are built into AutoCAD constraints. Look for the padlock.

If you try to constrain a rectangle a certain distance from the column in AutoCAD, you'll have to either constrain a block reference that represents that rectangle or add a host of constraints to each rectangle to make sure the size and shape are preserved.

Don't wait three months to respond to posts. That means that anyone responding to the thread has to read through the whole thread to understand what's already been discussed.

Re: Dimensioning off of a locked layer

Anonymous — Sat, 23 Oct 2021 20:01:14 GMT

Because it makes no sense to tell someone trying to learn a program to not use that program. 😊

My reference to Fusion 360 was to provide information so if somebody was versed in both, it would help them understand what I'm trying to do.
I read through my past posts and it reads pretty clear I'm just trying to learn how to do something (a bit frustrated, sure!). I think you're reading into it if you think I'm complaining or claiming something is bugged.
Do you know that the original post is two years old? Regardless, apologies to everyone getting pinged again.

I'm really not here to argue, so to get back on topic, let me employ dbroad's suggestions and see if I can finalize a solution for the thread.

For myself and future learners;
I did a google search to find some info on blocks (since they were mentioned in dbroad's reply):
https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/cad-blocks
https://www.thesourcecad.com/free-cad-block/
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2020/ENU/AutoCAD-Core/files/GUID-BC0FD3C1-3BFC-4C5D-AB9A-BF480D5084BE-htm.html

Some general dimensioning and constraints links - doesn't exactly address the original issue (of applying dimensional constraints across layers), but it was something I didn't understand previously that I think led to some confusion in the communication:
https://www.augi.com/articles/detail/parametric-dimensioning-in-autocad
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Core/files/GUID-24EC28C2-D67E-4160-819E-6735E9B9EDFC-htm.html
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2021/ENU/AutoCAD-Core/files/GUID-899E008D-B422-4DF2-AC8D-1A4F5701ED4E-htm.html

@pendean I will create one, and I will try to make a screencast showing the order of operations. Maybe it'll help some future Fusion 360 users transfer skills to AutoCAD.