Getting dimensions

[Anonymous]

Good morning , I'm very new to auto cad. I need some help getting getting dimensions form a step file that someone sent me. You already helped me find the tool bar so I can get dimensions ( angle , diameters , radius , etc ) but when I move the cross hairs over the part the part turns blue with all kinds of lines . Is there a way to  turn off the lines and when I move the cross hairs over the part the edge where I want to start to pick up a dimensions gets highlighted so I can move to another point to get that dimension. Maybe there's a video out there because like I said ,I'm very new to auto cad and don't understand a lot. Thank you so much.

[msudhakarcivil · Accepted solution]

Hi, You can control in osnap setting to visible the pick points by typing "OSNAP".  For example, you can use an object snap to draw a line to the center of a circle or to the midpoint of a polyline segment. 

To specify an object snap at a prompt for a point, you can

• Press SHIFT and right-click to display the Object Snap shortcut menu
• Click an object snap button on the Object Snap toolbar
• Enter the name of an object snap on the command line 

Please comment below if you have any doubt or ask any other questions

[imadHabash]

Hi,

>> but when I move the cross hairs over the part the part turns blue with all kinds of lines .  <<

try to set SELECTIONPREVIEW  system variable to 0 (zero). 

>>  I want to start to pick up a dimensions gets highlighted <<

usually when you start to pick dimensions points you will notice a small blips appear especially if you use proper osnap modes. 

Regards,

[beyoungjr]

Might also want to figure out if your step file imported as a block.  Check the properties of the object/s to see if it is a block.  If so you might want to Explode???