Dimension about model space and paper space

[wenhaoVVDVT]

Hi everyone, 

I have a dimension question in AutoCAD LT 2025.

I have to dimension the object on layout space because our company's standard. However, one object might need to associate with multiple dimension. There's a small issue always annoying me which is, the dimension always trying to snap to the point on the paper space, instead of the object in the model space I need.

I don't want to dimension anything on the layout space. I only need the dimension (on the layout space) measures the object in the model space.

This issue didn't happen when I used the AutoCAD 2016 or 2022. I guess must be something default setting turns on cause this issue.

Many thanks for anyone's suggestion.

[cadffm]

Hi,

>>", the dimension always trying to snap to the point on the paper space, instead of the object in the model space I need."

For object snaps, there is no difference between model and paperspace objects.

>>"trying to snap to the point on the paper space,"

Which Point? Is there an object (end of a line, drawn in paperspace) or not?

If there is nothing to snap, it will not snap to anything.

>>"This issue didn't happen when I used the AutoCAD 2016 or 2022.

It would be the same in all versions, so please explain it in more details.

Did you test it with the same file, same Layout?

Why are you usinf visual styles, others than 2D-Wireframe?

[wenhaoVVDVT]

Thanks for your reply,

>>>>"trying to snap to the point on the paper space,"

Which Point? Is there an object (end of a line, drawn in paperspace) or not?

For example, I dimension the line(from dot 1 to dot 2), which will create a dimension object in paper space. lets call this dimension-A.

Right now, I want to dimension another line from dot 1 to dot 3 (dot 3 between dot 1 & 2). The new dimension will try to snap the Dimension-A as a object, instead of the model (form dot 1 to dot 3) I need.

I attached the screenshot, if I dim from the same point, the dimension will give me the paper space dimension(1-1/4") instead of model space dimension (5")

>>>>"This issue didn't happen when I used the AutoCAD 2016 or 2022.

It would be the same in all versions, so please explain it in more details.

Did you test it with the same file, same Layout?

Yes I did, it didn't happen in the old AutoCAD

>>Why are you usinf visual styles, others than 2D-Wireframe?

Its my company's standard so it is what it is. 😞

[h_s_walker]

Sounds like you might have a node snap on. Dimensions always have a point (node) at the end of them.

Try using the endpoint snap instead and then choose a point just to the right of the end of the rectangle.

[pendean]

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@wenhaoVVDVT wrote:

...the dimension will give me the paper space dimension(1-1/4") instead of model space dimension (5")

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That always happens when you snap on an object in paperspace rather than inside of your viewport, common in all year-versions of AutoCAD/LT since layouts were created. basically you are not able to reach or touch the object in the viewport. You'll always face that when you dimension in a layout outside of a viewport.

How many running osnaps do you have on? You always want to only have on what you actually need, or use a manual override. We understand you like many on all the time, we are all drafting in the program all day long like you, but it's not "best practice".

[paullimapa]

For those problem osnaps just click inside the vport, do your dimensions there then use the Chspace command to bring them into paperspace. FYI: not a good standard to place dimensions in paperspace. They should reside in model space where the objects are. This way when the objects change the dimensions can change with them. 

[moneumiko]

Just put the other dimension temporarily on a different layer, turn it off, place your dimension, then put that other one back on?

Did you try to explain to someone in charge in your company that it's bad practice to put dimensions in paperspace?

[RobRocks]

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@moneumiko wrote:

Did you try to explain to someone in charge in your company that it's bad practice to put dimensions in paperspace?

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Since when? For some people it is an absolute necessity.

[cadffm]

Hi,

learn more about Object snaps and how it works. Independing of the topic issue:

See below wher I would place my cursor to select coordinates by object snap ENDpoint.

At hese positions I tell Acad clearly to what object I want to snap the, in this case, Endpoint.

I would choose these "offset" points everytime for snaps like end mid apparent intersection.. , and not just for dimensions or If I place a second or third one.

Object snaps:

Make clear to WHAT OBJECT you want to snap

place the cursor at this object, at a point where your favorite object snap is the nearest to.

Check out your OSOPTIONS setting  and your OSMODE settings (node)!

[wenhaoVVDVT]

Thanks for your answer, 

I understand object snap can solve this issue. However, we always need to measure something from point to point instead of one independent object in our life. So I still trying figure out how to make the object snap not able to work in paper space. 

[cadffm]

If you talking about AutoCAD or AutoCAD LT,

there is no setting!

[cadffm]

"This issue didn't happen when I used the AutoCAD 2016 or 2022."

Do you still have 2016/2022 to record a screencast?

Use the same file as in 2025.

It "must" be the same, if you don't use Node snap mode and the other setting.

[moneumiko]

Can you give an example?

[cadffm]

for Example 3D views

[RobRocks]

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@moneumiko wrote:

Can you give an example?

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The project requires it. There are many workflows that would dictate using this option. Granted, it does have it's idiosyncrasies and may not be the best option when you have a choice but sometimes there isn't a choice. Unless you have worked in a true collaborative environment, it may seem arbitrary but some project execution plans require it.

The feature was developed because of a need for it. You may not use it, but many do. 

[moneumiko]

Oh yes, this one makes sense! (I forgot about this use case because I work in 2D on daily basis)