Measuring tool needed

[_Marek]

Hi,

This tool has been in demand since the days of Eagle. Still doesn't exist. I would like to know what is footprint size of the selected component (schematic and board) in order to estimate if this component has the same size as real one I keep in the box. It happened that I designed a PCB that went to waste because the processor had a different pitch than the footprint. Real component body (QFP)  was identical to what I saw on the screen. I was not aware oi existing two versions of it. 

This tool should also report bounding box size of selected component if 3D model is attached to footprint. I don't want go to the 3D model of capacitor to be sure is used one is exactly the same size I have. It would allow to avoid conflicts with designed device's package. 

Next functionality of measure tool should be reporting of route length.

Please vote this post.

[marketa_prossovaT5UGA]

Yes, you are absolutely right. It seems to me that everyday use items are missing, and things that don't necessarily need to be there are present.

[melisa.kaner]

Hi both,

I'd love to learn more about this request - I've just seen another similar request this week. If either of you would be willing to jump on a quick call to discuss more, please DM me and I will find a time for us to chat. I want to make sure I'm understanding your intended workflows here.

Best regards, 

Melisa

[_Marek]

Hi Melisa,

I'm not familiar with shortcuts - what DM is?

[melisa.kaner]

Hi @_Marek  apologies for the short hand. I mean 'Direct Message', I'll message you now though, so no worries.

Best regards, 

Melisa 

[_Marek]

Hi Melisa,

Due to my vacation, I will contact you next week. I received your message.

Best regards,
Marek

[Pieter.Jan.Van.de.Maele]

Hi all, one more thing I just wanted to add as a current-workaround is that you can use the "Mark" command in the command line to display coordinates relative to a selected point on the canvas.

"The MARK command allows you to define a point on the drawing area and display the coordinates of the mouse cursor relative to that point at the upper left corner of the screen (with a leading 'R' character). This command is useful especially when board dimensions or cutouts are to be defined. Entering MARK; turns the mark on or off."

This crudely allows you to measure things - note that it also displays polar coordinates for a distance/angle measurement:

No replace for sure for a measure command, but maybe something that gets you by until that time. 

 

[nathan_langford6LLCW]

I just made a new footprint and I wanted to measure the dimensions of the footprint to verify I made the footprint correctly by comparing it with the datasheet dimensions. Is that not possible to do?

I'm used to KiCad where there is a measure tool that snaps to edges of anything on the active layer which lets me do this.

[Evert_2N3055]

Maybe I don't understand the question correct, but is this what you need.

Or press D for dimension shortcut.

 

[nathan_langford6LLCW]

When I tried the dimension tool it didn't snap to the edge of the pads. For example, my pads should have been 10.1mm apart but the dimension tool would only read 10mm because my grid was set to 1mm. I guess I could make the grid really small and eyeball it but it'd be better if the tool just snapped to the edges and centers of objects.

[jorge_garcia]

Hi @nathan_langford6LLCW,

I hope you're doing well. There isn't something equivalent even to the measure tool in Fusion mechanical in the Electronics space. For now you have to use the workarounds on this thread.

Let me know if there's anything else I can do for you.

Best Regards,

[BeeAmaker]

Yes - yes - and YES.

There needs to be an Inspect tool in the 2D PCB as well as in the footprint layout.

Improvements in the 3D PCB need to be made, specifically snap to hole Center.

[AndrewB4LALE]

Agreed with everyone on this thread, getting the measure feature is critical!

[banksysan]

This has been annoying the hell out of me today!  I would love this feature.

[banksysan]

A workaround could be the Manufacturing Preview.  The Board tab has board dimensions.