Autodesk 00308-011408-9F30A User Guide - Page 237

The label on a linear dimension always shows the correct measurement. AutoSketch calculates it automatically based on settings in the Dimension Format dialog box, that can be opened by clicking on the Format button on the edit bar. For information on formatting a linear dimension, see online Help. You can draw linear dimensions as single, chained, or baseline dimensions. Single dimensions show individual measurements. Chained dimensions show a series of back to back measurements. Baseline dimensions show a series of measurements all measured from the same point. A drop-down list box on the edit bar allows you to specify the style you want. Regardless of the style you use, remember that single, chained, and baseline dimensioning are merely different ways to enter the same basic type of entity. They make it easy to arrange those entities in a specific way. After entering a linear dimension, you can edit it using any of several techniques. For information on editing linear dimensions, see page 231. NOTE For precise dimensioning, use snaps to identify snap points. For more information on using snaps, see the chapter titled "Entering & Modifying Points," which begins on page 99. Single Dimensions Single dimensions are the simplest of linear dimensions. Each one is completely separate and unrelated to other dimensions in the drawing. Because each single dimension is entered in a separate operation, you can customize it as you draw before going on to the next dimension. Use single dimensioning for any linear dimension that is not part of a chained or baseline series. Linear Dimensions | 227