How to add dimensions to your drawings in Vectric software | Creating Vectors

Overview

This video covers how to use the Dimensions tool in Vectric Aspire V12 to annotate vectors with measurements before CNC cutting. It demonstrates length, vertical, horizontal, angle, and arc dimensions, along with customization options and layer management.

Steps

1. Go to the Design tab, under Create Vectors, and click the Dimensions tool button.
2. In the Dimensions form, set the desired style:
   • Select Font.
   • Set Text Height.
   • Set Decimal Places.
   • Set Offset.
   • Optionally enable Custom Text.
   • Optionally choose a target Layer.
3. Keep the default Dimensions layer selected for easy visibility control.
4. Length Dimension:
   • Select Length dimension.
   • Click the first measurement point.
   • Click the second measurement point.
   • Move the cursor to place the dimension label box, then click to drop the dimension.
5. Vertical Dimension:
   • Select Vertical dimension.
   • Pick two points to create a vertical measurement.
6. Horizontal Dimension:
   • Select Horizontal dimension.
   • Pick two points to create a horizontal measurement.
7. Angle Dimension:
   • Select Angle dimension.
   • Click the center/corner point of the angle.
   • Click the first extent point.
   • Click the second extent point.
   • Position the angle label.
8. Arc Dimension:
   • Select the arc.
   • The radius is displayed by default.
   • To show diameter, enable Show Diameter.
   • Use Custom Text if you want a label such as “diameter”.
9. To edit an existing dimension, hold Shift and select it, then adjust properties such as decimal places, font, text height, or offset.
10. Use the Layers bar to toggle the Dimensions layer on or off to temporarily hide or show all dimensions.

Key Points / Warnings

• The Dimensions tool is intended to add value to vectors, not to replace full drafting software.
• Smart snapping helps snap to points such as circle centers, even when no visible vector point exists.
• With zero offset, dimension lines extend exactly to the chosen points.
• Dimensions are placed on the default Dimensions layer if that option is enabled.
• If you do not want dimensions on a layer, simply uncheck the layer option.
• Press F to fit the view to screen while positioning dimensions.
• Custom text allows you to display names or labels instead of pure measurements.
• Existing dimensions can be refined by Shift-selecting them and editing the tool settings.