AutoCAD DIMLINEAR Command: How to Add Linear Dimensions

Creates a horizontal, vertical or rotated linear dimension between two points.

Command

DIMLINEAR

Aliases

DLI, DIMLIN

English name

Linear Dimension

The AutoCAD DIMLINEAR command adds a horizontal or vertical dimension between two points. Even on a sloped line it measures the horizontal or vertical component, depending on where you drag the cursor.

Press Enter at the first prompt to select a line, arc or circle and the endpoints are picked up automatically. Arrows, text height and units come from the current dimension style.

To show the true length of a sloped edge parallel to it, use DIMALIGNED.

How to use it

1. Type DIMLINEAR or DLI and press Enter.
2. Pick the first extension line origin, or press Enter to select an object.
3. Pick the second extension line origin.
4. Move the cursor to place the dimension line and click.

Options

Mtext (M)

Edits the dimension text in the text editor.

Text (T)

Changes the dimension text at the command line.

Angle (A)

Changes the angle of the dimension text.

Horizontal / Vertical (H / V)

Forces a horizontal or vertical dimension regardless of cursor position.

Rotated (R)

Measures along a dimension line rotated to a given angle.

Notes and tips

• Always snap to the points (Endpoint, Intersection) to get the correct value.
• If you overwrite the text, the dimension stops updating; keep the <> placeholder.
• Use DIMCONTINUE for chained dimensions and DIMBASELINE for dimensions from a common baseline.