Add linear measurements

Add locators that show the distance between two points.

To measure the distance between two points or locators

1. Click the Distance icon, or choose Measure > Distance from the Locators palette menu.
2. Click a locator for the start point, or
   • Click in empty space to add a world space locator, or type 3D coordinates to place the locator exactly.
   • Click a curve to add a curve locator.
   • Click an isoparametric curve on a surface to add a surface locator.
   • Click a mesh to add a space locator attached to the mesh.
3. Click a locator for the end point, or click to create a new locator as in step 2.

   If you are using an existing locator:

   • Click the to measure the diagonal distance between the locators.
   • Click the to measure the horizontal distance between the locators.
   • Click the to measure the vertical distance between the locators.

   If you are creating a new locator:

   • Click the to place the end locator freely.
   • Click the to place the end locator horizontal to the start point
   • Click the to place the end locator vertical to the start point.
   • If you want to measure horizontal or vertical distance on an existing distance locator, change the Display parameter in the Information window.
4. You can edit the parameters of the locator in the Information Window.
   NoteThe points of a distance locator are displayed as crosses only when the Distance tool or the Move locator tool is active.

To edit a linear locator

1. Choose Windows > Information > Information window to open the Information Window.
2. Click the Move locator icon, or choose Move locator from the Locator palette menu.
3. Click the locator you want to edit.
   • Drag the label to change the length of the measurement leaders.
   • Use the options in the Information Window to edit the object.

Tips and notes

• The measurements are updated when you move or modify the objects or locators that the measurements are attached to.

Options

True

The true measurement in 3D world space (such as seen in the Perspective window).

Projected

The measurement reports the distance/angle as it appears in the window in which the measurement was created.