Create baseline and chain dimensions in Fusion drawings

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In the Drawing workspace in Fusion,

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you can create dimensions for a set of elements, such as holes, using either baseline dimensions or chain dimensions.

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Baseline dimensions provide measurements from a single base point,

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while chain dimensions measure the distance from the end of the previous dimension.

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To create baseline or chain dimensions, first, you need to create a linear dimension as the base point.

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With your drawing open in the Drawing workspace, from the toolbar, in the Dimensions group, select Dimension.

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In this case, create a linear dimension by selecting the left edge of the panel, and then the first hole along the bottom.

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Now, you can create baseline dimensions, which will measure the distance to each hole from this known location.

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In this example, creating this pattern of five holes starting from 4.5 inches in from the left edge of the panel is essential.

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On the toolbar, expand the Dimensions menu again, and select Baseline Dimension.

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Then, in the drawing, select the dimension that you just created.

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Now, select the center of the second hole and place the dimension.

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Continue selecting each of the holes to add its dimension.

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As you can see, each dimension is measured from the same starting point.

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Right-click and from the Marking menu, click OK to complete the Baseline Dimension command.

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Next, add chain dimensions for the holes at the top of the panel.

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Again, use the Dimension tool to create a starting dimension, from the left edge to the first hole.

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Then, select Chain Dimension.

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In the drawing, select the base dimension that was just created, and then select each of the circular holes that you want to dimension.

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When you are finished, right-click and click OK.

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Now, you have the measured distances between the holes, starting from the base point.

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This can be important, depending on the type of pattern that you are creating.

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Using baseline and chain dimensions can help to ensure that elements are in the right place from the start,

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and that they are the proper distance from that starting point.