Posted by Victor_Wren on
URL: https://forum.librecad.org/Basic-Dimensioning-Functionality-tp5716062p5716077.html

Thanks for all the work you've done on this so far!  There's a ton of fiddly options in ACAD's dimension system that I haven't used once in the decades I've been using it and wouldn't miss (but I'm sure in specialized fields might be more useful).

The things I use most are the auto dragging, the ability to override the dimension scale on a per-use basis (for making things fit when I have detailed areas), the overall dimension scale factor, the precision on a per-use basis (on some of the heavy equipment parts I do, the precision of the large welded parts might only be ±0.1, but hydraulic attachments are ±0.001.  I've also had sheet metal guys yell at me for specifying bends with too much precision, but the hole punch diameters HAVE to be and CAN be higher precision).  I also frequently use the ability to modify the annotations to add extra information (such as "<dim> 3 Places").

I actually do use the ability to display in decimal, fractions (being still stuck with archaic American measuring systems) and ft/inches (as differing from just inches).  The last one's pretty important for architectural use in the USA.  (a fringe use would be "ft/miles" for people doing civil engineering).  Also highly useful is the ability to have dimensions track a "stretch" operation, and to move the insertion points of the dimension to other details (such as if I initially use a "perpendicular" snap in the middle of a line, but change my mind and want to dimension from an endpoint to make the the leader gap visible).

That's kind of my own personal "fantasy wish list."  Some of this is already in LibreCAD (I think—I'm still learning my way around it).  I am already happier with LibreCAD's approach to dimensioning as just another tool rather than a "mode" that precludes all other operations until you exit it (I still use ACAD primarily in command-line mode from long habit).