Linear dimensions can be horizontal, vertical, or aligned. With aligned dimensions, the dimension line is parallel to the line (imaginary or real) between the extension line origins. Baseline (or parallel) and continued (or chain) dimensions are series of consecutive dimensions that are based on a linear dimension.
As you create linear dimensions, you can modify the content of the text, the angle of the text, or the angle of the dimension line. You can also place text in any location using the User Defined option in the Format dialog box of the DDIM command.
In all four illustrations, the extension line origins are designated explicitly at 1 and 2, respectively. The dimension line location is specified at 3.
Creating Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions
Creating Aligned Dimensions
Creating Baseline and Continued Dimensions
Creating Rotated Dimensions
Creating Dimensions with Oblique Extension Lines