Editing Chain Dimensions

One of the new additions in VectorWorks 12.5 is the true chain dimension object. In previous versions, a chain dimension was achieved through a series of individual dimensions; however, with 12.5, that is no longer the case.

The new chain dimension object brings about new contextual commands for modifying these objects. Follow along to see how you can add to or edit a chain dimension in 12.5.

To add a dimension to an existing chain dimension

  1. Right-click on the dimension to open the context menu.
  2. Select Add Dimension.
  3. Click the cursor to set the witness line for the new dimension. If the new dimension is on the end, the existing dimensions remain the same; however, if it’s in the middle of an existing dimension, the other dimensions adjust automatically.

Add a Dimension

To delete a dimension from an existing chain dimension

  1. Right-click on the dimension to open the context menu.
  2. Select Delete Dimension. The dimension is removed. If the deleted dimension was on the end, the remaining dimensions are unaffected; however, if the deleted dimension was between other dimensions, the remaining dimensions adjust automatically.
  3. Click the cursor to set the witness line for the new dimension.

To delete a witness line from an existing chain dimension

  1. Right-click on the witness line to open the context menu.
  2. Select Delete Witness Line. The witness line is removed and the remaining dimensions adjust automatically.

Delete Witness Line

Converting individual dimensions to chain dimensions

  1. Select the individual dimensions that should form the chain dimension.
  2. Choose Modify | Compose. The Object Info palette should now display Chain Dimension.

Exporting designs to previous versions of VectorWorks
If you need to share your design with someone who doesn’t have 12.5, you should convert your chain dimensions to individual dimensions before exporting.

  1. Select the chain dimensions in your drawing.
  2. Choose Modify | Decompose. The chain dimensions should now be individual dimensions and you can export your file.

Note that if you don’t decompose the chain dimensions before export, the chain dimensions become plug-in objects upon import.