Is there an option/method to auto dimension all entities or select all and dimension in a SKETCH (not eng drawing) rather than have to create individual dimns?

Cheers, Sean

Nop. Computer can't decide which element is critical and driven. Engineer/Designer is the only one knows.

When in a sketch:
Tools-> Dimensions-> Fully define Sketch.
I can't speak to how well or not well it works, I haven't really used it other then playing around with it when it was first added to teh software.

Todd

I think it worth considering the approach that Inventor takes (you can tell SW to copy if you like it). The AutoDim allows you to add constraints and / or dimensions. If you don't like ones it puts in, selectively delete them and put in the ones you think are better. It keeps track of ones it puts in so you can simply run the command again and have it remove them. This makes it really easy to "discover" where you thought you had constraints / dimensions and where they need to be for YOUR design intent. It is particularly useful for imported sketches, like whey you copy - paste them from AutoCAD. Simply Auto Dimension everything to tie it down then remove / add dimensions and constraints to make the changes you want. Perhaps SW works the same way, it is worth a look.

Should have given the background for info. I'm coming into SW from ProE which auto dimensions and constrains/relations as you create your sketch.

Yes I strongly agree that the system does not know your design intent and many of the dimns may be innappropriate but it does give you a starting point and you can overide the significant dimns - the auto 'weak' dimns don't have to be deleted they simply dissappear.

From a work flow point of view (and not a biased point of view) the ProE functionality is quicker.

Sean

Now it make more sense. SW should create some constrains when you create sketch. Like vert, horiz, parallel and perp. There is a setting you can turn on and off. I usually keep it on.
There is another option to create dim when you sketch a line. This I don't like and always keep it off. I don't need dim on every line.
The work flow I use is sketch the shape I need first. Then add constrains and add dim last. I may add some driven dim to help check overall size or to help in equations.

Chris,

If you are going to use insert Model Items to get dimensions on your drawings you should look into the 'Mark dimension for Drawing" buton that is on the dimension box when you double click to edit a dimension. Yurning this on/off will allow you to control which dimensions will be imported into a drawing.

Todd

Hello members!

I would like to introduce myself as CAD drafter and would like to get answers from forum members.

Looking forward to your kind support!

Regards
Michael