![\"Smart](\"http:\/\/blogs.solidworks.com\/tech\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/Smart-Dimenion.png\")
<\/a>The first of these methods require knowing the correct order and geometry to select to the get the dimension you\u2019re looking for. \u00a0I will\u00a0go over each in detail, and also show the order in which you need to pick the geometry with the Dimension Tool.<\/p>\nArc Length Dimension<\/strong><\/p>\n To get the length of an Arc in SOLIDWORKS using Smart Dimension, you need to first select the two end points (1<\/strong>), then select the arc itself (2<\/strong>). \u00a0Once you\u2019ve done this you will be presented with a preview of the dimension (3<\/strong>), which you can then place and specify the desired length. \u00a0It\u2019s worth mentioning that this dimension by default is a driving dimension. \u00a0However, you can add this dimension also as a reference dimension if you only want to see the value.<\/p>\n Angle Dimension without Construction Geometry<\/strong><\/p>\n The next dimension allows you to create an angle between two endpoints of an arc without the need to create any Construction Lines. \u00a0Typically, users spend the extra time to draw Construction Lines from the center of the arc, and then place angular dimensions on those. \u00a0To create this dimension, first, like before select the two endpoints (1<\/strong>). \u00a0This time however, select the center of the arc (2<\/strong>). \u00a0Like before, you will be presented with a preview of the dimension, in this case an angle (3<\/strong>), which again, you can place and use as either a driving or driven dimension.<\/p>\n Angle Mates without Construction Geometry for Lines<\/strong><\/p>\n Finally, the last type of mate is another Angle Mate, this time specifically for Lines. \u00a0Like before, often times you need to have some form of reference or construction geometry available to reference. \u00a0However, in SOLIDWORKS 2015, there\u2019s a new way to create these dimensions, and very flexible in how it works. \u00a0First, you need to select the line you want to apply the angle to (1<\/strong>). \u00a0Then, select one end point of the line (2<\/strong>). \u00a0As soon as you do this, SOLIDWORKS will now present you with a reference Compass in which you need to specify which polar direction you want to apply the angle to (3<\/strong>). \u00a0Once you do this, like the other two examples, SOLIDWORKS will present you with a preview of the dimension, and you only need to place it (4<\/strong>). \u00a0And of course like the other two examples, this dimension is driving by default.<\/p>\n So, there you have it, 2 existing hidden dimension types you can create, and a new one in SOLIDWORKS 2015<\/p>\n This is an amended version of an article originally posted in the SOLIDWORKS Tech Blog<\/a> by Jeremy Regnerus.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\u00a0Find out more on SOLIDWORKS<\/span><\/a>
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