You can create horizontal and vertical dimensions by using specified commands named “Horizontal Dimension” and “Vertical Dimension” in the Solidworks sketch.
To activate these commands click on the drop-down arrow under the “Smart dimension” and select commands on the opening list as shown in the figure.
Note: I prefer to use the “Smart Dimension” command instead of the “Vertical/Horizontal Dimension” commands.
Activity: Draw a rectangle in a sketch and make dimensioning by using “Horizontal Dimension” and “Vertical Dimension” commands as shown in the figure.
Solution:
- Create a rectangle in the sketch
- Start the “Horizontal Dimension” command.
- Select the bottom line of the rectangle.
- Place the dimension in the graphics window, “Modify” dialog box will open, type 45 in “distance” box, press “Enter.
- Select the left line of the rectangle, then select sketch origin.
- Place the dimension in the graphics window, “Modify” dialog box will open, type 20 in “distance” box, press “Enter.
- Press “Esc” to exit the “Horizontal Dimension” command.
- Start the “Vertical Dimension” command.
- Select the Left or Right line of the rectangle.
- Place the dimension in the graphics window, “Modify” dialog box will open, type 15 in “distance” box, press “Enter.
- Select the bottom line or one of the corner points on the bottom line of the rectangle, then select sketch origin.
- Place the dimension in the graphics window, “Modify” dialog box will open, type 10 in “distance” box, press “Enter.
- Press” Esc to exit dimensioning command.