Horizontal and Vertical Dimensioning in Sketch

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:

1. Create a rectangle in the sketch
2. Start the “Horizontal Dimension” command.
3. Select the bottom line of the rectangle.
4. Place the dimension in the graphics window, “Modify” dialog box will open, type 45 in “distance” box, press “Enter.
5. Select the left line of the rectangle, then select sketch origin.
6. Place the dimension in the graphics window, “Modify” dialog box will open, type 20 in “distance” box, press “Enter.
7. Press “Esc” to exit the “Horizontal Dimension” command.
8. Start the “Vertical  Dimension” command.
9. Select the Left or Right line of the rectangle.
10. Place the dimension in the graphics window, “Modify” dialog box will open, type 15 in “distance” box, press “Enter.
11. Select the bottom line or one of the corner points on the bottom line of the rectangle, then select sketch origin.
12. Place the dimension in the graphics window, “Modify” dialog box will open, type 10 in “distance” box, press “Enter.
13. Press” Esc to exit dimensioning command.