Any vector object - and even placed graphics - can be easily dimensioned with CADtools. Before using the CADtext or CADstyle palette to adjust the dimensions, make a simple horizontal dimension to get familiar with the tools.

Horizontal dimension by line
Use the CAD rectangle tool to make an object in scale to dimension. Choose the horizontal dimension by line - the first tool in the CADtools dimensioning tool group. Click on one of the horizontal lines and drag to create a dimension.

CADtext palette
To adjust how your dimension text appears, open the CADtext palette under the Window > CADtools menu. Select your dimension. Then use the menus, fields, and icons to adjust font, size, text placement, and other attributes of the dimension. If you want single dimensions, uncheck Dual dimensions. If Dual dimensions is unchecked, use the 'Upper' menu choices to set units, precision, and tolerance.

CADstyle palette
To adjust how your dimension lines and arrows appear, open the CADstyle palette under the Window > CADtools menu. Select your dimension. Then use the menus, fields and icons to adjust dimension line color, terminator style (including weight, length, and angle), dimension and witness line weight, datum dimension appearance, and section line appearance.

Horizontal dimension by points
Now that you have set up your desired dimension appearance, try out the other dimension tools. Create a set of steps with the line tool. Then choose the Horizontal dimension by points tool - the second icon in the 2D dimensioning tool group. Click multiple points on the artwork and then drag to dimension their horizontal distances.

Horizontal datum dimension
The Horizontal datum dimension tool works much like the previous tool, except the dimension is formatted to measure from a reference line or datum.