Dimensions are a specialized form of constraints; where constraints create a logical relationship between Sketcher entities, dimensions create a numerical relationship. Dimensions add clarity to your sketches and allow you to position objects precisely. Use the dimension tool from the Sketcher toolbox to add individual dimensions to a sketch. You can also dimension a sketch automatically using the Auto-Dimension tool. For more information, see “Automatically dimensioning a sketch,” Section 19.12.2.
The dimension tool is interactive; ABAQUS/CAE uses preselection and the Sketcher entities that you select to display a preview of the dimension that will be created. If the dimension type shown is not the type that you want to create, move the cursor to another location. Once you accept the dimension type and position, you can enter a new dimension value.
Note: The interactive function of the dimension tool is available only if preselection is active. Preselection is toggled on by default in the Sketcher Options dialog box. (For more information , see “The Sketcher cursors and preselection,” Section 19.4.5.)
To add a dimension:
From the tools in the Sketcher toolbox, select the dimension tool 
. For a diagram of the tools in the Sketcher toolbox, see “The Sketcher tools,” Section 19.4.1.
ABAQUS/CAE displays prompts in the prompt area to guide you through the procedure.
Select the first entity to dimension.
ABAQUS/CAE prompts you according to your selection:
Vertex
ABAQUS/CAE prompts you to select another vertex or line for the dimension. Select a line to dimension the distance between the vertex and the line. Select a vertex to dimension the horizontal, vertical, or oblique distance between the selected points—the type of dimension ABAQUS/CAE creates is based on the position of the second vertex and the cursor position.
ABAQUS/CAE creates a preview of the dimension that will be created and its location based on the cursor position. Horizontal or vertical dimensions values between two vertices are preceded by an H or V, respectively.
Line
ABAQUS/CAE prompts you to select a location for the default length dimension. To create a different type of dimension, move the cursor over other entities in the sketch; ABAQUS/CAE creates a preview of the appropriate dimension type for the relation between the selected line and the preselected entity. Click on the desired entity to accept the displayed type of dimension.
Circle or circular arc
ABAQUS/CAE prompts you to select a location for the radial dimension. No other entity selections are available.
Move the cursor to the location where you would like the dimension to appear; click when you are satisfied with the appearance of the dimension.
If desired, edit the dimension value in the prompt area; press Enter or click mouse button 2 to accept the dimension value.
ABAQUS/CAE creates the dimension on the sketch. If necessary, vertices are moved to comply with the edited dimension value and any other constraints in the sketch.
To create additional dimensions, repeat the above steps beginning with Step 2.
When you have finished creating dimensions, either
Click mouse button 2 anywhere in the ABAQUS/CAE window, or
Select any other tool in the Sketcher toolbox, or
Click the cancel button 
in the prompt area, or
Click the dimension tool in the Sketcher toolbox.
