How to show 'EQ' dimensions when not in a string?

[Exar Kun]

How can I make an 'EQ' dimensions when they are not in the same string? i.e. I have glass at either end of a window with an inconsquential length in the centre and I want to dimension the two outer elements as equal without dimensioning the centre.

[PeterJ]

Erm, text overlay, I'm afraid. I don't believe there is an alternate method

[eddy.lermytte]

If I understood your question well you want to dimension :

Lenght A >< Variable Lenght B >< Lenght A
where Lenght A must stay equal and locked.

Try this

• Dimension the object
• Right click on the dimension
• Select EQ Display
• Lock both EQ signs

[Exar Kun]

Thanks guys.

Eddy - I don't want to dimension the 'length B' at all. Just the two 'length A's and say they are equal.

Text overlay it is then.

[Tobie]

You can also use the prefix or suffix option on the dimension and add EQ with the dimension.

[beegee]

Exar,

Try placing a Reference Plane in the centre of the window.
Now dimension from the Outer Left element to the Center RP and then to the Outer Right element. Set EQ
After that, dimension from the Inner Left element to the Center RP and then to the Inner Right element.
Set EQ.

That should establish the outer dimesions as Equal , no matter what the inner dimension is.

Does that work for your situation ?

How can I make an 'EQ' dimensions when they are not in the same string? i.e. I have glass at either end of a window with an inconsquential length in the centre and I want to dimension the two outer elements as equal without dimensioning the centre.

[bowlingbrad]

If it is a window family, make a parameter for outer window length and set it to both ends. This is another way to always keep them equal.

[bowlingbrad]

Here's how to do it:

Follow the steps with the attached image.

Step 1:
Place a reference plane somewhere between the two outermost elements of the dimension string and place a dimension only to those 3 elements. Set them as EQ.
Step 2:
Pre-set your two outside elements as equal values (dimensions shown for explanation only)
Step 3:
Select the EQ-EQ dimension string, pick the Edit Witness Lines button. Add witness lines by selecting the two midway elements and de-select the refrence plane. Then select the dimension line and lock the outside EQ-EQ values. You can then stretch the length of the wall and the EQ-EQ remains. Also, you can add as many extension lines between the EQ-EQ values as you want.

You can modify the EQ values by selecting the outermost element, unlock and manually set the value. You have to do this to both sides and the EQ-EQ will return. Remember to re-lock the EQ-EQ.

Whew...

[Exar Kun]

Thanks Brad but I think you misinterpreted what I was asking.

I shouldn't have used a window as my example as that was confusing so I've attached an example of what I mean. Tobie and Peter picked up on what I was saying.

In the attached example I've had to use opaque text to get the two dimensions to show equal. I don't necessarily want to know the exact dimension displayed (so no prefix/suffix) and I don't necessarily want to show a dimension in between them either.

So it does indeed look as though the opaque text overlay is the only option.

Thanks anyway mate.

[Tobie]

I would probably just show the dimensions and maybe a text note saying that they should be EQ.