Dimensions > Types of Dimension > Critical Dimensions

Using Critical Dimensions

You can set existing dimensions as Critical dimensions to create and maintain the dimension as design data. Once set, you can apply tolerances and add the Critical dimensions to existing or new diagrams.

Note

You can select the “Always create dimensions as critical” project preference, to set all dimensions placed on the diagram as Critical dimensions.

Restrictions and Limitations

You cannot set Contiguous Style Dimensions as Critical dimensions.
If you delete Critical dimensions between the following nodes, the design data is not available to re-create the dimension using the “Add All Critical Dimensions” action: Structure node and Dimension node

Reference node and Dimension node

Between two Dimension nodes

If you delete Critical dimensions on a design with one diagram, the design data is not available to re-create the dimension.
If you copy and paste a bundle that includes a Critical dimension, the Critical dimension is not copied, unless the “Always create dimensions as critical” project preference is selected.
The Toggle style context menu options are not available for Critical dimensions.
When applying Engineering Change Orders: Critical dimensions applied on Axial XY dimensions are converted to Axial X or Y dimensions.

Critical dimensions applied on existing dimensions are converted to match the dimension type of the Critical dimension.

Procedure

Determine the action you want to take:

If you want to...	Do the following...	Video
Set existing dimensions as Critical dimensions to create and maintain the dimension as design data.	Select an existing dimension, and then select Set Critical Dimension () from the Home ribbon. Alternatively, right‑click and select Set Critical Dimension. The dimension graphic changes using the style set applied for Critical dimensions, and dimension design data is created in the Critical Dimensions folder.
Unset Critical dimensions across all diagrams but maintain the dimension graphics.	Select the Critical dimension in the Design browser or the diagram, and then select Remove Critical Dimension () from the Home ribbon. Alternatively, right-click and select Remove Critical Dimension. The Critical dimension is deleted from the Design browser and removed from the dimension graphic on the diagram.
Delete the Critical dimension graphic on the open diagram.	Select the Critical dimension on the diagram, and then right‑click and select Delete. Alternatively, press Delete. The dimension graphic is deleted but the Critical dimension is maintained as design data and displays as dimmed and italic in the Critical Dimensions folder. See also Critical Dimensions Overview.
Delete the Critical dimension design data and the dimension graphic on all diagrams.	Select the Critical dimension in the Design browser, and then right-click and select Delete. Alternatively, press Delete.
Apply a tolerance to a Critical dimension.	Select a Critical dimension in the Design browser or the diagram. Right-click and select Edit Critical Dimension. In the Edit Critical Dimension Dialog Box, specify the Max and Min tolerance values, and then click OK.
Add Critical dimensions from multiple diagrams in the design, or re-create any deleted dimension graphics.	Open a diagram that does not display any Critical dimensions. Right-click the diagram and select Add All Critical Dimensions. Any Critical dimensions set in the design are displayed on the diagram and in the Critical Dimensions folder.

Parent Topic:

Critical Dimensions