Measurement mode allows users to select any two grid points in the Layout Editor to define as a segment and display the linear distance between them (i.e., the grid points become end points). The subsequent measurements are displayed beside the segment.
In Measurement mode, users can also click on multiple points to define multiple segments. The distance between each point is measured separately. The individual measurements are displayed beside each segment in the Layout Editor.
The measurements are also displayed as values in the Properties window, along with the following parameters:
- Type — designates the types of values shown (i.e., Measurement(s))
- Name — identifies the specific measured segment (e.g., Measurement_45 )
- LockPosition — check the box to activate Position Locking (unchecked by default)
- Digits Displayed — enter a value to set the number of
significant digits displayed (default is 3 significant digits) Note:
Measurement Distance Displays can be configured from the Layout Options window > Object tab.
- Display Units — check the box to display measurement
distances in the Layout Editor (unchecked by default)Note:
Default display units can be configured from can be configured from the General Options window > Default Units tab.
- Start, End, Delta, and Angle — editable position values which display/alter the measured segment in the Layout Editor
- TotalDistance — displays the length of the segment (e.g., 17)
Multi-segment measurements are displayed in the Properties window as separate uneditable parameters (e.g., Distance1, Distance2, Distance3, et cetera).
Using Measurement Mode
Complete these steps to use Measurement mode.
Options displayed in menus differ depending on whether Electronics Desktop is configured for General Mode or IC Mode. Refer to Switching to IC Mode.
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Navigate to Layout > Measure; the cursor changes shape and Measurement mode is active.
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Select a point in the Layout Editor.
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Select a second point to define a segment.
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Select more points, as appropriate.
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To start a new measurement during the same session, double-click the last point to complete the current measurement, then repeat steps 2-4 to measure the new segment(s). Repeat, as appropriate.
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To complete the measurement, do either of the following:
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To complete the current measurement without exiting Measurement mode, either double-click the last point included in the measurement or right-click within the Layout Editor and select Finish Measurement.
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To complete the current measurement and exit Measurement mode, right-click within the Layout Editor and select Finish.
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The new segment (or multi-segment) length(s) display in the Layout Editor and the Properties window.
While segment measurements are displayed in the Layout Editor, they can be moved, rotated, or flipped. Measurement handles may be edited. But measurements can not be copied or pasted.
Canceling Measurements
To cancel a measurement without exiting Measurement mode, right-click in the Layout Editor and select Cancel Measurement.
To cancel a measurement and exit Measurement mode, right-click in the Layout Editor and select Cancel.
Erasing Measurements
To clear the measurements from the Layout Editor, navigate to Layout > Erase Measurements.
Backing Up Measurements
To back up the current measurement, right-click in the Layout Editor and select Back Up.
