Another Sketchup question - the dimension tool

Good question. IIRC this was possible in the past, I recall doing that.

But if you simply need to show the dimension in the drawing you can use the Entity Info to tell you what the length is and then use the "Text" tool to extend a leader from the line to a Text Box that you can fill manually with the info of your choice, in this case the actual length.

Alternatively you can make a copy of that line and rotate it to be parallel to either of the 6 axis and the use the dimension tool... the Text with leader tool leaves every thing in place however.

Thanks for your comments. I have made some progress on this problem.

If I create a surface that includes the line in my question as one of its edges then I am able to get the dimension tool to give me the line length.

This situation occurred while I was trying to determine some pipe routing. I was using lines to represented the center of the pipe. So I did not have surfaces associated with the lines.

Dan

Select the 'Axes' tool|change axes of the line|Set your dimension|change the axis back.

Well I wondered WTF that tool was good for. ;~) That works!

LOL ... "mixed plane" 3D dimensioning is problematic because the program can't read your mind and so does what it does - measures lines in reference to a plane.

Making a solid is one way, but the 'changing the axes of the line' trick to conform to how the programs works is much quicker, IME.

Bring the mountain to Mohammed ... ;)