You can create linear dimensions in ordinate format. Creating ordinate dimensions involves two basic steps: designating the baseline and dimensioning geometry to the baseline.

You can create the baseline dimension on lines, arc and circle centers, and geometry endpoints (lines, arcs, conics, and splines), or you can select model geometry to dimension as a baseline.

Note that if the baseline resides in the model, the ordinate dimension to that baseline also resides in the model.